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Water Resources <br /> Part of Minnesota's"Northern Lakes and Forests Eco-region'6,Pequot Lakes is home to nine lakes <br /> including Sibley,Mayo,West Twin,East Twin,Mid-Cullen,Upper Cullen,Cloverleaf;Rice,and <br /> Lund. These lakes provide residents with breathtaking scenery,good fishing,and a host of other <br /> recreational opportunities.Although the depth and size of these lakes vary,the general water quality <br /> in most lakes is below average for the region and nearly all are reaching the eutrophic stage.Several <br /> lakes-including Sibley,Mayo,and Rice lakes-exhibit high phosphorous levels and poor water <br /> clarity'.The Pequot Lakes central business district lies completely within the Sibley Lake watershed. <br /> Storm water runoff from impervious surface in this downtown area—including roads,rooftops,and "%\%, <br /> parking lots-likely contribute significantly to this problem in Sibley Lake.Phosphorous,a common <br /> component of fertilizers,also poses a serious threat to the future health of lakes,especially to shallow 34%*" <br /> wetland lakes such as Lund and Rice lakes,as well as lakes cleared of natural lakeshore vegetation a <br /> that acts as a filter. Phosphorous is naturally occurring in the environment,but care must be taken not <br /> to dramatically increase the phosphorous load in area lakes as is currently happening.High levels of <br /> phosphorous lead to increased algae and weeds and decreased oxygen and clarity over time.Most <br /> lakes feature diverse aquatic vegetation and fish populations8. <br /> All land use activities occurring within local watersheds impact area lakes.Specific activities that <br /> threaten area lakes include lakeshore development,rip-rap and other harmful landscaping practices, <br /> faulty septic systems,fertilizers,increased impervious surface,soil compaction,and the removal of <br /> aquatic and terrestrial vegetation. Nearly 83 percent of lakeshore property in Pequot Lakes is <br /> developed,contributing significantly to these problems.A recent study by Bemidji State University <br /> has shown that lakes with higher water quality boost lakeshore property values9. To ensure lake <br /> water quality and the natural beauty of lake shorelines,the City of Pequot Lakes must protect <br /> shorelines with natural buffers and encourage responsible future development that won't damage lake <br /> health or appearance,and promote better alternatives for drainage,retaining stormwater runoff,and <br /> building and landscaping practices throughout the entire watershed. <br /> .4446 <br /> I <br /> =tom"_ -..... 14k), I �t <br /> #, S < e, ' �' !; '' s 2003 <br /> Pequot Lakes boasts numerous beautiful and healthy lakes. 47 <br /> Pequot Lakes Vision 2025 <br />