Ham Lake Lake Association
Conservation
Protecting Ham Lake for Future Generations
The Ham Lake Lake Association is committed to preserving the health, beauty, and ecological integrity of Ham Lake through active stewardship, community education, and science-based conservation practices.
Our Conservation Goals
We work year-round to maintain and improve the ecological health of Ham Lake through a combination of monitoring, advocacy, and hands-on stewardship.
Maintain Water Clarity
Monitor and protect water transparency and quality through regular testing and reporting.
Protect Native Habitat
Preserve natural shorelines, native aquatic plants, and wildlife corridors around the lake.
Control Invasive Species
Detect, report, and manage invasive aquatic plants and animals before they spread.
Educate the Community
Provide residents and visitors with the knowledge to make lake-friendly choices every day.
Water Quality Monitoring
Clean, clear water is the foundation of a healthy lake ecosystem. The Ham Lake Lake Association conducts regular water quality testing to track key indicators including Secchi disk transparency, phosphorus levels, chlorophyll-a concentrations, and dissolved oxygen. Our data is submitted to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and the Citizen Lake Monitoring Program (CLMP), contributing to a statewide database that helps track long-term trends.
How you can help: Residents can help by minimizing fertilizer use near the shoreline, properly disposing of yard waste away from the water, and reporting unusual algae blooms or water discoloration to the association.
Annual
Water Quality Reports
MPCA
State Agency Partner
CLMP
Citizen Monitoring Program
Shoreline & Habitat Protection
Healthy shorelines are the lake's first line of defense. Native vegetation along the water's edge filters runoff, stabilizes banks, provides wildlife habitat, and shades the water to reduce algae growth. The Ham Lake Lake Association encourages property owners to maintain natural buffer zones, plant native species, and avoid mowing or hardscaping directly to the water's edge.
Plant native wildflowers, sedges, and shrubs along your shoreline.
Leave a natural buffer of at least 10–15 feet between your lawn and the water.
Avoid using pesticides or herbicides near the shoreline.
Install rain gardens or vegetated swales to capture and filter stormwater runoff.
Remove invasive plants like buckthorn and replace with native alternatives.
Invasive Species Management
Invasive aquatic species pose one of the greatest threats to Ham Lake's ecosystem. Species such as Eurasian watermilfoil, curly-leaf pondweed, and zebra mussels can rapidly overtake native plants, degrade water quality, and disrupt the food web. The Ham Lake Lake Association actively monitors for new infestations, coordinates with the Minnesota DNR on treatment options, and educates boaters and anglers on prevention best practices.
Eurasian Watermilfoil
A fast-spreading aquatic plant that forms dense mats, blocking sunlight and crowding out native vegetation.
Curly-Leaf Pondweed
An early-season invasive that creates thick underwater canopies and contributes to algae blooms when it dies back.
Zebra Mussels
Filter-feeding mollusks that can dramatically alter water clarity and devastate native mussel populations.
Common Carp
Bottom-feeding fish that stir up sediment, uproot native plants, and increase nutrient levels in the water.
Prevention tip: The single most effective prevention measure is cleaning, draining, and drying your watercraft and equipment every time you leave a lake. Never transport water, plants, or bait between water bodies.
Get Involved in Conservation
Conservation is a community effort. There are many ways Ham Lake residents and visitors can contribute to protecting our lake.
Become a Member
Join the Ham Lake Lake Association and support our conservation programs with your annual membership.
Volunteer
Participate in shoreline cleanups, invasive species surveys, and water quality monitoring events throughout the year.
Donate
Your financial contributions fund water testing equipment, educational materials, and conservation projects.
Spread the Word
Share lake-friendly practices with neighbors, guests, and fellow lake users to multiply our collective impact.
Educational Resources
Learn more about lake conservation through these trusted Minnesota resources.
Minnesota DNR — Aquatic Invasive Species
Identification guides, regulations, and reporting tools for invasive species in Minnesota.
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Water quality data, lake monitoring reports, and guidance for protecting Minnesota lakes.
Citizen Lake Monitoring Program
Volunteer-based water quality monitoring program that tracks lake health across Minnesota.