Man-Made Dangers: A Double Whammy

Our actions on land can have far-reaching consequences for lake health. Here are some key areas of concern:

Development and Land-Use Changes: Clearing natural vegetation near shorelines leaves them more vulnerable to erosion during floods and storms. Additionally, replacing natural landscapes with impervious surfaces like roads and parking lots increases runoff, carrying pollutants and sediment into the lake.
Pollution: Industrial activities, untreated wastewater discharge, and agricultural practices can all contribute to water pollution. This not only harms aquatic life but also hinders the lake's ability to recover from natural disasters.
Invasive Species: The introduction of non-native plants and animals into a lake disrupts its delicate balance and reduces its resilience to disturbances. Invasive species may outcompete native species for resources, alter the habitat, and weaken the overall health of the ecosystem.
Infrastructure and Engineering: While infrastructure like seawalls and dams can offer temporary protection, they often come with unintended consequences. Hardening shorelines can disrupt natural sediment flow, potentially causing erosion in other areas, and dams can alter water flow patterns, impacting the health of both the lake and its surrounding ecosystem

The Ripple Effect: From Man-Made Dangers to Increased Vulnerability

These man-made dangers create a double whammy for lake shores when disaster strikes. By weakening the natural defenses and degrading the ecosystem's health, these factors:

Increase Vulnerability: Degraded shorelines are more susceptible to erosion, and polluted water makes it harder for the ecosystem to recover after a disaster. Slow Down Recovery: Pre-existing damage from pollution and invasive species can hinder restoration efforts, making it more difficult and expensive to bring the lake back to health. Increase Economic Costs: The financial burden of disaster response and recovery rises significantly in areas with degraded environments.

Educate & Engage.

Involve local communities in lakeshore-specific disaster preparedness and educate them on sustainable practices, fostering a collective effort in preserving lakeshores.

Emergency preparedness

Develop tailored emergency plans for lakeshores to ensure quick and effective responses during disasters, minimizing impact on the area.

Infrastructure resilience

Advocate for resilient infrastructure along lakeshores, capable of withstanding natural events, while promoting sustainable development practices to reduce vulnerabilities.

erosion control & habitat restoration

Implement measures for erosion control and undertake habitat restoration projects to enhance the resilience of lakeshore ecosystems.

While disaster preparedness and response are crucial, a proactive approach that addresses the root causes of vulnerability holds the key to long-term resilience. Here's how we can move forward: