Lake Minnewashta Preservation Association

From:    City of Chanhassen and Carver County Sheriff’s Office
 
Over the weekend, we received multiple reports of boaters disregarding the No-Wake ordinance on Lake Minnewashta and requests for enforcement. Due to recent substantial rainfall, Lake Minnewashta is under slow-no-wake restrictions. The lake’s water level has exceeded the regulatory elevation of 945 feet and must remain below this level for three consecutive days before the restrictions can be lifted. This morning, the lake’s elevation was 945.2 feet, and it needs to drop below 945.0 feet for three consecutive days to lift the restriction. Given the current drop rate of 0.03 to 0.05 feet per day and the rainy forecast, the high water levels may persist for a couple more weeks.
 
Unfortunately, the County’s Recreation Services patrol was unavailable this weekend, and there was some confusion with erroneous information suggesting that the CCSO was patrolling Lake Minnetonka, which they do not.

Here’s what we are doing to address the situation and ensure enforcement:
 
– The Recreation Services patrol deputy is scheduled to work on July 3 and throughout this week. Barring emergencies and adverse weather, there will be active patrol on Lake Minnewashta.
– We have also requested the presence of the DNR. 
 
Here’s how residents can help:

• To report violations of the no-wake ordinance, call the non-emergency number: 952-361-1231. (Continue to call 911 for life safety issues.)
• If possible, take a video documenting the activity, showing the watercraft’s registration number, and clearly identifying the driver.
• Dispatch will have a deputy contact you as soon as possible, and they will provide you with an email to send the video to.
• Deputies will use their resources to contact the watercraft owner.
• Please note that reports cannot be made anonymously, and you may be asked to testify in court.

 Please know that we are concerned about this issue. This is a very busy weekend in Chanhassen for both city staff and the CCSO. We appreciate your patience as we try to balance all public safety needs.
 
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we work to maintain safety on Lake Minnewashta.
 
 Laurie Hokkanen
City Manager
CITY OF CHANHASSEN
PH.  952.227.1119
FX.  952.227.1110

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.