Fall Shoreline Checklist: Protecting Our Lakes Before Winter

As another northern Minnesota lake season winds down, fall is a good time to protect the shoreline before snow and ice arrive. A few simple steps can reduce nutrient runoff, protect habitat and make spring opening easier.

1. Keep leaves and grass clippings out of the lake

Leaves belong on the land, not in the water. When excess leaves and grass clippings enter lakes and decompose, they release nutrients that can contribute to algae growth and consume oxygen. Compost leaves on your property or use an appropriate local compost site rather than raking them into the lake.

2. Leave your natural shoreline working for the lake

Native trees, shrubs, grasses and other shoreline plants slow runoff, hold soil in place, filter nutrients and provide habitat. Fall is not the time for an aggressive shoreline cleanup. Where practical, leave healthy native vegetation in place and avoid unnecessary clearing near the water.

3. Look for erosion before winter

Walk the shoreline and look for exposed soil, gullies, failing banks or places where runoff is concentrating. Small problems can become larger after snowmelt and spring rains. Before undertaking grading, filling, riprap or work below the ordinary high-water level, check current Wabana Township, Itasca County and Minnesota DNR requirements.

4. Check runoff around the cabin

Notice where water flows from roofs, driveways, paths and other hard surfaces. The goal is to slow water down and let it soak into vegetated areas rather than carrying soil and nutrients directly to the lake. Maintaining or restoring a native shoreline buffer is one of the most useful steps a lakeshore owner can take.

5. Give the septic system a quick seasonal check

Keep the drainfield protected from vehicles, construction and deep-rooted plantings, and watch for warning signs such as slow drains, sewage odors or wet areas over the system. If service or inspection is due, fall can be a good time to address it before winter. A properly functioning septic system helps keep nutrients and pathogens out of groundwater and surface water.

6. Clean lake equipment as it comes out

When removing boats, docks, lifts and other water-related equipment, remove aquatic plants, mud and animals and drain water where applicable. If equipment will be moved to another water body, remember Minnesota’s special requirements for water-related equipment, including the 21-day drying requirement for docks, lifts, swim rafts and associated equipment before they are placed into another water body.

A healthy shoreline is year-round lake protection

Fall shoreline care does not have to mean making everything perfectly tidy. In many cases, the better approach is to keep natural vegetation intact, prevent excess nutrients and soil from reaching the lake, and address erosion or runoff problems thoughtfully.

WCOLA encourages everyone around Wabana, Little Wabana, Bluewater, Trout, Little Trout, Clearwater and Doan to make lake-friendly fall cleanup part of closing the cabin or preparing for winter.

Learn more

Minnesota DNR: Healthy Shorelines
Minnesota DNR: Natural Buffers and Lakescaping
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency: Keep Leaves Out of Lakes
WCOLA Education & AIS Information
WCOLA Shoreland & Ordinance Information

WCOLA provides this information for education. Regulations and recommendations can change; consult the appropriate agency or local government for current requirements.