Caution Buoys at Sandy Point

The SRCLA, in coordination with the Stearns Co. Sheriff's Department, has obtained two "CAUTION" buoys that have been placed on either side of Sandy Point, the channel between Great Northern and Krays Lakes. This is being done on an experimental basis to alert boaters to the narrow channel, which often has stationary boats fishing in the area as well as serving as a conduit for traffic on the Chain.

The experimental deployment of "CAUTION" buoys can be done without a formal ordinance change, which is required to designate an area as "NO WAKE". The usefulness of the "CAUTION" buoys will be evaluated by the Sheriff's Dept and a decision made about whether or not to continue their use in this part of the Chain on an ongoing basis. To see all of the No Wake and Caution buoys on the Chain click here.

What is that stuff floating on the Chain?

Most of the plant material you see floating and at the bottom of the Chain right now is called filamentous algae.  It is considered a native non-invasive plant that is becoming more of a problem in the region in recent years because it creates boat navigational problems.  It comes in three forms that are identified by its texture.  Cladophora has a cottony feel, Spirogyra is neon green and slimy, and Pithophora is sometimes called "horsehair" and has a texture like that or maybe steel wool.  All forms thrive in shallow, warm, and clear water (usually in tandem with lakes with zebra mussels) which are the conditions that we have right now. 

In and of itself, filamentous algae is natural and only becomes a problem when it is thick and reduces our ability to navigate through it.  The short term solution to it is to mechanically remove it, and the long term solution is to reduce run-off that carries nutrients to the Chain.  To help out, don't use fertilizers for your lawn and consider doing a lakescaping project to minimize run-off. To learn more visit the Aquatic Plant Management page.

Curly Leaf Approved Treatment Maps

Go to our Projects page for maps of the 2023 permitted CLP treatment areas to date.  The chemical applications happened at the end of May, and the harvesting is ongoing through the beginning of July. 

Aquatic Invasive Species PSA Series #2

This video series is presented by Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates and produced by LB Video Productions. Funding to make the series possible as a free resource to the public has come from the counties of Wabasha as a Gold sponsor, Goodhue, Otter Tail, Yellow Medicine, Cook, and Washington as Silver sponsors, Benton, Lake, Polk, Stearns, Douglas, Chippewa, Cass as Bronze sponsors, and Kanabec as a Supporter.

Aquatic Invasive Species Volunteer Opportunity

Interested in helping to monitor for spiny water flea in Minnesota as part of the Spiny Surveillance program? Visit the Spiny Surveillance website to learn more.

Please feel free to reach out to Megan M. Weber with any questions you may have!
University of Minnesota | umn.edu
mmweber@umn.edu | 763-767-3874 

Aquatic Invasive Species PSA Series #1

This video series is presented by Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates and produced by LB Video Productions. Funding to make the series possible as a free resource to the public has come from the counties of Wabasha as a Gold sponsor, Goodhue, Otter Tail, Yellow Medicine, Cook, and Washington as Silver sponsors, Benton, Lake, Polk, Stearns, Douglas, Chippewa, Cass as Bronze sponsors, and Kanabec as a Supporter.

Are Picture-Perfect Grass Lawns on Their Way Out?

Are Picture-Perfect Grass Lawns on Their Way Out? Why Natural Is the New Beautiful

The American lawn has deep roots in our nation's founding story, but environmental concerns have sparked interest in native plants and a wildlife-friendly landscape.

 By Ann Hinga Klein
Published on May 1, 2023

Check out the MN Lakes & Rivers Lake Steward Program!

Northern Lights off Little Cedar Island

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.

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Spring 2023 Chain Link now available!

The Spring 2023 Chain Link Magazine arrived in mailboxes earlier this week! You can also view online by clicking HERE.

'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

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

Click to download this 20 page report.

Interesting Article about 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

Thank you to everyone that participated in the tournament, stopped out and enjoyed it!

Congrats to the winners!

Shady's 2nd Annual Curling Tournament

Thank you to everyone who played or stopped out for the tournament.

2022 Fisheries Report Now Available

Click here to access this important report.

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

Click here to access this important report.

Are you a Lake Steward? Take the Quiz!

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!