Land Management Impacts

The way we manage the land impacts local waterbodies. Learn how you can responsibly manage your land and encourage responsible management in your community!

Model and Encourage Responsible Land Management

Protect wetlands by building in upland areas. Wetlands recharge groundwater, provide wildlife habitat, filter pollutants, and mitigate flooding. Reduce the density of development, including paved areas, in wetlands.

If you live along a waterbody, protect the riparian area. The riparian area is the interface between the land and the water, and it is important for preventing erosion. Here are some tips to help you protect the riparian zone and responsibly manage your waterfront property:

1. Always maintain deep-rooted vegetation along water’s edge and avoid mowing along water’s edge to prevent loss of essential root mass.
2. Avoid building too close to the water’s edge and on the outer edge of river bends where erosion is more likely.
3. To maintain your view, plant tall, deep-rooting species along the sides of your view and shorter plants in the middle. 
4. Build on upland areas and use permeable paths (made from wood, stone, or gravel) for access to the water.
5. If you have livestock, prevent damage to riparian areas by using fencing for short-term grazing or installing water gaps, hardened crossings, or offsite water.

Encourage responsible land management in your community by attending public meetings held by your county commissioners and planning boards. Learn how your community plans to develop and speak out to encourage responsible, sustainable land management.