Lakeshore homeowners play key role in lake health

Lakes are not just beautiful landscapes; they are complex ecosystems that support a vast range of wildlife, aquatic plants, and human enjoyment. Eden Prairie, with its 19 lakes and four creek systems, draws residents for swimming, fishing, and boating. But behind the scenes, the health of these lakes relies heavily on the decisions made by lakeshore homeowners, local authorities, and environmental organizations.

The choices lakeshore homeowners make in maintaining their shorelines – whether through weed removal, the use of fertilizers, or the care of native plants – can significantly impact the health of the lake and the wildlife it supports. Poor choices can lead to devastating effects on both the water quality and the fragile ecosystems that depend on maintaining a healthy lake. 

Native plants and their role in lake health

Josh Maxwell, water resources manager at the Riley Creek Watershed District, elaborates on the role of aquatic plants, saying, “They are vital to the health and balance of lake ecosystems, providing essential habitat for fish and other aquatic organisms throughout their life cycles. These plants are not just ‘weeds’; they provide essential functions such as oxygenating the water, stabilizing sediments, reducing erosion, and providing food and habitat for fish, birds, and other wildlife.”

One key example is the American lotus, an endangered native aquatic plant found in some lakes. Its vibrant yellow flowers and broad leaves add beauty to the lake, but its real value lies in its ability to support waterfowl and other aquatic species.

“Through photosynthesis, they (aquatic plants) oxygenate the water, supporting life while serving as a food source for both terrestrial and aquatic creatures,” Maxwell said. “Additionally, aquatic plants help mitigate shoreline erosion by buffering wave action caused by wind and boats, and they stabilize lake bottom sediments, preventing the release of nutrients that could otherwise trigger harmful algal blooms. Their role extends beyond these functions, contributing to the overall stability and biodiversity of lake environments.”

Unfortunately, many lakeshore homeowners see plants like the American lotus as nuisances, leading to their removal. This can be disastrous for the lake’s ecosystem. Removing large areas of aquatic plants disrupts the natural balance, resulting in reduced water clarity, increased erosion, and more frequent algae blooms. These changes harm fish populations and other wildlife that rely on the plants for food and shelter. 

The consequences of poor lakeshore management

One of the most significant threats to lake health comes from the removal of native plants under the mistaken belief that they are “weeds” detracting from the lake’s beauty. This practice not only eliminates essential plants but also destroys habitats that are critical for wildlife. A particularly poignant example is the before-and-after situation seen on Red Rock Lake, where an area once thriving with American lotus was decimated by an illegal weed removal. The once vibrant and flourishing ecosystem became infertile, depriving fish and other wildlife of their natural habitat.

Maxwell warns that “the removal of large areas of aquatic vegetation can harm lake health by reducing water clarity, increasing algal blooms, causing shoreline erosion, and disrupting fish populations. Large-scale removal impacts fish growth, survival, and diversity, while also destabilizing the ecosystem. Careful management is crucial to prevent these negative effects.”

Removing aquatic plants can be done in various ways, such as extracting the plants by the roots, using submerged aerators, or treating the area with herbicides. While these methods may be effective at removing unwanted plants, they also harm the native species that are essential for a healthy lake biosphere. The result can be a cascade of negative effects, from algal blooms caused by nutrient release from disturbed sediments to a decline in fish populations due to a lack of food and habitat.

In addition to aquatic plant removal, the use of fertilizers and pesticides near the lakeshore can have a profound impact on water quality. Fertilizers add excess nutrients to the water, promoting the growth of harmful algae. These algal blooms not only reduce water clarity but also lower oxygen levels in the water, creating dead zones where fish and other aquatic organisms struggle to survive. Pesticides can be equally harmful, killing off beneficial plants and animals and further disrupting the lake’s natural balance. 

The importance of responsible lakeshore management

The good news is that responsible lakeshore management can prevent much of this damage. Lakeshore homeowners play a crucial role in maintaining the health of their lakes by making informed choices about how they manage their shorelines. This includes preserving native plants, using natural fertilizers, and avoiding the use of chemicals near the water.

Additionally, bad practices like over-fertilizing, removing native plants, excessive irrigation, using pesticides, and hardscaping with impermeable materials can lead to pollution, erosion, and habitat destruction. It also means understanding the importance of permitting processes and adhering to local regulations designed to protect the lake.

Sustainable practices like installing rain gardens and permeable pavers help manage runoff and erosion. Opting for eco-friendly alternatives further protects the lake’s ecosystem. Homeowners can also conserve water with rain barrels and low-flow fixtures and create wildlife-friendly spaces by maintaining diverse vegetation and natural habitats.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has established regulations that govern the removal of aquatic plants, requiring permits for any large-scale removal efforts. These regulations are in place to protect the lake’s ecosystem and ensure that any changes made to the lakeshore do not harm the overall health of the lake. Homeowners who violate these regulations by removing plants without a permit or applying large doses of herbicides can face fines and other penalties.

Working together for healthy lakes

Maxwell explains, “The City of Eden Prairie, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the Watershed District work together to monitor lakes in Eden Prairie, frequently collaborating by exchanging data and management plans. Their shared goal is to maintain healthy and sustainable aquatic ecosystems, with each organization’s efforts complementing the others. For instance, the DNR conducts periodic fish surveys to track population trends, while the district supplements this data with more frequent surveys aimed at controlling invasive species like the common carp, which negatively impact water quality through DNR-permitted efforts.”

Maxwell goes on to mention, “Aquatic plant and water quality monitoring are divided between the city and the district within their respective areas, with shared data informing coordinated management actions. Additionally, the district assesses water quality issues and proposes projects to address them, often with financial or maintenance support from the city.”

He said the district’s aquatic plant program focuses on promoting native species by managing invasive plants like Eurasian watermilfoil and curlyleaf pondweed. He said plant removal is regulated by the DNR, requiring the district to secure permits and adhere to size limits for treatment. The DNR also offers grants to help local governments manage invasive aquatic plants.

“Unauthorized removal of aquatic plants, such as water lilies, can be reported to the watershed district, city, or DNR,” Maxwell said. “Although local agencies may assist in investigations, the DNR holds responsibility for enforcing regulations on aquatic plant destruction.”

According to Maxwell, shoreline vegetation also plays a critical role in lake health.

“The DNR’s Score-the-Shore program assesses overall shoreland health across multiple lakes, while the district has developed a Shoreland Health Evaluation tool, available at Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek, which allows residents to view the health score of their individual properties,” he explains. “The district also offers grants to support residents interested in improving their shoreland health scores.”

By working together and making informed decisions, we can protect the beauty and health of our lakes for future generations. Preserving native plants, reducing chemical use, and adhering to local regulations are all essential steps in ensuring that our lakes remain vibrant ecosystems that support both wildlife and recreational activities.

Learn more about Watershed District’s Shoreland Health Program: RPBCWD Shoreland Health Evaluation.

Learn more about local initiatives to support lakeshore health: Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District.

The health of our lakes depends on good choices made by all of our residents, but more importantly, by lakeshore owners. Lakeshore owners should be aware of the extra responsibilities that come with owning shoreline property. Homeowners can research available programs and gather information before removing plants and trees on their property.  By understanding the importance of native plants, being mindful of the impacts of weed removal and chemical use and working with local authorities to follow best practices for lakeshore management, we can all contribute to the preservation of these vital ecosystems. Our lakes are more than just bodies of water; they are living ecosystems that need our protection.

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Editor’s note: This is the latest installment of a monthly real estate column written by Kelley Regan, aimed at providing Eden Prairie residents with insights into current real estate trends. Regan has lived in Eden Prairie since 2004 and has over 28 years of experience in real estate, focusing on senior housing, first-time homebuyers, and negotiation strategies. Beyond her professional role, she volunteers with local organizations, including The PROP Shop and the Eden Prairie Historical Society.