We trust you are starting to think about the opportunity to get out on Crystal Lake this spring. As you may know, the Burnsville City Council, after many activities, a survey and deliberation, decided to make no changes to the rules regarding the hours that watercraft may go faster than 15 miles per hour.
Your board has been planning for a great 2018 season. After a great season last year, the Crystal Lake Improvement Association (CLIA) board is again focused on addressing the algae and weed issues in our lake. In addition to water quality, we are focused on improving the lake’s appearance and providing more usability of our lake for boating and fishing by our residents and community. It has been a busy offseason. We have met with the DNR, worked with the City of Burnsville and Dakota County to formulate a strategy for this coming year. Below we outline our plan and request your support to implement this plan.
Algae Treatment and Potential Invasive Species Treatment, such as Eurasian Milfoil (Response Required by March 15)
The board has researched various methods to better control algae present in the bays and becoming more visible on the main lake. Last year we tested a new chemical (chelated copper) to control filamentous or surface algae. We believe it is worth trying again. The first treatment will be in late spring and if needed, a second treatment will be early-mid-summer. The CLIA will fund (approximately $4,000.00) this again from lake association dues and reserves this coming year.
Additionally, your CLIA board has again received a grant from Dakota County to provide funding support for the control of Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM), an aquatic invasive species (AIS). We will conduct a study this summer to identify and treat locations of EWM within residential shoreline areas (up to 150’ out from shore) if required. Funding will be provided by the county and your CLIA lake association dues.
Permits are included for both Algae Treatment and the potential need to treat the Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM). We need the majority of residents to approve an algae treatment for our lake. Please sign both the attached permits and return in the enclosed envelope by March 15. It takes up to 8 weeks for DNR approval so an immediate response is required.
Residential Weed Control (Response Requested by March 15)
To support and encourage residents to control weeds on their own shorelines, the CLIA will again provide a rebate of up to 50% ($100 maximum) to residents paying for this service in the coming year. This would include vendors providing herbicide treatments, mechanical weed harvesting, weed pulling by various diving outfits, or purchase of DNR approved herbicides for self-application. Receipt or proof of purchase will be required to receive the rebate. More details on processing a rebate request to follow.
Residents have likely received letters from Lake Restoration and Lake Management this spring with a permit application for herbicide weed control. Signed permits and payments are due to these vendors by March 15. The City of Burnsville will mail a letter in March offering mechanical weed harvesting through J & N Harvesting.
Normal application deadline for harvesting is April 1st. Other options for weed control can be contracted with other vendors in-season.
Other Weed Control Strategies
As in past years, the City of Burnsville will pay to mechanically harvest weeds in approximately 43 acres of public waters in early June (150’’ or more out from shore).
Annual Meeting – Tuesday, April 24th
6:00 pm Registration
6:30 pm Meeting
Due to ongoing remodeling at the Burnsville City Hall, this year’s meeting is moving to the Dakota County Library, Burnhaven Branch at 1101 County Road 42 W., Burnsville MN
We encourage all lake residents to attend the meeting to provide input about our priorities and learn more details about efforts to improve our experience of living on Crystal Lake.
Board of Directors Nominations
We are seeking nominations for (3) new board members to replace those whose 3-year term is expiring in May. There are 9 members on the board and most serve as one of four elected officers during their term, as well as participate in various committees. The board meets most months for 1-2 hours. If you are interested in improving the experience of living on Crystal Lake, please submit your name to Rick Bowles, President of the CLIA. (952-484-5056 or rebowles@frontiernet.net). Rick will answer any questions you may have and discuss our board activities.
We look forward to seeing and talking to you all soon.
Best regards and with anticipation for a fabulous year on Crystal Lake,
Your CLIA Board