Approximately 40 neighbors gathered at the Camp Tanadoona dining center on Sunday October 1st for the LMPA’s Annual Meeting for 2017. After a delicious Pot Luck supper, LMPA president Steve Gunther opened the meeting. Plenty of open dialogue preceded the talk and continued on during his presentation which is summarized below:
2017 Highlights
• Zebra Mussel infestation discovered in June and again in September 2017
• Carver County and the Watershed District continue to support AIS prevention
• Lake resident monitors have been deployed to improve alert of a Zebra Mussel infestation…none have been observed
• Some state and local money is available for projects that will improve water quality
• Aquatic invasive weed levels are stable
• Good communication among our neighbors
Concerns
• The threat of new and more devastating invasive species continues
• We have holes in our AIS prevention system …e.g. private boat launches
• Outside Funding for AIS inspections and rapid response from MCWD is decreasing
• Lake Quality Rating has degraded to a B
• LMPA Donor numbers are lower that 2016 (67 vs 78 vs 62 average)
• We are one careless or uneducated lake user away from changing our lake quality forever
2017 LMPA Income and Spending (*)
LMPA Income
LMPA Member donations
o 67 Households donated $14,550
TOTAL $14,550
LMPA Expenditures
o Weed treatment $10,826
o AIS Inspection contribution to Carver County $ 2,500
o Postage/office/newsletter/picnic $ 428
o MN Coalition of Lakes Association dues $ 150
TOTAL $13,986
Financial Reserve – Started in 2015
• Christmas Lake infested with Zebra Mussels in 2014 and their HOA spent over $25k on unreimbursed containment/treatment expenses
• The LMPA Board authorized the funding of a $25K Reserve for emergency use of this nature in 2015
• Thankfully, our reserve was available for the Zebra Mussel Rapid Response in 2016.
• Reserve was partially spent in 2016 and currently stands at $23,569 (-1,431)
What we’d like from you:
Do your part to help us meet our mission to keep Lake Minnewashta beautiful, preserve its water quality and prevent the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species
• Use a Permitted Lake Service Provider when working on your shore
• Don’t move a mussel from infested lakes via watercraft, toys or lifts
• Clean Drain and Dry your boat before and after launching.
• Inspect your docks, lifts and boats for signs of Zebra Mussels, especially when removed in the fall
• Plant a shoreline buffer strip and use available grant money to help
• Keep debris out of the storm drains, especially leaves
• Register your email address by sending a note to info@lakeminnewashta.org
• Volunteer for a committee, neighborhood captain or the board
• Make a tax-deductible donation tonight
• If you use Amazon, sign up for the Smile program – they donate to the LMPA
The entire Annual Report can be viewed by clicking on the attached link:
FINAL 2017 LMPA Annual Meeting
