Lake Minnewashta Preservation Association

A message from our friends at Camp Tanadoona

Spring is almost here and we are eagerly preparing for summer camp! But this year looks a little different: there is an unprecedented need for summer camp scholarships, largely due to the financial pressures of the last two years. 

We need your support to add $50,000 to the scholarship fund by March 31st. You can sponsor a day camper for $330, sponsor an overnight camper for $575, sponsor a counselor-in-training camper for $795, or contribute whatever you can to ensure that camp is within reach for any child.

Connecting with nature and being part of an inclusive community can be life-changing for campers. We also see how special places like camp, especially now, can provide what young people need most: time to connect with others, discover more about themselves, and explore the outdoors. 

Will you consider donating today? You can sponsor a camper or contribute any amount to the scholarship fund — gifts of all sizes will make an impact on a young person this summer.

Click HERE to donate

Organic Runoff Reduction:

Reducing the amount of leaves and other organics from entering the lake is getting increased focus. Did you know that just five bags of leaves and organic debris from streets and sidewalks can contain one pound of phosphorus? Over time, this can lead to the growth of hundreds of pounds of algae. We are working with the City of Chanhassen to improve our street sweeping efforts, particularly in spring and fall, to prevent this natural fertilizer from entering the water. In the meantime, homeowners can
– Remove debris from the street and especially around the storm drain grates.
– Point your lawnmower discharge chute away from the street and the lake.
– Maintain a 5-foot-wide native plant buffer strip in front of the shore to keep geese away.
– Pick up your dog’s poop and discard it in the trash.

This December, Tanadoona is excited to be one of the hosts for The Northern Express, a multi-weekend, immersive holiday wonderland, sure to bring cheer to your whole family!

Feel like you’ve escaped to the North Pole and see Santa’s workshop, kitchen and more, meet reindeer and llamas, take pictures with Santa himself, and get lost in the Christmas Tree forest. Then, visit the market brimming with exceptional local makers, decadent treats and warming beverages from neighborhood purveyors. To see all the event has to offer, click here.

As a host location, we’re thrilled to share our Early Elf Access to tickets with you – our closest supporters! With thousands already sold and tickets limited, you’re able to snag your spot now, before general admission starts in November. 

Even sweeter, use code tanadoona21 at check-out to claim your discount – $2 off per ticket. (valid October only)

We’re excited The Northern Express has chosen Tanadoona to host this fun-filled event to bring a little more joy this holiday season. We hope to see you there!

Please join us for the Lake Minnewashta Preservation Association (LMPA) Annual Meeting!

Date: Sunday 10/3/21 Time: 4-7pm Camp Tanadoona

3300 Tanadoona Drive, Excelsior MN 55331

The Lake Minnewashta Preservation Association is hosting its Annual Meeting at Camp Tanadoona on Oct. 3rd 2021. This is a great opportunity to get together with your neighbors and meet new lake neighbors. There will be a chance to socialize and also a short meeting of the LMPA to wrap up the 2020 and 2021 season and make plans for 2022!

We hope you will join us. Once again Camp Tanadoona has graciously offered to let us use their facility.

In an effort to accommodate all of our neighbors, we will be holding the meeting outdoors at Tanadoona. In the event of rain we will have the meeting in their new spacious dining room with doors open at both ends to allow for plenty of fresh air. We also will not do a pot luck this year, but will have pre-wrapped snacks available. Feel free to bring your beverage of choice!

Schedule of activities:

4-5 PM Socialize

5-6PM Annual Meeting

6-7 PM Wrap up, clean up and continued socializing

For more information and to RSVP (so we have an idea how many snacks we need) please contact Helen Gunther @ hgunther57@gmail.com or 612-986-4073

We look forward to seeing you on October 3rd!

In all cases, Minnesota law applies as a minimum and should be known and followed while on the water. These guidelines apply whether you live on Lake Minnewashta or whether you are a guest. These are not hard and fast laws, but are rather suggestions to help us all enjoy the lake. Help remind any visitors of this information to keep the lake safe and fun for all enthusiasts.

Boat Launching/Landing Etiquette

1. Prepare your boat for unloading before you back your boat to the ramp including having straps undone, gear and coolers ready. The boat landing can get busy and to keep things moving efficiently, it helps if people are not waiting unnecessarily.
2. Make sure your boat gets inspected for aquatic invasive species going in and coming out.
3. Inspectors are there to prevent aquatic invasive species from being brought into the lake.
4. Do a self-inspection of your trailer and boat to look for weeds and mussels and remove them.
5. Be prepared to comply with all requirements like removing weeds, your drain plug etc.
6. Be prepared to answer questions about your boat.                                                                                      

On the Water

1. You are responsible for your wake and where it may end up.  Stay clear of the shoreline (generally at least 200 feet and preferably in the middle of the lake. Avoid the slalom ski course if there are skiers using it and you are using the lake recreationally.
2. Keep your music to a reasonable volume—sound travels on water!
3. High speed boats (skiers, barefooters, wakeboarders, jet skis, etc.) should avoid the path of slow-moving watercraft including kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, sailboats, swimmers, etc.
4. If there are boats with people in tow (skiers, barefooters, wakeboarders, wakesurfers etc.), not only do they have the right away, but it can detract from the skiing or towing experience if you cut in front of the boat. Stay clear from crossing in front of those boats.
5. Do not drive your watercraft behind boats and follow people in tow. A rider may fall at any time and this creates an unsafe situation for both the rider and watercraft that is following behind
6. Recognize that there are multiple users of the lake—motorized boats, paddle boards, swimmers, etc. Be alert and cautious of all lake traffic.
7. All users have rights to the water way, however from a safety perspective, swimmers, paddle boards and non-motorized watercrafts may want to stay closer to the shore on busy boat traffic days. 
8. Slow and non-motorized should be avoided by high powered boats.
9. There are active teams of open water swimmers that get together to practice and train in the lake. This is routinely on Thursday nights and Wednesday mornings, but there may be other days as well. Boats should stay at least 200 feet from swimmers and should not try to cut between the swimmers. 

On or Near the Ski Courses

1. If there are skiers using the course, be considerate about keeping your wake to a minimum around them. Skiers typically run the ski course from sunrise until 9AM. Try to minimize your wake so they can enjoy their activity. Wakes travel across the entire lake and take many minutes to dissipate. 
2. The course is for anyone to use, but if you inadvertently damage the course, let someone know so it can be repaired. (Contact: Joe Larson 952-412-6558 or larjosd@gmail.com)

Wake Surf/Board/Ski Boats (Passenger in tow) 

1. The wake for a wake surf boat is larger than other boats’ wake. Be sensitive to how close you are to shore. Although 200 feet from shore is what is recommended, the middle of the lake is preferred. Focus on keeping towards the center of the lakes and bays when throwing a large wake. 
2. When the person you have in tow falls, drop your bow and rotate the boat 180 degrees to retrieve them. If there is no safety concern, there is generally never a reason to power turn to retrieve your passenger.
3. When there appears to be multiple boats that want to use the same spot of water, communicate with your fellow lake partners. It can help everyone have better water to keep the boats running parallel as to keep the wave rolling in the same direction. 

Personal Water Crafts (PWC) or Jet Skis

1. PWCs should always keep a safe distance from other water craft and especially non-motorized crafts such as canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards.
2. Minimize repetitious maneuvers in the same spot, especially if close to personal residence.
3. Avoid following boats that have a rider in tow (skier, wake surfer or wakeboarder).

Open Water Swimming

1. Don’t swim beyond your ability. Swim with a buddy, preferably one in a boat, kayak, canoe, etc.
2. Wear a swimming wetsuit and tow a safety buoy in case you tire and need to rest.
3. Organized swimming groups launch from the northeast side of Red Cedar Point on Wednesday mornings and Thursday nights. Look for the big orange triangular buoy and smaller yellow buoys. Boaters are asked to keep at least 200 feet from the swimmers.