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What You Can Do

Minnesota Lakes Top 10

  1. Keep it natural -- Restore your shore
  2. Know your lake rules
  3. Appreciate aquatic plants
  4. Reduce your lawn
  5. Maintain your septic system
  6. Reduce roofs and roads
  7. Properly dispose of animal waste
  8. Be considerate of all lake users
  9. Support land conservation
  10. Show up -- Speak up -- Write a check

Keep it natural - restore your shore
Preserving or installing a shoreline landscape that is rich in native species allows water to soak in rather than run off. Plants absorb nutrients that would otherwise end up in the lake, causing algae blooms and excessive growth in aquatic vegetation. Vegetative buffers along shorelines also trap sediments that fill in wetlands and lakes. As an added benefit, natural shoreline erosion controls are more consistent with an "up-north" look than unnatural shoreline erosion treatments such as rip-rap.

Know your lake rules
Shoreline areas provide important habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds and fish and are crucial for maintaining healthy populations of the native species that Minnesotans cherish. It is unlawful in Minnesota to knowingly alter shoreline, fish habitat or aquatic vegetation without a permit from the Minnesota DNR. Upland permits are often required by the county or city -- check local ordinances. It is also important to make yourself generally informed about all the rules that govern lake use -- from boat and water safety, to installing permanent and floating docks, to hunting and fishing regulations.

Appreciate aquatic plants
Those aquatic "weeds" everyone seems to be trying to get rid of are actually a critical life support system for our lakes. With their amazing filtering abilities, native aquatic plants such as cattails and bulrush are natural water purifiers -- taking up nutrients and allowing sunlight to penetrate into the lake and create the base of the food chain. The rooted aquatic vegetation is also a veritable fish nursery, which provides critical refuge habitat for young fish. Do your part by minimizing the removal of aquatic vegetation along your shoreline.

Reduce your lawn
The fertilizers and clippings from traditional suburbanized lawns contribute to poor water quality in our lakes. Install a native landscape and mow less. Once established, natural landscapes are less expensive and easier to maintain than traditional lawns. If lawn is desired, use only phosphorus-free fertilizers and maintain a lawn that is at least 30 feet from the lake. Keep native trees and vegetation, with their extensive root systems, as they will help stabilize the landscape, aid in groundwater recharge and reduce runoff.

Maintain your septic system
A well-maintained septic system saves money, headaches and the environment. To keep your septic system in good working order: 1) pump at least every three years (more if you use a garbage disposal); 2) conserve water; 3) properly dispose of harmful paints and household chemicals; 4) fix leaky faucets; and 5) consider service agreements with regular maintenance.

Reduce roofs and roads
Roofs, sidewalks, paved driveways and roads all increase the amount of water that runs off into our lakes -- carrying with it fertilizers, household cleaners, paints, solvents, pesticides and motor oil. Decrease the amount of hard surfaces on your property to allow water to soak into the landscape and keep pollutants out of lakes. Consider installing a raingarden or use newer, more pervious materials or pavers for sidewalks, driveways and patios.

Properly dispose of animal waste Controlling pet and livestock waste not only makes you a courteous neighbor, it also improves the quality of our waters. Pet and livestock waste can travel into our waters more easily than human-produced wastes, because they are not subject to the same wastewater treatment that human wastes are. Dispose of such wastes far from the water's edge to help ensure that bacteria, phosphorus and nitrogen from these wastes don't end up in our lakes.

Be considerate of all lake users
Lakeshore owners and users value Minnesota lakes in many different ways. Consider some of the many different ways we use our lakes: jet skiing, boating, tubing, water-skiing, fishing, hunting, canoeing, wildlife watching and swimming. Part of being a good lake steward and neighbor is being considerate of everyone's values. Follow local watercraft rules and noise ordinances to help ensure a positive experience for everyone who uses Minnesota's lakes for recreation.

Support land conservation The donation or purchase of conservation easements is one of the most cost-effective ways to protect sensitive shorelines from development. Lakeshore owners and users can help in these efforts by maintaining records of changes to shoreline; keeping a watchful eye out for upcoming land sales or transfers; and encouraging donations (land or financial) to conservation easement programs, projects, committees or land trusts.

Show up -- Speak up -- Write a check
Decisions are made by those who show up and speak up. Join your lake association. Give money, time, input and feedback to support organizations working to protect Minnesota's lakes for future generations. Share your knowledge with your neighbors and with those elected and appointed officials who represent you. Be vigilant.


Conservation Easements

Conservation easements are legally binding agreements that allow landowners to voluntarily limit the use and development of their land in order to permanently preserve the land's natural features. Read more ...


Lakescaping

Shoreline degredation and increasing development affect the health of our lakes. You can help by lakescaping your lakeshore. Read more at Lakescaping.

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