If you live, or are planning to build, near a stream, river, lake, or wetland, it is important to:

• Maintain or restore a buffer strip of native plants along riverbanks, lakeshores, and wetlands.
• Buffer strips help keep water clean and cool and decrease erosion. The best buffers have a high diversity of plants and are fairly wide.  The steeper the slope, the wider the buffer should be.  A minimum of 300’ (as per the Governor’s Room to Roam Initiative) should be used, but if that is not possible, use the largest possible area.  A 200’ to 250’ wide buffer strip is effective at filtering nutrients.  If space is limited, the widest possible buffer will still help trap nutrients and other pollutants.
• Build upland, away from riparian areas and wetlands.
• Locate buildings on slopes with less than a 20% grade to prevent erosion. Use exterior colors that blend in with the landscape to be the least visually disturbing.
• Avoid bright lights on the exterior of your buildings so as not to interfere with nocturnal animals.
• Minimize your building area and keep shorelines and riverbanks free of permanent structures.
• Divert rooftop runoff into rain gardens, rain barrels, or other catchment systems, or onto grass so water will be absorbed gradually.
• Avoid extensive paved areas and other impervious surfaces near water as they may channel polluted water into waterways.
• Keep pathways to the waterfront as narrow as possible and gently winding so run-off will not have a direct route to the water.
• Use wood decking, bricks, pervious paving materials, or interlocking stones for walkways, so water is absorbed into the ground.
• Avoid draining or filling wetlands. They filter pollutants, recharge groundwater, and provide important habitat for birds and other wildlife.
• Don’t fertilize in buffer areas, and don’t apply fertilizer on your property directly before or after heavy rain or when plants are dormant.
• Avoid disturbing wildlife travel routes and nesting areas.
• Use natural herbicides and pesticides (as directed) for lawns and gardens.
• Avoid washing vehicles in an area that could drain to a water body.
• Maintain and pump your septic system on average every 3-5 years, depending on use.

Make sure to check to see what, if any, permits you may need.  Potential Permits Required | Living on the Bank