15 ways to reduce nutrients in lakes and streams

5 ways for residents

1.Use no-phosphorus fertilizer on lawns and gardens. Be sure to check the bags when you buy them. Look for the package formula of nitrate-phosphorus-potassium, such as 22-0-15. The middle number, representing phosphorus, should be 0.

2.When mowing the grass, avoid blowing grass clippings into the street, where they wash into storm sewers that drain to lakes and rivers.

3.Keep leaves and other organic matter out of the street. Again, streets drain to storm sewers, which in turn drain to rivers and lakes.

4.Sweep up any grass clippings or fertilizer spills on driveways, sidewalks and streets.

5.Leave a wide strip of deep-rooted plants along shoreland. Instead of planting and mowing turfgrass here, plant wildflowers, ornamental grasses, shrubs or trees. These plantings absorb and filter runoff that contains nutrients and soil, as well as provide habitat for wildlife.

More information at reduce.org (http://www.reduce.org/garden/index.html).

5 ways for farmers

1.Leave a wide strip of deep-rooted plants along ditches, streams and lakes to absorb and filter runoff. Many programs, including ditch authorities, pay rent for these filter strips.

2.Plant marginal cropland to perennial crops or convert to water retention areas.

3.Install controlled drainage systems instead of traditional pattern tiling.

4.Follow nutrient management plans to ensure efficiencies and protect water resources.

5.Follow manure management plans, including setbacks from water resources when applying manure to fields.

Check out the Minnesota Department of Agriculture website for more information on protecting land and water resources (http://www.mda.state.mn.us/protecting.aspx).

5 ways for cities

1.Educate residents about keeping grass clippings and other organic matter out of storm sewers.

2.Enforce laws on littering and pet waste disposal. Provide trash cans along popular pedestrian routes.

3.Leave a wide strip of deep-rooted plants along shoreland. Instead of planting and mowing turfgrass here, plant wildflowers, ornamental grasses, shrubs or trees. These plantings absorb and filter runoff that contains nutrients and soil, as well as providing habitat for wildlife.

4.Educate contractors and excavators on best management practices for sediment control and enforce related laws.

5.Require employees to follow best management practices for mowing, fertilizer application and other maintenance work.