Much phosphorus gets carried into the lake by rainwater runoff. We want to permit surface runoff to settle into the soil, so that the phosphorus content can be a beneficial fertilizer for plants on the shore. Keeping a natural shoreline, with trees, shrubs and native ground covers, will keep this nutrient from entering the lake. Their roots will hold soil, preventing erosion, and filter out and use phosphorus so that the amount reaching the lake is minimized. Sunapee's naturally rocky shoreline also helps control erosion.
State law prohibits alteration of the shore.
Introduced sand adds phosphorous and washes away, depositing sand and silt into the lake. Buffer Zone of Green Town and state ordinances now require a setback zone so that structures are not near the shore. The area between structures or hard surfaces and the water is a vital buffer zone, where shrubs and trees will prevent erosion and absorb runoff carrying phosphorus. Any water coming from driveways, roofs, or decks should be directed so that it can pool and settle into the soil, not run across the surface of the ground. Curve paths to the shore so water settles naturally instead of running straight to the lake, and use only permeable materials.