Sen. Mary OlsonA new idea to help protect and improve the state’s 10,000 lakes would reward “Star Lake” status to lake associations whose members take extra measures to keep their water healthy.

Sen. Mary Olson, DFL-Bemidji, says she plans to introduce the bill during the 2008 legislative session. The district she represents includes some of the state’s best known water bodies, including Cass, Gull and Pelican lakes.

A public meeting on the concept hosted by Olson on Tuesday drew about two dozen people, including members of lake associations along with water quality regulators and environmental advocates.

As it’s currently envisioned, the Star Lake proposal would set up voluntary partnerships between state agencies and lakeshore owners. Those that meet certain to-be-determined criteria would earn the Star Lake designation.Tuesday’s meeting was meant to draw ideas on what criteria should be included, Olson said. They included things like planting shoreline vegetation, creating conservation easements and ensuring septic systems are tested. Click here to read Olson’s summary.

The idea isn’t intended to be a comprehensive solution to water quality problems, but with state agencies strapped for dollars, Olson said she hopes it might be a way to make those resources go further by involving associations.

“This is one proposal to provide specific recognition to lake associations that go above and beyond what’s required by the law,” Olson said.