What is the most common pollutant in Minnesota’s surface water? Is it phosphorus, perhaps? Guess again. The answer is sediment! This pollutant costs us $16 million annually, not to mention loss of personal shoreland property through erosion, its effects on recreation, and the damage to fisheries and wildlife habitat.

You may love your lake, but what are you doing to protect it against this pollutant? The University of Minnesota Extension is offering a new workshop this season: Shoreland Erosion Control for Property Owners. As the name suggests, participants will learn how to prevent and control erosion on their property and assist others in doing the same within their watershed. Participants will first consider the features of an undisturbed shoreland that minimize erosion. Next, they will learn to recognize common erosion features of a developed shoreline and several strategies to correct these erosion problems. Finally, workshop participants will discuss strategies that are appropriate for specific sites. Strategies may include installing deep-rooted native plants, using simple bioengineering techniques (see erosion control brochure here), installing rock armor, or a combination of these. Included are detailed instructions for do-ityourselfers (permitting, material sources, installation methods, and maintenance), as well as information on how to select a contractor, questions to ask about the project design, and how to oversee an erosion control project so that it is done correctly– the first time!

This summer, do something good for your lake. And enjoy it! Join us in Nisswa on April 15, 2005. More information on this workshop and how to register can be found here.

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