Lake Minnewashta Preservation Association

This past winter, Lake Minnewashta experienced significant ice heaving, due to changing temperatures over recent months.

When there are rapid temperature fluctuations, like we experienced this winter, ice sheets expand and push against the shoreline, creating ice “heaves” or “ridges”. These heaves can greatly alter and affect the lake’s shoreline, often requiring homeowners to consider implementing or enhancing shoreline stabilization methods.

If you are considering shoreline stabilization work this year — including installation or repair of riprap, native shoreline plantings, sand blankets, retaining walls, etc. — reach out to the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District’s (MCWD) Permitting Staff for technical assistance or to apply for a Shoreline Stabilization Permit. MCWD’s Permitting Staff can guide you through the permitting process, answer any permitting questions you have, and provide technical guidance as you consider which stabilization options work best for you. 

MCWD Permitting Staff can be contacted at permitting@minnehahacreek.org or (952) 641-4532.

The City of Chanhassen may also have permit requirements to ensure the work is completed safely and meets rules outlined in City Code. Please review regulations before starting work and reach out to the City’s Engineering Department atengdept@chanhassenmn.gov  or (952) 227 –1160 if you have questions. 

Additional Resources for Residents 
Residents can apply for the City of Chanhassen’s Low Impact Development (LID) Landscape Grant, to install landscape features that manage and treat stormwater runoff. Eligible homeowners, businesses, and community groups can apply for up to $1,000, which would be equally matched by the project owner.

Residents who are interested in native planting for their shoreline can explore Carver County’s shoreline habitat program, which helps homeowners install native habitat shoreline buffers. Residents can also apply for Blue Thumb’s Lawns to Legumes grant program, to receive support for native planting projects.

For technical assistance, homeowners can also reach out to Metro Blooms, which provides consultations and design guidance for sustainable landscapes. 

Lake Minnewashta Preservation Association

Annual Meeting and Picnic

Sunday Sept 22nd, 2024 4-7 PM

CampfireMN, 3300 Tanadoona Drive

New This Year…LMPA Logo Contest!

Please join us Sunday September 22nd from 4-7 PM for the LMPA Annual Meeting and Potluck Picnic. There will be a chance to socialize, meet new neighbors, a tour of the old governor’s mansion, and there will  be a short meeting of the LMPA to wrap up the 2024 season and make plans for 2025!

We hope you will join us. The meeting and picnic will be held rain or shine in CampfireMN’s spacious dining room. Please bring your own beverage and a dish to share. The LMPA will provide hotdogs. Water will be available.

Please RSVP (so we have an idea how many hot dogs we need) to Helen Gunther @ hgunther57@gmail.com or 612-986-4073.

For more info go to www.lakeminnewashta.org

Aug. 21, 2024 Public Open House

A public open house was held on Wednesday, Aug. 21 at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum to share updated exhibits and others materials related to the schedule, funding, environmental processes, design details, preliminary construction plans, and proposed visual improvements.

Below are printable copies of the exhibits as they appeared at the in person public open house:

• Project overview and environmental review process (6 exhibits)
• Updated design options (10 exhibits)
• Preliminary construction plans (5 exhibits)
• Proposed visual improvements (10 exhibits)

LMPA board member Kevin Zahler and others are paying close attention to the project to assure that it does not affect the lake and our neighbors to the best of our ability. Items of concern remain noise levels and the potential purchase of environmental credits instead of addressing issues directly.

The City of Chanhassen Traffic Safety Committee will hold a collaborative neighborhood workshop on July 29 at the Chanhassen Recreation Center from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Residents may attend at any time but are encouraged to arrive at 5:30 p.m. to be part of the entire program. This workshop aims to:

• discuss and assess improvements
• receive input on future improvements
• discuss the potential impact of the Highway 5 project

Date: 07/29/2024 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM   Location: Chanhassen Recreation Center
2310 Coulter Boulevard
Chanhassen, Minnesota 55317

The City of Chanhassen lifted the Slow/No Wake restriction on Lake Minnewashta on Friday July 19th. This after the lake water levels receded below the trigger limit for three consecutive days as measured using a gauge installed by the city of Chanhassen.

As a reminder, the city of Chanhassen Public Works department and the DNR are the authorities responsible for declaring and removing restrictions during periods of high water levels. The LMPA assists by informing those that follow us on Facebook, read our website and agree to subscribe to our emails.

Special thanks to lake resident Rick Zweig for providing daily water level readings and to the lake users for their and compliance patience (well most of them) during the Slow/No Wake period.