Great Lakes Aquatic Habitat News
The Newsletter of the Great Lakes
Aquatic Habitat Network and Fund
Volume 12, Number 4 • Early Fall 2004
Great Lakes Aquatic Habitat NewsThe Newsletter of the Great Lakes
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From Minnesota Environmental Partnership
Lawn enthusiasts can get a head start on the state’s phosphorus-free lawn fertilizer law by using fertilizer with a “0” for the middle number on the fertilizer bag. Minnesota blue lakes are turning green with algae. Too much phosphorus increases algae growth and ruins fishing, boating and swimming. One pound of phosphorus can grow 300-700 pounds of algae. Using phosphorus-free lawn fertilizers reduces the amount of phosphorus that drains into lakes and rivers, keeping our lakes blue.
The nation’s first statewide phosphorus-free lawn fertilizer law was celebrated with a ceremonial bill signing by Gov. Tim Pawlenty on Friday, May 28, 2004. The new law, which will go into effect Jan. 1, 2005, calls for phosphorus-free fertilizer to be used on all established lawns across the state, unless soil tests indicate phosphorus is needed. New sod, golf courses and agricultural land are exempt. A metro-wide phosphorus-free lawn fertilizer law went into effect at the beginning of this year.
| Jennifer Tahtinen Environmental Association for Great Lakes Education (EAGLE) Serving as Hub for Minnesota 394 Lake Avenue South, #222 Duluth, MN 55802 (218)-726-1828 (586)-816-1974(fax) E-mail: jennifertahtinen@EAGLE-ecosource.org Website: www.EAGLE-EcoSource.org |