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 Waters 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 water-skier, 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.