Why are Minnesotas Lakes Turning Green?
Much of the color change in Minnesota’s waters is the result of too much phosphorus getting into our lakes and streams. As development continues to occur around most of the lakes in the state, more and more lawn fertilizer is being applied to guarantee green lawns around people’s homes and summer cabins. Without proper shoreline buffers, the active ingredient of phosphorus in the fertilizer is being washed into our lakes and streams and causing algae growth. This algae growth is impossible to remove and has a negative impact on fishing and recreational use of our lakes and streams. Click here to look up information on your local lakes. Click here to download a fact sheet on reducing phosphorus in our waters. Click here to download a fact sheet on the new phosphorus lawn fertilizer law. Click here to view the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s recent study, “Detailed Assessment of Phosphorus Sources to Minnesota Watersheds” (Photo Courtesy of Amy Goerwitz.
