Fairmont’s lakes are central to who we are as a community, for recreation, tourism, ecology and quality of life. Over the past several years, the City has made steady, intentional progress toward improving lake water quality through a combination of science-based management, infrastructure improvements, education and partnerships. I’d like to share an update on some of the key advances we’ve made and where we’re headed next.

Turning the Tide on Invasive Species and Water Quality

Recently, City Council approved a Request for Proposals (RFP) for mechanical harvesting of curly-leaf pondweed, an invasive aquatic plant that has long contributed to poor water quality in the Chain of Lakes. Staff are currently working to finalize contract language with the selected contractor, and the project is still in progress. By removing this plant before it dies back and releases nutrients into the water, we can reduce the fuel that drives algae blooms. This is not a quick fix, it’s a long-term strategy, but it’s an important step forward.

In 2025, the City also hired a contractor, Water’s Edge, to provide a curly-leaf pondweed pickup service for residents who needed assistance removing plant material from the shoreline. The program offered both street-side pickup and dock pickup options, with service provided weekly throughout the summer. This effort removed approximately 9.6 tons of curly-leaf pondweed from our lakes, material that would otherwise have decomposed in the water and released additional nutrients. This program demonstrated how coordinated, community-supported efforts can make a measurable difference.

City Council has also approved a contract with Minnesota State University-Mankato to establish a comprehensive baseline dataset for our lakes. As part of this partnership, a graduate student will be assigned specifically to study the Fairmont Chain of Lakes, with the data collected forming the foundation of their thesis research. The work will include system-wide aquatic vegetation surveys, curly-leaf pondweed seed (turion) density measurements, and monthly water quality monitoring. Establishing this baseline will allow us to track changes over time and evaluate whether our management strategies are truly effective. Good data leads to better decisions.

Restoring the Land to Protect the Water

One of the most exciting projects recently was the conversion of approximately 87 acres of actively farmed, City-owned land into native prairie. This project was approved by Council and successfully seeded in the fall of 2024, thanks to grant support and partnership with Martin Soil and Water Conservation District. Prairie restoration takes patience. The process is often described as Sleep, Creep, LEAP: the first year, growth happens underground as roots establish; the second year, more visible, but sometimes patchy, growth appears; by the third year, grasses and wildflowers fully flourish, creating a resilient landscape that reduces runoff, improves soil health and filters nutrients before they reach our lakes.

In this same location, the City continues to focus on managing stormwater before it reaches our lakes. One such effort is a project within the newly seeded area of Cedar Creek Park, near the bike and walking path, which is currently being planned in partnership with Martin Soil and Water Conservation District.

This project will significantly reduce the amount of sediment and nutrients entering nearby waterways and ultimately the Fairmont Chain of Lakes. Construction is expected to begin this summer.

This project is being completed with 100 percent cost-share reimbursement through the SWCD. Martin SWCD is coordinating design, bid solicitation and construction oversight with their Technical Service Area engineering team. Upon completion, the City will receive full reimbursement for project costs, allowing Fairmont to make meaningful, long-term investments in lake protection while using public funds responsibly.

Better Farming Practices on City Land

Beginning in 2025, a portion of actively farmed City-owned cropland required reduced tillage practices. These conservation practices reduce erosion and limit the amount of sediment, phosphorus, and nitrates entering waterways, while also improving soil health, water infiltration and weed suppression. Farmers renewing leases are encouraged to connect with Martin Soil and Water Conservation District for guidance and potential grant opportunities.

Looking Ahead

These efforts, harvesting invasive species, supporting resident-led removal, collecting data, restoring prairie and improving farming practices are all part of a long-term commitment to lake health. There is much more planned, and I look forward to sharing updates as this work continues.

Our lakes didn’t become impaired overnight, and they won’t recover overnight either. But with sustained effort, strong partnerships and community support, Fairmont is moving in the right direction.