On November 3rd, we welcomed a crowd of over 50 interested members to the 2019 Annual Meeting of the LMPA. After a gourmet dinner of hot dogs, adult beverages, assorted snacks, salads and desserts, Steve Gunther, president of the LMPA, shared the highlights and issues facing the Association. The full text of the presentation can be found by clicking HERE but the highlights included:
- 2019 was our 4th year of Zebra Mussel discoveries, this time at the Pleasant Acres Association beach (for the second year), several houses down, at the tip of Red Cedar Point and, reported at the Annual Meeting, on a boat at Minnewashta Shores. We clearly have a reproducing colony of zebra mussels in the main body of the lake. There is nothing we can do about it but report new locations of mussels as we discover them.
- Starry Stonewort, an invasive algae present in Medicine Lake, was discussed. We are counting on the diligence of boaters following the Clean, Drain Dry protocol and the AIS inspections at the public launch to prevent its transfer to Lake Minnewashta. Click HERE to see a video of it and other invasives.
- Carver County has again requested $10,000 from the LMPA to fully fund the incoming/outgoing watercraft inspections at the Regional Park boat launch in 2020. The members rejected that request and asked that the County find a way to completely foot the bill. Steve Gunther agreed to send a letter to the County Commissioners detailing the nature of the request and declaring our position. That letter was sent on November 4th and all LMPA members were copied and asked to share their concerns with the Commissioners directly.
- Financial contributions to the LMPA were strong this year with over $36,000 raised. Our Reserve, for emergency treatment of any new AIS infestations, is nearly filled. While that news is great, it’s unfortunate that only 84 homes made a contribution to the LMPA. There are many other members who benefit from our activities, both lakeshore owners and those who live off the lake but use it regularly. We can only encourage everyone to make a contribution. A list of all of our donors can be found on our website and in the annual meeting presentation. Thank you to all donors! A special thanks to the July 4th t-shirt, parade and raffle group who raised nearly $6,000!.
- High lake levels led to incidents of a Slow/No Wake status being applied on the lake. This means watercraft should move at less than 5 MPH. This is intended to prevent property damage on shoreline lots. There were many instances of violations of that rule and several tickets were handed out by the Carver County sheriff’s deputies. Chanhassen is responsible for declaring a Slow/No Wake and has developed a streamlined process for putting it on and lifting it. After public comments are completed, the DNR will be given four months to review it. Expect it to be in place in 2020
- Artificially large wakes caused by wake surf boats and the impact on shoreline erosion and property damage were discussed. It is unlikely that the DNR will take any action to restrict them so common courtesy would suggest that surfers enjoy their sport in the center of the lake wherever possible.
- The issue of loud music was also discussed. Again, courtesy should reign here…music travels much farther over water and volumes should be kept at a level to not disturb others, especially at night. The sheriff is responsible for enforcement should it get out of hand.
- Recognizing that many lake users may not be familiar with rules and common boating practices and courtesies, Pete Schissel is developing Boating and Recreational Use Guidelines for our members. This will be published in time for the 2020 season.
- Finally, Give to the Max Day is November 14th so please remember the LMPA when considering charity. Find the PayPal link on our website, send a check to the LMPA at Box 304, Excelsior, MN 55331 or look for us on Venmo.
