Is it OK to clean-up my beach or remove vegetation on the exposed lake bed during low water periods?
In general, it is best to avoid disturbing the exposed lake bed. Shorelines and shallow areas of lakes play a vital role in providing habitat for fish and wildlife and for protecting water quality. A diverse native plant community provides the best habitat and defends against invasive species getting established. Until water levels return to normal, it is important for shoreline owners to avoid inadvertently harming exposed lakeshore areas. There are some activities which may be necessary to maintain access, control invasive species, and reduce nuisance accumulations of biological material. The following fact sheet on Beach Maintenance may help you do these activities in a way that minimizes harm to exposed lakeshore areas. => Beach Maintenance. Most activities conducted on the exposed lake bed including beach grooming and cutting or chemically treating plants are regulated by the DNR, but there are a few activities that dont require a permit. For example, some minor vegetation managem
