SAVE OUR LAKES
Annual Conservation Award
“To preserve and protect
The primary goal(s) and objective of the Conservation Award
are to provide recognition to private property owners, municipal and county
governments, and or state regulatory agencies that have demonstrated exemplary
efforts in restoration, conservation, and enhancement to the overall
environmental and ecological health of what are commonly known as Lake Gerar, Silver
Lake, and Lake Comegys. Individuals, groups and or organizations are
encouraged to conduct such efforts under appropriate guidelines. All conservation efforts should be directed
toward a common set of goals that address SOLA3's Mission and include but may
not be limited to:
·
Providing
soil and sediment erosion control
·
Improving
overall water quality
·
Improving
the biological diversity of the ecosystem
·
Using
indigenous vegetation that is characteristic of the lakeside micro-climate
·
Improving
habitat
·
Controlling
and or eradication of exotic invasive species
·
Utilizing
green technology best management practices for creating continued maintenance,
and management of conservation areas*
·
Promoting
environmental stewardship
·
Enhancing
community aesthetics
·
“Green Technology Best Management Practices” (GTBMP)
include environmental management practices that are proven by science, listed
in regulatory policy, are regulated, registered, and approved by local, state
and federal environmental regulatory agencies (ie.EPA, USDA, NRCS, U.S. Dept.
of Fish and Wildlife, DNREC, DDA, etc.). GTBMP include methodologies that
promote water quality, habitat, soil and erosion control, fish and wildlife
management, vegetation management, and stewardship in the most effective and efficient
way and with the most minimal negative environmental impact. Examples include
but are not limited to : Use of Native vegetation for Landscaping;
controlling exotic invasive vegetation, using EPA registered products
only and to the specifications described on the product label (“The Label Is
the Law”): reducing the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and
herbicides; Use of low impact management techniques such as mowing next to
waterways, wetlands, drainage easements etc.; use of renewable energy sources,
and use of natural fibers for sediment and erosion control.
2009 Conservation award
References (Landscapers and Nurseries)
Vegetation recommended for Environmental Enhancement of Silver Lake, Lake Gerar and Lake Comegys