Ask Lyn: Safe & Clean Recreaction

^{By Lyn Crighton, Executive Director}

Lake recreation is one of the things that make this community so special. Year-round fishing, pontoon rides, peaceful kayaking, early morning skiing, long days at the sandbar, and all the quiet moments in between.

These activities are possible and enjoyable because we have clean, healthy water. We are all responsible for keeping it that way!

Busy lake season is here, and I have been getting many questions from lake residents and recreationists about how they can help protect our lakes while enjoying them.

Here are my suggestions for safe and clean lake recreation.

1. Mind Your Depth

Large wakes and wave action are especially damaging in shallow areas near shorelines.

Here’s the science behind it: the nutrient phosphorus binds itself to sediment. When boats stir up the bottom, that phosphorus is suspended and released into the water column. Then it fuels the growth of aquatic weeds and algae.

As a general rule, stay in depths of at least 10 feet for skiing and 20 feet for wakeboarding and wakesurfing (or anytime the ballast is full).

Always travel at idle speed in ‘no-wake zones’ and within 200 feet of shore.

2. Stop aquatic hitchhikers

Aquatic invasive species pose one of the most serious threats to our lakes. Recreational watercraft are the primary cause of the spread.

Clean, drain, and dry your boat, trailer, and gear every time you leave the water. You can click here to read more about aquatic hitchhikers.

3. Respect wildlife

We all love wildlife, but when we are on the lake, we are guests in other creatures’ homes. Stay at least 200 feet away from wildlife.

For birds and waterfowl, it is especially important during feeding and nesting seasons. Repeated disturbances in nesting areas can cause birds to abandon their nests. This can lead to a decline in local populations.

Slow down near marshy edges and vegetated shorelines. These are critical habitats, not just scenery.

4. Practice lake-friendly fishing

Choose barbless hooks for catch-and-release fishing. Barbed hooks cause significant tissue damage and reduce fish survival after release.

Swap out lead sinkers and jigs for non-toxic alternatives. Lead poisoning is a well-documented cause of mortality in loons, other waterfowl, and fish over time.

Never leave behind fishing line or any tackle. Entanglement is a serious threat to wildlife.

5. Maintain your boat

A well-maintained engine is a clean engine. Regularly inspect for fuel or oil leaks, and never top off your fuel tank. Overfilling causes spills that introduce harmful chemicals directly into the water.

Even small amounts of fuel in the water are harmful to aquatic organisms and can affect water quality.

One of my favorite tools to reduce fuel spills is a jiggler or shaker siphon. It is easy for anyone to use. This self-priming pump makes refueling safer, easier, and spill-free. You can find this item at the North Webster Ace Hardware store or online.

6. Leave no trace

Never dispose of food waste, containers, or any other items in or near the water. Even biodegradable waste introduces extra nutrients that trigger algal blooms!

Bonus tip: choose a mineral sunscreen over a chemical one. Oxybenzone, an ingredient in chemical sunscreens, has been shown to disrupt endocrine systems in fish and other organisms.

---

Our lakes are a resource that shapes our community, our economy, and our daily lives. But it’s a blessing that is not here unconditionally. It depends on the choices we make, every season, every day.

Safe and clean recreation is about awareness. Once you know how to protect our water, you take action!

Have a great summer,

Lyn