Philip Hunsicker, (218) 824-5095

Lakescaping Award- Roosevelt Lake Project

Three lakeshore development projects accomplished what all lakeshore development projects should: they respected the intent of shoreland regulations and their design fit with the natural environment. These projects were honored with Brainerd Lakes Area Lake-Friendly Development Awards on August 16. The 68 people that packed the Breezy Point City Hall to recognize the winners were also entertained and educated by Doug Sandstrom, a long-time Conservation Officer with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) of Longville, Cass County.

The 2004 award for Lakescaping went to the Roosevelt and Lawrence Area Lake Association (RALALA) of Outing in Cass County.With the support of MNDOT and the DNR, over 50 lake association volunteers removed grass from a highway right-of-way along State Highway 6 and planted native vegetation in its place. The 40-plus native species do not require mowing, like the grass did, and they are better filters for highway runoff that flows into Roosevelt Lake. The project was completed in just two days.

Joyce and Kevin Brick, winners of the Lake Friendly Home Construction Award.

The 2004 award for Lake-Friendly Home Construction went to Kevin and Joyce Brick of Sorenson Lake in Merrifield. Their log home and the grounds surrounding it were designed to preserve the environment. For example, the gable roof of the home drains stormwater away from the lake, their driveway is pervious sand and soil instead of impervious asphalt, and a buffer zone of natural vegetation was left along the lakeshore to provide screening, reduce erosion, and provide shelter for wildlife.

The Brick Home- winner of the Lake Friendly Home Construction Award (white part of house will be covered with native fieldstone creating more natural look).

A runner-up award for Lakescaping was presented to the Portage-Crooked Lake Improvement Association in Crow Wing County. Under the guidance of Master Gardener Rose Puckett, three lakescaping demonstration sites were established along the lake. Low-maintenance buffer zones of native vegetation have eliminated erosion problems (something rip-rap can’t do) and butterfly and bird habitats were created (again, something rip-rap can’t do). Education efforts include a yearly pontoon tour of the sites.

The Brainerd Lakes Area Lake-Friendly Development Awards began in 2003 to highlight responsible shoreland behavior in an area that is developing rapidly. The trend to build large, suburban-style “starter castles” on postage stamp-sized lakeshore lots worried the award sponsors which include: 1000 Friends of Education efforts include a yearly pontoon tour of the sites.

Lakescaping Award winners: Roosevelt and Lawrence Area Lake Association.

Minnesota, the Crow Wing County Lakes and Rivers Alliance (LARA), the Brainerd Lakes Area Audubon Society, the Minnesota Lakes Association, the DNR Nongame Wildlife Program, the DNR Section of Fisheries, and the DNR Division of Waters.

Lakescaping Award runners up: The Portage-Crooked Lake Association.

By publicly recognizing individuals who have chosen to develop or redevelop their lakeshore properties using ecologically sustainable and sensitive principles, the sponsors hope that environmentally friendly development along lakeshores will become the newest and most lasting trend. They encourage people to think about how a “little piece of Heaven” fits into the natural environment and with the regional ambiance. Bigger isn’t better; better is better: better planning, better designs, better ideas, and a better way of accommodating a growing population. In the Brainerd area, the Lake-Friendly Development Awards push for this betterment.

Posted in Care of Shoreland Property |