Sustaining Our Lakes, One Property at a Time: A Call for Collective Action
Lake Steward Opportunities
The water may be frozen, but there is action happening beneath the surface of icy lakes and rivers. Under the thick layers of ice, aquatic ecosystems are preparing for the spring melt. You can too - read Lake Steward Coordinator, Lily Carr's blog post "Sustaining Our Lakes, One Property at a Time: A Call for Collective Action" to learn more about the simple actions to take and plans you can make to give back to Minnesota's unique waterways.
As Lake Stewards look forward to warmer days by the shore, now is the time to plan how you'll do your part to keep our waters clean. It all starts at the shore. Lawns to Legumes Grants for Fall 2025 have just opened. Apply to reimbursement-based funding of up to $400 for your shoreline restoration - deadline to apply is May 15, 2025 Click here to apply.
To learn more about becoming a Lake Steward on the Chain and funding a significant portion of your shoreline restoration, visit the SRCLA Lake Steward page and/or contact our Land Use program chair, Richard Gallea, at rjgallea@gmail.com.
MN Lakes and Rivers Webinar Recording Now Available
MN Lakes and Rivers Webinar Recording Now Available
Minnesota Lakes and Rivers (MLR) recently conducted a webinar that focused on efforts to improve the condition of the state's shorelines. Speakers included:
💦 Paul Radomski from the Ecological and Water Resources Division, who shared insights into the scientific tools we’re using to protect shorelines.
💦 Kirsti Marohn from Minnesota Public Radio, who discussed her reporting this summer on the issue of vanishing shorelines.
💦 Sue Henken-Thielen, who shared her experiences as a dedicated Lake Steward.
💦 Steve Corbin, one of our valued shoreline evaluators.
The webinar provides a lot of useful information, including insights into the Lake Steward program, which the SRCLA board sponsors along with many other lake associations around the state.
You can view a recording of the webinar via this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qa4O-7RtHao
See the latest Lake Stewards!
Latest Lake Stewads on the Chain!
Congratulations to our latest Lake Steward family...the Juelfs! The Juelfs applied for Lake Steward status for their property on Bolfing Lake and it qualified!
Have you been thinking about taking the Lake Steward quiz but aren't sure if your property will qualify?
If so, we encourage you to take the quiz! Several homeowners who are interested in learning more about native buffers and other shoreline 'best practices' have done so, which results in an opportunity to meet with an SRCLA Land Use committee member to see what would be required to have their parcel qualify for the program. And we can connect you with county professionals at the Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) that will draw up custom plans to meet your needs. Subsidies are available that can cover up to 90% of the cost, too!
Take the quiz today!
Lake Steward Program Gains Momentum!
See our first five Lake Stewards!
As you may have read about in recent issues of The Chain Link, the SRCLA is sponsoring a Lake Steward program that's being rolled out statewide by the Minnesota Lakes & Rivers organization.
Five families have taken a short quiz about how they're managing their lakeshore property, covering things like the presence of native buffers, fertilizer & pesticide use, etc. Qualifying properties are awarded a cool metal sign that can be displayed on their dock or shoreline to signal their support for the best practices that help reduce nutrient runoff into our lakes.
Congratulations to the first five families to be designated as Lake Stewards on the Sauk River Chain of Lakes!
If you'd like to see if your parcel qualifies, please use this link to take the quiz and get the process started: Lake Steward Quiz
Come join the club!
