You’re Invited to the Hwy 7 Study Virtual Public Meeting


This message is from the Minnesota Department of Transportation

You’re invited to the Hwy 7 study virtual public meeting

We are ready to share several improvement alternatives with the community. Join us for a virtual public meeting on May 20 to get study updates, learn more about each improvement alternative and share your feedback. Can’t make the meeting? The meeting recording will be posted to the study webpage after the meeting.  Tue, May 20
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Register to attend  

Take the Hwy 7 study survey
Share your feedback on the proposed improvements with an online survey until June 3. Your feedback will be crucial in helping to select safety and mobility recommendations for the study area. Be sure to take the survey and share your opinion.Take the survey

Community events and pop-ups
We’ll be in your neighborhood! If you see us, stop by to learn more about the study, improvement ideas and share your feedback.

Sat, May 10 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Cub Foods – Minnetonka
4801 County Road 101, Minnetonka, 55345

Sat, May 10 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Cub Foods – Shorewood
23800 Hwy 7, Shorewood 55331

Sat, May 17 Trista Days – Minnetrista 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Minnetrista City Campus
7701 County Rd. 110 W, Minnestrista, 55364

More about this study
We are studying Hwy 7 from the Hennepin/Carver County line in the City of St. Bonifacius to Hopkins Crossroad in the City of Hopkins to evaluate the existing conditions, understand the needs of the road, and identify feasible alternatives for future improvements. A survey was conducted in summer of 2024 to identify areas of concern in the study area. Responses were analyzed along with existing community plans, traffic counts, crash history and road operations. Based on this analysis, we identified the following needs for the study area:
– Vehicle safety
– Vehicle mobility
– Walkability / bikeabilty

Read more about the survey findings and study area needs online.

This study will also inform the future design of a pavement resurfacing project planned for 2029 from the Hennepin/Carver County line in the City of St. Bonifacius to .2 miles east of Mill St. in the City of Shorewood.  

This study will continue through fall 2025. For more information, visit the Hwy 7 study webpage.

Highway 7 from Hopkins Crossroads in Hopkins to the western Hennepin County line in St. Bonifacius study area map

This message is from the Minnesota Department of Transportation
Metro – Hwy 7 Hopkins to St. Bonifacius: 2024-2025 line
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Notice of Lake Minnewashta Invasive Species Treatment – Spring 2025

Dear Lake Minnewashta Residents and Supporters,

As part of our ongoing mission to protect and enhance the water quality and recreational enjoyment of Lake Minnewashta, the Lake Minnewashta Preservation Association (LMPA) will again be treating areas of the lake for aquatic invasive species (AIS) this year.

We want to keep you fully informed—this is your official notice that we will be conducting treatments in various parts of the lake starting in May.

Curly-Leaf Pondweed (CLP) Treatment

Our first treatment targets Curly-leaf pondweed (CLP), an invasive plant that grows in early spring and can disrupt water quality and recreation. Treatment areas may include locations within 150 feet of your shoreline, as identified by a recent survey conducted by the Carver County Water Management Organization.

We will be using EPA-approved aquatic herbicides Dibrox or Flumigard under a DNR permit. If your property is affected, shoreline signs will be posted with any applicable water use guidelines—though there are no restrictions on swimming or fishing after treatment.

This year, the DNR has approved an expanded treatment plan (see below):

  • 51 acres of CLP will be treated in May (up from 40 acres in previous years)
  • This is part of our 5-year plan to significantly reduce CLP levels
  • A follow-up assessment will be conducted later in the season, possibly followed by a fall or winter treatment

If you do not want treatment to occur near your property (within 150 feet of shore), please notify us no later than May 6 by emailing info@lakeminnewashta.org. This deadline is important.

Native Aquatic Plants

Please note: the many plants you may have noticed in mid-to-late summer—such as Coontail, White Water Crowfoot, Bladderwort, and others—are native species and play a healthy role in the lake ecosystem. These will naturally return each season and are not part of our treatment plan.

Eurasian Watermilfoil Treatment

Later this spring, we will also treat Eurasian Watermilfoil, another invasive species, using the DNR- and EPA-approved herbicide 2,4-D, which has proven highly effective in past treatments. Treatment zones will be based on the most current surveys.

Float signs will be placed in the treated areas, and residents should refer to these for any water-use information. Restrictions are minimal with these products, but we encourage everyone to stay informed.

How You Can Help

These treatments are entirely funded by donations from generous LMPA members. If you’re a lakeshore property owner—or simply someone who enjoys this beautiful lake—please consider joining the LMPA or making a donation to support this important work.

Thank you for your continued support in keeping Lake Minnewashta clean, healthy, and enjoyable for everyone.

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Save money and water this spring with a smart irrigation system controller

Carver County participates in the Rachio, Inc. Redemption Program to provide smart irrigation controllers to residents at reduced costs. Reducing water used for irrigation preserves our groundwater which is where all Carver County residents get drinking water and reduces stormwater runoff caused by overwatering.

Smart controllers

Smart controllers link to local weather conditions to provide exact water needs for lawns and gardens saving water and money. The Rachio 3 smart sprinkler controller automatically adjusts watering schedules based on weather forecasts, soil types, plant needs, and sun exposure—eliminating unnecessary watering and helping create more efficient irrigation systems.

More discounts

  • Purchase during the bonus weeks of May 19-26 or July 21-28 and receive an additional $20 discount automatically.
  • Residents from the following cities can combine with their city’s rebate program for additional savings.

Links

Visit Smart Water program | Carver County, MN

Visit https://rachio.com/redeem to purchase. 

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Save the Date – July 3rd Fireworks Show on the Lake

Join us for our annual Lake Minnewashta Fireworks Show
Thursday, July 3rd @ 10 pm 

KABOOM is preparing to once again light up the night with an unforgettable display to kick off your holiday festivities!

This community tradition is made possible by your support — if you’re able, please consider donating to help fund this year’s fireworks.
Every bit helps us keep the magic going!

💥 Donation information below 💥

Thank you for helping us make this Independence Day one to remember!

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Kudos to the LMPA From Students in Far Away Places – GenEarth

We recently received kudos on our website from a teacher, Kelly Hall, running an environmental science program for a group of elementary students. When they were doing a project about lakes, ponds, & streams they ended up on the Lake Minnewashta website. Kelly said that “they thought I should let you know that we were using it as a resource, and found some great information so thank you =) We enjoyed learning about the lake, it looks beautiful!”

I decided that it would be nice to return the favor and do a little marketing for their organization, Gen Earth. The team at GenEarth takes great joy in teaching young community members about the importance of environmental conservation and empowering them to do their part in conserving our resources and preserve our community’s green spaces. Through educational programming in schools and community events, we encourage young community members to do develop eco-friendly skills and practice those skills at home and in school.

Please check out their website… HERE. You can find lots of useful information on their website. They have some great ideas on Earth Day Activities, Projects and Ideas for Kids. In addition, it’s a wonderful resource for information on Recycling, Pollinator Gardens and Sustainability. And it’s all Kid-Friendly! Check it out!

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April 22nd is the 55th Anniversary of Earth Day!

Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22 to raise awareness and promote action for environmental protection. It was first held in 1970, sparked by growing concerns over pollution, deforestation, and the health of the planet. Today, Earth Day is observed globally in over 190 countries, involving millions of people in activities such as tree planting, cleanups, educational events, and climate change advocacy.

The day serves as a reminder of our shared responsibility to care for the Earth, encouraging individuals, communities, businesses, and governments to take meaningful steps toward sustainability and environmental stewardship. Each year often features a theme—like climate action, plastic pollution, or restoring ecosystems—to focus efforts and inspire global participation.

The Lake Minnewashta Preservation Association is dedicated to preserving the quality of water and the quality of life on  Lake Minnewashta. Please do your part to help. Here are some ideas…contact us at info@lakeminnewashta.org for other ideas on how you can help.

  • Plant a rain or pollinator garden or shoreline buffer
  • Join the Adopt a Drain program
  • Stabilize your shoreline
  • Always Clean, Dry and Drain your boat and water toys when moving from one lake to another
  • Help the LMPA achieve its mission by making a donation
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