Northern Lights off Little Cedar Island
Northern Lights on the Chain!
Thank you to Paul Minikus and Cindy Walkusfor sharing these fantastic images from May 19! Have some you’d like to share? Send your images to Brad Matusak at brad@mississippitopsoils.com.
'Shoreline-distancing' begins on Lake Minnetonka
'Shoreline-distancing' begins on Lake Minnetonka.
From Brad Matuska, SRCLA President: Continuing to share information from other lake organizations. For our Chain, there is only a 150' restriction on personal watercraft. Otherwise, it is just etiquette.
WAYZATA, Minn. — The new rule to try and calm the waters of Lake Minnetonka and property owners is now in effect.
Last year, the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District (LMCD) voted to require all boats to maintain a speed of 5 miles per hour or less within 300 feet of shore, which doubles the old 150-foot distance rule.
The LMCD Board approved the updated rule last summer after "hosting a listening session, engaging community members and conducting research," according to a news release.
The ordinance went into effect technically at the start of the year but now that the ice has finally melted, the Hennepin County Water Patrol will begin to keep a watchful eye on what one might consider "shoreline distancing."
A number of property owners on Lake Minnetonka have been concerned in recent years that speeding boats, especially wake surf boats and large cruisers, can be major contributors to shoreline erosion.
"After soliciting input and hosting a public listening session, the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District Board determined that our regulations did not reflect current trends in boating equipment and activities," said Ann Hoelscher, LMCD board chair, in the news release. "This rule will help ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone who visits Lake Minnetonka."
The new ordinance does not change the current speed limit near docks, anchored boats, swimmers or scuba diver warning flags throughout the lake. That distance remains 150 feet.
"There are a variety of activities that Lake Minnetonka offers. This new rule will help protect the lake and make it safer for everyone," Shane Magnuson, Major at the Hennepin County Sheriff Water Patrol Office, said in a statement.
Link to full article: https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/lake-minnetonka-speed-limit-wake-rule-now-in-effect/89-1aa07e76-7585-4a7e-927d-8a9d66dffae6
Clean In Clean Out
Reminders for boating or fishing in Minnesota.
With the fishing opener upon us, click here to learn more about helping protect your waters by following state aquatic invasive species laws.
Catfish 2023 Recap
By The Richmond Firefighter’s Relief Association
Our 2nd Annual Catfish Fest was a great success, all due to the sponsors and everyone that participated in the event. Thanks to everyone that helped with the event!
The catfish samples served by Channel Marine were excellent! Plus having the educational part of showing how to clean and prep the Catfish was a huge plus! A special thank you to Chain of Lakes Fire Dept for your support on the ice again this year!
We weighed more catfish than last year. This year we weighed 164 catfish, compared to last year we weighed-in 75 catfish. Prizes are awarded to the top 50 fish by weight. This year’s 50th place fish weighed in at 5.86lbs, the previous year’s respective weight was 2.7lbs. The first-place fish this year weighed in at 15.28lbs, last year was 9.56lbs. A lot more fish were brought in this year. Hope everyone had an exciting time fishing!!
We had more people fishing in the event this year. We sold 428 more fishing tickets than last year, for a total of 678 tickets sold this year. We had a tremendous turnout this year with people gathering at the weigh-in to sample fish, participate in the catfish cleaning, and talk with the representatives from the Sauk River Chain of Lakes Association.
These are the sponsors that helped make this such a huge success: Custom Wheel Outlet (CWO), Smart’n Construction, Promotional Resources, Firefest, Schwieters, Brinky’s Liquor, Electrical Installers, Lakes Metal Works, Sauk River Chain of Lakes Association, Main Street General, Premier Real Estate Services, Project One Construction, Toms Windshield Repair, Falcon Bank, SCHEELS, Renegade Truck Equipment INC, Gilk Plumbing and Heating & A/c LLC, Sugar Print, Midsota Painting, Sherwin-Williams, R&D Concrete, Arctic Anchor, North Kingston Repairs and Minnesota Truck Headquarters.
The Richmond Firefighter’s Relief Association wants to send out a huge Thank You to everyone that participated in the event! The proceeds from this year’s event are going towards the purchase of battery-powered auto extrication tools for the Richmond Fire Dept. Please Visit www.catfishfestonthechain.com for more information on the event.
2022 SRCLA Water Quality Report now available
2022 SRCLA Water Quality Report now available.
2022 SRCLA Water Quality Report
Click to download this 20 page report.
Interesting Article about the Cold Spring Dam
The Battle over the Cold Spring Dam
The Battle over the Cold Spring Dam.
Click to download this 23 page article with many historical details regarding the origins of the Cold Spring Dam.
Successful 2023 Catfish Fest
Successful 2023 Catfish Fest
Thank you to everyone that participated in the tournament, stopped out and enjoyed it!
Shady's 2nd Annual Curling Tournament
Shady's 2nd Annual Curling Tournament
Thank you to everyone who played or stopped out for the tournament.
Knaus Lake Park Proposal Concept
Knaus Lake Park Proposal Concept
Stearns County is considering purchasing a piece of property located where Knaus Lake empties into the Sauk River. Contact Brad Matuska, President Sauk River Chain of Lakes Association at brad@mississippitopsoils.com or Ben Anderson, Stearns Country Parks Director, at Benjamin.Anderson@co.stearns.mn.us with any questions or concerns.
2022 Aquatic Plant Survey Final Report Now Available
2022 Aquatic Plant Survey Final Report Now Available
Are you a Lake Steward? Take the Quiz!
Are you a Lake Steward?
Minnesota Lakes and Rivers (MLR), working with the Sauk River Chain of Lakes Association (SRCLA), has launched the Lake Steward Program by using a 10-question quiz to “Score Your Shore”. After taking this quiz, a SRCL volunteer will, if desired, visit the participant’s property and follow up with the owner to learn their goals and hopes for the property. Owners that decide to become a Lake Steward are awarded a beautiful sign with the SRCL logo (see below) to be displayed at the end of their dock.
The Chain has many unique types of shoreline, and even if you decide not to become a Lake Steward, you can still protect the aquatic habitat and water quality. Your SRCLA volunteer can talk you about steps you can take to improve your shoreline. The MLR and SRCLA can provide information about companies that can do restoration, plant suggestions, and matching grant opportunities. Take the Quiz today!
Stearns County SWCD Backyard Habitat Program
Learn more about the Stearns County SWCD Backyard Habitat Program!
The Stearns County SWCD Backyard Habitat Program is an opportunity for small-scale landowners who are not eligible for other SWCD or USDA habitat programs to provide backyard habitat for rare and declining species. Examples of projects could include: pollinator habitat, tree and shrub plantings, native prairie.
Click here to view the flyer or contact the SWCD at info@StearnsCountySWCD.net, phone (320) 251-7800 ext.3 or www.StearnsCountySWCD.net.
Stearns County SWCD Pollinator Habitat Program
Learn more about the Stearns County SWCD Pollinator Habitat Program!
Native prairie flowers, clover, and other pollinator-friendly species are vital in creating and maintaining the habitats many species like honeybees, butterflies, and native bees depend on. The Stearns County SWCD Pollinator Habitat Program provides free, high-quality seed along with technical assistance to help restore and maintain habitats for many years to come.
Click here to see the full flyer. Contact Stearns County SWCD Wildlife Habitat team members Ryan Rothstein or Jason Selvog at 320.251.7800 ext.3 to apply.
