Carver County, U of M Landscape Arboretum and City of Chanhassen are pleased to announce work has begun on the construction of a 2- mile segment of the Hwy 5 Regional Trail. The project lies between Minnewashta Parkway and Century Boulevard in Chanhassen on the south side of Hwy 5.

This trail project removes a trail gap in the trail system, connecting the existing trail and box culvert at Minnewashta Parkway and the U of M Landscape Arboretum to existing trails at Century Blvd. Completing this gap provides trail connections between the local trail systems of Chanhassen and Victoria, connecting over 100 miles of trail. Additionally, regional trail connections are made to the U of M Landscape Arboretum, Carver Park Reserve and regional trails of Hwy 5 and Lake Minnetonka.

The trail will traverse across the grounds of the Arboretum which includes crossing a wetland on the south side of Hwy 5 with a boardwalk before reaching upland areas as the trail approaches the Arboretum’s entrance building and crossing Arboretum Drive. From there, the trail continues easterly behind the pine trees that front along Hwy 5, passes in front of the historic apple tree research plots and behind the Arboretum’s monument sign in the southwest quadrant of the Hwy 41 and Hwy 5 intersection. At Hwy 41, the trail will go underneath this roadway and connect with grounds of Lifetime. Here the trail will parallel Hwy 5 heading east until reaching existing trails at Century Blvd.

Work underway includes significant grading south of the intersection of Minnewashta Parkway and Highway 5, creating the trail connection between the existing box culvert at Minnewashta Parkway and the location of the boardwalk which crosses a large wetland. Other noticeable work includes sheet pile driving which is needed to construct the underpass at Highway 41.

Site grading and work on retaining walls is expected to continue into late fall. Construction of the boardwalk is planned during the winter of 2021.  Construction of the underpass at Hwy 41 is planned for spring of 2021, trail paving is to occur during spring/summer 2021 with the project being substantially completed by end of July 2021.

For more information and to follow the project view the website.

Drive carefully in the construction zones.

Thank you to all Lake Minnewashta financial contributors! It appears we have Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM) and Curly Leaf Pondweed (CLP) under control for this season.

Annual vegetation surveys are conducted for both CLP and EWM followed by treatment where necessary. Our May 31, 2020 posting describes our CLP effort this year.

In the most recent invasive weed survey, we only found one EWM plant (not very large) on the entire lake. We found a few plants that we think are native Northern Milfoil but they might also be hybrids. Either way, currently they do not seem to be a nuisance. Therefore, we may not be treating EWM this year pending the results of one last survey!!

Many factors affect the growth of Eurasian watermilfoil in Lake Minnewashta including:

• Treatment the previous year, defined by number of acres, dose, size of treatment sites, shape of treatment sites and location of sites (some sites are more likely to contribute spread throughout the lake).
• Treatment in the same year for CLP may affect EWM growth.  The chemical we used (Dibrox) to control the CLP may have suppressed EWM growth.
• Weather
• Water level
• Water clarity

Over 20 years of invasive weed management on Lake Minnewashta, LMPA’s efforts have been successful in keeping aquatic invasive plants under control.  The key has been a continuous effort over the years.  The board and contributors have made it possible to have a long term plan and implementation.

Thanks again for all of your efforts and continued support for the health of Lake Minnewashta. Please remember the importance of CLEAN DRAIN DRY of all watercraft, trailers, and water-related equipment before leaving any water access or shoreland.

Lake Minnewashta Boating and Recreational Use Guidelines

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. 
   1. Inspectors are there to prevent aquatic invasive species from being brought into the lake.
   2. Do a self-inspection of your trailer and boat to look for weeds and mussels and remove them.
   3. Be prepared to comply with all requirements like removing weeds, your drain plug etc.
   4. 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.
   1. 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
5. Recognize that there are multiple users of the lake—motorized boats, paddle boards, swimmers, etc. Be alert and cautious of all lake traffic. 
   1. 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. 
   2. Slow and non-motorized should be avoided by high powered boats.
   3. There are active teams of open water swimmers that get together to practice and train in the lake. This is routinely on Monday 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. (Contacts: Peter Schissel 612-366-1795 or Steve Gunther stgunther@gmail.com)

Wake Board/Ski Boats (Passenger in tow) 

1. The wake for a wakeboard boat is larger than other boats’ wake. Be sensitive to how close you are to shore. Although 200 feet 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. For example, it may be best 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 Monday nights and Wednesday mornings. Look for the big orange triangular buoy and smaller yellow buoys. Boaters are asked to keep at least 200 feet from the swimmers. 

“If you’re lucky enough to love on a lake, you’re lucky enough.” That’s the old saying passed down from generation to generation, capturing the love of the lake lifestyle many of us are enjoying.

But maintaining a healthy lake for you and future generations to enjoy does not come without effort. As a lakeshore owner, you have a responsibility to do your part. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, members of the Anoka County Water Resource Outreach Collaborative and several local Lake Associations created an awesome video that illustrates what you can do to help.

Watch the video by clicking HERE. And then take action to become a Lakeshore Steward. The Lake Minnewashta Preservation Association is here to help.

Lake Minnewashta Preservation Association (LMPA) is pleased to announce the establishment of a Rainwater Runoff Management Grant Program for the Lake Minnewashta Watershed area.

Lake Minnewashta Preservation Association (LMPA) in coordination with Carver County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) 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 attached map. The LMPA grant will provide funding up to 75% of project cost with a maximum of $500 per project and payment will be made upon completion. There could be additional funding available from SWCD for qualified projects. LMPA has a total of $5,000 set aside for this purpose. Runoff projects can consist of rain gardens and/or berms that restrain water from running into the Lake Minnewashta Watershed and neighborhood storm sewer systems, therefore draining through soil and native vegetation filtration.

Interested parties should contact either of the following individuals. These resources can also assist with design of your project;

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

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

With your application, please submit a plan, along with estimated cost of materials and installation cost. All applications must be approved by the SWCD prior to installation in order to receive cost-share funding. The cost-share payment will be paid upon completion, expected within 1 year of approval.

Eligible Application Area

All Day: Celebrate and take pictures showing your 4th of July spirit to be entered into drawings for fun prizes! 

• Wear your Lake Minnewashta 4^th of July T-shirts!
• Decorate your house, bikes, cars or boat!
• Post pictures to our Facebook page with the hashtag #ShowYourSpiritLakeMinnewashta by midnight on July 5^th

*Prizes include gift cards to local businesses and will be awarded at a LIVE FACEBOOK DRAWING on Monday, July 6^th at 9:00 am.*

Fireworks – The official fireworks show at the park will not be taking place this year. We are looking forward to viewing everyone’s individual fireworks displays! 

Rain date: Sunday, July 5^th

Boat Parade Route