As you may recall, Lakestyle was created in part because, as new lake home owners, we couldn't find a single resource to answer all of the questions that we faced.  Lakestyle is pleased to introduce a question and answer section focused on filling this need.

D. Johnson asks, "What kind of flooring can I put in my seasonal cabin that would allow for shrinking and expanding with the season change?"  

According to Greg Amundson, of Lindal Cedar Homes, seasonal cabins will always have this movement, so it is best to look for a manufactured wood floor such as Pergo.  A manufactured wood floor is a plywood based flooring material with a thin laminated wood covering.  An even easier option is carpet.  Ceramic tile is out, because it doesn't "give", the ceramic will buckle and crack due to temperature changes.

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Here are a couple perennial summer questions (from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency):

Q: What causes swimmers itch?

A: Swimmer's itch is caused by a blood fluke common in waterfowl. The itching is caused when the fluke, while in the immature stage of its life cycle (referred to as "cercaria"), mistakes you for its primary host -- waterfowl -- and burrows into your skin. Aside from the annoying itching, it's harmless to humans. Learn more about swimmer's itch and how to avoid getting it at the Minnesota DNR's Web site.

Q: How can I get rid of all these weeds by my dock?

A: Hold on, that might not be such a good idea! Aquatic plant communities provide critical fish and wildlife habitat. Native emergent plants are natural shoreline stabilizers because they reduce wave action that can erode shores, and act as filters to reduce nutrient runoff into the lake. Emergent plants also provide important cover, nesting and feeding areas for fish and wildlife. Plants such as yellow-waterlilies and broad-leaf pondweeds provide shade, shelter and foraging opportunities for fish. Fish also seek cover in beds of muskgrass and bushy pondweed. The taller, denser foliage of coontail and northern watermilfoil provide excellent habitat for aquatic invertebrates. Bushy pondweed is one of the most important plants for waterfowl, which consume the stems, leaves and seeds of the plant. The tubers and foliage of water celery are a favorite food of canvasback ducks. Seeds of all of the pondweeds are also eaten by waterfowl and the leaves may be grazed by muskrat, deer and beaver.

Therefore, any removal of these plants should be done in a manner that limits the disturbance to the overall plant community. A healthy diversity of native aquatic plants can also help prevent exotic species from becoming established in the lake. Removal of aquatic plants may require a permit from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Find out more information at the DNR's Aquatic Plant Management Program Web page.

Send us your lake and cabin questions!

Do you have additional lake questions?  Send them to:

Mail:
Lakestyle Questions
P.O. Box 170
Excelsior, MN  55331

Email:
questions@lakestyle.com

Fax:
952-470-1389

By Lakestyle Staff

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