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The LOWQC recommends the following goals take place in order to preserve and enhance the ecological <br />and aesthetic integrity of Lake Orono: <br />1.That our 2017 -2020 lake Orono Management Plan be adopted by the Elk River City Council <br />o Ensure that goals are realistic, attainable, and funding paths determined, supported by <br />concrete action plans and evaluation mechanisms <br />2.Implement a comprehensive program to alleviate current ecological stressors and recreational <br />impairment, brought about by excessive non-native vegetation, native plant overgrowth, algae <br />proliferation and sedimentation <br />o The LOWQC will investigate the feasibility, financial and political support for two <br />primary tools -dredging and a partial lake drawdown, for implementation during <br />2017-2020 <br />•Establish a program to remove 120,000 cubic yards of sediment to return Lake <br />Orono to its historic baseline depth: an average of 5' or greater <br />•To be funded from a combination of 50% from State Legacy funds or State <br />bonding capacity, 25% through lake property owner assessments and 25% from <br />a very modest city-wide tax <br />•Pursue land best management practices to extend this investment in lake and <br />river infrastructure to a 30-year life cycle <br />o Put in place a consistent Lake Vegetation Management Plan to effectively address <br />invasive plants, native plant overgrowth and algae proliferation <br />•It is proposed the plan be funded through the creation of a Lake Improvement <br />District (LID) and/or Friends of Lake Orono Fund <br />3.Maintain, restore or establish natural upland buffers to encourage wildlife, help prevent decline <br />in species, deter Canada geese, and provide enjoyment for future generations <br />o Primary strategy will be the Lake Orono Improvement Association partnering with the <br />Sherburne COLA and using City of Elk River programs and educational mediums <br />4.Increase public awareness and use of Best Management Practices targeting the reduction of <br />sedimentation, phosphorus and salt inputs from upstream and shoreline sources to Lake Orono <br />o Same strategy as goal 3 <br />5.Build the public perception and "brand" of Lake Orono as a quality recreation destination, <br />valuable community asset and safe lake <br />o Primary strategy will be using Lake Orono Improvement Association and City of Elk River <br />communication tools, programs and educational mediums