 1410 Energy Park Dr.
Suite 4
St. Paul, MN 55108
651-644-8888
|
CRWD Home > Our Work > Water Resource Improvement Projects > Lake McCarrons Shoreline Restoration Project
Lake McCarrons Shoreline Restoration Project
As is the case with many urban lakes, the loss of natural shoreline vegetation around Lake McCarrons has destructive effects. When soil stability along the shoreline is lost, runoff pollutants including sediment and nutrients are allowed to directly enter the lake. Eroding shorelines also attract Canada geese to the area. Their activity further damages the shoreline, and their waste is a source of bacterial pollution. High bacteria levels affect swimming posing a human health risk and high nutrient levels contribute to low dissolved oxygen levels as well as the overgrowth of aquatic plants.
It is the goal of CRWD and the Ramsey Conservation District (RCD) to maintain good water quality in Lake McCarrons. A 2007 assessment of Lake McCarrons shoreline completed by RCD documented slope, soils, and vegetation cover for each shoreline parcel, and ranked them into areas with high, medium, and low erosion potential. This assessment is guiding the RCD staff in recommending useful shoreline restoration designs with use of native shoreline plants. Minnesota native plants have extensive root systems that increase soil stability, provide suitable wildlife habitat, and require limited maintenance after they're established.
Starting in 2008 with funding from CRWD, RCD and the Minnesota Board of Soil and Water Resources, all Lake McCarrons shoreline property owners may apply for grant funding for shoreline restoration projects. Up to 75% of approved project costs are available on a reimbursement basis. Projects must use Minnesota native plants (seed from within a 200 mile radius) to be eligible for reimbursement. All properties are eligible; however, properties with high erosion potential are given funding priority. Contact Ryan Johnson at RCD, 651-266-7275 for more information and the availability of grant funds.
|
