HomeMy WebLinkAboutFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSApril 2015
Lake & Pond Management Policy Frequently Asked Questions
What was the city doing before?
The city was providing aquatic vegetation management (for algae, floating leaf plants, and/or submerged
vegetation) for about forty water bodies. In most cases, the city was paying for these treatments, but in
some, shoreline residents were being specially assessed for the costs. These treatments had been
happening for many years, but there was no policy for why some water bodies were treated and some
were not, and who paid for the treatments.
What is changing, and why?
The city has established a formal policy for the management of Lakes & Ponds. The policy prioritizes
water bodies by size, water quality status, public access and use, and shoreline owner involvement. The
policy is on the city website at edinamn.gov by searching for “lake & pond.”
Based on the prioritization, the city will provide algae treatment and limited submerged vegetation
treatment. This will result in less treatment on many lower-priority water bodies, while reallocating
resources to higher priority water bodies. It also lays out a path so shoreline owners who want
additional treatment know what actions they can take to increase their water body’s priority level. The
policy ensures that public funds are used responsibly and that residents who are specially assessed for
associated costs are represented.
What is the difference between algae, floating leaf plants, and submerged vegetation?
There are two different types of algae: plankton and filamentous. Plankton algae is what makes water
look like “pea soup,” thick, cloudy, and green. Filamentous algae is commonly known as pond scum. It
sits on the top of the water and forms slimy mats. Both types of algae may grow excessively due to
excess nutrients in the water.
Floating leaf plants are aquatic plants that may be rooted or free-floating, with leaves sitting on top of
the water. This category includes duckweed and water lilies. Floating leaf plants provide food for wildlife
and may shade out less desirable aquatic plants.
Submerged vegetation has stems and leaves that grow entirely underwater. This category includes
pondweeds, coontail, and watermilfoils. Native submerged vegetation provides excellent habitat and
food for fish and wildlife. An established habitat of native submerged vegetation can prevent invasive
species from taking over.
What if I want more vegetation removed? Can I just do it myself?
There are a two way to have additional removal; contract for additional treatment independent of the
city or take steps to raise the priority level of your water body, either by forming a lake association or
collecting water quality data. Scoring for priority levels and options for city involvement are detailed in
the Lake & Pond Policy.
You can also decide to pay for additional vegetation removal yourself, or with other shoreline owners.
April 2015
If you wish to remove any vegetation that is not directly adjacent to your property, you should also talk
to other property owners on your water body; they may have different feelings about the vegetation.
The costs to remove aquatic vegetation vary. Last year, whole-lake treatments for algae cost between
$70-$100 per acre. Submerged vegetation removal costs vary more, depending on type, location, and
amount. If you live on a Public Water, you may also be required to get a permit from the DNR.
The DNR maintains a list of contractors certified for aquatic vegetation removal here on their website
at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/apm/index.html
How do I form a lake association?
Contact the City Water Resources Coordinator for a packet of information on forming a Lake
Association.
When does the DNR require a permit?
The DNR requires a permit for any vegetation removal on Public Waters. Public Waters previously
treated in Edina include: Birchcrest Pond, Cote Pond, Garrison Pond, Hawkes Lake, Hyde Park Pond,
Lake Cornelia, Lake Edina, Lake Harvey, Lake Nancy, Melody Lake, Otto Pond, and Pamela Lake. Edina
has 13 DNR Public Waters and 28 DNR Public Waters Wetlands.
For more information on DNR permitting the City Water Resources Coordinator or the DNR:
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/apm/index.html