• Networking with County Commissioners & SWCD Supervisors
  • 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
    • MLR Billboards Promoting Lake Associations

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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.

One page summary of priorities

Webinar (40 minutes)

Presentation slides and references

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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