Lake Minnewashta Preservation Association

GREAT OPPORTUNTIY TO INSTALL A BEAUTIFUL ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PROJECT IN YOUR YARD

We are pleased to announce our 2025 grant program to develop an aesthetically pleasing and environmentally sustainable project in your yard at a reduced cost. The Lake Minnewashta Preservation Association (LMPA) is offering a grant program available to all residents within the Minnewashta Watershed; please refer to the map for the boundaries of the watershed (in blue).

Runoff management projects, such as lakeshore buffers and rain gardens, are designed to prevent water from entering the lake or storm sewer systems. These initiatives effectively filter water through soil and vegetation, playing a crucial role in mitigating the pollution of waterways caused by phosphorus, nitrogen, and chlorides. This, in turn, helps reduce algae proliferation and enhances water quality for local wildlife and all lake users. Additionally, establishing buffer zones along your lakeshore can help deter geese from entering your property!

Grants are available through the CSWCD Shoreline Habitat Program, the City of Chanhassen LID program, and a $500 grant from LMPA, subject to project details and necessary approvals.

We also offer assistance with design, cost estimates, and grant applications. Residents are encouraged to undertake these projects with the support of CSWCD, LMPA, and community volunteers.

For further inquiries, please contact:

– Seth Ristow – sristow@co.carver.mn.us, Landscape Restoration Specialist, CSWCD

– Kevin Zahler – kjzahler@hotmail.com, Minnesota Water Steward, LMPA.

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.

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.
  • City of Victoria
  • City of Chanhassen

Links

Visit Smart Water program | Carver County, MN

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

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!

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!