Keoka Lake Stream Property Project

by Charlie Tarbell

Why the concern?

The (riparian) area surrounding streams abounds with plants and animals whose survival depends on these areas. Streams flow into lakes. If erosion occurs and runoff enters streams, it can convey particulate matter polluted with phosphorus contaminating both the stream and the lake.

What else can I do to help protect streams on my property?

• Build a Better Buffer – Plant native trees, shrubs, and grasses along the shoreline to stabilize soil, absorb runoff, and reduce erosion.

• Minimize Disturbance – Avoid removing natural vegetation, grading, or altering streambanks, as this weakens soil stability and increases nutrient pollution to our waters.

• Get Help for Bank Erosion - Slumping or failing stream banks can be difficult to fix and require local and state permitting. Consider consulting with Lakes Environmental Association, Oxford County Soil and Water Conservation District, or an engineering firm for complicated sites.

• Control Runoff – Use rain gardens, permeable surfaces, crushed stone drip edges, rubber road "razors", and other proper drainage systems to slow and filter stormwater before it reaches the stream.

• Direct Runoff - Runoff should be directed into forested areas and allowed to percolate into the ground cover.

• Allow Streams to Meander – Allow the stream to follow its natural course rather than artificially straightening it. Meandering streams reduce flood impacts and are more stable than constructed channels.

• Eliminate Straight Paths to the Water - Water access paths should wind and have switchbacks to direct stormwater off the trail and into forested areas where it will percolate into the ground.

• Push Stormwater Into the Woods - Storm water should not flow into the stream. This will allow for absorption of nutrients and sediment, which negatively impact the stream and downstream waters.  Monitor and Maintain – Regularly check for signs of erosion and take action early to prevent worsening damage.

The Law

Maine and the Town of Waterford have certain ordinances in place to protect streams:

• Building or development is prohibited within 75’ of a stream. Driveways/roads must also be kept at least 75’ away from a stream.

• Where structures and driveways are grandfathered (built before 1989) expansion is strictly limited and erosion and runoff control is required.

• Tree cutting within 75’ of a stream is limited to selective harvesting. No clearing of the canopy is permitted.

• Trails are permitted as long as they are winding and don’t permit runoff.