What is the most common pollutant in Minnesota’s surface water? Phosphorus, perhaps? Guess again! The answer is sediment! This pollutant costs us 16 million dollars 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 on Friday, April 15, 2005, at the Nisswa Community Center, Nisswa, MN. The workshop will run from 8:30 - 4:30. The cost of $35 includes refreshments, lunch and materials.

As its name suggests, participants will learn how to prevent or control erosion on their property and assist others in doing the same within their lake/river watershed. Participants will first consider those 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 appropriate strategies for specific sites. Strategies may include installing deep-rooted native plants, using simple bioengineering techniques (see erosion control brochure), installing rock armor, or a combination of these. Included are detailed instructions for do-it-yourselfers (permitting, material sources, installation methods, and maintenance), as well as information on how to select a contractor, what 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! More information on this workshop and how to register can be found at Extension Services.

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