Storm-water runoff and soil erosion are among the top contributors to declining lake water quality. Soil erosion is the largest pollutant by volume entering surface waters, and up to 85% of erosion in lake watersheds comes from improperly built or maintained camp roads. Improving your camp road may be one of the most effective ways to protect lake health.
Camp roads alter natural drainage patterns, which increases the risk of erosion by:
- Removing vegetative cover that holds soil in place
- Creating exposed paths that channel runoff
- Using ditches that accelerate water flow and volume
Erosion’s visible impact includes muddy water. Hidden effects include:
- Clogged fish gills and degraded spawning grounds
- Shoreline loss due to sediment buildup
- Algae blooms caused by phosphorus in the sediment
- Oxygen depletion leading to fewer cold-water fish like salmon and trout
- Reduced property value and recreational appeal
Common signs of poorly managed camp roads include:
- Washouts
- Tire ruts
- Potholes
- Soil erosion
Many camp roads were never built to modern standards and suffer from poor drainage and structural wear. Proper evaluation is key—each road has its own conditions, and solutions must be tailored accordingly.
This guidance is from the Camp Road Maintenance Manual... A Guide for Landowners, published by the Kennebec County Soil and Water Conservation District and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.
View the full manual here: Camp Road Maintenance Manual (PDF)
Also, explore our LakeSmart Program to learn how your property can help reduce runoff.
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