Zoning ordinances will require that trees and woody plants be planted in the greenbelt.
Maintaining shoreline greenbelts, or vegetated buffer strips, helps protect the water quality of the lake by cooling water, reducing shoreline erosion, slowing stormwater runoff rates, and filtering nutrients from stormwater before it reaches the lake. The use of native plants, woody shrubs, and trees, instead of lawn and other less pervious surfaces within the greenbelt allows for greater stormwater infiltration rates. Including trees, shrubs, and other native plants helps develop an extensive, healthy root system in the greenbelt. These root systems stabilize banks and help prevent erosion from reaching the Lake.
5 of 10 Zoning Ordinances around the Lake currently meet this recommended standard - Bay Township, Evangeline Township, Eveline Township, Hayes Township, South Arm Township
Jurisdictions shaded green on the map below meet or exceed the recommended standard.