Protection and, if need be, Restoration of Deer Lake’s Natural Shoreland is essential to keep our Water Quality excellent.
The LAKE CHALLENGE program provides Deer Lake residents with a worksheet that can help assess the condition of your lakeshore, and make suggestions for improvement. The worksheet can be used to guide your own walk-about, or in conjunction with an Expert. The two-sided worksheet seen below can be printed for use.
The DLA also has high-quality metal signs to post near your dock or by your mailbox. These signs help spread the word for Shoreland Stewardship. Come to a DLA meeting or the Frolic and pick one up!
Expertise is available at our Itasca Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). There is no charge for a consultation with their knowledgeable and friendly staff, who will visit with you on site. The SWCD offers 75% Cost Shares for projects on the shore area (you pay only 25% of the cost). This can include developing a protective buffer with plants that will make your lakeside a beautiful, pollinator-friendly area. There are many other possibilities, as seen in the Lake Challenge worksheet. The SWCD does not cost-share RipRap (rocks to armor the shore from waves), but instead the many natural means to protect the shore.
