Sustainable Framework for Lakeshore Communities

Abstract

This study explores the 9-mile-long shoreline, along with the 700 acres of water in Lake Mitchell. The City of Mitchell has 15,600 people surrounding the polluted lake in South Dakota. Lake Mitchell's water is toxic, so outdoor recreational activities have decline. Portions of this lake's pollution is due to agriculture practices of fertilization, and concentrated animal feeding operations, CAFO. Lake Mitchell's water shed is 350,000 acres that run directly into the lake that needs a management plan. Other small cities in the Great Plains, like Mitchell have shrinking populations, lower budgets and high labor costs make lake management and maintenance difficult for Mitchell. There is a need to rethink the development strategy of city life on lakes in the Great Plains.

This study revisits strategies of development and methods of the lake shore framework. In-water photo-respiration, as well as upstream agriculture management for the Northern Great Plains farmland. A city-wide online survey has been conducted to collect qualitative data of Mitchell, SD. From the survey people's experiences, concerns, and usages of Lake Mitchell will be reviewed. Focus group meetings of administrators and interviews of lake stakeholders let us gain a stronger understanding of patterns and issues of previous development models of Mitchell. Archival studies of reports, guidelines, case studies and the consultation with experts give knowledge on the ecological and economic factors.

As a result, a framework will be developed regarding lake side development strategies that will include marinas, trails, and water management plans. In-lake management strategies such as aeration, water treatments, dredging along with upstream watershed developments will be introduced. Upstream watershed developments such as pothole conservation, agriculture planning and grassland conservation will be explored. Sustainable, comprehensive, and effective strategy will help improve the quality and well-being of Lake Mitchell along with the City of Mitchell. This result can also help inform similar lake shore cities throughout our Northern Great Plains region.