10 TIPS for 10,000 Lakes

What Everyone Can Do to Preserve Our Water *

1. 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, and vegetative buffers along shorelines also trap sediments that fill in wetlands and lakes. Natural erosion controls are more consistent with an "up-north' look than unnatural shoreline erosion treatments such as rip-rap.

2. Know your lake & river 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. Educate yourself about other water use rules, such as boat and water safety, installing permanent and floating docks, or hunting / fishing regulations.

3. Appreciate aquatic plants

Aquatic "weeds" are a critical life-support system for our lakes. With their amazing filtering abilities, native aquatic plants such as cattails and bulrushes 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. Work to minimize the removal of shoreline aquatic vegetation.

4. Reduce your lawn

The fertilizers and clippings from traditional lawns contribute to poor lake water quality. 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 thirty feet from the lake. Keep native trees and vegetation, with their extensive root systems -- they help stabilize the landscape, aid in groundwater recharge, and reduce runoff.

5. Maintain your septic system

Keep your septic system in good working order. Pump at least every three years (more if you use a garbage disposal), conserve water, properly dispose of harmful paints and house-hold chemicals, fix leaky faucets, and consider service agreements with regular maintenance.

6. Reduce roofs and roads

Roofs, sidewalks, paved driveways, and roads increase the amount of water that runs off into our lakes. Run-off water caries fertilizers, household cleaners, paints, solvents, pesticides, and motor oil. Decrease the amount of hard surfaces on your property. Use newer, more pervious materials for sidewalks, driveways, and patios.

7. Properly dispose of animal waste

Controlling pet and livestock waste 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.

8. Be considerate of all lake & river users

Shoreland owners and users value Minnesota waters in many different ways. Consider some of the many different ways we use our lakes: personal watercraft, 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 waters for recreation.

9. Support land conservation

The donation or purchase of conservation easements is one of the most cost-effective ways to protect sensitive shorelines from development. Shoreland owners and users can help 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, communities, or land trusts.

10. Show up. Speak up. Write a check.

Decisions are made by those who show up and speak up. Join your lake association or river group. Give money, time, input, and feedback to support organizations working to protect Minnesota's waters for future generations. Share your knowledge with you neighbors and with those elected and appointed officials who represent you. Be vigilant.

          * Source: Communications Committee of the North Central Lakes Projects.