Mitchell Lake Association awarded a $33,000
DNR Shoreland Restoration Grant
In 2008, Mitchell Lake Association was awarded a DNR Grant of $33,000 for lakeshore
restoration. Four shoreland restoration project applications were submitted and
approved. The four projects are now complete and include; the Timberlake Association
Commons area and three private residences. Click here for photo's of Tyler's rain
garden project.
The Timberlake Association commons shoreland restoration was the first project to be
implemented under this grant. We hope that this project will serve as both an
educational and inspirational example of shoreland restoration for other lake property
owners. Click here for more photos of Timberlake restoration project.
How does shoreland restoration improve Water Quality?
Native plants existed here prior to human influence. They develop naturally in
Minnesota and are adapted to our soil, water, and weather conditions. Once
established the area will need less irrigation, fertilizers, pesticides and herbicide. Less
mowing is required, which is good for air quality.
Resources:
• Blue Thumb: Planting for Clean Water www.bluethumb.org
• Minnesota DNR: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakescaping/index.html
• Fortin Consulting: www.fortinconsulting.com can advise and help create a plan
DNR Shoreland Restoration Grant
In 2008, Mitchell Lake Association was awarded a DNR Grant of $33,000 for lakeshore
restoration. Four shoreland restoration project applications were submitted and
approved. The four projects are now complete and include; the Timberlake Association
Commons area and three private residences. Click here for photo's of Tyler's rain
garden project.
The Timberlake Association commons shoreland restoration was the first project to be
implemented under this grant. We hope that this project will serve as both an
educational and inspirational example of shoreland restoration for other lake property
owners. Click here for more photos of Timberlake restoration project.
How does shoreland restoration improve Water Quality?
- Capture Pollutants
Planting rainwater gardens and creating shoreland buffers help slow water
runoff, capture pollutants that are in the rainwater and let the water infiltrate
slowly into the ground. Pollutants include things like nutrients, pesticides,
herbicides and soil particles.
Mitigate Erosion
Native vegetation slows down water runoff and their longer root systems help
reduce erosion and absorb extra nutrients. Bluegrass has a shorter root system
and does not work well in preventing erosion.
Provide Better Wildlife Habitat
Kentucky bluegrass does not provide food or shelter for many song birds,
butterflies or other wildlife. However, it is a favorite food for geese! Buffers will
deter geese from entering your yard.
Native plants existed here prior to human influence. They develop naturally in
Minnesota and are adapted to our soil, water, and weather conditions. Once
established the area will need less irrigation, fertilizers, pesticides and herbicide. Less
mowing is required, which is good for air quality.
Resources:
• Blue Thumb: Planting for Clean Water www.bluethumb.org
• Minnesota DNR: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakescaping/index.html
• Fortin Consulting: www.fortinconsulting.com can advise and help create a plan
- (Fortin was our partner on Timberlake Commons project)
Shoreland Restoration
The Mitchell Lake Association
 |  |  |  |  |
| Timberlake Commons Restoration Project Photos Plant List |
| Mitchell Lake Rain Gardens Photos Rain Garden Article |
