Lake homeowners play a key role in keeping their lake healthy

Lakes are not just beautiful landscapes; they are complex ecosystems that support a wide variety of wildlife, aquatic plants and human enjoyment. Eden Prairie, with 19 lakes and four stream systems, attracts residents for swimming, fishing and boating. But behind the scenes, the health of these lakes largely depends on the decisions made by lakefront homeowners, local governments and environmental organizations.

The choices lakeshore homeowners make to maintain their shorelines—whether through weed removal, fertilizer application, or maintenance of native plants—can significantly impact the health of the lake and its wildlife. Poor choices can lead to devastating effects on both water quality and the delicate ecosystems that depend on maintaining a healthy lake.

Native plants and their role in lake health

Josh Maxwell, water resources manager for the Riley Creek Watershed District, expands on the role of aquatic plants, saying, “They are essential to the health and balance of lake ecosystems, providing essential habitat for fish and other aquatic life throughout their life cycle. These plants are not just ‘weeds’; they provide essential services such as oxygenating water, stabilizing sediment, 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 to the lake’s charm, but its real value lies in its ability to support waterfowl and other aquatic species.

“Through photosynthesis, (aquatic plants) oxygenate water, sustaining life while also providing a food source for terrestrial and aquatic creatures,” Maxwell said. “In addition, aquatic plants help mitigate shoreline erosion by buffering wave action from wind and boats, and they stabilize lake sediments by preventing the release of nutrients that might otherwise trigger harmful algal blooms. Their role extends beyond these functions to contribute to the overall stability and biodiversity of lake environments.”

Unfortunately, many lakefront homeowners find plants like the American lotus to be a nuisance, leading to their removal. This can be devastating to the lake’s ecosystem. Removing large areas of aquatic plants disrupts the natural balance, resulting in decreased 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.

Consequences of poor lake shore management

One of the most serious threats to the health of the lake is the removal of native plants under the mistaken belief that they are “weeds” that detract from the beauty of the lake. This practice not only eliminates essential plants, but also destroys habitat that is critical for wildlife. A particularly poignant example is the before-and-after scene at Red Rock Lake, where an area once home to American lotus was decimated by illegal weed removal. A once vibrant and thriving ecosystem has become sterile, depriving fish and other wildlife of their natural habitat.

Maxwell warns that “removing large areas of aquatic vegetation can harm lake health by reducing water clarity, increasing algal blooms, eroding shorelines and disrupting fish populations. Large-scale removal affects fish growth, survival and diversity, and destabilizes the ecosystem. Careful management is essential to prevent these negative effects.”

Aquatic plant removal can be accomplished in a variety of ways, such as uprooting plants, using submerged aerators, or treating the area with herbicides. While these methods can be effective in removing unwanted plants, they also harm native species that are essential to a healthy lake biosphere. The result can be a cascade of negative impacts, from algal blooms caused by the release of nutrients from disturbed sediments to declining fish populations due to lack of food and habitat.

In addition to removing aquatic plants, the use of fertilizers and pesticides near the lake shore can have a profound effect on water quality. Fertilizers add excess nutrients to the water, which encourages the growth of harmful algae. These algae blooms not only reduce water clarity, but also lower oxygen levels in the water, creating dead zones where fish and other aquatic life struggle to survive. Pesticides can be just as harmful, killing beneficial plants and animals and further disrupting the natural balance of the lake.

The importance of responsible lakeshore management

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

In addition, poor practices such as over-fertilization, removal of native plants, over-irrigation, pesticide use, and hardscaping with impermeable materials can lead to pollution, erosion, and habitat destruction. This also means understanding the importance of permitting processes and following local regulations designed to protect the lake.

Sustainable practices like rain gardens and permeable paving help control runoff and erosion. Choosing eco-friendly alternatives further protects the lake ecosystem. Homeowners can also conserve water with rain barrels and low-flow fixtures, and create wildlife-friendly spaces by maintaining a variety of plants and natural habitats.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has established regulations governing the removal of aquatic plants, requiring permits for any large-scale removal activities. These regulations are designed to protect the lake’s ecosystem and ensure that any changes made to the lakeshore do not negatively impact the overall health of the lake. Homeowners who violate these regulations by removing plants without a permit or using large amounts of herbicides can be subject to 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, often collaborating through data sharing and management plans. Their shared goal is to maintain healthy and sustainable aquatic ecosystems, with each organization’s efforts complementing the efforts of the others. For example, the DNR conducts periodic fish surveys to track population trends, while the district supplements this data with more frequent surveys to control invasive species, such as common carp, that negatively impact water quality through DNR-permitted activities.”

Maxwell continues, “Aquatic plant and water quality monitoring is shared between the city and the district within their respective areas, and the shared data informs coordinated management actions. In addition, the district assesses water quality problems 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 such as European water milfoil and curly pondweed. He said the removal of the plants is regulated by the DNR, requiring the district to obtain permits and adhere to size limits for treatments. The DNR also offers grants to help local governments manage invasive aquatic plants.

“Illegal removal of aquatic plants, such as water lilies, can be reported to the watershed district, city or DNR,” Maxwell said. “Although local agencies can assist with investigations, DNR is responsible for enforcing regulations regarding the destruction of aquatic plants.”

Shoreline vegetation also plays a key role in the health of the lake, according to Maxwell.

“The DNR Score-the-Shore program evaluates the overall health of the shores of many lakes, while the district has developed a Shoreland Health Evaluation tool, available at Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek, that allows residents to view the health scores of their individual properties,” he explains. “The district also offers grants to support residents interested in improving the health scores of their shores.”

By working together and making informed decisions, we can protect the beauty and health of our lakes for generations to come. Protecting native plants, limiting chemical use, and following local regulations are essential steps to ensure our lakes remain vibrant ecosystems that support both wildlife and recreation.

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

Learn more about local initiatives supporting healthy lakeshores: 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 additional responsibilities that come with owning property on the shoreline. Homeowners can research available programs and gather information before removing plants and trees from their property. By understanding the importance of native plants, being aware of the impacts of weed control and chemical use, and working with local governments to follow best practices for lakeshore management, we can all do our part to preserve these important 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 Kelley Regan’s monthly real estate column, which aims to provide Eden Prairie residents with insight into current real estate trends. Regan has lived in Eden Prairie since 2004 and has over 28 years of real estate experience, focusing on senior housing, first-time homebuyers, and negotiation strategies. In addition to her professional role, she volunteers with local organizations, including The PROP Shop and the Eden Prairie Historical Society.