Climate Trends: What does this mean?

water rushes under the bridge

Lakes and rivers not protected by natural vegetation are more vulnerable

Photo courtesy of Rick Moore

Natural vegetation along shorelines and steep slopes protects property along lakes and rivers with functional and attractive natural engineering systems that hold soil in place in the face of more intense rain events. Natural vegetation also reduces phosphorus from entering our warming waters limiting rapid algae growth and the loss of fish, wildlife, and human health and recreational use of our lakes and rivers.

 

 

More shore erosion, land loss, and flooding

Increased rain and intense driving rainfall increases flooding risk and erosion, especially on slopes and shorelines with no natural vegetation to hold soil in place. See how vegetation loss makes property more vulnerable to climate trends.

How vegetation loss makes property more vulnerable to erosion and flooding »

 

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More algae - loss of clean water and habitat

Algae needs phosphorus to grow, and algae grows faster in warmer water. Phosphorus is a common nutrient in sediment and in the runoff from lawns and hard surfaces. Limited amounts of phosphorus are important but too much increases algae growth resulting in loss of clean water, habitat and wildlife. See how vegetation loss makes lakes and rivers more vulnerable to climate trends.

How vegetation loss makes lakes more vulnerable to algae growth »

 

lakeshore.

 

 

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