Lake Minnewashta Preservation Association

Recently, Carver County water management conducted a full lake delineation for Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM) and found NONE in the entire lake except for the boat launch and a few spots around “Little Minnie.” EWM is not a concern in Lake Minnewashta currently. Native Northern milfoil was quite abundant in some areas, but not causing any matting or out crowding of other natives. The EWM around the boat launch looked a little “hybridy” meaning it had characteristics of both Eurasian (invasive) and Northern (native.) They may check back when it’s reached the next growth stage and send it in to a lab to get genetically tested.

Unfortunately, Curly Leaf Pondweed (CLP) is very abundant; it was found in almost every littoral area around the lake. The matted vegetation in the south bay Curly leaf pondweed. The South Bay gets a lot of sun and is somewhat undisturbed by wave action so the weeds have taken off in growth. Curly leaf is highly invasive and is a beast to manage, but LMPA has been treating for it every year. This year we treated almost 40 acres, the maximum allowed by the DNR. The good thing for lake shore owners and boaters is that curly dies off in July, but the that releases a lot of nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen into the water which act as fertilizer for algae growth, including cyanobacteria (blue green algae). 

As a warning, blue-green algae is a bacteria, not algae. It often looks like blue or green paint floating on the surface. Some contain toxins that can be dangerous to animals; it can be fatal for dogs. We usually see it late July or August in lakes in the area.

Enjoying Minnesota’s lakes and rivers by paddle or motorboat is a
wonderful privilege. That privilege comes with serious responsibilities.
Fun boating is safe boating, so please follow these Top Five Boating Tips

• Wear your life jacket and make sure children wear theirs.
• Stay sober. Booze and boating don’t mix. Alcohol is the #1 factor in
  boating fatalities.
• Tell a friend. Tell someone where you’re going and when you will
  be back. If you’re not back, they should call 911. Bring a phone or
  VHF radio.
• Be weather aware. Don’t let a storm sneak up on you — delay your
  trip or head to shore. Go slow in rough water to avoid capsizing.
• Boat smart. Take a boating safety course. Know your boat; stay
  alert while scanning for dangers; stay seated and low in the boat to
  prevent falls overboard.

Enjoying Minnesota’s lakes and rivers by paddle or motorboat is a
wonderful privilege. That privilege comes with serious responsibilities.
Fun boating is safe boating, so please read this guide thoroughly and
contact the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) with any questions
you may have. Here is a LINK to the Minnesota Boating Guide

This book summarizes Minnesota’s boating laws and regulations. It does not
present the actual laws and regulations. Laws and regulations are subject to
change by the Legislature and through public hearings.

Please pay special attention to the laws and regulations for:

• Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) protocols on pages 20-22, 
• AIS permits on page 40
• The requirement to always wear a life jacket while paddling on page 37

Boaters may also be subject to federal and local rules and restrictions.
For boating information and more information regarding state laws and
regulations, contact the DNR Information Center.

500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155‑4040
651‑296‑6157
888‑646‑6367

Email: info.dnr@state.mn.us
mndnr.gov/boatingsafety

For watercraft registration and titling questions: mndnr.gov/licenses
651‑296‑2316