Protecting Fall Mountain Lake – Homeowner Guidelines
As a homeowner, you play a vital role in preserving the health and beauty of our lake. Since all homes in our community are part of the watershed area, it’s essential to adopt practices that prevent pollution and safeguard our lake’s ecosystem. Here are some common-sense guidelines to help you contribute to a cleaner, healthier lake.
Clean Watercraft Before Entering the Lake
To help protect Fall Mountain Lake from invasive species, please thoroughly clean all boats, kayaks, paddleboards, trailers, and fishing equipment before entering the water after visiting another lake or waterbody. Invasive plants, organisms, and microscopic larvae can easily hitch a ride in small amounts of water, mud, or vegetation — even when they are not visible to the eye. Draining, rinsing, and drying your equipment helps prevent the spread of harmful species that can damage the lake’s ecosystem and water quality.
Lawn and Garden Care
- No Lawn Fertilizers!: Traditional lawn fertilizers can run off into the lake, causing algae blooms and harming aquatic life. Instead, use organic compost or lake-safe fertilizers sparingly. It’s also worth noting that lush, vividly green lawns tend to attract Canadian geese — bringing along droppings that add excess nutrients to the watershed and can impact lake water quality.
- Use Aquatic-Safe Pesticides and herbicides: Choose pesticides and herbicides that are labeled as safe for aquatic environments. Be aware many incesticides (such as bee and wasp spray) is particularly harmful to aquatic animals, even in small quantities, opt for natural options whenever possible. Avoid overuse and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Winter Care
- Avoid Rock Salt: Rock salt used for melting snow and ice can be detrimental to the lake’s water quality. Opt for sand or environmentally friendly de-icers that are safe for the watershed.
- If you are emptying a pool for the winter, never run the water directly into the lake. Best practice is to discontinue use of any pool chemicals for at least a week, this will allow chlorine to neutralize. Direct the runoff to land.
General Maintenance
- Clean Up Debris and Leaves: Regularly remove leaves, grass clippings, and other debris from your property, especially before they can be washed into the lake. This prevents nutrient overload and helps maintain water clarity.
- Dispose of Pet Waste Properly: Always clean up after your pets, including dogs and any other animals. Pet waste contains nutrients and bacteria that can pollute the water.
- Control Canadian Geese: If you notice geese on your property, discourage them from staying by using safe and humane deterrents. Clean up droppings promptly to prevent runoff into the lake.
Household Products
- Choose Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products: Use cleaning products that are biodegradable and labeled as safe for aquatic environments. This helps reduce the number of harmful chemicals entering the lake through runoff.
- Proper Disposal of Hazardous Waste: Never dispose of hazardous materials like paint, oil, or household chemicals in your yard or storm drains. Take them to designated disposal sites.
Water Runoff Management
- Maintain Vegetative Buffers: Plant and maintain native vegetation along the edges of your property to act as a natural filter for runoff water. These buffers can help trap pollutants before they reach the lake. Bonus: this helps with geese control as well.
- Reduce Impervious Surfaces: Minimize the use of impervious surfaces like concrete and asphalt that contribute to runoff. Consider using permeable materials for driveways and walkways to allow water to soak into the ground.
Community Involvement
- Stay Informed and Involved: Participate in community meetings and stay informed about lake conservation efforts. Your input and involvement are crucial to our collective success.
- Educate Others: Share these guidelines with your neighbors and encourage them to adopt lake-friendly practices. Together, we can make a significant impact.
A Shared Responsibility
Protecting Fall Mountain Lake is a shared responsibility that benefits everyone in our community. By following these guidelines and encouraging others to do the same, you help ensure that our lake remains a pristine and enjoyable place for generations to come. Thank you for your commitment to preserving the natural beauty and ecological health of Fall Mountain Lake.