Public hearing set for Long Lake LID proposal
News | Published on September 16, 2025 at 2:59pm GMT+0000 | Author: Tucker Henderson
0By Tom Hintgen
Otter Tail County Correspondent
County commissioners, on Sept. 9, in response to a citizen petition to form a Long Lake Area Lake Improvement District (LID), scheduled a public hearing for 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6. The gathering will be held at the County Government Services Center in Fergus Falls.
Previously the county board, in early summer 2025, heard from lake property owners that Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) was a primary concern for lake residents. Petitioners to establish a LID pointed to degraded water quality which decreases the quality of life for Long Lake residents and visitors.
Specifically, they pointed to weed mats that interfere with fishing, water skiing, wake boarding and other lake activities.
The main goals of Minnesota Lake Improvement Districts (LIDs), in addition to preventing the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species, is to preserve and protect lakes by managing water quality and quantity, enhancing natural lake character and protecting shoreland.
LIDs also work to enhance lake use and enjoyment through habitat improvement and recreation. The LID is managed by a board of directors with all members being lake property owners. The initial board of directors at Long Lake would be appointed by the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners.
In Minnesota, LIDs also aim to address specific lake problems through citizen-led initiatives. They also can act as local sponsors for state and federal lake projects.