Jim Schwartz: 12 ways to save our 10,000 lakes

Lake lovers have an important agenda that, if actively pursued, would benefit the entire state. But fighting for sustainability is a do-it-yourself project. Don't stand by while Minnesota's water goes down the drain.

Jim Schwartz….Published: July 15, 2007….HACKENSACK, Minn.

The Star Tribune is to be commended for opening a dialogue on the status of what is arguably Minnesota's most precious resource: its water. Anything that will promote awareness is helpful. But time is running out. What's needed now is action -- statewide.

In 1994, Gov. Arne Carlson introduced Minnesotans to the eminently sensible concept of sustainability. Since then, however, neither governors nor legislators have demonstrated the vision or the courage to develop the truly innovative, long-range policies and programs needed to protect and preserve some of the critical targets of sustainability: lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands.

My particular interest happens to be lakes. For more than 80 years I have fished and boated Minnesota lakes, from the southern border to the northern lakes region. Those experiences and the testimony of other observers have convinced me that, to a greater or lesser extent, almost all lakes are suffering from a variety of ailments: property development that is either inappropriate or excessive, septic and other waste contamination, airborne and non-point-source pollution, fishing and boating pressure, wind and water erosion, agricultural runoff, industrial and municipal discharges, invasions of exotic species, habitat destruction, careless shoreland management practices and more.

Each alone is a clear threat to long-term resource health. Combine them and they spell serious and continued damage to the jewels in Minnesota's crown -- the thousands of lakes that annually draw hordes of visitors to the state, entice natives to vacation at home (and, increasingly, to retire there), thereby providing a boost to the state's economy. All of that bounty will fade if the lake country is allowed to slide into decline.

Can anything be done? Yes. Thanks to initiatives by individuals, lake associations and other local groups, and to the leadership and support provided by Minnesota Waters, whose goal is to preserve and enhance water resources, a few hundred lakes are benefitting from protection programs. But on far too many, nothing of the sort is happening.

Wherever that's the case, lake dwellers must pick up what is essentially a loose ball and run with it -- that is, launch a sustainability campaign of their own, lake by lake. It won't be easy and it will cost money, but with diligence it can become a reality.

My model is Ten Mile Lake in Cass County, where I have spent most of each summer for 46 years. What began there as a modest preservation effort about 30 years ago has evolved into a full-blown program with enthusiastic support from most residents. More to the point, its effects so far are positive: Water clarity has improved and nutrient levels have declined; quality indices are better than when we began our effort.

Lakes age over time. The immediate challenge is to slow that process, reduce the effect of man's footprint, and even, where possible, reverse negative trends. Positive results don't happen overnight, so those who want to adopt this approach should be prepared for a long-term campaign whose aim is steady, measurable progress.

For those who are uncertain about how to get started, here is a road map:

1 Organize. If your lake doesn't have an association, form one. (Help is available from at www.minnesotawaters.org.) It's wise to organize as a nonprofit association.

2 Sell the idea. Convince association officers, directors and the membership that sustainability is a worthy goal. It could spell the difference between whether your lake continues to deteriorate or benefits from a dedicated preservation/conservation ethic.

3 Prepare a long-range management plan. Set attainable goals for your lake and its watershed, measure progress, and review and revise the plan as needed.

4 Study your lake. If you are not already doing so, conduct Secchi disk (clarity) readings weekly at designated sites from May to September. Generally speaking, the clearer the lake, the better its relative health. (A Secchi disk may be obtained free from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, along with instructions about how to use it.)

5 Do chemical analyses. Arrange for chemical testing of the lake's water at least three times annually during the summer season to determine baseline enrichment levels and to begin plotting trends. Top-to-bottom temperature and dissolved oxygen profiles are important as well. (You will need professional help and advice from a state-certified laboratory, plus funding, to plan and carry out these studies.)

6 Identify pollution sources. Whether it is upstream contamination, outmoded septic systems, excessive erosion or other problems, pinpoint them and seek correction, mitigation or elimination.

7 Start a newsletter. Inform residents about association activities, educate them about what it means to be a responsible lake steward, keep them up to date on regulations and developments in lake property management and encourage their support.

8 Sponsor demonstrations. Good candidates: seminars on best shoreland management practices, lakeshore landscaping, waste treatment system updates and maintenance, and wildlife and fishery habitat restoration. Wherever you can, call on the expertise of state agencies such as the Department of Natural Resources and the Pollution Control Agency.

9 Get involved. Seek appointment to the county's zoning and planning boards, where most of the crucial decisions are made. At the very least, attend township and zoning adjustment board meetings.

10 Look for allies. Help organize or join existing county coalitions of lake associations for idea exchanges and to present a united front to county commissioners.

11 Know your legislators. Work with them in proposing measures designed to protect and preserve the state's water resources. Oppose legislation that threatens harm to the environment.

12 Raise money. Increase membership, boost dues, find an "angel," sponsor fundraisers, sell T-shirts. Whatever works, do it.

Jim Schwartz is a retired journalism professor.