LAKE MINNETONKA WINTER 2023 NEWSLETTER

Preserving and Enhancing the “Lake Minnetonka Experience”

WELCOME TO FALL AND WINTER ON LAKE MINNETONKA!

We are the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District (LMCD), a regional governmental agency dedicated to protecting, preserving and enhancing the environment, economy and vitality of Lake Minnetonka. We bring together 14 cities, two counties, and numerous state and local agencies for this important mission. Lake Minnetonka is one of Minnesota’s most treasured assets. We care for and regulate the lake to preserve it for many generations to come. Since 1967, we have worked to adopt rules, fund Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) grants and provide related resources, and offer boater safety education. Together, we can enjoy the lake today while safeguarding it for future generations to come. In this newsletter, you will find information about lake safety, a look at some of our recent activities and more.

SUMMARY OF 2023-24 STRATEGIC PLAN

Our 2023-24 strategic plan is focused on four key priorities crucial to preserving and enhancing the Lake Minnetonka experience for everyone, including:

• Docks, applications, licenses and surface water management
• Lake use and safety
• Lake protection
• Operational effectiveness

With these priorities in mind, the LMCD will continue to work toward ensuring surface water safety, public welfare, lake preservation and funding initiatives. Additionally, we will continue to focus on maintaining positive partnerships with all our shareholders.

MEET OUR BOARD MEMBERS

CHAIR Ann Hoelscher Victoria	VICE CHAIR Jake Walesch Deephaven	SECRETARY Mike Kirkwood Minnetrista	TREASURER Rich Anderson Orono
DIRECTOR Dan Baasen Wayzata	DIRECTOR Ben Brandt Mound	DIRECTOR Kristi Conrad Greenwood	DIRECTOR Gabriel Jabbour Spring Park
DIRECTOR Dennis Klohs Minnetonka Beach	DIRECTOR Mark Kroll Excelsior	DIRECTOR Ryan Nellis Tonka Bay	DIRECTOR Denny Newell Woodland
DIRECTOR Nicole Stone Minnetonka	DIRECTOR Deborah Zorn Shorewood

Lake Safety

SUCCESS WITH NEW 300-FOOT NO WAKE RULE

Our community’s efforts to follow the new 300-foot rule have been stellar. The new rule started in January and places a five miles-per-hour speed limit on all boats within 300 feet from the shoreline. From Memorial Day through Labor Day 2023, there were only two citations and approximately 60 verbal warnings issued by water patrol for shore zone violations. This is excellent adherence given how busy the lake is each year during this time. Thank you, everyone! We are so proud of our community’s strong commitment to caring for each other and Lake Minnetonka. Visit our LMCD.org/safety to learn more about the rule.

WINTER SAFETY TIPS

Wintertime on the lake means more frosty and fun activities to enjoy! Keep these important rules in mind to ensure your winter experience stays safe:

• Beware of thin ice: Ice is never 100% safe! Check its thickness every 150 feet using an ice chisel, auger or drill with a long bit. Make sure to park vehicles at least 50 feet apart and move them every two hours to avoid sinking.
• No water skipping: It’s dangerous and strictly prohibited to skip motorized vehicles over open water.
• Obtain permits for special events: Most special events require permits. The LMCD collaborates with the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Water Patrol to ensure proper management. Contact the water patrol office for information about special event permit applications.
• Use safety equipment: Check the water temperatures before heading out on the lake. Be prepared and always wear a life jacket and cold water protection gear. Carry ice picks in case of emergencies.
• Clean up pet waste: Please remember to pick up and remove any dog waste on the ice.

SAVE THE LAKE

PRESERVING THE BEAUTY AND VITALITY OF LAKE MINNETONKA

Since its establishment in the 1970s, the Save the Lake Fund has been instrumental in ensuring the long-term sustainability of Lake Minnetonka. Thanks to donors like you, we have successfully implemented vital initiatives such as funding additional water patrol officers dedicated to Lake Minnetonka with the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, boater education programs, navigational improvements with solar lights and more. These investments have enhanced safety for several decades even as lake usage has increased. We need your help to continue this work. As we reach the end of another beautiful year on Lake Minnetonka, we seek to raise $50,000 before the new year to meet our goal. Each donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to our goal. By making a tax-deductible contribution, you help us safeguard public safety, protect the environment, provide essential services and offer valuable educational programs. We want to express our sincere gratitude to anyone who has supported the Save the Lake Fund. Your dedication and care is the driving force behind our mission. Without you, none of what we do is possible. Together, let’s ensure a bright future for Lake Minnetonka. Join us in making a difference today!

CONVENIENT WAYS TO GIVE