Why should we be concerned with the management of pasture and riparian area?
Over the past several years there has been a migration from city residential single family dwellings to lake or river front homes in rural areas.  Some homeowners wish to raise livestock as part of the country lifestyle.  When large animals are pastured near a water source, some nutrient loading is inevitable.  Nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium from animal manures can either run off from the surface during rainstorms or seep into the ground water eventually ending up in the waters of Lake Pend Oreille.

Riparian areas are areas adjacent to creeks, streams, wetlands, lakes and rivers where vegetation is strongly influenced by the presence of water.

Retaining a native vegetative buffer strip along the shoreline can reduce the effect nutrient runoff and provide habitat for fish and wildlife.

Your property alone probably is not a significant source of pollution, but the cumulative effect of all the properties in the Lake Pend Oreille Basin could have a considerable impact on water quality.

What is Lake*A*Syst?
Lake Assessment System (Lake*A*Syst) is a voluntary program designed to help you protect Lake Pend Oreille by reducing the impact shoreline owners many have on the water quality of Lake Pend Oreille and its tributaries.

1. Use the factsheet and the associated worksheet (highlighted in yellow) to assess your property for drinking water pollution risks.

2. Review the Action Checklist (at the back of the worksheet summary) to inventory contamination sources, and to help you.

3. Take Action to protect the Lake, by using Best Management Practices found in Lake*A*Syst.

How do I complete the worksheet?

After reviewing the information provided, go to the worksheet and check what applies to you.  This should take about 15 to 30 minutes to complete the worksheet and summarize your risk rankings.

Download and Print Pasture and Riparian Management Fact/Worksheet