The Otter Tail County Coalition Of Lake Associations (OTC COLA) and East Otter Tail County Soil and Water Conservation District (EOT SWCD) are sponsoring a bus tour of lake properties demonstrating how lake property owners can be proactive in the preservation of their shorelines and water quality of their lakes.

Registered attendees will assemble September 16 at the EOT SWCD offices at 801 Jenny Ave SW, Perham MN 56573, at 8:30 a.m.  Refreshments will be provided.  Bus departure 9 a.m.  Return is estimated to be noon.

Lakes are an essential part of our identity here in Minnesota.  They are vital for our economy, the environment, and our way of life. 

What happens on the land surrounding a lake can have a significant impact on the lake itself. Lakes in more populated areas or with more recreational activity are at greater risk of being polluted and choked by algae and invasive species. When runoff from rain or melting snow enters a lake it carries a lot of extra nutrients. The right amount of nutrients is essential for a healthy lake but too much can cause uncontrolled algae growth.