Five Island Lake is a natural resource that contributes greatly to the local economy, provides seasonal recreational opportunities and offers the uniqueness of lake living. Experts who monitor the health of the lake always have specific mitigation efforts that governing bodies and citizens can do to assist with the lake’s clarity and health.
One group that has a distinct concern for the quality of the lake are those who have homes along the shoreline of Five Island Lake. There are the normal neighborly responsibilities. And then there is a broader responsibility that lies with the body of water that is within a few steps of their home.
An excellent source of ideas to assist lake homeowners is the booklet, Shoreline Living. Some of the topics in this 28-page informational piece include Inland Lake Landscaping, Protect the Shore, Building with Nature, Attracting Wildlife and Wild Landscapes. It conveys useful and doable strategies to help protect the lake. It is a publication of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies as well as the Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Programs.
Featured in the booklet are five families, each one living on an upper Midwest-lake, who used various strategies that enhanced their shorelines and benefitted the lake. The opening paragraph introduces the essence of the work that can be done along shorelines. “With native landscaping homeowners can have the best of both worlds. They can keep stretches of mowed turf grass around the house for paths and play areas. Yet along the shore, they can plant a border of native grass and wildflowers that will filter contaminants, such as lawn fertilizer and dog feces, before they run into the lake to cause weed and algae growth.”
One of the homeowners featured was Jan Arps-Prundeanu who redid her shoreline to feature a 750ft. buffer strip of native plants. She comments that “It’s funny how your concept of ‘pretty’ can change when you learn to appreciate a plant for what it does, not just how it looks.”
At the end of the booklet there is a list of resources and the associated contact information. States listed include Illinois, Indiana, Iowa Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
Shoreline Living can be accessed on the Five Island Lake Association’s website. Go to https://fiveislandlake.wixsite.com/fila. At the top right of the page click on the f. This will take you to the link to download the booklet. It can be referenced by anyone interested in clean lake water.
Thanks go to Mike Hawkins, Fisheries Biologist at the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery for sharing Shoreline Living with FILA and the public.
Previous question’s answer: Temperatures, wind, less rainfall and decreased snowpack are some of the weather factors that directly affect the quality of lake water.
Question: What is the length of Five Island Lake’s shoreline?
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