Preserving our lakes: Lake management plans

Have you ever looked out at one of our beautiful lakes and wondered how we can keep it healthy for years to come? Lake Management Plans are the answer. A powerful tool that helps us protect and improve our precious water resources is my focus for this week.

First things first: What exactly is a Lake Management Plan? Think of it as a roadmap for taking care of a lake. It looks at the lake's current health, identifies any problems it might have, and lays out steps to protect and improve it. These plans cover important issues like water quality, invasive species, development along the shoreline, and how to balance all the different ways people use the lake.

Lakes are more than just pretty views. They're vital for wildlife, great for recreation like fishing and boating, and even play a role in our local economy. That's why it's so important to have a plan to keep them in good shape.

So, how can you go about creating a Lake Management Plan for a lake you care about? Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process, as you work with the Mat-Su Borough’s Planning Department. It is critical to involve them because they will keep you on the right path, help guide your progress, and then forward the end product to the Borough Assembly for adoption.

First, gather a team of people who care about the lake as much as you do. This might include neighbors, local business owners, or members of community groups like the Lions Club or Rotary Club or community council. A diverse team will bring different perspectives and skills to the table.

Next, play detective and assess the lake's current condition. This means gathering water quality data, checking for any invasive plants or animals, and noting how the shoreline is being used. You might need some help from experts for this part, but don't let that stop you from getting started. You can contact the State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources and talk to one of their employees or referrals.

Once you have a good picture of the lake's health, identify any issues that need addressing. Maybe the water quality isn't as good as it could be, or there's too much algae growing, or you notice Elodea growing near the shores. Perhaps there are concerns about overdevelopment along the shore or conflicts between different lake users. This is your lake; who knows it better than you?

Now comes the fun part of setting goals for the lake's future. What do you and your team want to see happen? Cleaner water? More fish? A balance between development and natural areas? Write these goals down clearly. Write as many as you can, then pare the list down to realistic objectives.

With your goals in mind, it's time to develop strategies to achieve them. This might include things like reducing pollution, managing invasive species, or educating the community about lake-friendly practices. Be creative, but also realistic about what can be done.

Now that you have all these pieces, it's time to write the actual plan. This plan should explain the lake's current condition, the issues you've identified, your goals, and the strategies you'll use to achieve them. Make it clear and easy to understand. Add in measurable events that can help you prove progress.

Once you have a draft, share it with the wider community and ask for their input. After all, the lake belongs to everyone, especially those who live on it! Use their feedback to improve the plan.

Finally, it's time to put your plan into action. This might involve working with local government, applying for grants, or organizing volunteer events. Remember, a plan is only as good as its implementation, so stay committed to seeing it through.

Creating a Lake Management Plan might sound like a big task, but you don't have to do it alone. It's about bringing people together to care for a shared resource. It's about taking action to preserve the natural beauty and health of our Mat-Su Borough lakes for generations to come. There are lots of resources available to help you. The Mat-Su Borough Planning Department can provide guidance and information specific to our area. The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation and the Department of Fish and Game are great sources of scientific data and expertise.

Don't forget about local environmental organizations. They often have valuable knowledge about our lakes and can help rally community support. The University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service offers educational resources, as well.

The plan is not enforceable until it is adopted by the Mat-Su Borough Assembly or your local City Council. Once adopted, your local code compliance office can enforce it, but not law enforcement. Do not call police or troopers about a violation of a lake management plan, because they do not have the authority.

Christian M. Hartley is a 40-year Alaskan resident with over 25 years of public safety experience and public service. He runs a freelance business, Big Lake Writer, from home in Big Lake that he shares with his wife of 19 years and their three teenage sons.