Carver County Commissioners Vote to Authorize an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Inspection Program at Lake Minnewashta

I am very happy to report that the Carver County Commissioners voted in favor of the LMPA’s request to authorize an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) inspection program at Lake Minnewashta Regional Park, to allocate $15,500 from the County’s Year End Savings Account for the program and direct staff to develop a contract with Minnehaha Creek Watershed district for financial participation in the program.

Details of the 2012 Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) inspection program at Lake Minnewashta Regional Park include:

· The outlined AIS program would begin May 15, 2012 and run for 89 consecutive days ending September 19, 2012.

· Boaters entering Lake Minnewashta through the regional park would be inspected for AIS at Boat Access #1.

· Hours of inspection operation would be from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

· Labor and material costs are estimated at $31,000.

· The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District has offered to participate at 50% of the cost of the program.

· Training for AIS inspectors and law enforcement is to be provided by the DNR at no cost.

Please extend your sincere thanks to our County Commissioners, particularly Tom Workman who led the charge for us and Randy Maluchnik and Gayle Degler who cast the supporting votes. Also to Eric Evenson from the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District for driving the MCWD’s financial support and Marty Walsh, Carver Parks Director for taking the lead to protect Lake Minnewashta. And special thanks to all of our friends and supporters from Lake Minnewashta, Lotus Lake, Christmas Lake, Lake Riley and others who were vocal and present in their support for this. Without all of you, we would have failed.

This is truly an example of great government and citizen cooperation toward a common goal. The LMPA will to continue to offer our help and support to get the program implemented.

Steve Gunther
President, Lake Minnewashta Preservation Association

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