Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Contact: Stephen Mikkelson, 218-855-5001 Brainerd, Minn. -- Memorial Day is fast approaching, the ice has melted, and another school year is nearing its end. It must be time to get to the lake cabin and open it up for the summer season. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) reminds cabin owners of some environmentally-friendly tips to keep in mind when preparing for another summer of fun at the lake. -- Keep your shoreline in natural condition. Leaving an un-mowed buffer at the shoreline helps filter sediments and nutrients before draining into the lake. Also, leaving "emergent" or shallow-water plants in place provides great habitat for fish.
-- If you are planning any improvement projects along your lakeshore, be sure to check state and local permit requirements before getting started. Contact your county or city zoning office about projects above the waterline. For projects below the waterline, contact a Department of Natural Resources area hydrologist. DNR permit requirements and contacts can be found at www.mndnr.gov.
-- Take care of your septic system. If you didn't have your septic tank pumped last year, you may want to contact a certified septic pumper to find out if your tank needs attention. Do not drive vehicles or ATVs over your tank and drain field, especially early in the summer when the ground is softer. And fix any leaking plumbing leading to your septic system. It not only wastes water, but can cause future problems when fall and winter arrive.
-- Protect the waterfowl on your lake by exchanging lead-containing fishing tackle for new, lead-free gear. A loon that has swallowed a lead sinker or jig can die within two weeks from lead poisoning. Other birds can get sick or die from eating fish that have ingested lead tackle. For more tips on getting the lead out of your tackle box go to www.pca.state.mn.us/oea/reduce/sinkers.cfm.
-- When cleaning up outside, remember that backyard garbage burning is illegal in Minnesota except under very specific circumstances. Not only that, but it's unhealthy, too. For more information on backyard garbage burning go towww.pca.state.mn.us/oea/reduce/burnbarrel.cfm. For more information on obtaining the appropriate permit for burning approved vegetation, contact your local fire marshal or DNR office.
-- Don't drain last year's gas from the mower or outboard motor onto the ground -- use it up by mixing it with fresh fuel.
-- Become a volunteer water monitor. The MPCA has volunteer monitoring programs for both lakes and streams and would love to hear from you. More information can be found at www.pca.state.mn.us/water/volunteer-monitoring.html. If you are already following these tips, keep up the good work! If not, add these to your check list of things to do when you open your cabin for the summer, and share them with your neighbors. For more information on how to protect lakes and improve water quality, check the MPCA's Web site at www.pca.state.mn.us/water/lake.html.