Lake Minnetonka Vegetation & AIS Master Plan
The Lake Minnetonka Conservation District (LMCD) is taking new steps to identify, prevent, and manage Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) threats on Lake Minnetonka.
Join us in protecting and enhancing the Lake Minnetonka experience. Your input and participation is wanted as part of the development of the exciting Lake-wide Vegetation & Master Plan. The project launched June 18, 2019 and will continue through the end of 2019. Learn more about this important initiative and ways to participate during the development of the plan.
The AIS picture has been changing as new threats appear in Minnesota waters and across the nation. All treatment methods have come under scrutiny. Further, the most recent identification of starry stonewort in nearby Medicine Lake underscores the importance of minimizing the risk of exposure for Lake Minnetonka. Stakeholder participation and support of other agencies, cities, businesses, neighborhood groups, and interested parties will be part of the process to help facilitate a successful project. With the changing landscape of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) and ecology of Lake Minnetonka, having a holistic and scientific approach to effectively address the current and future health of Lake Minnetonka is critical.
MEET THE TEAM
The Lake Minnetonka Conservation District (LMCD) has prepared and participated in numerous studies of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) with emphasis on harvesting and chemical treatments of Eurasian watermilfoil and curly-leaf pondweed with consideration of the health of Lake Minnetonka and all perspectives of those who have interests in the lake. The team of Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc. (EOR) and Blue Water Science (BWS) has been chosen to assist in the development of this Plan. Both EOR and BWS enjoy long-standing familiarity with Lake Minnetonka in conjunction with expertise in lake management and AIS. EOR has decades of experience in watershed planning, lake management, and have a history of engaging stakeholder involvement. Blue Water Science possesses a wealth of knowledge about AIS and lake ecology and will bring scientific rigor and ecological viability to the Plan.
BACKGROUND
On December 12, 2018, the LMCD Board agreed to proceed with a master plan to identify, prevent, and manage AIS on Lake Minnetonka. On January 9, 2019 the Board authorized the preparation of a request for proposal to contract with an AIS specialist to assist in the development of a lake-wide plan using a holistic, data-driven approach.
GET INVOLVED
Web-mapping Public Feedback Tool- Report Nuisance & Suspicious Vegetation
Online Vegetation Map- Watch It Grow Throughout the Months
PROJECT INFORMATION & ACTIVITIES
Media Release January 10, 2019- LMCD Takes New Steps to Address AIS
Media Release May 24, 2019- Team Selected/Launch of Master Plan
Project Introduction Flyer- Why a Vegetation & AIS Master Plan
Project Information Flyer- Outline of Project
Presentation- 1st Meeting June 18, 2019- Learn About Process and Goals
Presentation – LMCD Board Meeting October 9, 2019 – Update on Plan Progress
Draft Aquatic Vegetation Harvesting Program Evaluation October 9, 2019 – Review Draft
Draft Starry Stonewort Protection and Emergency Action Plan October 9, 2019 – Review Draft
Summary of Public & Agency Input as of 11/20/2019- See Comments
Technical Advisory Group (TAG)- 2nd Meeting November 21, 2019-
Materials Lake Vegetation Harvesting Memo (11/15/2019)
Starry Stonewort Plan Memo (11/15/2019)
AIS Strategy Memo (11/15/2019)
Draft Meeting Notes (11/21/2019)Presentation – LMCD Board Meeting December 11, 2019 – Harvesting Program Review
Presentation – LMCD Board Meeting December 11, 2019 – 2019 Vegetation Photos
Lake Minnetonka Vegetation & AIS Master Plan (June 2020)- View HERE