Information from 2025 WCCOLA Spring Meeting
Click on links below for presentations:
- WCCOLA President & Board Updates
- Wright County low cost AIS Cleaning Stations
- Wright Soil Water Conservation Updates including 2025 AIS plan and water quality monitoring
- Lightning Round Updates:
- DNR Watercraft Operators Permit Requirement
- Wake Boat Study Updates/Local Surface Water Regulations
- State AIS Prevention Aid Funding
- Boat Wrap Recycle Law
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Low Cost Watercraft Cleaning Stations Available in Wright County
Wright County COLA and Wright County Soil and Water have partnered to provide low cost AIS watercraft cleaning stations for Wright County lakes. The cleaning station project has been proven to enhance education and compliance and enables lake associations like yours to help keep AIS out of our lakes.
The first thirteen (13) stations have been spoken for and additional stations are available on a first come, first served basis. The cost to lake associations is just $150 per station. The goal is to install 30 stations in Wright County this year.
This is a great, practical tool to help reduce the spread of aquatic invasive species. Sign up now for your lake access!
Contact Alicia O’Hare at Wright County Soil and Water alicia.ohare@mn.nacdnet.net | 763-614-2919 for more information.
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The Minnesota Coalition of Lake Associations has a fantastic resource to explain priorities for protecting our public waters: water quality, aquatic invasive species, and enhanced wake activity. It is great for discussions with government officials, and education for new board members and lake residents.
One page summary of priorities
Recap of the MN COLA/SafeWakes seminar
Presentation slides and references
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Time to pay 2025 WCCOLA Dues! Still only $25/year
Wright County Coalition of Lake Associations appreciates your support! And it is time to pay 2025 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. We have 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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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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