A public meeting to discuss Sen. Mary Olson's "Star Lake" proposal is planned from 10 a.m. to noon Monday, Jan. 7 at the Hackensack Senior Center, located one block west of Highway 371.
According to Olson, the Star Lake proposal is intended to create a "gold standard" for proactive lake management by recognizing lake associations that have voluntarily taken steps to protect and preserve the quality of their lakes.
Lake associations meeting certain best management criteria would receive the Star Lake designation, and would potentially be eligible for other incentives including priority for state agency assistance with invasive species control, water monitoring, testing and clean-up and a possible revolving loan fund to assist with compliance issues.
"For lake associations that pursue the Star Lake designation, my proposal will allow the state to recognize the association's strong commitment to the long-term health of their lake, and will enable the state to maximize the benefit of tax dollars expended to help the lake association achieve its objectives" said Olson (DFL-Bemidji).
The meeting in Hackensack will be the second public meeting held to discuss Olson's proposal. The public meetings are intended to provide citizens and stakeholders the opportunity to offer additional input and work to develop a consensus regarding specific criteria that should be required in order to qualify as a Star Lake.
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In addition, Olson is hopeful citizens can offer suggestions regarding how the state can foster and assist lake associations' commitment to the health of Minnesota lakes.
Olson plans on introducing the Star Lake proposal during the 2008 Legislative Session.
"I've been very encouraged by the positive feedback I have received so far on the Star Lake concept," said Olson. "In order to be successful, the proposal will need realistic and workable lake management goals. I've been extremely impressed by the steps many lake associations are already taking and I anticipate incorporating the good work they are doing into my proposal."
"Our organization is pleased Sen. Olson is considering this legislative plan to cultivate a stronger public/private partnership to protect Minnesota's lakes," said Paula West, executive director of the Leech Lake Area Watershed Foundation, the local host for the Jan. 7 meeting. "We hope this meeting will bring together lake associations, the business community, environmental advocates and public agencies to discuss this important issue."
Citizens interested in learning more about the Star Lake proposal or who want to offer their input can contact the senator's office at 651-296-4913 or sen.mary.olson@senate.mn , or the Leech Lake Area Watershed Foundation at 218-838-5010 or info@leechlakewatershed.org .
