Lake McCarrons is a small, urban lake located in Roseville. With a surface area of 81 acres and a depth of 65 feet, Lake McCarrons is the only swimming lake in the District. Visitors enjoy a variety of activities, including boating and fishing. The east shore of the lake also has a picnic shelter and boat access.
2022 Update
In summer 2021, CRWD worked with Ramsey Soil and Water Conservation Division (RCSWCD) to assess the condition of the Lake McCarrons shoreline. Since 2004, over 16 shoreline restoration projects have been completed with grant funding from CRWD and/or RCSWCD. Shoreline conditions changed since the previous assessment was completed in 2007. A link to the report is available below.
Additionally, a technical memo was written to summarize the current conditions of the 16 completed shoreline restoration projects in further detail. Open the Lake McCarrons Shoreline Survey Memo PDF.
View Lake McCarron’s shoreline property assessment information and grant award eligibility with the Lake McCarrons Map Viewer Tool. Completed shoreline restoration grant projects may be eligible for Maintenance Grant funding. Visit the Maintenance Grants Page to learn more.
For questions, please contact Alexandra amorrison@capitolregionwd.org.
Lake McCarrons Shoreline Survey Report PDF - updated 5-24-22
The Challenge
Many urban lakes suffer from the loss of natural shoreline vegetation. Development and erosion cause increased runoff to enter Lake McCarrons at its shores, along with runoff pollutants that damage the lake’s ecosystem. The result is high bacteria levels and algal growth that present health risks to swimmers, as well as high nutrient levels that support the overgrowth of aquatic plants. Common sources of phosphorus include fertilizers from lawns and gardens, leaves and grass clippings, pet and wildlife waste, and automobile emissions.
“Protecting the water quality of Lake McCarrons is a key priority for CRWD and its partners. Restoring eroded shoreline with native vegetation is an important step in preserving the clarity and health of the lake for future enjoyment.” – Anna Eleria, Planning, Projects & Grants Division Manager for CRWD
The Solution
CRWD, Ramsey County Soil and Water Conservation Division, and City of Roseville are working to maintain good water quality in Lake McCarrons, and shoreline restoration has been a top priority. A 2007 assessment of the Lake McCarrons shoreline documented slope, soils, and vegetation cover for each shoreline parcel, and ranked them into areas with high, medium, and low erosion potential. Following the assessment, CRWD and Ramsey County Soil and Water Conservation Division have recommended shoreline restoration designs using native shoreline plants. Native plants have extensive root systems that increase soil stability, provide habitat for wildlife and require little maintenance.
Results
Many property owners on Lake McCarrons have installed rain gardens or shoreline restoration projects to help keep runoff and pollution from reaching the lake. Starting in 2004, efforts began to restore the shoreline of Lake McCarrons with additional funding in 2008 and 2009 from the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources. Overall, more than 12 lakeshore property owners have restored their shorelines.
Residents who own property adjacent to the lake can contact CRWD for details on shoreline restoration. Technical assistance and funding may be available through the District’s Clean Water Project Grants program. Learn more about the program and how to get started on the Clean Water Project Grants page.
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