Sustainability Committees

Forming a Sustainability Committee
What is a Sustainability Committee?

A Sustainability Committee is an active group of people within a lake association that is responsible for the evaluation of parcels of lakeshore and non-riparian land within the lake's watershed that are sensitive areas to be targeted for protection through conservation options.

A successful committee will:

Collect land ownership information on all parcels within the lake's watershed.

Prioritize conservation projects involving environmentally sensitive areas on the lake and within the watershed.

Contact landowners of sensitive parcels to inform them about the Committee's purpose and educate them about conservation options.

Develop a proactive plan to address land use changes around the lake and within the watershed.

Conduct fundraising campaigns to raise a reserve of money for the purchase of land, appraisal costs, and any necessary legal advice associated with conserving sensitive parcels.

Work with the Leech Lake Area Watershed Foundation, and other conservation organizations, to develop strategies for conserving land.

Why are Sustainability Committees Important?

With increasing development resulting in loss and fragmentation of fish and wildlife habitat and diminishing water quality, protecting lands and lakes today can insure these resources are available for future generations to enjoy.

What is the Foundation's Role?

The Leech Lake Area Watershed Foundation provides direct assistance to lake associations interested in forming a Sustainability Committee, including presentations to lake association boards and interested members, template materials, training workshops, and networking with other lake associations with active Sustainability Committees. For more information, contact Tom Buss, Leech Lake Foundation director, at tombuss@leechlakewatershed.org.