Portage Lake Watershed Forever

Waterfront property owners should develop and maintain a natural buffer of native grasses and plants between manicured lawns and the shoreline to filter run-off before it gets to the lake. Do not remove native plants and grasses from shoreline or beach areas. 

Avoid the use of chemical fertilizers.  If you need to feed your lawn, use only organic fertilizers, or better yet, if you are able, water your lawn with lake water, it has all the nutrients your lawn will ever need. 

Avoid the use of chemical herbicides and pesticides to manage weeds and insects. Check with your local garden centers for lake-friendly alternatives. 

Remove and properly dispose of pet waste at your local landfill. 

Do not add sand that may contain harmful pollutants or invasive plants, insects, and animals, or other harmful contaminates that will end up in the lake. If you must add sand, be aware that a permit is required. 

If you have a tree that falls into the lake, do not remove it as this will create a natural habitat to bolster fish spawning and provides fry protection from predators. 

Boat owners should make it a habit to wash down their boats and trailers before and after each launching or recovery to minimize the transfer of invasive plant and animal species (such as Zebra Mussels); also, be sure to flush and drain the bilge.