Government agencies that want to drawdown lake water to control invasive species would only need 75 percent of the lakefront owners to agree to the method, instead of the unanimous approval currently required, according to a bill passed by the House 120-12 May 4. Passed by the Senate one day later 60-0, it now awaits action by Gov. Tim Pawlenty.
Sponsored by Rep. Paul Rosenthal (DFL-Edina) and Sen. Ken Kelash (DFL-Mpls), HF1539/SF640* would apply to temporary drawdowns, not permanent ones, and is intended for small and shallow lakes that become overgrown with non-native plants and fish, such as curly-leaf pondweed, Rosenthal said. Typically the reduction in water levels lasts for a couple of months in the fall.
The drawdown method is preferred by some municipalities in place of using chemicals to remove the invasive species.
A few members expressed concern for property owner rights. The bill requires that the commissioner of natural resources make findings of fact that the drawdown is in the public interest and hold public hearings.
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