Lake Minnewashta Preservation Association

NOTICE TO LAKE MINNEWASHTA PROPERTY OWNERS AND LAKE USERS

As part of its ongoing effort to preserve and improve the water quality and recreational enjoyment of Lake Minnewashta for all, the LMPA will be treating Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS…in this case, plants) again this year. We wish to keep all of you well informed and this is Notice that we will be treating various areas of Lake Minnewashta for AIS in 2022.

We have already performed one of two planned weed surveys on the lake, the first was to determine the concentration of Curly Leaf Pondweed (CLP) around the lake. That survey was performed by Carver County. The second survey for Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM) will occur later in June.

Our plans to reduce the impact of the growing weeds include two treatment periods. Treatments are 150′ or more from shore. Treatments inside 150′ are the responsibility of the property owner.

Curly Leaf Pondweed will be targeted, as in previous years, with the chemical Dibrox (Active Ingredient 37.3% Diquat), an EPA and DNR approved chemical for this use and no restrictions for swimming or fishing following application. This treatment has been completed on 5/19/22 as Curly Leaf Pondweed is actively growing now and needs to be performed at the correct water temperature. See the map below for this year CLP treatment.

Eurasian Water Milfoil will be targeted for treatment later this spring with the product 2,4-D This is an EPA and DNR approved product has also been very effective in the past and has also resulted in a reduction of the areas needing treatment. Treatment areas will be determined by June’s weed survey.

Float signs will be placed in the affected areas when these treatments are made. There are very few water use restrictions with these chemicals, but property owners should take note of the information on the float signs if treatment is done in their area. For more information, please contact us.

The cost of these treatments is funded by the generous donations of about 90 LMPA members and is an important step in maintaining the superior water quality that we all enjoy. If you are a lakeshore property owner or a fan of the lake and don’t already belong, please consider joining LMPA and help by providing a donation to support this important program. More information can be found on our website.

Thank you for your consideration and support!

THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO INSTALL A BEAUTIFUL, ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PROJECT IN YOUR YARD AT A VERY LOW COST!!

NO SWEAT!!!! Our 2022 Runoff Buffer and/or Rain Garden Installation grant program is available to all residents within the Minnewashta watershed (see map below). Whether your land is lake side or a residential lot, all are welcome! Help us clean the stormwater flowing to the Lake Minnewashta watershed and street drains! The end result is a completed project on your property supervised and installed by others! Metro Blooms will project manage and supervise the installation on your property.

A qualified $3,000 to $4,000/200 – 500 square feet project could cost the resident only $300 to $500 (very rough estimate)

This is a time sensitive offer and limited to the first three applicants, however, there could be future opportunities with a revised grant program.

Lake Minnewashta Preservation Association (LMPA) in coordination with Carver County Soil & Water Conservation District (CSWCD) along with Metro Blooms and Conservation Corp Minnesota (CCM) will provide grants and technical assistance for residential rainwater runoff projects (for approved projects). Eligible area is the Lake Minnewashta Watershed area bounded by highway 7 on the north, highway 5 on the south, highway 41 on the east and Rolling Acres Road on the west, see map below.

The basic concept is to design and install a 200-500 square foot runoff project on your property. Runoff projects can consist of rain gardens and/or buffers that retain water from running into the storm sewer system or waterways, therefore, draining through soil and native vegetation filtration. Benefits are in preventing phosphorus, nitrogen, and chlorides from entering waterways, resulting in less algae development and better water quality for a natural habitat.

There are several grants possible associated to this program:

1. LMPA will provide an upfront grant of $630 to cover the cost for Metro Blooms to provide consultation, design, estimate and assist in filling out the CSWCD application.
2. CCM will provide a labor crew for installing qualified/approved projects including area preparation, removal of unneeded sod, etc. and installation of all new materials.
3. Resident is also eligible for an additional reimbursement grant that would include the cost of materials and project management by Metro Booms. This grant is through CSWCD where they can provide grant money up to 75% of the cost with the remaining 25% by the resident. Requires CSWCD Board approval and resident agreeing to a 10 year maintenance agreement.

Interested parties should contact any of the following, with approval from LMPA, Metro Blooms will then assist with consultation, design and filling in the application. 

Seth Ristow – sristow@co.carver.mn.us, Resource Conservation Technician, CSWCD 

Jennifer Ehlert – jennifer@metroblooms.org, Metro Blooms 

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

Hiring underway for Seasonal AIS Watercraft Inspectors at the boat launch

Click HERE to be taken to Carver County’s Job Opportunity Page

JOB SUMMARY

The Watercraft Inspector serves to inform and educate the public to the threats of ecologically harmful aquatic invasive species to Minnesota’s waters. Inspectors work at public water access sites educating the public by providing information to watercraft users and conducting a brief survey while inspecting watercraft for invasive species. Other duties include assisting the coordinator with access postings, assisting Law Enforcement with access checks, invasive plant removal; conduct other research in partnership with different departments/organizations and other natural resource projects.

There are three levels to this position: 

*Level I Watercraft Inspector: Level I Watercraft Inspectors will be required to attend and pass a MN DNR inspection training course and will be responsible for public education, watercraft inspections for Aquatic Invasive Species, documentation and reporting, on-site surveys and sample collection. Pay Range is $15.00-$17.00 per hour.

*Level II Watercraft Inspector: Level II Watercraft Inspectors will be required to attend a MN DNR decontamination training course in addition to a MN DNR inspection training course. A Level II inspector will have the same responsibilities as a Level I, but will also be certified to perform decontamination services using hot, high-pressure water and will be required to drive County vehicles. Pay Range is $16.00-$18.00 per hour.

*Lead Watercraft Inspector: Lead Inspectors will be Level II certified and be capable of taking on additional leadership and administrative responsibilities such as employee training and supervision, scheduling, inventory, oversight of day-to-day operations, etc. Pay Range is $18.00-$20.00 per hour.TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Educate the public on invasive species program and issues
• Distribute written information to watercraft users
• Inspect watercraft for invasive species
• Conduct a verbal survey & inspection inventory
• Document and record research activities
• Provide excellent customer service skills and the ability to work with the public and in an office and field setting.
• Work independently with minimal supervision
•Communicate effectively.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 18 years of age.
• Available to work weekends, weekdays and holidays on a regular basis throughout employment (Approximately May through September) between 5am – 8 pm.
• A Valid Minnesota Class D Driver’s License.
• Available to work in multiple locations throughout Carver CountySCORED EXAMINATION PROCESS

All applications will be screened for minimum qualifications, scored and ranked. The highest ranked candidates meeting minimum qualifications will be recommended for the scored oral examinations (interviews). Final selection for the position will include successful completion of oral interview(s), reference checks, and background investigation.

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.