Lake Steward/Shoreland habitat
GCOLA BEGAN THIS PROGRAM – NOW IN HIGH DEMAND!
Have you seen our signs? The Lake Steward program recognizes members who generally end up doing less (!) and by doing so, help to preserve the health of our lakes. The benefits of letting a shoreline buffer zone go natural, using fewer fertilizers which eventually find their way into the lakes, and bolstering shorelines with coils of natural vegetation versus rip rap, all result in improved lake waters and less work for humans. It’s easy to get started and make a big difference. Take the 4 question, 3 minute quiz to rate your lakeshore!
Other lake associations in Minnesota, and also other states, have reached out to our Lake Steward founder, Dr. Dorothy Whitmer, for assistance in expanding this program – a sure sign of its success.
What We Do
- Engage property owners to evaluate their shoreland and/or update it to qualify for the Lake Steward Award by encouraging them to Take The Quiz.
- Promote the Lake Steward Award program state-wide by engaging with cities, counties, MN DNR, and Minnesota Lakes and Rivers.
- Coordinate the GCOLA Shoreland Habitat cost-share program.
What You Can Do
- Take the Lake Steward Quiz to see how you can qualify to be a Lake Steward.
- Talk to your neighbor who is a Lake Steward!
- Read our quarterly newsmagazine for articles about our Lake Stewards and Shoreland Restoration projects.