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The North Central Lakes Collaborative (NCLC) produces columns and radio announcements entitled "Lake Waves" for distribution to the media and organizations. The pieces cover a variety of healthy lakes topics. Lake Waves subject matter is relevant for lakes-area communities throughout northern and central Minnesota.

For more information contact lakewaves@dnr.state.mn.us.

2007

Week	Date	Topic
# 1	May 18	Who owns the lake?
# 2	May 25	Is the over-the-counter aquatic weed killer I just bought illegal?
# 3	June 8	Our lakes belong to all of us
# 4	June 15	How do I create a shoreland buffer?
# 5	June 22	Why is natural aquatic habitat important?
# 6	June 29	How much impervious surface is too much?
# 7	July 6	Is there anything we can do about low lake levels?
# 8	July 20	Who controls action along Minnesota shorelines?
# 9	July 27	Why is my lake green?
# 10	August 3	What's all this talk about a shore impact zone?
# 11	August 10	How will global climate change impact Minnesota lakes?
# 12	August 17	What are impaired waters and how do we keep waters from becoming impaired?
# 13	August 24	How do I know if my septic is working?
# 14	August 31	Protecting water quality by permanently protecting land
# 15	September 7	What are conservation subdivisions and why are they better than conventional subdivisions?

Click here for "Natural shorelines - it isn't all or nothing" sound file.

Print: 350 words

Here in Minnesota, we love our lakes. We enjoy the sound of lake waves on shore, a sure sign of summer. Time to head to the lake to fish, swim, boat, or watch wildlife. Our lakes are treasures. But, like countless treasures, many lakes are in jeopardy because of overuse. Fortunately, there are many ways we can help keep our lakes clean and healthy far into the future.

Throughout this summer, this column "Lake Waves" will answer a common question about lakes and provide tips on how you can help Minnesota lakes. The column will show how healthy lakes enhance habitat for fish and wildlife and improve fishing. Most Lake Waves will suggest some simple things we can all do to positively impact lakes. Others are mainly for people who live and use the land within a watershed. Still others are for lakeshore owners.

The question this week: Who owns the lake?

Our lakes are public property. They belong to all of us, not just to the people who own lakeshore. Most larger lakes have public water accesses and many have public beaches to give everyone an opportunity to come and enjoy the water. Those who own shoreland on lakes or rivers have certain rights called riparian rights. These include the right to put a dock out to a navigable depth; to take water for domestic and agricultural purposes; to take ice; to fish, boat, hunt, and swim.

But, lakeshore owners must also follow certain regulations. There are limits on dock sizes and types. Landowners cannot remove aquatic vegetation or add or remove lakebed materials unless they get a permit from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). And, they cannot restrict others from using the lake.

The lake itself belongs to the public. People can access water bodies or watercourses through public property but not through private property. The public can run watercraft over the entire surface of the water body. Because lakes belong to all of us, we are all responsible for keeping them clean, healthy and enjoyable places to fish, boat, and swim.

Enjoy your lake!

For more lakes information email us at lakewaves@dnr.state.mn.us.

Click here for "Aquatic weed killer" sound file.

Print: 328 words

In short: just because you can buy it, does not mean you can use it in public waters. Although aquatic plant herbicides are available for retail sale in Minnesota, the application of those herbicides to control aquatic vegetation requires a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) permit. In fact, permits are required for almost any action that removes or disturbs aquatic vegetation in public waters. The only exceptions are for shoreland owners to pull or cut submerged aquatic plants for a modest-sized swimming / boat-docking area or to create a 15-foot boat channel into open water. However, even in these cases, restrictions apply.

Aquatic plant management permits are issued through the DNR Regional Fisheries Offices in Bemidji, Grand Rapids, New Ulm and St. Paul. Permit fees for herbicide applications are $35 per property.

Emergent (such as cattail, bulrush and wild rice) and submerged (such as broad-leaf pondweeds, wild celery and coontail) aquatic plants are important because they:

• Dampen wave action that can cause erosion on shorelines
• Provide important fish and wildlife habitat for a variety of species
• Tie up nutrients that might otherwise cause excessive algal growth
• Prevent re-suspension of bottom sediments (muck)

Generally speaking, the DNR prefers shoreland owners to use low-impact, mechanical methods for aquatic plant management. The use of aquatic herbicides comes with some significant drawbacks, including restrictions on swimming, fish consumption, irrigation, or household use until the herbicide is broken down or diluted to safe levels. Some neighbors may also have strong feelings about using chemicals in the water near their lake homes.

In the long run, the best way to combat excessive growth of aquatic plants is prevention--reducing the flow of nutrients, sediments, and exotic species moving into the lake in the first place. Lakeshore property owners can do this most effectively by maintaining or restoring a 10- to 20-foot deep native shoreland vegetative buffer along their shoreline.

Click here for "Our lakes belong to all of us" sound file.

Print: 430 words

Our lakes are public waters. This means that lakes don't just belong to those who own lakeshore property. Our lakes belong to all of us, whether we own lakeshore or not. Therefore, it is up to all of us to protect our public waters.

You may not live on a lake, but you do live within a watershed. We all do. A watershed is an area of land that drains into a common lake or river. Watersheds can cross county, state and even international borders. Watersheds come in all sizes. Some are millions of square miles; others are just a few acres. Because of the way water flows, your behaviors can impact the lake or river into which your watershed drains. For example, if you use fertilizers that contain phosphorous on your lawn, you might unknowingly be contributing to excessive algae growth on a lake that lies downstream from you. Using phosphorous-free fertilizer helps protect our public waters.

If you use the public access to put your boat on a lake, you can help protect that lake by making sure you don't introduce invasive species like Eurasian Watermilfoil or Zebra Mussels via your boat or trailer. Make sure your boat and trailer are clean before entering a lake, and when you pull your boat out, make sure to clean off any plants and animals that might be transported to another lake. Also, please drain any water from your motor, livewell, bilge and transom wells before leaving the public access. By doing this, you can stop aquatic hitchhikers from destroying our public waters.

Lakeshore owners and non-lakeshore homeowners can both protect our public waters by promoting the Alternative Shoreland Management Standards to your local elected and appointed officials. The Alternative Standards, which were created in 2005 through the North Central Lakes pilot project, are an attempt to modernize the shoreland rules that were written in the early 1970s and last updated in 1989. Much has changed since then. The Alternative Standards are based on good science and best management practices for better protection of our public waters.

You don't have to live on a lake to join a lake association. In fact, lake associations welcome any new members, whether they live on the lake or not. And lake associations are excellent advocates for healthy public waters. If our lakes belong to all of us, then our lake problems belong to all of us, too. So join a lake association. Do it for yourself. Do it for your fellow Minnesotans. After all, we are shareholders in Minnesota's greatest natural resource: its water.

Click here for "Creating a shoreland buffer" sound file.

Print: 378 words

A natural lakeshore can help protect water quality and your real-estate investment. For many people this may require re-thinking what a home landscape should look like. It means giving up the close-cropped, lawn-to-the-lake look in favor of a buffer strip with native plants along the shore.

The first step to having a landscape that is better for your lake and still something you enjoy, is to assess your shoreline and your needs. Are there erosion problems on the bank or upland? Are geese on the shore having more fun than you? How much area for lawn, and lake access for boats and swimming are needed? Do you want to attract birds, butterflies, fish and other wildlife? Are you seeking more privacy from people using the lake or a neighboring property?

A shoreland buffer could meet your needs and enhance the experience of living on waterfront.

Native trees, shrubs, grasses and wildflowers all play an important part in the shoreland landscape. They help hold the soil on the bank in place. They slow rainwater run-off, absorb nutrients and break down pollutants. Plants in the water reduce the wave impact on the shore, and therefore reduce erosion. And, native plants are beautiful. They can enhance your view of the lake by adding interest, texture and color.

Adding a buffer, as narrow as 10 feet wide (from the water's edge), will help. Current recommendations are for a minimum of 25 to 35 feet of native plants in a buffer zone. When it comes to shoreline buffers, wider is better.

If you look to see what kinds of plants grow naturally in the parts of the shore that have not been cleared, you will have an idea of the kinds of plants to include in your buffer strip.

Or, on shorelines where lawn meets the water, a good step is to simply stop mowing a buffer. You are likely to be delighted by the plants waiting for the opportunity to grow. Sometimes, you may need to weed out nuisance species or add plants for diversity.

If your situation calls for more landscape alterations there are books, CDs and classes to help you assess your property and create a shoreland landscape plan that is ideal for you. Check out your local book store, www.minnesotasbookstore.com or regional University of Minnesota Extension or Minnesota Department of Natural Resources offices.

Click here for "Natural aquatic habitat" sound file.

Print: 363 words

Financial advisors will tell you that a diverse stock portfolio is your best bet to protect your investments under a wide range of market conditions. That same advice is equally true when it comes to aquatic habitats. Diverse aquatic habitats are our best bet for sustaining healthy lakes and the fish and wildlife that are dependent upon them.

Lakes are complex ecosystems that are like an ecological stock market comprised of a diversity of plant and animal species. Ecological systems naturally fluctuate between highs and lows just like the stock market. But only a diverse ecosystem easily rebounds after a downturn. Healthy lake habitats support food production, spawning areas, and shelter for young fish including not only the "blue chip" species like walleye, bass, and pike that are recreationally important to us, but also less familiar, though equally important, prey species like minnows and perch.

But human lakeshore development is severely testing our lakes. Healthy lakes have a diversity of natural habitats along their shorelines, the same areas people are choosing to build homes. Current behaviors of many lakeshore residents are no longer sustainable. When we remove nearshore and aquatic plants, add sand blankets, or place monster docks, we erode the ecological capital that makes our lakes resistant to change. The behaviors of the past that were viewed as reasonably acceptable at low levels of development are no longer appropriate today, where our lakes are increasingly reaching full development capacity.

As Minnesotans, we must not be reckless with our valuable lake assets. Here are three easy things you can do this summer to improve the aquatic environment near your lakeshore.

First, stop mowing down to the edge of the water. Let the grass grow long in a 10-to-20-foot buffer strip along the shoreline. Longer grasses will help stop the nutrients that cause algal blooms from entering your lake.

Second, get a tune-up. Make sure your boats and water bikes are functioning properly so gas and oil pollutants do not poison the waters, plants and fishes along your shoreline.

Third, minimize your footprint. Oftentimes, smaller beaches and docks will still accommodate your recreational needs, but will be less intrusive to aquatic plants and wildlife.

Click here for "Impervious surfaces" sound file.

Print: 368 words

Rainwater runoff comes from roofs, driveways, and parking lots. These and other constructed hard surfaces are called impervious. Impervious surfaces prevent or slow rainwater infiltration, which inhibits groundwater recharge and increases runoff.

Rainwater runoff picks up pollutants, such as oil, dissolved metals, pesticides, sediment and nutrients, as it heads to the lake by way of natural drainages, inlets, or stormwater pipes. Runoff is a major source of water pollution, and it is the single greatest threat to water quality for Minnesota lakes. Oftentimes, areas with a high proportion of the land covered with impervious surfaces have unnaturally large volumes of runoff, which blows outs stream banks and increases the amount of sediment entering our lakes.

As the impervious surface coverage increases on a lot or in a watershed, the amount of pollutants entering our lakes increases. Hydrology research shows that when impervious surface coverage in an area exceeds about 10 to 12 percent, water quality is negatively impacted.

Therefore, water quality protection strategies usually include setting limits on impervious surface coverage. The Alternative Shoreland Management Standards set specific limits based on the type of development or use, compared to the existing State rule, which sets a fixed limit of 25 percent of the lot. Hydrologists generally recommend a 10 to 15 percent impervious cover limit in shorelands to protect water quality.

In addition to limiting impervious surfaces, it is equally important to manage rainwater by treating it as a resource instead of a waste product. Instead of central systems that rely on stormwater ponds and pipes, there are ways for all of us to get the water into the ground near where it falls.

This approach uses rain barrels, rain gardens, porous pavement systems, and natural areas important for water filtering like shoreline buffers of native vegetation. We all can help by diverting water that lands on impervious surfaces away from lakes and rivers and toward vegetated areas. For example, directing gutters to nearby rain garden instead of to the driveway allows the water to infiltrate into the groundwater near where it fell.

By treating rainwater as a resource, together we can reduce pollutants and nutrients entering our lakes and rivers.

Click here for "Low lake levels" sound file.

Print: 309 words

Lake level fluctuation is a natural phenomenon of Minnesota lakes. Spring drought conditions resulted in lower lake levels than most shoreland homeowners have seen in recent memory. Although conditions in northeastern Minnesota have improved from the severe drought conditions of this spring, the U.S. Drought Monitor still ranks much of Minnesota as abnormally dry or in a moderate drought (the Red River Valley excluded, of course).

Fluctuations in lake levels can be the result of human activities, such as dam operations, or acts of nature, such as beaver activity. However, water level fluctuations are primarily a response to changes in precipitation. Fluctuating water levels affect shorelines in several ways, including causing erosion, changing lake bacteria levels, and altering water access and dockage.

With the appropriate Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) permits, low water levels can also be an opportunity for shoreland owners to plant native vegetation in the exposed substrate along the shoreline. Native plants, with their longer root systems, adaptation to local conditions, and heartiness, make shorelines more resilient to the varied precipitation conditions in Minnesota, from flooding to drought. A diversity of grass, shrub and tree root systems along a shoreline can act like rebar in cement, strengthening the shoreline against wave and ice action.

You do not have to own lakeshore to help mitigate the impacts of precipitation fluctuation on your favorite local lake. Landowners throughout a watershed can help by reducing the amount of water that runs through municipal stormwater systems. Encourage infiltration and groundwater recharge by minimizing the amount of impervious surfaces on your property and redirecting downspouts toward vegetated areas or rain gardens (rather than toward driveways or other impervious surfaces that encourage runoff).

Shoreland homeowners should check with a local DNR office before starting any shoreline project. The DNR must ensure that only native vegetation is planted in public waters. Native plant lists and shoreland and rain garden planting advice are available from the University of Minnesota Extension Service and the DNR Shoreland Habitat Program.

Click here for "Who controls Minnesota shorelines" sound file.

Print: 318 words

For lakeshore property owners, trying to navigate who has regulatory authority over what, can be a difficult process. One way to simplify the matter is to draw a line in the sand. More specifically, there is a line called the Ordinary High Water Level (OHWL) that is used to separate jurisdiction and requirements by the local governmental unit and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

The OHWL is defined as the highest water level that has been maintained for a sufficient period of time to leave evidence on the landscape. It is commonly that point where the natural vegetation changes from predominantly aquatic to predominantly terrestrial. Once the OHWL is determined, simply decide if the proposed activity will occur above that line, below that line, or across both.

Projects that occur on land above the OHWL typically fall within the jurisdiction of the local governmental unit, the county, township or city. The local planning and zoning authority would be the initial contact to determine what permits may be needed and what activities are allowed. Typical activities include: structure repair or construction, vegetation removal, adding or removing fill, fences, and landscaping.

Projects that occur below the OHWL typically fall within the jurisdiction of the Department of Natural Resources. Contact the DNR to determine what permits may be needed and what activities are allowed. In some instances, permits are not required if certain criteria are met. Typical activities include planting or removal of aquatic vegetation as well as dredging or filling. The DNR website is very helpful in describing which activities need DNR permits.

Some projects occur both above and below the OHWL. In this instance, it is important to check with the local unit of government as well as the DNR. Typical activities include; beach sand blankets, boat ramps, docks, ice ridge alterations, rip rap and retaining walls.

Click here for "Why is my lake green?" sound file.

Print: 405 words

Many lakes become quite green or less clear as the summer progresses and some lakes get more green than others. The green stuff in Minnesota lakes are algae. Algae are different from other aquatic plants because they are free floating organisms without true roots, stems and leaves.

When algal densities increase, the clarity of the water often decreases and becomes a problem for aesthetic enjoyment of the water. In some cases, algae can become toxic, such as some dense blue-green algae blooms. Algal growth depends on available nutrients, namely phosphorous.

Geographically, lakes in forested watersheds tend to be less productive than those in transitional areas or agricultural areas of the state, which means they are less likely to have algae blooms. Lower nutrient soils, shorter growing seasons, and forested watersheds all play a role in keeping these lakes clearer than those in southern Minnesota.

Urban areas and agriculture generally have the greatest impact on downstream waters. Lakeshore development creates additional nutrient loading. Converting forested areas to residential and urban developments changes the hydrology and provides additional nutrient sources.

Trees and other vegetation, available for water and nutrient uptake, are removed in favor of surfaces that allow water to runoff directly into lakes. Generally, the more homes, roads and lakeshore lawns, the greater the potential for phosphorous runoff into the lake. Septic systems, which are not in good working condition, are another means for phosphorus and nitrogen to move into underlying groundwater and eventually into lakes.

Climate can also impact the amount of algae produced. Higher temperatures and longer growing seasons enhance the ability of lakes to grow algae, much like the benefits of vegetable growers in more southern areas of the Midwest. More frequent and more intense rain events also enhance nutrient loading from lake watersheds.

Here are a few ways we can all help prevent algae blooms.

1) Limit the size and impact of lawn and building sites by using low-impact development tools. These include, rain gardens or natural swales to trap water and sediments and materials that allow for infiltration of water and sediments such as pervious pavements.

2) Maintain a wide buffer zone of vegetation between the home and the lake.

3) Maintain septic systems in good working order. Pump and check your tank every other year and/or look at new innovative technologies that reduce nutrient loading.

4) Follow guidelines by your local Soil and Water Conservation District to reduce agricultural impacts.

Click here for "Shore impact zone" sound file.

Print: 321 words

As Minnesotans become more conscious of how land use practices are impacting our fish and water resources, we are hearing more talk about maintaining or restoring native plants in the shore impact zone. But how much land is that, really?

The shore impact zone is defined as all of the land located between the ordinary high water mark of a lake and an invisible line that runs parallel to the shoreline at 50 percent of the structure setback requirement, but not less than 50 feet.

The shore impact zone is recognized as the primary buffer for filtering out nutrients and sediments from runoff. Removing native vegetation and mowing in the shore impact zone breaks down the natural buffer that keeps our lakes clean and our fish and wildlife species healthy. With long root systems and foliage that dampens the impact of precipitation on shoreline soils, native vegetation in the shore impact zone can also help prevent erosion along the edge of the water.

While Minnesota state rules prohibit intensive cutting in the shore impact zone, primary jurisdiction over the amount and kind of vegetation removal that is allowed within this zone is held locally by the city, township or county in which the lake is located. Some counties require shoreland alteration permits for removing vegetation beyond specified numeric allowances (usually a percentage of total vegetative coverage).

Native shoreline buffers also offer many aesthetic values to shoreland homeowners, such as attracting waterfowl and wildlife; creating a natural privacy screen between the lake home and recreational lake users; and providing variation in the structure of the shoreline landscape.

For the best results, a functional shoreline buffer should include trees, shrubs and a ground cover of native plants. While limited clearing of native vegetation to accommodate stairways, landings, view corridors, access paths, and recreational use areas is acceptable in the shore impact zone, lawns and flower gardens are more appropriately placed outside this important buffering area.

Click here for "Climate change" sound file.

Print: 338 words

Minnesota waters draw millions of anglers and water recreation users each year. Minnesota has over 150 fish species, more than 10,000 lakes and thousands of miles of rivers. While it is impossible to predict how much the climate of Minnesota will change in the future, there is general agreement among scientists that a warming trend is occurring and will continue.

Warmer temperatures lead to more evaporation, droughts, and more frequent heavy rainfalls. These in turn result in lower lake levels, warmer waters, and reduced water quality.

Native aquatic plant and animal species will differ widely in how they respond to changing water temperatures and hydrology. Some will adapt, some will move further north, and some will decline.

The rising water temperatures could also change the kinds of fish we find in our lakes: there will likely be less cold-water species, like trout, and more warm-water species, such as bass.

Many native species may have trouble adapting to changing habitats. But, a changing climate is likely to benefit invasive species with generalized habitat and feeding requirements. The spread of non-native nuisance species is likely to further increase the impacts of climate change on Minnesota's aquatic ecosystems.

A warming climate increases the duration of summer stratification in deep lakes. Lake stratification occurs when a warm surface layer of water develops over cooler, deeper water. Longer stratification can lead to "dead zones"-areas of water depleted of oxygen and unable to support life. Dead zones, in turn, can result in toxic algal blooms; foul-smelling, musty-tasting drinking water; damage to fisheries; and fish kils, known as summerkill.

Declines in how long ice covers lakes in winter are expected to continue. The loss of winter ice may have varied effects. It could reduce winterkill from low oxygen levels in shallow lakes, but could also harm fish reproduction.

Another consequence of warmer temperatures is increased decomposition and release of nutrients and contaminants from bottom sediments. Phosphorus and mercury releases would increase, which would lead to more algal blooms and higher mercury levels in fish.

Click here for "Impaired waters" sound file.

Print: 394 words

In the land of 10,000 Lakes, we are unfortunately hearing more and more about Impaired Waters. These are lakes and rivers that do not meet water quality standards set by the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The state must report impaired waters to the EPA every two years.

The standards are in place to protect the uses of water and in most of Minnesota's lakes, the most common use is recreation. When thinking of a lake's water quality for recreational use, it's usually measured by how "green" a lake is. High levels of nutrients, specifically phosphorus, in the water are the main culprits in turning a lake green. High levels of phosphorus lead to algae blooms and contribute to poor water clarity.

There must be at least 10 high phosphorus readings in a 10-year sampling window before a lake gets listed as impaired. In addition to phosphorus, Chlorophyll A and Secchi transparency readings help determine whether a lake is impaired.

Once a lake is placed on the Impaired Waters list, the state has 15 years to complete a total maximum daily load (TMDL) study. This study identifies the sources of pollutants that are entering the lake and what needs to be done to reduce those levels to a point where the lake will meet water quality standards.

A certain number of TMDL studies are completed each year in the state. The funding for the studies comes from the EPA (federal dollars) or from the Clean Water Legacy Act (state dollars). The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), local units of government, consultants, or a mix of these groups conduct the studies. Once a study is done, the local unit of government or citizens in the watershed are responsible for implementing a restoration plan. A study can typically take from one to three years and restoration can take five to 20 years.

Bottom line, we need to do all we can right now to protect our lakes from becoming impaired. The time and resources (people and money) needed to do a TMDL study and to prepare and implement a restoration plan are extremely high. Plus, there are many negatives associated with being an impaired lake, like potentially lower property values, fewer fish, etc.

Please do everything you can to prevent nutrients from getting into your lake, and help keep lakes from joining the Impaired Waters list.

Click here for "Is my septic working?" sound file.

Print: 342 words

Properly working septic systems protect our lakes by breaking down organic solids and safely recycling wastewater back into the natural environment. How do you know if your septic system is functioning properly?

The most common reasons for septic system failure include poor installation (usually on unsuitable soils); tanks that are hard or impossible to reach for routine maintenance; parking or paving over drain fields; overloading the system; or interferences with the treatment process by tree roots or defective parts.

Telltale signs of septic failure include discolored soil, system backup into the home, saturated/ muddy soils, lush green vegetation surrounding the drain field, or unpleasant odors in or around the house. Also pay attention to whether your toilet or sink drain slowly (or worse, backup) when you flush or do laundry. Unfortunately, by the time you see or smell these symptoms, contamination to the soil and groundwater has likely already occurred.

Avoid these problems by having your system serviced by a licensed professional at least once every three years. Having your septic tank inspected and pumped will ensure that your system is functioning properly and that non-degradable solids are removed from the system on a regular basis.

Other things you can do to maintain the proper functioning of your septic system include:

• Properly dispose of household toxics, such as oil-based paints and solvents, which will harm the living organisms in your septic that break down wastes;

• Avoid flushing large amounts of water through your system at once, such as draining hot tubs or water purification systems. This can cause re-suspension of solids that could clog your drain field.

• Frequent use of a garbage disposal will coat your tank with sludge that usually won't break down in the system. If you have a disposal, plan on pumping the system annually.

Click here for "Permanently protecting land" sound file.

Print: 506 words

So, you're hearing more and more about shoreline practices and water quality these days. What's all the fuss, you ask?

The North Central lakes region of Minnesota is growing. In fact, it's growing at twice the rate of the state average. This isn't surprising. Minnesotans want to live on or near water. It's not "if" development will happen on our shorelands; it's "how" and "how much" we develop that will determine if we protect or harm the water resources that make this region such a special place.

Development has changed drastically. Where once stood a small summer cabin on a lake now looms a monstrous 7,000 square foot, year-round starter castle with a highly manicured suburban-style lawn that runs right down to a rip-rapped beach. In addition, new developments are springing up on lakes that were once considered unappealing because they were too small, too shallow or too boggy.

Our lakes and rivers are feeling the pressure. But how much shoreline development is too much? That's a hard question to answer. It depends on the "how." In other words, if we develop all properties along a lake's shoreline with little or no regard for potential negative impacts to water quality, we will, no doubt, see a rapid deterioration in water quality. If we develop a shoreline in a manner that respects the environmental integrity of the land and the water, we stand a much better chance of protecting water quality for many generations to come.

We need to strike a balance of development and preservation. One way to do this is to promote the use of conservation easements. These 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. Each conservation easement is tailored to the conservation value of the property being protected as well as the needs of the landowner.

A good example of a conservation easement is one done by Betty Frahm, who carried out the wishes of her late husband, Art, to permanently preserve 2,700 feet of shoreline on Turtle Lake in Itasca County. The agreement worked out by Betty and the Minnesota Land Trust still allows for some site-appropriate development to take place on one parcel, but 2,700 feet of permanently protected shoreline will go a long way toward protecting water quality, and that benefits everyone who lives on, or recreates on, Turtle Lake.

Why not dream big like Mule Lake Association in Cass County? To protect water quality as well as the aesthetics of Mule Lake, the association worked closely with the Leech Lake Area Watershed Foundation to purchase and permanently protect 361 acres, including three miles of shoreline on Donkey and Mule Lakes. The price tag was a staggering $2.7 million, but the community didn't let that stop them. They came up with a plan, did some fundraising, acquired grants and brought on partners. Today, the land is a state designated Wildlife Management Area (WMA). According to Ted Mellby with the Leech Lake Area Watershed Foundation, "This project sends the message that there are things citizen conservationists can do to protect their favorite lake."

Click here for "Conservation subdivisions" sound file.

Print: 319 words

Every day more people are choosing to live and recreate in the lakes counties of Minnesota. The state's demographer has projected growth in many of the lake-rich counties to exceed 35 percent in the next 25 years. There is widespread concern about how this growth will affect lake quality and fish and wildlife habitat.

A nature-friendly development, like a conservation subdivision, can protect water quality and provide a good place to live. Conservation subdivisions have common open spaces for walking and biking, kid playing areas, and community gathering places. These subdivisions increase community value, while allowing for the residential densities that fit local needs.

Many people find conservation subdivisions more attractive. Protected natural areas mean lower development costs, preservation of wildlife habitat, and less pollution runoff into lakes and wetlands.

Traditional lot and block developments, or conventional subdivisions, generally do not have these amenities, and they do not adequately preserve or protect our lakes. Conventional subdivisions have uniform lots and blocks. They spread development throughout a parcel of land. This leads to shoreland fragmentation, with homes every 100, 150, or 200 feet regardless of vulnerable or unique natural features or conditions around a lake.

Conservation subdivisions are becoming more popular with Minnesota land developers, because they can still build at full residential densities, and they often sell lots at a premium because many of us prefer living next to permanently preserved open space. Development costs are lower for these developments due to much less grading and narrower, pedestrian-friendly streets. In addition, conservation subdivisions often include innovative stormwater management designs that reduce costly infrastructure.

Conservation subdivisions promote higher property values and higher community value, which strengthens local economies. By encouraging conservation subdivisions, we can also protect those things we value and why we live here--lakes and woods.

For more information on the benefits of conservation subdivisions, visit www.mndnr.gov and search for Minnesota's Alternative Shoreland Management Standards or contact lakewaves@dnr.state.mn.us.

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