Land Use Practices

One of the goals of the Lake Improvement District is to encourage environmentally sound land use practices for urban and agricultural areas to protect water quality within the Chisago Lakes Watershed. Lakes, rivers, forests, and farms all depend on the replenishing waters of rain and snow.

However, when rain falls on land and impervious surfaces such as paved streets, parking lots, and building rooftops, it can wash away soil and sediments.

• Polluted runoff containing oil, grease, chemicals, nutrients, metals, litter and pathogens will severely reduce water quality. 
• Stormwater runoff, or snow melt, can change both water quality and quantity, affecting our water resources physically, chemically, and biologically.

The Lake Improvement District actively works with local partners, including cities and the Soil and Water Conservation District, to install projects which reduce pollution entering the lakes.