Long Lake Stewardship Program – Protecting Water Quality

The Long Lake Stewardship Program helps property owners protect Long Lake through practical shoreline practices that reduce runoff, protect water quality, and improve habitat. LLAA partners with the Hubbard County Soil & Water Conservation District (HCSWCD) to provide guidance and complimentary shoreline site visits.

Why Shoreline Stewardship Matters

Healthy shorelines help protect Long Lake’s water quality, fish and wildlife. This short video explains how shoreline stewardship practices can reduce runoff and help protect the lake.

Reducing runoff protects Long Lake. Rainwater flowing across roofs, driveways, lawns, and other developed areas can carry soil, nutrients, and other pollutants into the lake. Shoreline buffers, native vegetation, and rain gardens help slow and absorb runoff before it reaches the water.

How the Lake Stewardship Program Works

The program helps Long Lake property owners evaluate their shoreline, identify practical improvements, and receive recognition for lake-friendly stewardship.

Stewardship Practices

  • The Lake Steward assessment considers practices throughout your property, including:

    • Natural vegetation and shoreline buffers
    • Erosion and runoff management
    • Native plants and aquatic habitat
    • Dock, lift, and shoreline equipment practices
    • Septic system maintenance
    • Fertilizer and salt use
    • Pet waste and fire pit management

    See how your property measures up: Take the 10-question Lake Steward assessment to see how your property compares with lake-friendly stewardship practices. For more information about these practices, visit Shoreland Management.

Owners qualifying as Lake Stewards will be displaying these signs

Lake-Friendly Gardening Workshop

Interested in creating a shoreline that’s both beautiful and better for Long Lake?

Watch this free workshop presented by Master Gardener Keith Manlove for Long Lake shoreline property owners. The presentation covers practical landscaping ideas that help reduce runoff, prevent erosion, and protect water quality while creating an attractive lakeshore.

Watch the workshop on YouTube → https://youtu.be/XA6g4gfCJKE

Ready to Become a Long Lake Steward?

  1. Take the 10-question Lake Steward assessment to see how your property measures up.
  2. Request a complimentary shoreline site visit by contacting stewardship@longlakeliving.org.
  3. Receive personalized recommendations for practical improvements that can help protect Long Lake.
  4. Earn Lake Steward recognition. Properties that meet the stewardship guidelines can receive a Lake Steward sign to display.

You don’t need a perfect shoreline to participate. The program is designed to help property owners identify practical steps they can take to improve their property and protect the lake.

See Lake Stewardship in Action: Meet the Recognized Long Lake Stewards and see how Long Lake property owners are putting lake-friendly practices into action.

Additional Shoreline Assistance

The Hubbard County Soil & Water Conservation District (HCSWCD) also provides technical assistance for shoreline restoration, rain gardens, native plantings, and other conservation practices. Cost-share funding may be available for eligible projects.

Visit the Hubbard County Soil & Water Conservation District

Help protect Long Lake

This work is made possible by LLAA members and donations.

→ Become a member or pay your annual dues
→ Donate to support lake stewardship