Lake Minnetonka Conservation District Newsletter

Transcription

1 SM Vol. 7, Issue 2 Fall/Winter 2012 Lake Minnetonka Conservation District Newsletter Message from Chair Doug Babcock: While hawking a local estate sale, I ran across and purchased a map of Lake Minnetonka from the early 1960s. It was interesting to see all the place names as they existed in that era as well as the recommended routes from bay to bay. How many of us remember that to call the Excelsior Fire Department we d have to use the phone number GReenwood ? While times and technology change, the enjoyment of Lake Minnetonka remains a constant for all of us. So do our day-to-day responsibilities that enable our enjoyment. Front and center on the map s face was a boxed area that provided some important thoughts: A SALUTE TO THE BOATMAN ON LAKE MINNETONKA (*) - The vast majority of boatmen on Lake Minnetonka are wonderful people! Get in trouble and there will be lots of skippers standing by to help you! - The boatmen s friendly wave all the way from the big boy cruiser, through to the fisherman in the row boat is a signal of friendliness, courtesy and good luck. - Very few skippers have the attitude that the lake is their private property. Each fully respects the rights of others to enjoy Lake Minnetonka in his own way in the type of watercraft he proudly navigates. Most Lake Minnetonka boatmen have full consideration for those persons that are swimming, skiing, or participating in other water sports. - With the advent of the boom in boating, a few inexperienced, or inconsiderate, boatmen are causing some consternation for the Minnetonka boaters who consistently apply the Golden Rule. But, with the bigger majority of considerate boaters continuing to set the proper example, the selfish boater will soon learn that for his own best enjoyment, he must respectfully share the lake with others! While the vernacular has changed, especially with regards to gender, the underlying principles remain sound 50+ years later. Lake Minnetonka continues to be a busy, multi-use, and unique resource. For all to get the most enjoyment from it, we simply do have to get along and help each other out. So, my thoughts today revolve around courtesy, courtesy while underway and courtesy while not. I wondered a bit about courtesy this year while getting passed many times in "No-Wake" zones and also while getting passed by a 40 footer trying to get to Cruisers Cove in a hurry on a Saturday afternoon. It can be difficult to reconcile rushing to get to a fixed destination while being fortunate enough to be doing so at one of Minnesota s finest recreational attractions On the flip side, I m constantly amazed with the levels of patience and courtesy I ve witnessed at the Wayzata City docks. Without a dock master, one might expect a free for all, but I ve yet to witness anything close to that. This year s addition of dockside food delivery hasn t worsened the experience. Hats-off! In closing, we, as stewards of the Lake, also need courtesy in our management activities. The many stakeholder groups have specific and well defined interests, but all of us have Lake Minnetonka at heart. Compromise must be reached civilly, especially in the area of Aquatic Invasive Species prevention and control. Single interest initiatives, newspaper editorials, and public meetings must stress cooperation, not polarization. We are fighting a common problem, not each other, and the rest of the state needs to know that. Let s all set the proper example and keep the lake enjoyable for everyone! In This Issue Message from the Chair 1 LMCD Board Meetings 1 Water Structures on Lake Minnetonka AIS Programs 3 Save the Lake Fund 4 Lake Use and Recreation Lake Minnetonka Boat Storage Count 6 LMCD Board Meetings, 2nd and 4th Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. Wayzata City Hall, 600 Rice Street Cable Viewing Options: Cable subscribers in the Mediacom viewing area can view the LMCD meetings on Lake Minnetonka Communications Commission (LMCC) Government Channel 20. Air times are listed at under, "Community TV/Channel 20." On-Line Viewing Options: You may also view the meetings on their website by following three simple steps: 1) select Video on Demand, 2) scroll down to Other Government Meetings, and 3) select the LMCD logo. Agenda parsing is available with this option. (*) Copyright 1960 National Boating Association Now Found At:

2 Water Structures on Lake Minnetonka Termination of 2012 "Low Water" Declaration for Dock Extensions: This past April, the LMCD declared Low Water, which authorized the permitting of temporary dock length extensions on Lake Minnetonka. The declaration was terminated in June and legally permitted docks were allowed to remain until November 15th. It is anticipated that the LMCD will not declare Low Water in For the 2013 boating season and beyond, all docks must conform to the LMCD Code. Each lakeshore site is allocated an area of the Lake referred to as that site's dock use area (DUA). All docks, watercraft storage, swim rafts, trampolines, etc., must be moored or docked within this DUA (as described below). Length Allowance Docks may extend out a distance equal to the width of lakeshore frontage of the lot (maximum of 100 ) Site's with lakeshore frontage between 40 and 60 (in existence on 2/5/70) may extend docks to 60 Sites with lakeshore frontage less than 40 may extend docks to 60 or 4 of water depth (whichever is less) Minimum Side Setbacks 10 for docks extending out to 50 from shore and 15' for docks 50 to 100' from shore 20 for canopies (vertical cover exceeds 30 ) 5 for sites in existence on 2/2/70 and has 50 or less of lakeshore frontage Side opening slips is the depth of slip (minimum 20 ) Example of Authorized DUA THIN ICE De-Icing of Dock Structures: De-icing involves the use of equipment to circulate water in the proximity of a permanent dock to prevent damage from shifting ice formations. Public safety in the proximity of a de-icing site is the LMCD s primary concern. In order to operate the de-icing equipment, a person needs to be eligible to secure an annual license. License holders are required to maintain specific safety standards within their defined "Authorized De-icing Area;" such as adequate fencing, Thin Ice signs, and lighting. LMCD staff inspect an estimated 35 licensed sites each winter to ensure conformance with LMCD Code Section 2.09, De-icing Equipment. A de-icing license is not required to operate equipment after March 15th. However, the regulations require the installation of Thin Ice signs every 50 feet along the affected shoreline. For your safety, the LMCD asks that you learn to recognize a de-icing site. Below is a sample of a properly maintained licensed site. Please feel free to contact the LMCD office if you have questions on whether a site is licensed and properly maintained. Properly Licensed De-Icing Site (Adequate Fencing, Lighting, and Signage) 2

3 2012 Lake Minnetonka Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Management and Prevention Programs Mechanical Harvesting: Since 1989, the LMCD's most cost effective, primary tool to manage Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM) is mechanical harvesting. Highlights of the 2012 program are summarized below: Length of Season June 12th - August 16th (35 working days) Harvesting Priorities Impediment to boat navigation on Lake Minnetonka (in particular matted EWM) Acres Harvested Harvester Loads Truck Loads Equipment Fleet Funds Spent Final Report (of 2,244 acres assessed) Generally two harvesters and one transport barge (a third harvester was delivered in July of 2012) $80,200 (through October 31st) under "Pamphlets and Reports" Whole Bay/Large Scale Herbicide Treatments: The LMCD partnered with a number of other public agencies and private organizations on a five year, whole bay herbicide treatment pilot program to evaluate whether whole bay or large scale herbicide treatments are viable as another technique to manage EWM. Carmans, Grays, and Phelps Bays were selected for this project, in which the Lake Minnetonka Association (LMA) served as project manager. The LMCD provided partial funding for the treatments and its AIS Task Force served as the technical committee (including representatives from current and past LMCD Board Members, MN DNR, Three Rivers Park District, Hennepin County, Minnehaha Creek Watershed District [MCWD], LMA, as well as commercial and fishing organizations). After completing the 4th year (2011), it was the recommendation of the Task Force that whole bay or large scale herbicide treatments should not continue after 2012 without a Comprehensive Vegetation Management Plan. The LMCD Board of Directors concurred. In June, a sub-committee of selected Task Force members initiated work on a Comprehensive EWM and Curly-Leaf Pondweed Plan (Plan) for Lake Minnetonka. The Plan was presented to the AIS Task Force on October 12th, in which they forwarded the Plan to the LMCD Board for consideration. Updates on the Plan will be provided on the LMCD website at under Hot Topics. Minnehaha Creek Watershed-Wide AIS Plan 3 Tonka Bay Marina assisting in the launching of the new harvester, with LMCD harvesting employee Mitch Gerold at the helm. In 2011, the LMCD Board of Directors supported the MCWD, by resolution, in the development of a comprehensive watershed-wide AIS Protection and Management Plan. Progress is being made, with LMCD Board members (Chair Babcock and Jeff Morris) serving on their Task Force. A Technical Advisory Committee has also been established, with LMCD Executive Director Greg Nybeck serving. You are encouraged to monitor this process on the MCWD s website at For questions, contact AIS Director Craig Dawson at (952) or cdawson@minnehahacreek.org. AIS Prevention Efforts at North Arm Public Access Hennepin County Environmental Services, which manages the North Arm public access, implemented a 2012 pilot project at the access to prompt boaters to take action to prevent the spread of AIS. They partnered with a U of M researcher in social marketing/behavior change to install prompts, lights, and traffic flow infrastructure changes and the MN DNR to ensure 40 hours per week of watercraft inspectors. The project was quite successful. A county project report can be viewed on the LMCD s website at under Pamphlets and Reports. For questions, contact Tony Brough at (612) or anthony.brough@co.hennepin.mn.us.

4 SM "Save the Lake" is a non-profit fund investing in the environmental quality and recreational enjoyment of Lake Minnetonka. Chair Bill Olson What is the Save the Lake Fund? Save the Lake is a non-profit initiative of the LMCD that funds projects outside of the LMCD s operating budgets. Contributions are tax deductible and annually disbursed for projects that meet established funding criteria. What types of projects are funded through Save the Lake? Save the Lake traditionally funds public safety, environmental, and public service/educational projects. One of the funding criteria calls for matching public or private funds to produce the project. What types of projects were funded in 2012? A summary of projects funded in 2012 are as follows: Solar Lights- Red and green solar-lights (pictured below) have been mounted on top of the respective navigational buoy for a number of years. A total of 98 solar lights were installed during the 2012 boating season, which has expanded over the years in coordination with the LMCD s Public Safety Committee. These lights have been fully funded through the Save the Lake Fund and have greatly improved nighttime navigation. Public Safety Equipment- Enforcement for the LMCD is done through a partnership with the Hennepin County Sheriff s Office, Water Patrol Division. Boating on Lake Minnetonka is relatively safe, which is greatly attributed to the efforts of the Water Patrol. In 2012, Save the Lake approved nearly $14,000 of Save the Lake funds for the purchase of a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV). The purchase of the ROV unit (pictured below) will allow for quicker recovery of a drowning victim(s) and greater safety for the Hennepin County dive team (as there is a need to send a diver down in order to verify and eliminate multiple targets). This purchase is anticipated in the near future. Herbicide Treatment Projects- 1) 2012 was the fifth consecutive year where partial funding was provided for herbicide treatments on Carmans, Grays, and Phelps Bays [see Whole Bay/Large Scale Herbicide Treatments on page 3] and 2) a one-time herbicide treatment was partially funded on Libbs Lake. What s planned for 2013? The Save the Lake's mission (as written in the title of this article) will be carried out in 2013 as follows: Save the Lake will continue to consider public safety, environmental, and public service/educational projects that meet the funding criteria. Save the Lake will be researching how the LMCD could partner with other organizations to improve public safety on the Lake through educational curriculum and watercraft operator certificates. How can one donate to the Save the Lake Fund? To donate to Save the Lake, please visit the LMCD s website at under Save the Lake, in which PayPal is available for your convenience. Additionally you may also mail a check, made out to Save the Lake, to the LMCD (see address on back page). The ROV will be used year round in murky and/or deep water recoveries in combination with sonar equipment to recover drowning victims, evidence needed in criminal investigations, or to check critical infrastructure. 4 The Save the Lake Fund has been providing solar lights at navigational channels on Lake Minnetonka since Each light, including mounting materials, is estimated at $175. This is a wonderful safety program that serves all Lake users.

5 Lake Use and Recreation Winter Safety: Residents of Minnesota take great pride in embracing the winter season and the varied recreational activities offered on Lake Minnetonka. As we enter this great season, the LMCD asks that you make your safety, and the safety of others, a number one priority. That priority can be accomplished by keeping the laws and rules of the State of Minnesota and ordinances of the LMCD in mind. LMCD Winter Rules: Some of the LMCD winter rules on Lake Minnetonka are more restrictive than the State of Minnesota s laws and rules. For example, there are more restrictive speed limits for motorized vehicles (snowmobiles, ATV s, Copyright MN DNR - Used with Permission Due to many factors, ice is never be considered 100% safe. cars, etc.). Adhering to those rules is the responsibility of the operator. For your assistance, signage that summarizes the LMCD winter rules is installed at most primary winter public accesses. Additionally, the LMCD annually produces a winter rules pamphlet, which is available in drop boxes at some of the public accesses, at the Water Patrol office, on the LMCD's website at under "Rules and Regulations," or by calling the LMCD for a direct mailing. State of Minnesota Rules: For more information on the State of Minnesota s rules, and their important ice safety tips, please visit the MN DNR website at w w w.d n r.state.mn.us, under "Education/Safety." Bow Fishing on Lake Minnetonka: Bow fishing in the State of Minnesota is permitted, subject to a number of restrictions. Some of these restrictions include: 1) Duration of Season- May 1st through the last Sunday in February, 2) Possession of Bows and Arrows- A person may possess bows and arrows on or within 100 feet of the waters, subject to local firearm and archery ordinances (these ordinances vary greatly amongst the 14 Lake Minnetonka municipalities), and 3) Nighttime Restrictions as follows: The total noise while bow fishing shall not exceed 65 decibels (on the A scale at a distance of 50 feet) from sunset to sunrise; and A person shall not discharge an arrow while fishing within 150 feet of an occupied structure (such as a house) or within 300 feet from a campsite from sunset to sunrise. At the September 26th Regular Board Meeting, the LMCD discussed the idea of whether one bow fishing ordinance for Lake Minnetonka would make sense (keeping the member cities apprised of this discussion). If a Lake-wide ordinance were adopted, it would need to be more restrictive than State law. Some of the concepts discussed at this meeting included: A minimum of a 300 foot setback from all swimming beaches and swimmers; Additional nighttime restrictions (such as time and lighting restrictions); and Whether there is a need to establish a map for Lake Minnetonka to identify where bow fishing can or cannot, whichever is less, occur on Lake Minnetonka (in particular during the nighttime). This topic has been referred back to the LMCD s Public Safety Committee for further discussion. If you have questions, contact LMCD Executive Director Greg Nybeck at gnybeck@lmcd.org or (952)

6 SM Smithtown Road, Suite 120 Shorewood, MN Phone: Fax: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Greg Nybeck, Executive Director BOARD MEMBERS: Doug Babcock, Tonka Bay (Chair) Dan Baasen, Wayzata (Vice Chair) Andrew McDermott III, Orono (Secretary) Kelsey Page, Greenwood (Treasurer) David Gross, Deephaven Gary Hughes, Spring Park Anne Hunt, Minnetrista Steve Johnson, Mound Dennis Klohs, Minnetonka Beach Fred Meyer, Woodland Jeff Morris, Excelsior Bill Olson, Victoria Sue Shuff, Minnetonka Mark Sylvester, Shorewood Printing provided at cost by Precision Graphics, Inc. ( Since 1971, the LMCD has conducted an inventory of watercraft stored (by classification) on Lake Minnetonka. Since 2000, the project has been completed on even years. The objectives for this project are to establish the total number of watercraft stored, outline data collected from historical counts, and identify observable trends. The 2012 Report is available on the LMCD s website at under "Pamphlets and Reports." An excerpt of the historical totals is provided here Lake Minnetonka Shoreline Boat Storage Count ,691 9,230 10,233 10,278 9,734 10,509 9,519 8,797 8,608 10, ,360 8,855 8,647 8,070 6, ,811 7,519 8,006 8,796 8,168 8,191 7,837 7,450 7,776 6,908 7,662 9,123 8,926 5,814 4,511