Preserving the Lake Is Our Priority
The Lake Minnetonka Conservation District (LMCD) brings together 14 different cities, two counties, and many state and local agencies to protect, preserve and enhance Lake Minnetonka’s environment, economy and vitality.
We are a uniform, coordinating body that cares for and regulates one of Minnesota’s most important resources. Lake Minnetonka is a unique asset requiring unique governance. By working collaboratively across all jurisdictions, we ensure that we represent the many stakeholders who care about our enjoyment of the lake today while preserving it for many generations to come.
Our History
The LMCD traces our history back to 1967, when state of Minnesota legislation created a regional governmental agency to regulate the lake’s use and develop a comprehensive plan to eliminate pollution. We’ve helped inform many decisions to protect the lake over the years.
- Promoted installation of sanitary sewers to prevent red algae blooms resulting from untreated sewage
- Established Quiet Water Areas (QWA) to address public safety and environmental concerns
- Adopted boating and winter use regulations
- Adopted regulations for boating density, including the current 1:50’ General Rule
- Purchased mechanical harvesting equipment to manage Eurasian Watermilfoil
- Ongoing efforts to prevent new aquatic invasive species
- Facilitate short and long-term strategy and planning efforts for comprehensive lake management
- Adopted regulations for licensing and permitting
- Multiple Docks (approved, legal storage of five or more restricted watercraft)
- District Mooring Areas (sailboat buoy fields)
- Charter Boats (including liquor licenses)
- Permanent Docks (Residential)
- Special Events (currently delegated to the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Water Patrol)
- Winter De-icing
OUR MISSION
Preserve and enhance the Lake Minnetonka experience.
OUR VISION
Lake Minnetonka is a highly valued year-round asset with vibrant aesthetic, recreational, commercial, and natural qualities. These qualities and values will be protected and preserved for present and future generations.
OUR VALUES
ACCOUNTABILITY | COLLABORATION | INTEGRITY | LEADERSHIP | QUALITY RESULTS | ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
STRATEGIC PLAN
The LMCD adopted a Strategic Plan for 2019/2020 and is in the process of updating the plan. This updated plan will build on previous work and introduces new initiatives to meet the current and future needs of Lake Minnetonka.
Focusing our efforts ensures that we will meet our mission to preserve and enhance the Lake Minnetonka experience. We look forward to working with all our partners in these efforts.
BUDGET
The LMCD adopts a budget on or before July 1st for the following calendar year, per Minnesota Statute 103B.635. We forward the budget to the fourteen member municipalities, with a statement for the amount to be provided by each municipality. The LMCD Budget process typically commences in April and concludes in June. However, the operating LMCD budget is based on the calendar year. The 2022 budget link is below. The 2023 budget is adopted and available for viewing.
MEETINGS
We take our mission to preserve and enhance the Lake Minnetonka experience seriously. The LMCD board and several advisory committees attend regular meetings to ensure our work is completed effectively and efficiently.
LMCD BOARD
The LMCD Board provides oversight and strategic direction for the LMCD. The board hosts bi-monthly meetings which include a Work Session and a public Formal Board Session. Work Sessions allow staff to seek input from the Board and for the Board to discuss matters in detail. Formal Board Sessions allow the Board to conduct public hearings and to consider and take formal action on matters coming before the LMCD.
To conduct business, the Board must have a quorum (typically eight of the fourteen Board members). A majority vote of the Board in attendance is needed to approve most motions and resolutions. Ordinance amendments typically require eight affirmative votes.
Committees
Several committees are established to address the current and evolving needs regarding lake safety and conservation. Committees review topics and make recommendations to the Board. Members are appointed annually by the LMCD Board of Directors. View meetings and minutes Available on Calendar.
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Committee
The AIS Task Force was established in response to the 1987 discovery of Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM) in Lake Minnetonka. Today, the AIS Committee is responsible for addressing invasive species in Lake Minnetonka.
Communications Committee
The Communications Committee was established to address the ever increasing need to educate the public, policy makers, and legislators about topics important to lake conservation and public safety.
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee oversees the annual budget and makes recommendations to the Board regarding its income and expenditures.
Operations Committee
The Operations Committee reviews the organization’s strategic plan and operations.
Save the Lake Committee
The Save the Lake Committee is an advisory committee that oversees Save the Lake fundraising efforts, as well as requests for Save the Lake funds. Members include current and past LMCD Directors and Lake Minnetonka stakeholders.
Nominations Committee
The Nominations Committee is a temporary committee established each year to seek board officer candidates and recommend a slate of officers to the Board for consideration in February.