Un-loony thoughts about Pequaywan Lakes:

Doing the clarity check on the lakes for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency as participants in the Citizen Monitoring Program has given us some satisfaction in taking a little responsibility for this lovely place and great feedback from many lake residents who share our love and concern for this unique environment.

A few ideas on ways to help maintain the quality and clarity of our lakes.

1. Careful individual landscaping around the lakes is a powerful tool to protect them

• Avoid using chemicals on your lawn
• Use native plants when possible
• Preserve naturally occurring vegetation
• Reduce open grassy areas (that's where the geese congregate!
• Limit mowed grass clippings in the lakes

2. Use the many resources available to educate yourself about lakeshore improvement

• Lake Association

• Publications

Example: Conservation Volunteer, July Aug 2005/"Landscaping for Wildlife and Water Quality" from Nongame Wildlife Program of DNR)

• Web sites

Example: www.dnr.state.mn.us/ecological_services/pubs_aquatics.html

• Your neighbors

3. With lakeshore owners moving in the same direction (towards improved lakeshore) these fragile precious lakes will be protected and even possibly improved. A relaxing pontoon ride around the lakes provides a great look at what's happening to the shore. It is heartening to see owners planting and working with nature to better this place.

Scott and Phyllis Mead
9130 West Branch Road
848-2051