What You Can Do to Help Protect and Preserve Clearwater Lake

  • Take active role in trapping rusty crayfish.   Checkout information on our Crayfish Campaign.
  • Install rain gardens, rain barrels, berms, or natural depressions.
  • Don’t burn brush or leaves on a slope where ashes can wash into the lake.
  • Remove ash from any fire-pits and dispose of properly so none of it can wash into the lake after a rain storm.  See the rules for fire pit placement. - link coming soon.
  • Regularly aerate your lawn to reduce soil compaction and improve water infiltration.
  • Use non-phosphorous containing fertilizers and dish washing machine detergents.
  • Check your water softener to make sure system is not leaking.
  • Don’t use a garbage disposal - could plug drain fields.
  • Maintain septic system and look for leaking system once every other year. If you are installing new or upgrading construction, consider installing holding tanks, composting toilets, gray water systems. Don’t use a garbage disposal – could plug drain fields.
  • Wash only full loads of dishes or clothes; use water-saving showers and toilets.
  • Test your water. MN Dept of Health recommends annual testing for coliform bacteria, nitrates testing every other year, arsenic and lead testing at least once, and manganese testing before a baby drinks the water. As a private well owner, you are responsible for regularly testing your well water. Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recommends:
See  Well Testing, Results, and Options on the MN   Department of Health web site.  Purchase kits locally (A.W. Research Laboratories near the Brainerd airport has these for sale).
  • Plant native grasses, wildflowers, shrubs and trees along shorelines and slopes. These provide good habitat for fish and wildlife but also act as a buffer that soaks up runoff carrying harmful nutrients into the lake from grass clippings, driveways and other organic matter.  See our Mini Grant Page for inspiration!

OWN YOUR WAKE!

Environmental Impacts of Wakes
Large wakes produced by watercraft can result in a variety of negative environmental consequences, including:
  • Shoreline erosion
  • Impaired water quality resulting from increased sediment in the water
  • Loss of shoreline vegetation, which helps stabilize the shore and provides important habitat for fish and wildlife.
These impacts are greater when water levels are high and shorelines are saturated. 

Boaters must be aware that their actions directly impact the environment. They should take steps to reduce their wake when operating near shore or when water levels are high.
Under Minnesota law, the damage your wake causes is treated the same as damage caused by an actual collision. Personal watercraft (PWC) must stay at least 150 feet from shore. There is no required distance for boats, but by staying at least 200 feet from shore or other structures boaters can reduce the likelihood their wakes will cause damage. Boats that create an artificial wake may require more distance to lower the impact.
Own Your Wake | Minnesota DNR