Keep Big Fish Clean

Think what could happen if every user of Big Fish Lake did one thing during the summer of 2005 to help keep our waters clean and unpolluted! It staggers the imagination! If good people do nothing to keep the Lake clean, how can we expect our government to keep it clean? “What can I do to keep the lake clean, you may ask?” I am glad you asked! Check the following list – how many of these things can you implement?

• Do not use any lawn or plant fertilizer with phosphates
• Do not use any laundry soap with phosphates
• Make sure your septic system is working 100%
• Do what you can to prevent erosion from running into the lake
• Never put grass clippings, weeds, ashes or charcoal into the lake
• If you clean your boat or pontoon while on the lake, be sure to use biodegradable chemicals.
• Never throw bottles, cans or any type of garbage into the lake. Keep trash containers on your watercraft and empty them often.
• Never run an ATV below the high water mark of any unfrozen lake.
• Never spill gasoline or oil into the lake
• Make sure none of your watercraft drip or leak oil, grease or fuel.
• If you as a lakeshore owner would look for a way to beautify your property while protecting its natural value and preventing any form of runoff. You will find some great ideas in “Shoreline Alterations: Natural Buffers and Lakescaping”, a new publication from the DNR. Go towww.dnr.state.mn.us/publications/waters/shoreline_alteration.htmland click on Lakescaping or phone 800 657-3929 to order.

I am sure there is many other things property owners can do to keep Big Fish neat and clean. Remember every thing you do to keep the lake clean will reward your pocket book. The DNR have told us many times the following: “The clearer the water, the higher the lake property value, according to Bemidji State University researchers who studied the economic value of lake clarity on six groups of lakes in north-central Minnesota. Logical conclusion: It make economic as well as environment sense to enhance water clarity through measures such as protecting shorelines from erosion, reducing or eliminating fertilizer use, and maintaining septic systems.” [Minnesota Conservation Volunteer, March-April 2005, page 61] Bottom Line: Let’s all do our part to keep Big Fish Lake clean and neat! Do something!