10th/11th Crow Wing Lakes Association

Shoreland restoration is important to the health and vitality of our lakes.   The DNR has a wealth of information on how our shorelines can affect our lakes.  A link is shown below:

• DNR link for Shoreland Restoration

See link below for Hubbard County’s Soil and Water Conservation District’s (SWCD) tree sale held in Park Rapids.  The 2014 Tree sale has opened in mid August with orders due by Sept 10th.     Please contact one of the Lake Association officers if you are interested in placing an order.  You can find the order form and more information in the link below.  Costs are VERY reasonable (approximately $5 per 5 trees for most varieties).  Delivery of trees will be in the spring of 2014.

• 2014 Tree Order Form
• Restore the Shore – Tree Program

 

_____________________________________________________

Some of us want an open view of the lake, while others prefer a cabin and shoreline that is more wooded.  But adding trees along the shoreline and on your property can provide benefits that go beyond simple aesthetics.  Trees help with erosion control, improved nutrient uptake in shoreline areas, help feed and shelter birds and wildlife, and exchange Carbon Dioxide for Oxygen.  Trees have the potential to outlive their owners, becoming a legacy for future generations that visit your cabin.

Some examples of what may be available for purchase are shown below.  Most of these are native to the area and look attactive as well.  We have planted all of these varieties on our property and have learned a few things along the way.  Some tree species require significantly more work to keep deer away (White pine, Red Pine, Jack Pine, White Birch).  Bud capping during winter is recommended to avoid having deer browse the central leader on top until the tree reaches 5-6 feet tall in height.  This can be a simple post card stapled over to cover the top leader.  Most scent based products (like Plantskydd) work for a certain time, but often deer will just ignore it if they are hungry enough.  Also beavers may present issues to certain trees along the shoreline, especially birch and aspen.  Spruce trees are attractive and are really low maintenance once the roots become established after the first year.