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Help The Lake
Lake
Minnetonka is a Minnesota's busiest lake. While it is one of the most
beautiful lakes in the state, there are a couple threats to its beauty.
 Eurasian
watermilfoil was discovered in Lake Minnetonka in 1987. Since that time, it
has spread to most parts of the lake. The
Lake Minnetonka Conservation District's
(LMCD) harvesters plus the
combined efforts of individual lakeshore owners represent the total control
activities on the lake. While these efforts are effective at what they are
supposed to do - keep milfoil from impeding navigation and give relief to
lakeshore owners - nothing is being done to control milfoil lake-wide.
Floridone is
a herbicide that promises to control milfoil on a lake-wide basis without
harming native plants (the good ones). Floridone is not now allowed for use
in Minnesota lakes. The
Lake Minnetonka Association
(LMA) is working through the
Minnesota Lakes
Association to advocate for the operational use of floridone
in Minnesota. The LMA believes it is important to have all possible control
methods available for Lake Minnetonka.
The LMA is
also exploring other ways to better manage and control milfoil in Lake
Minnetonka.
 Another
threat to Lake Minnetonka are Zebra Mussels.
Zebra mussels have been found in four lake in Minnesota. The LMA is
working with the LMCD to implement a comprehensive protection program to
keep zebra mussels out of Lake Minnetonka. ONCE ZEBRA
MUSSELS GET INTO A LAKE, THERE IS NO KNOW REMEDY!
By donating
10% of our product sales to the Lake Minnetonka Association, we help sponsor
the best efforts to save the lake.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP
Clean boats, clean waters...
If you are a water
recreationalist- a boater, an angler, a waterskier, sailor, or a
canoeist-there are some important things you can do. DON'T transport water,
animals, or plants from one lake or river to another. In many states, it is
illegal to transport exotics species.
Remove ALL plants AND animals
from your boat, trailer, and accessory equipment (anchors, centerboards,
trailer hitch, wheels, rollers, cables, axles) before leaving the water
access area.
Drain your live wells, bilge
water, and transom wells before leaving the water access area.
Empty your bait bucket on
land, never into the water. Never dip your bait or minnow bucket into one
lake if it has water in it from another. And never dump live fish from one
water body into other waters.
Wash your boat, tackle,
downriggers, and trailer with hot water when you get home. Flush water
through your motor's cooling system and other boat parts that normally get
wet. If possible, let everything dry for three days before transporting your
boat to another body of water. (Both hot water and drying will kill zebra
mussel larvae and spiny waterfleas).
Learn what these organisms
look like (at least those you can see). If you suspect a new infestation of
an exotic plant or animal, report it to the Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources (DNR) at (651) 296-6157.
Consult the
DNR
for recommendations and permits before your try to control or eradicate an
exotic "pest". Remember, exotic "pest" species thrive on disturbance.
Do-it-yourself control treatments often make matters worse and can harm
native species.
We
participated in the Lake Clean-up Day
in June, 2003. Click
here for details |
