TEN MILE LAKE IN THE STAR TRIBUNE

Ten Mile Lake gets a prominent mention in an article in the Minneapolis Star Tribune for May 26 headed "FIGURING THE VALUE OF CLEAR WATERS: The price of lakeshore land is closely related to water clarity, a study shows." (Tom Meersman, Page B-1,3). TML is mentioned as one of a number of lakes studied in the north central region of the state to determine the relationship of water clarity to lakeshore land values. The researchers predict that "Ten Mile Lake in Cass County, which is clear to nearly 22 feet, would see shore frontage rise an estimated $9 per foot if its water became clearer. Land values would drop by about $11 per foot if the lake lost more than 3 feet of clarity." The change values for TML are less than for Leech Lake, presumably because our lake's clarity and land values are already high. However, "total property value around a lake could increase or decrease by millions of dollars," depending on water quality.

The article points out that "lakeshore property is under tremendous development pressure," which can degrade water quality if developers fail to follow proper guidelines. According to Charlie Parson, author of the study, "(T)he worst practices include removing trees, native plants, and aquatic vegetation in front of the property, and then mowing everything down to the water and fertilizing the heck out of it."

The study was conducted by researchers at Bemidji State University under the direction of the Mississippi Headwaters Board.