BMPs have been described for agriculture, forest management, and construction. This fact sheet describes BMPs you can adopt on your shoreland property to help protect and preserve water quality. In many cases, the best management for shorelands may be retaining the natural characteristics of your property.
Wetlands have many values, some very evident, others less discernable.
Many creatures, such as amphibians and migratory birds, depend on wetland fringes that border lakes and streams for nesting and food. Wetlands hold storm water and release it gradually, reducing flood damage and improving water quality by filtering nutrients and some pollutants. Other values of wetlands include aesthetic benefits and ground water recharge and discharge. The term wetland is used to describe a wide variety of wet environments found in Minnesota. A wetland can range from a slight depression that holds water only after spring runoff to a forested swamp with saturated peat soils.