n the Land of 10,000 Lakes, many Minnesotans enjoy the benefits that go along with owning lakeshore property. But when a public lake becomes impaired with algae or pesky weeds, local governments often findstheir hands are tied to correct the problem.
If just one property owner on a lake objects to a temporary water “drawdown,” meaning partially draining the lake to mimic an extreme drought condition, then the management practice cannot be performed.
HF1539, sponsored by Rep. Paul Rosenthal (DFL-Edina), would make it easier for local governments to perform temporary drawdowns by reducing from 100 percent to 75 percent the number of votes required by the affected property owners. Rep. Tony Cornish (R-Good Thunder) successfully amended the bill to require a 75 percent vote for a drawdown, rather than the 60 percent originally proposed. Cornish said the lesser amount might have allowed one large lakeshore property owner to vote against the objections of many smaller property owners.
The House Environment Policy and Oversight Committee approved the bill April 2 and sent it to the House floor. The companion, SF640, sponsored by Sen. Ken Kelash (DFL-Mpls), awaits action by the full Senate.
Drawdowns help eliminate non-native plant species, such as curly leaf pond weed, which can grow in 15 feet of water. Rosenthal said some lakes in his district have up to 50 percent coverage of the unwanted plant, capable of elevating phosphorous levels in lakes.
Apple Valley Mayor Mary Hamann-Roland said drawdowns are performed during the winter months. The city has wanted to perform a drawdown on Long Lake but one property owner’s objection has prevented that from happening.
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