The Conservation Committee is charged with three principal tasks:

• organize the CLC membership to monitor the health of the lake
• provide information on how residents can better protect the lake
• work with various governmental agencies and nongovernmental organizations to protect the lake and the watershed surrounding Cedar Lake

Monitoring the health of the lake happens in multiple ways. First, our Shore Land stewards check the entire shoreline once a year for aquatic invasive species (AIS), particularly Eurasian milfoil and starry stonewort. Second, stewards of our Citizens Lake Monitoring Program do weekly water clarity readings. These readings are
crucial to our screening for algae blooms throughout the summer season as well as trends in water clarity long term. When significant changes in clarity are noted, water samples are gathered for testing so information on any chemical changes in
the lake can be evaluated. These activities have been ongoing now for 20+ years. Third, in 2023 the Conservation Committee will resume tracking phosphate levels. Phosphate levels determine how much harmful algae Cedar Lake sees in the summer.

There are three ways phosphates enter the lake:

• from the watershed and its streams that flow into our lake (some of which pass through agricultural areas or areas where disturbance has occurred
• airborne dust from as far away as the Dakotas
• soil erosion from shorelines without protective vegetation

The CLC continually educates and invests in opportunities to proactively address threats to its water quality. However, every property owner is responsible for managing their shoreline to minimize erosion as well. The easiest way to start is to not fertilize your property. If you do use some limited applications of fertilizers,
consider purchasing ones without phosphates. If you haven’t already done so, think about installing a shoreline buffer. A 10’ wide to 20’ wide buffer of natural vegetation can make a huge difference along with keeping the geese off your property. If you have a steep slope, implement rain gardens and consider cutting
back on the amount you mow. Mowing to the edge of the water significantly contributes to phosphate, nutrient and sediment introduction into the lake.

Unfortunately, in 2021 zebra mussels were discovered in our beloved lake. We will never know for sure how these pervasive mussels were introduced. Consequently, in addition to our routine AIS shoreline monitoring, we have begun surveilling the spread of zebra mussels. We have nine monitoring stations located in various areas and bays around the lake to screen for their presence. Results of our observations are provided to the membership through the CLC’s newsletters and at the annual meeting. Help us monitor the presence of these unwanted guests by inspecting your waterfront equipment in the fall when you pull everything out and let us know if you find any.

The CLC perseveres to educate, inspect and hold the line on numerous other AIS like Eurasian watermilfoil, starry stonewort, etc. In addition, we continue to work with Aitkin County to keep up our boat ramp inspections to provide a last line of defense against potential AIS infections. While it is up to each of us to protect the
lake, let’s also work together as a community to do everything possible to keep Cedar Lake as healthy as possible!

If you have any questions about Conservation, please contact me or Kelsey Klucas at 218-839-0992 or kelseyklucas@gmail.com

To become a lake steward for the Citizens Lake Monitoring Program or Shore Land Committee, please contact the Committee Chair listed.

Bob Karls, Committee Chair
612-850-3811
bkarls58@gmail.com