Growing area development is theme of Saturday workshop

EAST GULL LAKE -- The Minnesota Lakes Association will sponsor a lake workshop and annual meeting 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. April 26 at Cragun's Resort in East Gull Lake.

"What's the concern about growing development in the lake country?" is the theme of the one-day workshop.

George Orning, of the University of Minnesota, will provide an overview of changes in the demographics of the lake regions of Minnesota and how increasing urbanization in rural counties affects area communities and the quality of water resources.

Art Norton, of the Itasca County Soil and Water Conservation District, will present a model for determining how much development is enough on lakes in Itasca County; and Paul Fairbanks, Cass County Environmental Services, will share ideas his county has used to balance development pressures with water quality protection.

Other workshop topics on development-related issues include "Lakeshore Planning for Stormwater Management" and "Influencing Local Government Planning and Zoning Decisions."

Afternoon workshops will focus on creative shoreland landscaping, including what to do with ice ridges; developing lake management plans; small community and cluster approaches to wastewater management; and communication tips for lake associations.

The workshop is open to the public. Cost is $15 per person for MLA individual and lake association members; $20 for non-members; and $25 for non-members, including an introductory membership to the Minnesota Lakes Association. Registration fee includes lunch. To pre-register call 824-5565 or e-mail lakes@mnlakes.