So, you're hearing more and more about shoreline practices and water quality these days. What's all the fuss, you ask?

Last year a collaborative group of state and private organizations came together to draft a set of "alternative shoreland standards" that local governments could choose to voluntarily apply to shorelands in their jurisdiction. The effort was one of the key products of the North Central Minnesota Lakes Project, a five-county pilot of the Governor's Clean Water Initiative.

While several local governments explore the adoption of all or part of these alternative standards - which address zoning, sanitation, resorts, subdivisions, access, administration and planned unit developments-many individual shoreland owners and lake associations are asking what they can do to encourage more lake-friendly practices on their lakes.

Last summer, the pilot project published a list of the "Top 10" things Minnesotans can do to help protect our lakes and waters. You can read more about the top ten list on the NCML Web site at: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakes/ncml.html.

This summer, watch this newspaper for practical advice and projects you can use to improve and protect your lake. The articles will give practical advice on how to prevent geese from congregating on your lake lot, how to construct a rain barrel to control and divert runoff, and what plants work best to encourage infiltration along shorelines.

Enjoy your lake!

Minnesota Lakes Top 10

1 Keep it natural - Restore your shore - Plants absorb nutrients that would otherwise end up in the lake.

2 Know your lake rules - It is unlawful in Minnesota to knowingly alter shoreline, fish habitat or aquatic vegetation without a permit.

3 Appreciate aquatic plants - With their amazing filtering abilities, native aquatic plants such as cattails and bulrush are natural water purifiers.

4 Reduce your lawn - Once established, natural landscapes are less expensive and easier to maintain than traditional lawns.

5 Maintain your septic system - A well-maintained septic system saves money, headaches and the environment.

6 Reduce runoff from roofs and roads - Minimizing hard surfaces will allow water to soak into the landscape and keep pollutants out of lakes.

7 Properly dispose of animal waste - Animal wastes, containing bacteria, phosphorus and nitrogen, should be disposed of far from the shoreline.

8 Be considerate of all lake users - Part of being a good lake steward and neighbor is being considerate of everyone's values.

9 Support land conservation - Conservation easements are a cost-effective way to protect sensitive shorelines.

10 Show up - Speak up - Write a check - Decisions are made by those who show up and speak up.