Property Owners Guide to Stewardship | Watters Edge Realty Group

Caring for your property also means protecting our lakes, land, wildlife—and being a good neighbor. The tips below will help preserve property value and the natural beauty we all enjoy.

Septic Systems & Private Wells

Most properties use a private well and subsurface septic system.

Helpful resources

Key tips

Never flush or drain items not approved for septic systems (click for a full list).
Do not park or place heavy equipment on septic tanks or drain fields—damage is expensive.
Pump septic systems every 3 years. Avoid fall and winter pumping; healthy bacteria helps prevent freezing.

Protecting Our Lakes, Land & Wildlife

1. Give wildlife space
Stay at least 200 feet from all wildlife. Loons nest along shorelines in May–June, and chicks are especially vulnerable. Use binoculars to observe safely. Loon warning calls (tremolo) or the “penguin dance” mean you’re too close—please back away.
Learn more

2. Boat responsibly

Slow down near shorelines and swimming wildlife.
Observe no-wake zones and remain a minimum of 200 feet from shore when creating wakes.
Limit wake boats and jet skis to open water with a minimum of 20 feet deep.
Always watch for swimming or diving loons and other wildlife.

3. Fish lead-free
Lead sinkers and jigs can kill loons, ducks, eagles, and other wildlife if ingested.

Use lead-free tackle.
Retrieve and properly dispose of fishing line and bait.
Lead-free resources

4. Leave shorelines natural as much as possible
Sunken logs and aquatic vegetation provide critical habitat. If possible, please do not disturb them.

5. Keep water clean

Use onshore restrooms—no soaps or shampoos in lakes.
Pack out all trash.
Build campfires at least 20 feet from the shoreline and fully extinguish before leaving area.
Avoid fireworks—they pollute water and disturb neighbors and wildlife.

6. Stop invasive species

Clean, drain, and dry all watercraft and gear after use.
Remove plants, drain plugs, water, and bait before transport.
Use AIS decontamination stations when available.
If not decontaminated, boats must dry for at least 5 days. after removing and washing.
Watch quick videos for more information