Lake Spokane residents can learn how to care for lake

Waterfront property — everybody wants it, and there’s only so much to go around.

But those who are lucky enough to live on a lake or stream have special responsibilities to keep the shorelines healthy and natural for themselves and for all who enjoy them.

The Department of Ecology is sponsoring three workshops in June; two offered for Lake Spokane’s (Long Lake) shoreline residents and one specially designed for real estate agents. The workshop for real estate agents is offered in conjunction with Washington State University’s Cooperative Extension office in Spokane County.

The workshop for Lake Spokane residents in Stevens County will take place from 6-9 p.m., Tuesday, June 15, at Lakeside High School in Nine Mile Falls.

The same course will be presented for residents on the Spokane County side of the lake from 6-9 p.m., Wednesday, June 16, at the District 9 Fire Station in Nine Mile Falls. These workshops are free.

The workshop for real estate agents will be held from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Thursday, June 17, at the Spokane County Conservation District office on Havana Street in Spokane. The course is taught in a relaxed classroom setting and includes an afternoon field trip to a shoreline site. Clock hours are offered through WSU, and the class costs $75.

“This is the place to learn the do’s and don’ts to keep your property and the water free from erosion, pollution and the wrong kinds of water and plant species,” said Brian Farmer of Ecology’s shorelands program. “We’ve all heard the lake has pollution problems. This is the place to learn what we can do about it as individual homeowners.”

WSU Extension and Ecology decided to divide the workshop into two sessions for residents of Stevens and Spokane counties because local regulations are slightly different for each county.

“We’re offering a rare opportunity for REALTORS® to expand their knowledge of the unique aspects of shoreline property and to learn about state and local requirements,” said Tawana Jones of WSU Cooperative Extension. “Agents can better advise their clients about how to stabilize their bank to prevent erosion and how to beautify their lakeside garden area without polluting the lake with fertilizers and pesticides.”

Workshop attendees will learn about native plants that will bring the shoreline back to its natural state, how to assess what each piece of property needs and how to add paths, docks and beach areas without harming the environment.