By Katherine Van Ness

Environmental Impacts of Lakeshore Cottages in Iowa

Welcome! Here you will learn how cottages along lake shores positively and negatively affect Iowa's ecosystem.

Lakeside communities are known for their relaxing, natural environment. As more people want this escape from busy reality, the lakes are losing their original natural charm that originally enticed people.

Different water structures such as boat docks, piers, and riprap can have a positive impact on the lake environment. These structures provide shelter for smaller fish and sea creatures. Without the threat of predators, they are able to reproduce which is considered beneficial to the environment according to TSpace.

The more residents on a lake means more boats and recreational activities. The waves caused by fast moving boats are eroding the shorelines and near-shore resources. The constant disturbance at the bottom of the lake from anchors destroys the lake bed and ruins the ecosystem. Furthermore , all of the residential areas have caused reduction of vegetation along the shores.

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