The Lake Steward Program is empowering lakeshore communities to promote shoreline restoration and educate homeowners on sustainable land management. Through tailored resources, support for restoration projects, and recognition of stewardship efforts, the program helps lakefront property owners protect and preserve Minnesota’s lakes.
stew·ard·ship
noun
the job of supervising or taking care of something, such as an organization or property.
“responsible stewardship of our public lands”
Why Shoreline Restoration Matters
The Issue
Many lakeshore homeowners are unaware of the damaging effects that unnatural shorelines can have on lake health and water quality. Current estimates indicate that Minnesota has lost 40-50% of its natural shoreline. Unnatural shorelines, such as manicured lawns and rip rap, disrupt lake ecosystems, increasing erosion, pollution runoff, and habitat loss. Without native vegetation, rainwater carries pollutants directly into the lake, leading to algae blooms and degraded water quality.
The Science
Shoreline restoration emphasizes the interconnectedness of land and water ecosystems, using native plants as natural buffers that absorb and filter runoff while stabilizing soil and reducing erosion. This restoration provides critical habitat for wildlife like loons, Minnesota’s state bird, which depend on natural shorelines for nesting and clean, clear water for hunting. Healthy shorelines also support aquatic plants that enhance oxygen production, benefiting aquatic life and fisheries. Furthermore, native vegetation captures carbon dioxide, aiding climate change mitigation. Restored shorelines are more resilient to rising water levels and intense storms, maintaining ecological balance and providing lasting environmental benefits.
How to Become a Lake Steward
Read the 10 Tips to Lake Stewardship by Minnesota Lakes and River Advocates
Take the quiz: Challenge yourself with the “Are You a Lake Steward Quiz” to assess your impact on Minnesota’s lakes from your own backyard and uncover ways to enhance your environmental stewardship.
Schedule an evaluation: By completing the quiz, you will notify our local trained shoreline evaluator of your interest, and they will reach out to you to arrange the assessment.
Restore your shore: Receive tailored restoration recommendations specific to your region.
Lake Steward Award: After a shoreline has been restored to a healthy and native landscape, Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates awards a “Lake Steward” sign to the property owner. The Lake Steward sign is a badge of honor for lakeshore property owners, shows their personal appreciation of the environment, and awards efforts to preserve Minnesota’s lakes.
Becoming a Lake Steward with Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates recognizes an individual’s personal responsibility for their environment, and the care they are taking to preserve natural resources in Minnesota.
The Lake Steward Program is open to all MN Lake Associations that are current members of MLR.
If you are a member of a Lake Association that wants to participate in MLR’s Lake Steward Program:
contact Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates Program Manager and Civic Organizer, Lily Carr – lily@mnlakesandrivers.org
The Lake Steward Program helps Lake Associations meet Shoreline Protection Goals
Through the Lake Steward Program, Lake Associations Volunteers complete a short training session with Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates to get started in the program.
Benefits of your Association’s enrollment in the Lake Steward Program:
- Access to volunteer training with Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates, and ability to receive direct support and feedback throughout the Lake Steward Program
- Data collection for the Lake Steward Program to track lake association improvements and help meet goals for shoreline protection
- Ability to order the “Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates: Shoreland Guide to Lake Stewardship” – an in-depth explanation of how individual property and land management can affect the health and water quality of your lake, and how to make recommended changes in protection of the environment
- Resources to help expand lake association involvement, and increase responses and involvement in the Lake Steward Program
- Access to an online Shoreline Evaluation tool for the use of Lake Steward Volunteers to facilitate shoreline evaluations and track progress in the program – including a photo guide of native plants and vegetation to help plan shoreline restoration projects and evaluate shorelines
- Lake Steward Awards that can be gifted to individuals who protect their shoreline through the Lake Steward Program – MLR pays half the cost, so your members can enjoy their signs more easily
Now Available:
The Shoreland Guide to Lake Stewardship is an excellent resource for owners who have taken the “Are You a Lake Steward” quiz and are considering steps to meet Lake Steward criteria. The management strategies presented in this book can catch and filter 90% of the runoff pollution from your property and into the lake. Owners can take some steps, or take a deep dive into shoreland management. All reductions in phosphorus will help protect water quality. Together we will stop the degradation of our lakes. Click here to view on Amazon.
Videos for Lake Steward Volunteers:
Why Lake Stewards Works/How to Start Up Lake Stewards for Your Lake
Lake Steward Volunteer Tool Kit
Lake Stewards if Gull Lake with Dorothy Whitmer
Fixing Your Eroding Shore – Isanti County Webinar