Summary Report with Tables of Survey Responses on Public Perceptions of the Impacts, Use and Future of Minnesota Lakes

摘要

Lakes are one of the hallmark resources of the State of Minnesota. Minnesotans enjoy lakes for many reasons, including recreation, scenery, solitude, and homes. All of these uses combine to create pressures on lake resources. With lakeshore development comes impacts, and these impacts are especially evident if development is poorly managed. Impacts are apparent as changes in water quality and aesthetics, and in aquatic and riparian habitat. The University of Minnesota Sea Grant Program and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources designed a survey to learn about the public.s perceptions of the condition of Minnesota lakes. Lakes are a public resource, owned in common by all Minnesotans. As such, Minnesotans play a central role in setting the future direction for .their. lakes. This survey offered Minnesotans an opportunity to provide input into public policy discussions about the future management of lake resources. Management programs require public support to be successful. One way to gather that support is to ensure the public has opportunities to affect the design and implementation of the management programs.