What you can do to help
Many of us experienced leaky roofs and water in our basements during all of those big May storms, but did you know that those storms also had a major impact on our lakes? Woody debris from dead trees and private dumping in ravines clogged several of the outflows from our retention ponds and deposited floating debris in the main lake. Sediment from unprotected construction sites and eroding creek beds turned the lake muddy. Fertilizers and pesticides from our lawns washed into the lake along with pet wastes that your neighbor did not pick up from his yard. Yuck!
What can you do to minimize these problems in time for the next big rain?
- DO properly install silt fences when you build or landscape your yard
- DO scoop that poop
- DO use phosphate-free fertilizer on your lawn and only apply the minimum recommended result
- DO keep culverts on your property free of debris (including kid’s toys)
- DO take yard waste to the collection dumpster near the main entrance to HVL
- DO fix any vehicle oil leaks and clean up drips on your driveway
Linda Hartmann
HVL Natural Resources Co-ordinator