Lake Minnewashta Preservation Association

Wake Awareness

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

Contact Katy or Dan Mulheran at kmulheran@me.com or dmulheran@me.com if found

The 4th of July committee has been working to bring our community together with positive things to think about in these stressful times!  We don’t know what the actual July 4th celebration will look like this year but we will have fun matter what!  An easy way to make sure we raise some money for LMPA and get people excited about thinking about how lucky we are to live where we live is….. this year’s t-shirt!!! Celebrate our nation’s birthday in style!

Here’s the link to purchase one. www.customink.com/fundraising/lakeminnewashta
Deadline will be June 2nd this year (trying to build little cushion for supplier chain issues this year due to Covid-19). Please share with everyone you can!!

On November 3rd, we welcomed a crowd of over 50 interested members to the 2019 Annual Meeting of the LMPA. After a gourmet dinner of hot dogs, adult beverages,  assorted snacks, salads and desserts, Steve Gunther, president of the LMPA, shared the highlights and issues facing the Association. The full text of the presentation can be found by clicking HERE but the highlights included:

1. 2019 was our 4th year of Zebra Mussel discoveries, this time at the Pleasant Acres Association beach (for the second year), several houses down, at the tip of Red Cedar Point and, reported at the Annual Meeting, on a boat at Minnewashta Shores. We clearly have a reproducing colony of zebra mussels in the main body of the lake. There is nothing we can do about it but report new locations of mussels as we discover them.
2. Starry Stonewort, an invasive algae present in Medicine Lake, was discussed. We are counting on the diligence of boaters following the Clean, Drain Dry protocol and the AIS inspections at the public launch to prevent its transfer to Lake Minnewashta. Click HERE to see a video of it and other invasives. 
3. Carver County has again requested $10,000 from the LMPA to fully fund the incoming/outgoing watercraft inspections at the Regional Park boat launch in 2020. The members rejected that request and asked that the County find a way to completely foot the bill. Steve Gunther agreed to send a letter to the County Commissioners detailing the nature of the request and declaring our position. That letter was sent on November 4th and all LMPA members were copied and asked to share their concerns with the Commissioners directly. 
4. Financial contributions to the LMPA were strong this year with over $36,000 raised. Our Reserve, for emergency treatment of any new AIS infestations, is nearly filled. While that news is great, it’s unfortunate that only 84 homes made a contribution to the LMPA. There are many other members who benefit from our activities, both lakeshore owners and those who live off the lake but use it regularly.  We can only encourage everyone to make a contribution. A list of all of our donors can be found on our website and in the annual meeting presentation. Thank you to all donors! A special thanks to the July 4th t-shirt, parade and raffle group who raised nearly $6,000!. 
5. High lake levels led to incidents of a Slow/No Wake status being applied on the lake. This means watercraft should move at less than 5 MPH. This is intended to prevent property damage on shoreline lots. There were many instances of violations of that rule and several tickets were handed out by the Carver County sheriff’s deputies. Chanhassen is responsible for declaring a Slow/No Wake and has developed a streamlined process for putting it on and lifting it. After public comments are completed, the DNR will be given four months to review it. Expect it to be in place in 2020
6. Artificially large wakes caused by wake surf boats and the impact on shoreline erosion and property damage were discussed. It is unlikely that the DNR will take any action to restrict them so common courtesy would suggest that surfers enjoy their sport in the center of the lake wherever possible.
7. The issue of loud music was also discussed. Again, courtesy should reign here…music travels much farther over water and volumes should be kept at a level to not disturb others, especially at night. The sheriff is responsible for enforcement should it get out of hand.   
8. Recognizing that many lake users may not be familiar with rules and common boating practices and courtesies, Pete Schissel is developing Boating and Recreational Use Guidelines for our members. This will be published in time for the 2020 season. 
9. Finally, Give to the Max Day is November 14th so please remember the LMPA when considering charity. Find the PayPal link on our website, send a check to the LMPA at Box 304, Excelsior, MN 55331 or look for us on Venmo. 

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has put out a request for new applicants for the DNR Statewide AIS Advisory Committee. Lake Associations are the primary stakeholders in AIS efforts because they are far more engaged in this issue than any other group. Representing lake associations on this committee is important, so if you have the time and interest, not only would you enjoy it, but would no doubt have much to benefit the group.

Here is a link to the application page where there is more information: http://survey.mn.gov/s.asp?k=157065153319&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery