Lake Minnewashta Preservation Association

Did you know that Lake Minnewashta is home to a number of enthusiastic water skiers? We are lucky to have our very own ski course set up in the north bay of the lake, permitted by the Sheriff and maintained by some of our residents.

Sometime between June 8th and June 11th, one of the ski course structures was notably damaged and rendered unusable until repairs are made. The cost of replacement parts is at least $150 plus a couple hours of work to pull everything out, replace the broken pieces, and reset everything.  Plus a lot of sad skiers, sitting on their docks waiting for repairs. 🙁

Are you curious as to how a ski course works? The two yellow balls are set up for a tow boat to drive between, The red/orange balls are turn buoys for a skier being towed to turn around. A series of ropes, plastic pipe and anchors hold the turn buoy a set distance away from the boat. Skiers compete by seeing who can make the most turns without missing a buoy as the ropes are shortened with each successive run.

More than likely the damage was accidental, possibly caused by a boater dragging a line or anchor rope through the course, snagging the underwater structure and snapping it.

To avoid future damage, please do not drive between the yellow and orange buoys. Better yet, if you are not skiing the course, please avoid it at all times.

Our lake elevation readings on Lake Minnewashta have been below 945.0′ Mean Sea Level for 3 days in a row. Based on this, Renae Clark, city of Chanhassen Water Resources Coordinator, after discussion with city manager Todd Gerhardt, has confirmed the Slow No Wake restriction has been lifted.

The City’s Surface Water Quality hotline is being updated to reflect this and the signs at the Lake Minnewashta Regional Park boat launch are being removed. A resolution at the Chanhassen City Council meeting will be presented tonight to essentially codify the elevation of 945.0′ MSL as the trigger for placing and removing any future Slow No Wake declarations on Lake Minnewashta.

Thanks everyone for your help, cooperation and understanding. Thanks especially to Rick Zweig for posting the readings everyday.

Looks like the State will be getting more money to spend on AIS efforts. They’re raising the boat registration fee by $5.60! Hopefully the LMPA or Carver County get grant money in 2020. Unfortunately the move to centralize AIS inspections for more lakes in Wright County was denied. 

From a recent Star Tribune Article

“To strengthen the DNR’s fight against zebra mussels, starry stonewort algae and other aquatic invasive species (AIS), the House and Senate raised the AIS boat licensing surcharge from $5 to $10.60.”

“Strommen said the funding boost will extend the DNR’s lakeside inspection program, reinstate local grants to AIS partners and fortify the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center. Also to the DNR’s liking, an attempt by certain legislators to expand a controversial AIS inspection program in Wright County failed.”

Here’s a link to the entire article.

It’s time to get ready to celebrate America’ birthday on July 4th!!! 

We have something planned for everyone from 9AM to late at night. Start off the day on the shore,  watching  the talent laden ski show. Afterwards, the kids will love the face painting, the parade, the games, free prizes, and ice cream!!!  Plenty of good stuff for the adults too with all proceeds benefiting the LMPA. We’ll have grills going with hot dogs and brats with chips and water (for a suggested donation) for an easy lunch that’s an American July 4^thtradition.

Then comes our amazing Annual Raffle to benefit the LMPA. We have too many prizes to list so find the complete  list on our Facebook page at  Lake Minnewashta Fourth of July Event.  You can buy as many $1 raffle tickets as you want and then drop tickets in the box for prizes you want a chance to win. Tickets are pulled right there so you get to take prize with you.

Afterwards, dress up your yacht or other watercraft and join us for the Boat Parade.

Finally, close out the day with the awesome fireworks that are fired off over the lake. Remember that you can also see displays from many surrounding communities as well as the often spectacular efforts put on by your neighbors on the shore.

July 4^th2019. DON’T MISS IT!!

City of Chanhassen officials have declared Lake Minnewashta a SLOW-NO WAKE zone due to high water levels leading to the strong potential of shoreline damage. Please do not drive your watercraft at speeds fast enough to create a wake, typically 5 MPH. We will provide an update when the lake levels have receded enough to lift the Slow/No Wake restrictions.

Questions should be directed to City Manager Todd Gerhardt at (952) 227-1119 or via email at TGerhardt@ci.chanhassen.mn.us