“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;
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.
All Day: Celebrate and take pictures showing your 4th of July spirit to be entered into drawings for fun prizes!
Wear your Lake Minnewashta 4th 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 5th
*Prizes include gift cards to local businesses and will be awarded at aLIVE FACEBOOK DRAWING on Monday, July 6th at 9:00 am.*
9:00 am
Water Ski Show featuring Minnewashta skiers and the Twin Cities River Rats! Viewing location: 3421 Shore Drive
11:00 am
Boat Parade – Family Friendly, Patriotic Themed! *NO WATER BALLOONS* Starting at Boyer Sterling Beach – see map below for route Decorate your boat and join the parade! Fun prizes to be won!
6:00 pm ‘til dark
Minnewashta All Stars Band – Live Music from Thayer’s Dock! North side of main lake. Listen from the comfort of your boat/yard/beach, or Lake Minnewashta Park.
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!
I hope this letter finds you all healthy and well – truly an extraordinary time that has presented both challenges and silver linings. I am sorry to announce that KABOOM will not be hosting a fireworks show on Lake Minnewashta this year. In conjunction with the Carver County Park, the decision was made to forgo the fireworks for the safety of our lake community and the thousands of park visitors who visit the park each July 4th. The decision also supports the COVID Executive Order 20- 38 from Governor Walz addressing the need for social distancing with outdoor recreational activities and is consistent with the decision by Excelsior to cancel their fireworks show on Lake Minnetonka.
On a positive note, I have been informed that Chanhassen will have their annual fireworks display and are adding 50% more powder to their pyrotechnics to get the show higher for more communities to experience. Our hope is that we can all enjoy the Chanhassen show safely from our respective beaches/boats.
Coordinating the fireworks for our community with your support is a joy – our tradition hopefully will be back next year. In the meantime, enjoy summer, stay safe and bestow peace!
With the permit from the DNR in hand, Lake Restoration chemically treated 37 acres of the invasive weed curly leaf pondweed on May 19th. See the map below for treatment areas. Treatment of eurasian water milfoil will occur in June.
Almost every motorboat can create a wake, which is why boaters must be aware of the danger wakes present and the damage they can do. While common courtesy dictates boaters should control their wakes, there are consequences beyond how wakes may affect people. So, what do boaters really need to know when it comes to owning their wake?
Under Minnesota law, the damage your wake causes is treated the same as damage caused by an actual collision. Personal watercraft (PWC) must stay at least 150 feet from shore. There is no required distance for boats, but by staying at least 200 feet from shore or other structures boaters can reduce the likelihood their wakes will cause damage.
Be aware of your environment and what’s going on around you – this applies to everyone on and around the water.
Have a designated lookout to keep an eye out for other boats, objects, and swimmers.
If crossing a wake, cross at low speeds and keep a close lookout for skiers and towables.
Comply with all signs and respect barriers. This includes speed limits, no-wake zones, and underwater obstructions.
Stay at least 200 feet away from shorelines, docks or other structures. Backing a boat up to a riverbank or lakeshore can damage the area and lead to erosion. Travel slowly in shallow waters.
Travel slowly in shallow waters and avoid boating in water less than 2½ feet deep. High speeds near shorelines lead to large wakes that cause shoreline erosion.
Check local ordinances, restrictions, closures, and permit requirements for the body of water you are on.
Ask permission from the landowner(s) before crossing private property.
Minimize repetitive passes. Once you’ve run a line, move on to another area. Comply with all signs and respect barriers.
Respect the rights of others so everyone can enjoy their time on the water – keep the noise down, be courteous to other boaters, and show consideration to all recreationists on and around the water.
Environmental impacts of wakes
Large wakes produced by watercraft can result in a variety of negative environmental consequences, including:
Shoreline erosion;
Impaired water quality resulting from increased sediment in the water;
Loss of shoreline vegetation, which helps stabilize the shore and provides important habitat for fish and wildlife.
These impacts are greater when water levels are high and shorelines are saturated.
Boaters must be aware that their actions directly impact the environment. They should take steps to reduce their wake when operating near shore or when water levels are high.
This post is copied from the DNR Website : https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/boatwater/own-your-wake.html
