Helpful tips for lake users Recognizing “Lakes Appreciation Month”

July is recognized as “Lakes Appreciation Month” and the Grand River Dam Authority is proud to join in celebrating the important roles lakes play in our everyday lives. For water supplies, flood control, recreation, hydroelectricity and other uses, thousands of Oklahomans depend on the waters of Grand and Hudson lakes. Because of that, we wanted to pass along some simple tips to area landowners and lake users. These are things everyone can do to not only show their appreciation for Oklahoma’s beautiful lakes but also help protect these waters for future generations.

• Pack out what you pack in… Did you know the Grand Lake Adopt-the-Shoreline program has collected more than 200 tons (400,000 lbs!) of trash in just two years? Trash cans are available at parks around the lake. On your boat, make sure you have a trash bag and that it is tied down in some way so trash does not fly out.
• Pick up after your pet … Pet waste near the shoreline can get washed into the lake from rain events carrying bacteria with it. Pet waste also acts like a fertilizer in the water. If too much of the pet “fertilizer” ends up in the lake the result can be an algal bloom.
• Be careful when filling your boat or personal watercraft with gas or oil … Both chemicals can have an impact on the fish and bugs that live in the water
• Do not mow the shoreline vegetation too short … Allowing some growth along the shoreline can reduce erosion and trap pollutants coming off a road or yard. 
• Considering using a mulching mower … If you use a mulching mower and leave the grass clippings on the yard it can help reduce lawn-watering and the need for fertilizer.

These are just some of the things you can do to help protect lakes. For more information on how you can get involved in GRDA’s “Guard the Grand” program, visit https://www.grda.com/guard-the-grand/ and scroll down to the Resources section.

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