Big Birch Lake Shoreland Protection and Raingarden Installation

This property on Big Birch Lake consists of two separate conservation practices installed. One was a raingarden featuring many species of native grasses and wildflowers.  The stormwater from the house, driveway and other associated hard surfaces is routed to the raingarden.  Previously, this stormwater was directed into the lawn grass and was able to run without treatment directly into the lake.  The other practice installed was a shoreland restoration featuring native grasses, wildflowers, trees, shrubs and vines. An area of erosion along the lake was also corrected with the installation of a coconut fiber coir log along with the native vegetation.  

Components:

• Native Grass Planting

• Wildflower Planting

• Tree and Shrub Planting

• Vine Planting

• Shoreline maintenance

• Straw and Mulch Cover

• Erosion Blankets

Benefits:

• Sediment Reduction

• Protect Property

• Water Quality Improvement

Pollution Reduction Estimates:

• Phosphorus: 3.12 lbs./yr

• Sediment: 3.62 tons/yr

Partners on the project included Big Birch Lake Association and the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR).