Cleaning up and deepening our lakes seem like very simple tasks. One would think that all we need to do is quit dumping junk into the lake, purchase a dredge, and all of our problems will be solved.

Unfortunately, like most issues, it’s always more complicated than it seems.

The first thing we must realize is that Fountain Lake is a small part of a major drainage system known as the Shell Rock River watershed. All water in this system drains from north to south and down the Shell Rock river into Iowa. We are very fortunate that this entire watershed is within Freeborn County. We do not need to negotiate with other counties and local units of government in order to accomplish our goals.

The downside is that there are many players in this saga and we must work with each of the players to turn things around. For example, farm fields contribute silt, phosphates, nitrates, and other agricultural chemicals to our lakes through county ditches. Highway development contributes increased runoff, salt, unburned fuel, and other pollutants. The City of Albert Lea alone has 52 storm drain inlets into the lakes. These also contribute salt, silt, phosphates, nitrates, petroleum, and other polluting factors. In addition to the above, failed septic systems contribute untreated sewage and the City of Albert Lea often pumps untreated sewage from their sanitary sewer lines directly into the lakes. Even we as homeowners make our contribution when lawn chemicals and other pollutants wash from our sidewalks, driveways, and lawns directly into the lakes or into the storm water system.

The conditions which exist out there did not come about overnight. They have been building and worsening for many years and many groups have worked long and hard to turn things around. At last, there is hope. Freeborn County and volunteer citizens have realized that something needs to be done and they have stepped up to the plate. Over the past couple of years, we have completely reworked the Shell Rock River watershed plan. It has been taken off its dusty shelf where it had languished for years, it has been updated, and now serves as a true working document which guides official decisions made by the county.

Furthermore, the county and its volunteer committees have taken the next step and have developed a working plan for Albert Lea Lake. This plan outlines a restoration and management plan for this lake. In addition, we are working with the Army Corps of Engineers on a multi-million dollar project which, if funded this spring, will begin ecosystem restoration efforts throughout the watershed. Meanwhile, the county’s Environmental Services department has purchased water testing equipment, mapping software, and hired a county water coordinator. They are documenting and prioritizing projects and establishing baselines so that we can accurately measure improvements as they begin taking place.

Great credit should also go to the farmers in our area. They have stepped up to the plate and have responded enthusiastically to programs designed to improve water quality. Grass waterways, grass filter strips along ditches, improved sanitary systems and feedlot improvements have made a great difference. More will be done in the near future.

Unfortunately, severe budget limitations make it almost certain that we will need to form a watershed district in order to raise the funds and provide the other resources necessary. Support from the city, the county, and other agencies will be necessary if the watershed board is to get off to a good start.

Now it is Fountain Lake’s turn. The city of Albert Lea has appointed a commission to develop a plan for Fountain Lake. This plan will take months to complete and will greatly benefit from citizen input. We urge everyone who is interested in improving our lake to attend and participate in these meetings. The meetings are scheduled for the second Wednesday of every month and are held in the multi-purpose room on the second floor of City Hall.

Fountain Lake is one of our community’s greatest assets and is really the property of everyone. If you feel as strongly as we do about our wonderful lake, help us to develop the plans which will clean it up and make it a better recreational resource for all of our people. See you at the meeting!

Tony Trow is an Albert Lea resident and president of Destination: Albert Lea. His column appears Mondays.