There’s nothing like spending a day at the lake! To make sure our lakes are clean and healthy for our enjoyment today, and for the enjoyment of future generations, we must all take care to enjoy them in a lake-friendly way. This means having fun at the lake while taking precautions to minimize your impact on its health. Here’s how:
Paddle Power: Kayaking, Canoeing, and Paddleboarding
Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are all great ways to explore lakes and ponds!
Tips: Always clean, drain, and dry your gear to prevent the spread of invasive species.
Lake-Friendly Boating: Reducing Your Impact on the Lake
If you prefer motorized boating, you can still be lake-friendly.
- Tips:
- Use fuel-efficient engines to reduce emissions.
- Always dispose of waste and sewage properly.
- Follow no-wake zones to prevent shoreline erosion and avoid disturbing nesting areas.
- Learn more about lake-friendly boating in our blog, Get Ready for Boating Season.
Catch and Release: Sustainable Fishing Practices
Fishing is a classic lake activity, but it’s essential to do it sustainably to ensure healthy fish populations.
- Tips:
- Practice catch and release to ensure that fish populations are not depleted.
- Use barbless hooks to avoid injuring fish, handle fish gently and quickly to reduce stress, and follow local regulations regarding fishing seasons and limits.
- Use lead-free tackle to protect the loons and other aquatic wildlife. Learn more about loons and loon safety at loon.org.
Hiking and Birdwatching: Enjoying Nature from the Shore
Walking designated trails in the area around your lake is a great way to enjoy the beauty without disturbing the water.
- Tips:
- Stick to established trails to avoid damaging vegetation and causing erosion, which can add nutrients like phosphorus to the water.
- Carry out all trash to keep the area pristine, and bring binoculars for birdwatching to keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
Lakeside Gatherings: Leave No Trace
Having a meal or party by the water is a delightful way to spend a day at the lake. Practice “leave no trace” principles to ensure you leave the shoreline the same way you found it.
- Tips:
- Remove all trash and bring reusable containers and utensils to reduce waste.
- Avoid feeding geese and ducks to keep wildlife healthy and discourage them from visiting your property.
Final Thoughts
Lake-friendly recreation is about finding harmony between enjoyment and preservation. By adopting lake-friendly habits, we can help restore and preserve the health of our lakes. Together, we can keep our lakes beautiful and thriving for generations. Enjoy the lake!
by Ale Consulting