Wright County Coalition of Lake Associations

Wright County Coalition of Lake Association’s Spring Meeting is soon here! The feature presentation will be a new initiative “Leave AIS at the Launch”. Wright SWCD will be the source for the DNR-approved signs, posts, and tools for any interested lake association or boat launch owner. The cost of the entire package is only $150 each.  Mark your calendars for the morning of May 4th to hear more about the initiative and network with neighbors. All are welcome!

The agenda also includes:

• Update from Wright Soil and Water Conservation District (WSWCD)
  • Water Quality projects, AIS control, Access Monitoring, Pressurized Hot Water Courtesy Decontamination Service
  • Water sampling supplies will be available at the meeting
    • Please let Alicia O’Hare (alicia.ohare@mn.nacdnet.net, 763-614-2919) know if you wish to get your supplies at the meeting.
    • Cost is $300, plus $20 for chloride, for the season. Payments can be mailed to WSWCD or brought to the meeting.
• News You Can Use Lightening Round
  • Required Boater Education and Certification Program (effective 2025)
  • Use the free Wright County Hot Water Pressurized Decontamination Service
  • Shoreline Stewardship Resources

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Save the date for Starry Trek, August 10th, 2024! Watch for more details!

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Time to pay 2024 WCCOLA Dues! Still only $25/year

Wright County Coalition of Lake Associations appreciates your support! And it is time to pay 2024 dues! Click here for a membership form.

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Engaging with University of Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center

Wright County COLA has a close relationship with the University of Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center. In 2023, we had two projects with them:

Spiny Water Flea Hunt | Curt Forst, WCCOLA President, led the hunt on Cedar Lake and Howard Lake. Good news–none of the invasive species were found. Click here for more details about the hunt.

Zebra Mussel Safari | David Glass, Cedar Lake Conservation Club, worked with a research scientist over the summer. The goal is to understand the how and why of the shifts in zebra mussel density, abundance, and distribution within a lake.

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Check out the MN COLA website!

• You don’t want to miss the new Best Practices in Action information–great projects and ideas for your lake association to leverage and grow.
• It provides a wealth of links to other relevant sites.
• Membership renewals are handled online.

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Starry Stonewort: A formidable foe

Starry stonewort is one of the newer aquatic invaders–particularly fearsome due to its aggressive nature and ability to mat and interfere with habitat and recreation. Here are a couple of great videos to provide more information:

Overview of Starry Stonewort from U of Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center

4 Minute Video on How to Identify Starry Stonewort

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Wright County Coalition of Lake Associations Directory

Want to connect with other lakes in your area? A Wright County directory of lakes is available. Please email Kathy Jonsrud at kjonsrud@yahoo.com and a copy will be mailed to you.