DNR urges residents to leave aquatic plants
Go Deeper.
Create an account or log in to save stories.
Like this?
Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.
Minnesota residents with lakefront property are being reminded not to clear aquatic vegetation without a permit, because the plants help stabilize the shoreline.
A St. Paul Pioneer Press report says residents sometimes remove vegetation to keep beaches clear for swimming. But that removes vital habitat for fish and birds, and it also leaves the shoreline vulnerable to erosion.
So the state Department of Natural Resources is beefing up its enforcement regarding the removal of lake vegetation. Instead of warning people who remove aquatic growth, the agency will issue $285 tickets.
Current enforcement is centered on White Bear Lake and the Chisago Lakes area.
Homeowners can buy a $35 permit that allows them to clear half their frontage, to a maximum of 100 feet.
---
Information from: St. Paul Pioneer Press
Turn Up Your Support
MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all.