In front of our log home, you can see we have some marshland before we are able to reach the lake. One of our friends asked "how will you reach the lake?" This is a good question. When our log home was being constructed, the builder had to put up tarping around the perimeter to prevent erosion of the shore. This marshland supports a great variety of wildlife which I want to continue to preserve. As I look around the lake, I notice about 50% of the homes have a nice green lawn in front. I am hoping they don't fertilize that lawn as that will run off into the lake and stimulate algae growth. There are a couple cottages that appear to have some "trimming" of the marsh area so their dock has a clean shot into the lake. What's funny is when the city sent someone out to check on our construction and they were telling me in no uncertain terms what I could do and not do with my lake shore and they had a clear view of a few of my neighbors who clearly did not follow the rules. Perhaps they were grandfathered in? Regardless, I do believe in a responsibility to the lake. We are looking into an elevated dock that will go above the plants and hopefully preserve the area well enough. I am also calling the DEQ today for additional suggestions and hope to share with you soon. (And likewise, if you have any experiences and suggestion based on above, please share them - thank you!)
Also, here's a link to 'Great Lakes Blogger' who discusses the environmental issues with the Great Lakes. Well worth a visit! http://daviddempsey.typepad.com/
8 comments:
that's amazing that you're working so hard to preserve your marshlands! I'll never understand why people want to manipulate the nature around them when it's so beautiful already! Looks like you have an amazing location.
Our rules about wetlands, streams, etc here in Jefferson County, WA are some of the most stringent in the country. They are so strict about how close to water you can build and what you are and are not allowed to do within the setbacks that many people with comparatively large parcels have found themselves sitting on unbuildable land. We were lucky to find a place already built. Initially, we were going to build on a 27 acre parcel we had purchased, but from the time we bought it until the time we were getting ready to build, the county and Dept of Ecology got together and increased all the setbacks, leaving us and many other people wondering how on earth it would be possible to develop our properties within the new guidelines.
Sounds like your neighbors are getting away with murder!
Hi fellow log cabinite! Our log cabin in is the mountains of farrrr North Idaho. Raised over 4 years ago and still working on the inside! We are enjoying it tremendously. Read about your blog in LogHomeLiving mag. at the library. Have a great day.
How beautiful it is there.
Found you in the mag - great blog!!
I'm going through it all now. Thanks for the links too.
We're building one too in northern MI.
Check us out here...http://twinbuckhill.blogspot.com
What I wouldn't give to be able to go out in the morning to that beautiful lake.
Keri - Thank you - I enjoy seeing what comes out of the marshland. The red-winged blackbirds and nesting ducks certainly enjoy it!
Jennifer - I've just finished reading our local guidelines - now I'm just trying to decipher them! Wish me luck!
Cassie - Idaho has always been a place I wanted to visit - I think it's a great place for a log home!
Sandy - many thanks!
T&D - nice to hear from someone else who loves northern mich!
Jess - the morning is the best - the lake is calm and you can hear all the different birds singing to wish you a good day!
Absolutely beautiful!!
Just got back from Beaver, so I'll be back to read more!
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