2023 Shoreland Landowner Survey and Big Carnelian Open House
This spring, the Carnelian-Marine-St. Croix Watershed District (CMSCWD) and East Metro Water Education Program conducted a mailed survey of 565 lakeshore landowners on Big Carnelian, Big Marine, Fish, Goose, Hay, Little Carnelian, Long, North Twin, Sand, and Square Lakes and facilitated small-group conversations with landowners on Big Carnelian and Big Marine Lakes. We received a total of 144 survey responses and gained a wealth of information from both the survey and our conversations. Here’s what you told us:
Lake shoreline owners told us they value clean water and healthy ecosystems that support fish and wildlife. They also enjoy seeing the lake from your home, boating, and having room to recreate with friends and family.
They are concerned about terrestrial invasive species, aquatic invasive species (AIS), and algae. Many people on Big Carnelian are also worried about shoreline erosion and changes to fish populations.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resoruce and CMSCWD have measured habitat vanishing from shoreland, shoreline and aquatic zones on these lakes. On average, lakeshore owners from all lakes reported having unmowed or natural vegetation on 67% of their shoreland area and 77% of their shoreline area. However, roughly half of shoreline landowners (48% of all lakeshore owners and 68% of Big Carnelian landowners) say they have little to no habitat in thier aquatic zone. The majority (61%) also say they have little to no shrubs anywhere in the shoreland or shoreline zones.
However, shoreland landowners are taking action to protect their lake! An impressive 35% of lakeshore owners told us they have raingardens on their property to treat stormwater runoff and 76% said they are definitely or maybe interested in working with the watershed district to improve their shoreline habitat.
Shoreland landowners would like to see a holistic approach to lake management that considers shoreline and aquatic vegetation, water levels, boating, stormwater management, and fisheries. In particular, Big Carnelian residents told us they are concerned about increased boat traffic, wake boats, and shoreline erosion.
Join the CMSCWD, MnDNR, Washington County, and Washington Conservation Disrict to learn about next steps at our Big Carnelian Open House event: Thursday June 29 from 6:00-7:30PM at 11660 MYERON RD NORTH, STILLWATER.