Real estate professionals are important partners in maintaining and restoring the quality of our nation’s lakes. “Lakeshore property is in demand because of the amenities or benefits [it] provide[s] its owners, such as water based recreation possibilities, an aesthetic setting for a home, tranquility away from urban and commercial life, and perhaps the privilege or esteem of owning an increasingly scarce and valuable resource.” 1 Since the value of lakeshore property is tied to the quality of the adjacent lake, real estate professionals have a vested interest in helping homebuyers and communities restore and protect their lakes.

In April 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency published the National Lakes Assessment (NLA), the first-ever baseline study of the condition of the nation’s lakes. The NLA finds that 44% of U.S. lakes are in fair or poor condition, and that, of the problems assessed, poor lakeshore habitat has the greatest impact on lake health.

• Healthy Lakes and Higher Property Values (PDF)(2 pp, 3 MB, October 2010, EPA 840-F-10-002)
  Facts and resources to help real estate professionals protect our nation’s lakes and lake shorelines