Water Resources

The water resources in Lino Lakes are one of the things that residents enjoy most about living here- whether its fishing, canoeing, swimming, or just relaxing by the shore. Our water resources also provide valuable habitat to many different birds, mammals and fish while recharging our drinking water supply by slowing runoff and infiltrating it into the ground. Use the links below to learn more about these valued resources as well as how to protect your neighborhood lakes, creeks, and wetlands.

About Our Lakes, Creeks and Wetlands

The city is home to a number of natural water amenities. Both lakes and creeks are impacted by stormwater runoff. The water that drains into these waters carries with it any sediment, debris, and chemicals that it picks up along the way. Therefore, even if there isn’t a lake or creek on your property, how you manage your property can have positive or negative impacts on these resources. It is important that we respect and understand these water ecosystems for the special role they play in our community.

Lakes

There are over 15 lakes located within the city and each one is a unique ecosystem. There are several shallow lakes that provide habitat for ducks, herons, and other wildlife, as well as some deeper lakes that provide opportunities for fishing, swimming, and boating. It is possible you may even see a bald eagle resting in a tree along the shoreline.

Creeks

Creeks in Lino Lakes provide over 15 miles of canoe trails, including Rice Creek which leads to the Mississippi River. Our creeks are dynamic ecosystems that provide a connection between different habitats. The same water that transports you in a canoe also provides a corridor for wildlife to travel between fragmented patches of woodlands, grasslands, and wetlands.

Wetlands

Since Lino Lakes has more than 400 wetlands, it’s likely your neighborhood contains a wetland. Lino Lakes contains several types of wetlands, including sedge meadows, cattail marshes, open water ponds, and even tamarack swamps to name a few. Some of these wetlands may be smaller than your home while others may be several square miles. This diversity is beneficial to the plants and animals that use these resources. Much of the runoff in Lino Lakes drains into the nearest wetland. Reducing stormwater runoff, minimizing the use of chemicals, covering exposed soil, and preserving native vegetation can help protect our wetlands even if there is not one on your property.