Lake Minnewashta Preservation Association

Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22 to raise awareness and promote action for environmental protection. It was first held in 1970, sparked by growing concerns over pollution, deforestation, and the health of the planet. Today, Earth Day is observed globally in over 190 countries, involving millions of people in activities such as tree planting, cleanups, educational events, and climate change advocacy.

The day serves as a reminder of our shared responsibility to care for the Earth, encouraging individuals, communities, businesses, and governments to take meaningful steps toward sustainability and environmental stewardship. Each year often features a theme—like climate action, plastic pollution, or restoring ecosystems—to focus efforts and inspire global participation.

The Lake Minnewashta Preservation Association is dedicated to preserving the quality of water and the quality of life on  Lake Minnewashta. Please do your part to help. Here are some ideas…contact us at info@lakeminnewashta.org for other ideas on how you can help.

• Plant a rain or pollinator garden or shoreline buffer
• Join the Adopt a Drain program
• Stabilize your shoreline
• Always Clean, Dry and Drain your boat and water toys when moving from one lake to another
• Help the LMPA achieve its mission by making a donation

This past winter, Lake Minnewashta experienced significant ice heaving, due to changing temperatures over recent months.

When there are rapid temperature fluctuations, like we experienced this winter, ice sheets expand and push against the shoreline, creating ice “heaves” or “ridges”. These heaves can greatly alter and affect the lake’s shoreline, often requiring homeowners to consider implementing or enhancing shoreline stabilization methods.

If you are considering shoreline stabilization work this year — including installation or repair of riprap, native shoreline plantings, sand blankets, retaining walls, etc. — reach out to the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District’s (MCWD) Permitting Staff for technical assistance or to apply for a Shoreline Stabilization Permit. MCWD’s Permitting Staff can guide you through the permitting process, answer any permitting questions you have, and provide technical guidance as you consider which stabilization options work best for you. 

MCWD Permitting Staff can be contacted at permitting@minnehahacreek.org or (952) 641-4532.

The City of Chanhassen may also have permit requirements to ensure the work is completed safely and meets rules outlined in City Code. Please review regulations before starting work and reach out to the City’s Engineering Department atengdept@chanhassenmn.gov  or (952) 227 –1160 if you have questions. 

Additional Resources for Residents 
Residents can apply for the City of Chanhassen’s Low Impact Development (LID) Landscape Grant, to install landscape features that manage and treat stormwater runoff. Eligible homeowners, businesses, and community groups can apply for up to $1,000, which would be equally matched by the project owner.

Residents who are interested in native planting for their shoreline can explore Carver County’s shoreline habitat program, which helps homeowners install native habitat shoreline buffers. Residents can also apply for Blue Thumb’s Lawns to Legumes grant program, to receive support for native planting projects.

For technical assistance, homeowners can also reach out to Metro Blooms, which provides consultations and design guidance for sustainable landscapes. 

Lake Minnewashta Preservation Association

Annual Meeting and Picnic

Sunday Sept 22nd, 2024 4-7 PM

CampfireMN, 3300 Tanadoona Drive

New This Year…LMPA Logo Contest!

Please join us Sunday September 22nd from 4-7 PM for the LMPA Annual Meeting and Potluck Picnic. There will be a chance to socialize, meet new neighbors, a tour of the old governor’s mansion, and there will  be a short meeting of the LMPA to wrap up the 2024 season and make plans for 2025!

We hope you will join us. The meeting and picnic will be held rain or shine in CampfireMN’s spacious dining room. Please bring your own beverage and a dish to share. The LMPA will provide hotdogs. Water will be available.

Please RSVP (so we have an idea how many hot dogs we need) to Helen Gunther @ hgunther57@gmail.com or 612-986-4073.

For more info go to www.lakeminnewashta.org

Aug. 21, 2024 Public Open House

A public open house was held on Wednesday, Aug. 21 at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum to share updated exhibits and others materials related to the schedule, funding, environmental processes, design details, preliminary construction plans, and proposed visual improvements.

Below are printable copies of the exhibits as they appeared at the in person public open house:

• Project overview and environmental review process (6 exhibits)
• Updated design options (10 exhibits)
• Preliminary construction plans (5 exhibits)
• Proposed visual improvements (10 exhibits)

LMPA board member Kevin Zahler and others are paying close attention to the project to assure that it does not affect the lake and our neighbors to the best of our ability. Items of concern remain noise levels and the potential purchase of environmental credits instead of addressing issues directly.

The City of Chanhassen Traffic Safety Committee will hold a collaborative neighborhood workshop on July 29 at the Chanhassen Recreation Center from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Residents may attend at any time but are encouraged to arrive at 5:30 p.m. to be part of the entire program. This workshop aims to:

• discuss and assess improvements
• receive input on future improvements
• discuss the potential impact of the Highway 5 project

Date: 07/29/2024 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM   Location: Chanhassen Recreation Center
2310 Coulter Boulevard
Chanhassen, Minnesota 55317