Save the Lake solicits proposals to fund projects that meet specific funding criteria guidelines. Based on contributions received in 2011 ($50,000), the LMCD Board of Directors (via the Committee’s recommendation) approved the funding of the following four projects:

• $13,676 to the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Foundation for partial assistance in funding a Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicle (ROV).  The ROV will greatly improve the public safety efforts of the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office/Water Patrol divers during search and rescue efforts;
• Up to $30,000 to the Lake Minnetonka Association for the final treatment of the five-year Herbicide Treatment Pilot Program on Carmans, Grays, and Phelps Bays;
• $4,168 to Long Lake Fire Department to improve public safety on Lake Minnetonka for the purchase of ice water rescue suits; and
• $2,470 to the Libbs Lake POA for funding of one herbicide treatment.

Save the Lake receives both monetary and in-kind support from many of our commercial Lake Minnetonka stakeholders.  In-kind support includes the Lake Minnetonka Charter Boat Association annually volunteering their time to install and remove the red and green solar lights (all of which were purchased through the Save the Lake Fund).  Additionally, the marinas are initiating their own campaign drive to not only raise more funds for the ROV (noted above), but also to continue the funding of the Solar Light Program. Look for mailers from these stakeholders.

Many of you have contributed to Save the Lake via the Aerial Photography Campaign. If you have not yet viewed this campaign on the LMCD’s website, please take the time to do so.  Aerial photographs of your favorite bay, or the whole Lake, are available for purchase.

If you would like to contribute to the Save the Lake Fund, please select the “Save the Lake” tab for both monitary or aerial photography contributions.  Additionally, LMCD staff would be happy to assist you in this process (952-745-0789).  Your support is appreciated!

Bill Olson, Chair

The permitting forms defining and authorizing the placement of the temporary dock extensions are provided below:

• LMCD Low Water Permitting Process Guidelines
• Example of Dock Use Area (DUA)
• Lower Water Residential General Permit Registration Form
• Temporary Low Water Dock Extension Permit Application (For residential sites that cannot meet the General Permit conditions, as well as all multiple dock license holders).

For further information on the “Low Water Declaration,” feel free to contact the LMCD office at (952) 745-0789.

It is unsafe for vehicles to drive on the ice on lakes, rivers, or ponds in Hennepin County.  On Lake Minnetonka, there are areas of open water and channels are extremely dangerous and have moving water.

Again, the restriction applies to cars, trucks, and SUV’s.  Recreational vehicles such as snowmobiles and ATV’s will be allowed on county lakes.  People using recreational vehicles, those who are walking or ice fishing on lakes–are urged to use extreme caution due to thin ice and open water.  Ice thickness varies considerably due to the freezing and thawing that has taken place.  Below is a link to the Sheriff’s Office announcement:

• 2/9/12  Sheriff’s Office Advisory       

For scheduling and certification questions, please contact Minnesota Waters at www.minnesotawaters.org or 320-257-6630.

For technical questions regarding the State of Minnesota Transportation Laws (including whether an individual needs to be certified), please contact Jay Rendall at jay.rendall@state.mn.us or 651-259-5131.

• MN DNR Press Release (January, 2012)
• Minnesota Waters Partnering Announcement (January, 2012)
• MN DNR Website for Lake Service Providers General Information
• MN DNR Website for Lake Service Providers Training Dates & Locations

• Press Release: “Ice Safety on Lake Minnetonka”