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plantings will keep these pesky critters away
from your home. |
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As a land owner, and resident
of the Fox River watershed community, what you
do on your land can either positively or
negatively affect the river and its natural
resources. Here are some tips to keeping a
healthy waterfront property.
Land Preservation
Many land owners wish to preserve their
streamside property as a natural area. When you
buy a waterfront property, it is most likely
because you wanted to escape to nature, and what
better way to achieve that goal, than with a
natural landscape. Although public open space
agencies often buy land, there are other ways to
preserve your land. One such method is the
conservation easement. Conservation easements
preserve valuable natural lands while keeping
them in private ownership. If certain criteria
are met, there can be tax advantages.
Stream Restoration
By getting rid of weeds and other noxious
plants, and restoring the landscape with native
species of wildflowers, grasses and trees that
enjoy growing along streams, you can create
valuable wildlife habitat, improve the river’s
water quality and provide a scenic spot for you
to enjoy.
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Storm Drains
Storm drains in your neighborhood flow directly
to your stream. Oil, gas, yard waste and other
material washing into or illegally dumped into
storm drains can cause water pollution and fish
kills. Keep exposed soil from washing into storm
drains by keeping it covered.
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Outbuildings & Equipment
During flooding events, sheds, construction
materials, lawn and play equipment, benches and
other debris are often washed down stream. This
is not only costly for the land owner, but also
creates pollution and clogs the stream channel,
causing even more flooding later. Keeping all
buildings, equipment and materials away from the
stream is in everyone’s best interest.
Stream Maintenance
Removing log and debris jams reduces the risk of
localized flooding, improves storm water
conveyance, improves water quality, and helps
prevent streambank erosion. Stream maintenance
on a regular basis is the responsibility of the
land owner. In some cases, assistance is
available to remove large blockages.
Nuisance Wildlife
Common wildlife, such as beavers and Canada
geese, can cause problems for land owners living
along streams and other water bodies. In
overabundance, these creatures can cause damage
to trees and water quality, and aid in soil
erosion and flooding. Because most wildlife is
protected, special permits are required to
remove nuisance wildlife species. |
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