| Now that you have your ideal lake front property, | | | | where there are concrete, paving or other hard |
| complete with a sandy beach and fresh, clean water. | | | | surfaces, it can collect and create erosion or flooding. |
| You may not realize it, but there are measures you | | | | Try and minimize the amount of these hard surfaces |
| can take to help preserve this unique environment. | | | | in your landscaping. |
| Add Filter Strips: This is a natural strip of vegetation | | | | Species and Habitat Diversity: Try to preserve as |
| that is added close to the shoreline; its purpose is act | | | | much of the natural landscape as possible; the plant |
| as a filter to prevent pollutants from seeping into the | | | | and animal species need this diversity of vegetation |
| water. It could be in the form of grasses or the | | | | to maintain balance and survive. This also works both |
| most effective type is mature woodland. | | | | ways; if you have a natural over-abundance of an |
| Sewage Treatment: Ensure your sewage system is | | | | invasive plant, such as purple loustrife, measures |
| properly maintained to prevent contaminants from | | | | should be taken to control it. |
| leaking into groundwater. | | | | Eutrophication: This is a fancy term that means your |
| Erosion and Sediment: Soil erosion and other residue | | | | lake is encouraging the growth of harmful, |
| contain nutrients that encourage the growth of algae | | | | oxygen-depleting plants, because it is being fed an |
| and bacteria in lakes. Limit the amount of erosion by | | | | overabundant supply of nutrients from fertilizers or |
| landscaping with mulch, rocks, sod or by building | | | | sewage. A common example of this occurs when |
| retaining walls. | | | | there is an excess of phosphorus and nitrogen; this |
| Lawns and Gardens: Think long and hard about where | | | | encourages the growth of weeds and algae, thus |
| you want your lawn, or if you want one at all. | | | | creating a mucky bottom. This process can be |
| Remember that maintaining that lush green terrain | | | | slowed down by engaging the practices discussed |
| means watering, fertilizing, weed killing; all of which will | | | | above, and especially by properly maintaining sewage |
| seep right back into your fresh clean lake. Plant | | | | treatment systems. |
| gardens well away from the water's edge, use | | | | Spread the Word: It would be great if you could |
| environmentally friendly fertilizers and try to minimize | | | | implement some of these precautions to help |
| the erosion. | | | | maintain cleaner waters, but think of the positive |
| Toxic Chemicals: Whenever possible, replace the use | | | | effect, if all of your neighbors were as diligent. Why |
| of toxic chemical with an environmentally friendly | | | | not organize a "protect our lake" night by inviting |
| version. Dispose of oil, paint or any toxins by using | | | | your neighbors and spreading the word. For more |
| accepted methods. | | | | information, visit the Minnesota DNR web site at: |
| Storm Water Runoff: Generally, rain water runoff is | | | | dnr.state.mn.us/contact/index. |
| absorbed by the natural landscape, but in areas | | | | |