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Regional Context: Lakes In some lakes, few aquatic plants grow. Wave action or steep drop-offs may make the shoreline poor habitat. Wave action washes away the finer particles that provide nutrients to the plants, leaving gravel or rubble lake bottoms with few or no nutrients. In other lakes, murky water may shade out aquatic plants except in the shallowest nearshore areas. However, aquatic plants are a natural part of lake communities. They vary with lake size, bottom slope, water clarity, and fluctuations in water level. Areas of the lake with a gradually sloping bottom, clear water, and protection from wind and waves often have the most abundant plant growth. Identifying the characteristics of a lake or stream that influence aquatic plant growth is an important part of shoreland buffer design. Lake and vegetation history - check with government agencies, university, and private organizations for more information (See Plant Guide and References and Resources). This will be helpful when you develop your own Plant List. Other sources of information: |
