Ice is melting and open water is coming back to Minnesota’s lakes. Depending on the weather the ice can make minimal impact to the shoreline or it can be much more dramatic, like last spring on Mille Lacs Lake when piles of ice cross the highway and damaged property.
The ice heaves are a normal part of the makeup of the lake’s shoreline. While they can be damaging to property too close, they also add valuable nutrients to the shoreline. The DNR says while cleaning up after an ice heave homeowners need a permit before pushing land back into the water. And there are other ways to properly cleanup after an ice heave to minimize future effects.
Earlier this winter one Gull Lake homeowner saw first hand the power of ice when it collides with the shoreline.
If temperatures say warm and we get some rain and fog the DNR says ice on the Brainerd Lakes Area lakes could be fully thawed as early as the end of March.
For more information about what to do if an ice heave hits your property please contact MN DNR Aquatic Habitat Specialist Heather Baird at 218-833-8648

By — Lakeland PBS

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