Lake Minnewashta Preservation Association

Dear Lake Minnewashta Residents and Supporters,

As part of our ongoing mission to protect and enhance the water quality and recreational enjoyment of Lake Minnewashta, the Lake Minnewashta Preservation Association (LMPA) will be treating areas of the lake for aquatic invasive species (AIS) in August.

We want to keep you fully informed—this is your official notice that we will be conducting treatments in various parts of the lake in August.

Eurasian Watermilfoil Treatment

Within the next two weeks, we will treat Eurasian Watermilfoil, another invasive species, using the DNR- and EPA-approved herbicide 2,4-D under a DNR permit. This chemical , has proven highly effective in past treatments. If your property is affected, shoreline signs will be posted with any applicable water use guidelines—though there are no restrictions on swimming or fishing after treatment.

If you do not want treatment to occur near your property (within 150 feet of shore), please notify us by August 15th  by emailing info@lakeminnewashta.org. This deadline is important.

Treatment zones will be based on the most current survey…see below.

Float signs will be placed in the treated areas, and residents should refer to these for any water-use information. Restrictions are minimal with these products, but we encourage everyone to stay informed.

Previous Curly-Leaf Pondweed (CLP) Treatment

Our first treatment in May targeted Curly-leaf pondweed (CLP), an invasive plant that grows in early spring and can disrupt water quality and recreation. Treatment areas included locations within 150 feet of your shoreline, as identified by a recent survey conducted by the Carver County Water Management Organization.

We used EPA-approved aquatic herbicides Dibrox or Flumigard under a DNR permit.This year, the DNR has approved an expanded treatment plan (see below):

• 50 acres of CLP was treated in May (up from 40 acres in previous years)
• This is part of our 5-year plan to significantly reduce CLP levels
• A follow-up assessment will be conducted later in the season, possibly followed by a fall or winter treatment

Native Aquatic Plants

Please note: the many plants you may have noticed in this summer—such as Coontail, White Water Crowfoot, Bladderwort, and others—are native species and play a healthy role in the lake ecosystem. These will naturally return each season and are not part of our treatment plan.

How You Can Help

These treatments are entirely funded by donations from generous LMPA members. If you’re a lakeshore property owner—or simply someone who enjoys this beautiful lake—please consider joining the LMPA or making a donation to support this important work.

Thank you for your continued support in keeping Lake Minnewashta clean, healthy, and enjoyable for everyone.

Registration for Starry Trek on August 9th is open. Carver County Water Management Organization (CCWMO) is hosting an event at Waconia Regional Park.

Starry Trek is a statewide event focused on searching for one of Minnesota’s newest aquatic invasive species, starry stonewort (and other invaders). Team up with us and hundreds of your fellow Minnesotans across the state to learn about and find aquatic invaders.

What you’ll do

You will meet at Waconia Regional Park where you will receive a brief training on how to identify starry stonewort and other target aquatic invasive species and how to follow the search protocols. Groups are then sent out to nearby priority lakes to follow the protocols and bring back any suspicious organisms. Starry Trek is a free event and no experience or special equipment is required. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Learn more and register at https://maisrc.umn.edu/starrytrek

Notice from the City of Chanhassen :

The Chanhassen City Engineer lifted the slow-no-wake restriction at Lake Minnewashta as of 2PM July 7th. 

In case there is any confusion, the LMPA’s has no authority in the imposition or lifting of Slow-No Wake declarations. Our role is to communicate in a timely fashion to as many stakeholders as we can. We use emails, this website and Facebook page to do so. Since 2020, the City of Chanhassen has the responsibility to administer the imposition and lifting of slow-no wake declarations. Here is a LINK to the the City of Chanhassen Municipal Code. Section 6-49 is the applicable section. The ordinary high water level (OHWL) is 944.5′ above sea level. The slow-no wake trigger is 945′, which is above the OHWL, but below FEMA’s100 year flood level which is 945.9′.  

The purpose of the No Wake trigger is to protect the lake’s shoreline and water quality while balancing it with residents interests with recreational use of the lake. This prevents property damage, ensures public safety, and protects shoreline areas vital to a healthy lake.  Most intact and natural shoreline can hold their own against high water levels, waves and winter ice. But many of our lake shorelines are no longer natural. They consist of grass to the water’s edge or rip rap. Grass has little roots to hold soil in place, and rip rap has potential to fail, both which lead to erosion of soil along the shoreline, loss of property, and sediment pollution in the lake. Preventing waves during high water levels greatly reduces shoreline erosion and preserves the water quality and wildlife enjoyed by communities.

Notice from the City of Chanhassen :

Due to recent substantial rainfall, Lake Minnewashta is under slow-no-wake restrictions to prevent shoreline erosion. The lake has exceeded the regulatory elevation of 945 ft. and must drop below that level for three consecutive days before the restrictions are lifted.

Boaters are not allowed to operate a watercraft in excess of “slow-no wake” speeds until further notice. 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.

Here is a LINK to the the City of Chanhassen Municipal Code. Section 6-49 is the applicable section.

Get ready to light up the sky! KABOOM is thrilled to once again kick off the Independence Day weekend with a spectacular fireworks show over Lake Minnewashta on Thursday, July 3rd at 10 PM!

🎇 Bring your blankets, your lawn chairs, and your patriotic spirit—this will be a night to remember!

💥 DID YOU KNOW?
Lake Minnewashta fireworks are 100% community funded—powered by the generosity of neighbors like you.

❤️ Help Keep the Tradition Alive!
If you love this dazzling display as much as we do, please consider donating. Every spark counts!
Check out the flyer below for details on how to contribute.

Let’s celebrate freedom, community, and good old-fashioned fun—together!

GREAT OPPORTUNTIY TO INSTALL A BEAUTIFUL ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PROJECT IN YOUR YARD

We are pleased to announce our 2025 grant program to develop an aesthetically pleasing and environmentally sustainable project in your yard at a reduced cost. The Lake Minnewashta Preservation Association (LMPA) is offering a grant program available to all residents within the Minnewashta Watershed; please refer to the map for the boundaries of the watershed (in blue).

Runoff management projects, such as lakeshore buffers and rain gardens, are designed to prevent water from entering the lake or storm sewer systems. These initiatives effectively filter water through soil and vegetation, playing a crucial role in mitigating the pollution of waterways caused by phosphorus, nitrogen, and chlorides. This, in turn, helps reduce algae proliferation and enhances water quality for local wildlife and all lake users. Additionally, establishing buffer zones along your lakeshore can help deter geese from entering your property!

Grants are available through the CSWCD Shoreline Habitat Program, the City of Chanhassen LID program, and a $500 grant from LMPA, subject to project details and necessary approvals.

We also offer assistance with design, cost estimates, and grant applications. Residents are encouraged to undertake these projects with the support of CSWCD, LMPA, and community volunteers.

For further inquiries, please contact:

– Seth Ristow – sristow@co.carver.mn.us, Landscape Restoration Specialist, CSWCD

– Kevin Zahler – kjzahler@hotmail.com, Minnesota Water Steward, LMPA.