Several local sportsmen s groups operate aeration systems in Artichoke Lake, East Toqua Lake, Long Tom Lake, and Hendricks Lake to help prevent winterkill and maintain good fish habitat. Area Habitat Projects Area staff spend several weeks in the spring and fall working on an experimental method of lake shoreline stabilization called willow staking. The willow stakes are jetted into the sediment along the shoreline, and once established help to buffer eroding areas from further wave action. This eventually allows stabilization of the bank. Stabilizing banks is important in trying to minimize the amount of sediment entering the lake.
Excessive sediment can cover up spawning habitats and reduce water quality.
On lakes with severely eroding shorelines, such as Lac qui Parle, often more intensive erosion control measures are necessary. Fluctuating water levels and wind fetch in Lac qui Parle make establishment of vegetation on shorelines difficult. In 1999, a large riprap project along the Hantho Beach area was completed to try to stabilize areas with severe erosion. The Clay Banks shoreline on Lac qui Parle and several areas on Del Clark Lake are planned for stabilization projects in 2001. All rights reserved.