Lake Minnewashta Preservation Association
2026 Annual Meeting Report | October 2026
Introduction and acknowledgments
The Lake Minnewashta Preservation Association (LMPA) welcomed members and neighbors to its 2026 annual meeting. President Steve Gunther recognized the dedication of the association’s board: Vice President Scot Lacek, who works on invasive weed treatment permitting, DNR funding, rock hazard mapping and the artificial-intelligence voice reminder at the Carver boat launch; Kevin Zahler, a Minnesota Water Steward and leader on aquatic invasive species and shoreline buffers; Treasurer Anne Ripple; Secretary and annual meeting planner Helen Gunther; and board members Matt Keuseman, Doug Tanner, Dan Wendel of Camp Fire Minnesota and Nancy Simpson of the Pleasant Acres association.
The association also expressed appreciation to the July 4th event organizers and T-shirt committee, Gary Bhwojani and the team who kept the 2026 fireworks show going, and its volunteer neighborhood captains, led by Rose Mastricola. These volunteers, together with lake monitors, event participants and board members, are essential to LMPA’s work.
A year of accomplishments
Overall, 2026 brought several positive developments for Lake Minnewashta. High lake levels did not trigger slow- or no-wake restrictions. Using donations and reserves, LMPA treated acres of curly-leaf pondweed, while invasive Eurasian milfoil was nearly undetectable and did not require treatment. Carver County continued to support inspections of 100 percent of incoming watercraft at the Regional Park launch, and the association is not aware of any new invasive species introduced into the lake.
LMPA ended the period with approximately $65,000 available to respond to a newly discovered invasive species, with most of its assets held in high-yield certificates of deposit. It also continued partnerships offering expertise and grants to watershed property owners interested in shoreline buffers and rain gardens, which reduce runoff and help improve water clarity. Working with the Carver County Sheriff’s Office, the association placed markers at additional rock hazards around the lake.
The association updated its bylaws to expand its mission and purpose, clarify membership and voting rights, and formalize leadership and decision-making procedures. The changes establish a $100 annual-dues Voting Member category, a board of five to nine directors serving staggered two-year terms, and stronger provisions for financial oversight, accountability and legal protections. The board also approved a new business sponsorship program to diversify revenue.
Challenges facing the lake
Despite these accomplishments, lake water quality remains a concern. Compared with past years, water clarity and algae conditions have deteriorated. Curly-leaf pondweed was prolific, and native aquatic vegetation has increased as clarity improves. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources denied LMPA’s proposal for a broader, ongoing lakewide treatment program, so the association treated only the maximum acreage the DNR authorized.
Fundraising also fell short. Donations totaled approximately $3,500, compared with a $15,000 goal and $7,600 the previous year. Only 13 households contributed, including four board members. At the same time, Carver County is considering cutting its financial support for incoming watercraft inspections. To help preserve that prevention program, LMPA has pledged $10,000 for 2027.
Zebra mussels are another growing concern. In 2019, only a handful were observed in the main part of the lake; they are now widespread. No property owner took advantage of LMPA’s shoreline buffer and rain garden program this year. The association also continued to receive complaints about a small number of boaters generating large wakes near shore or other users, playing loud music, operating without lights, and riding on transoms or towers.
Priorities for 2027
In 2027, LMPA will focus on improving lake water quality, preventing invasive species and strengthening participation and funding. It will continue to educate residents about reducing runoff through shoreline buffers and rain gardens, promote existing grants and design assistance, and expand the Adopt a Drain program.
The association plans to communicate its funding needs more effectively and increase revenue through its new annual-dues program and $250 business sponsorships. Invasive species prevention will remain a priority, including inspections of all incoming watercraft, Clean–Drain–Dry education and exploration of measures related to noninvasive aquatic vegetation. LMPA will revisit with the DNR its proposal for broader curly-leaf pondweed treatment aimed at complete eradication, recognizing that the program would require additional member donations.
LMPA will track research and developments in zebra mussel eradication and support the University of Minnesota’s Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC). It will also work with MnDOT on water protection issues related to the Highway 5 expansion, collaborate with local and state organizations to strengthen lake associations’ collective voice, and continue efforts to promote safe, respectful boating. Matt Keuseman is updating the association’s boating etiquette guidelines, and LMPA is awaiting the results of the University of Minnesota’s wake studies. Recruiting additional neighborhood captains and board members is another priority.
How lake residents can help
The health of Lake Minnewashta depends on participation by its residents. LMPA encourages tax-deductible contributions through Zelle, Venmo, check or PayPal, as well as employer matching gifts. A $100 annual contribution qualifies a household for voting membership; the association recommends $250 contributions from shoreline owners and homeowners associations.
Residents can also improve water quality by installing shoreline buffers or rain gardens using available design resources and grants, keeping leaves and debris out of streets and storm drains, and hiring permitted lake service providers for shoreline work. To prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, boaters should avoid transferring mussels on boats, toys or lifts, clean, drain and dry watercraft before and after launching, and inspect docks, lifts and boats for zebra mussels when equipment is removed in the fall. Everyone on the lake is encouraged to know and follow boating rules and to share the water responsibly.
Members can stay connected by registering their email address at info@lakeminnewashta.org and volunteering as a neighborhood captain, board member or committee participant.
Closing thanks
LMPA thanks guest speakers Andrew Dickhart and Kory Redepenning, host Camp Fire Minnesota, meeting planner Helen Gunther, donors, neighborhood captains, lakewide volunteers and its board of directors. Their combined efforts help preserve and protect Lake Minnewashta for everyone who enjoys it.
Steve Gunther
President, Lake Minnewashta Preservation Association
