Soil erosion from construction, road work, forestry, or other sources of surface land disturbance is a leading cause of water quality problems in NH waterbodies.
Problems caused by sediments carried into waters by water or wind include: Lower Property Values. Property values may decline when a lake, pond or stream fills with sediment. Shallow areas encourage weed growth and create boating hazards. Poor Fishing. Muddy water drives away fish who rely on their eyesight to see food, it covers gravel beds where fish spawn, and it may damage fish gills. Nuisance Growth of Weeds and Algae. Sediment carries nutrients that feed algae and aquatic weeds, and potentially provide a surface for invasive species to grow. Loss of Toursim. Muddy lakes or ponds, with higher weed coverage, are not attractive to tourists or local recreationalists. This can impact all businesses as well as land values in a region. Local Tax Impacts. Cleaning up sediment in streets, sewers and ditches, or removing invasive species or weeds can be very expensive to local towns.
Taken in the Newfound watershed, this image shows a classic example of the potential impact of poorly planned land use alterations and the erosive force of overland runoff.
The stone wall protects the shore from “wave action” erosion, the buffer is a beautiful and varied mix of plants that provide cover for wildlife, berries for birds, flowers for birds and insects, a thick plant barrier that will reduce runoff and capture pollution, and a “wall” effect that will discourage ducks and geese from invading. It also creates a very enjoyable setting for human aesthetics and relaxation!
