2026 WCCOLA Annual Meeting Presentations:
Click on links below for presentations:
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2026 WCCOLA Dues Reminder
Wright County Coalition of Lake Associations appreciates your support! You can mail your form and payment. Click here for a membership/dues form.
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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.
Their are currently 16 of these low-cost cleaning stations and 5 high tech (CD3) stations deployed across Wright County boat launches. If your lake access does not have at least one of these options, it really should! The cost to lake associations is just $150 per station. The visual reminder to clean boats upon ramp exit is priceless.
This is a great, practical tool to help reduce the spread of aquatic invasive species. Sign up now for your lake access!
For more information or to order, contact Alicia O’Hare at Wright County Soil and Water
alicia.ohare@mn.nacdnet.net | 763-614-2919
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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
MN COLA Position Statement on Wake Surfing
Video: MN FOX 9 Wakesurfing Critics pushing for local bans, limits on Minnesota Lakes
Presentation slides and references
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Engaging with University of Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center
Save the date: Thursday, October 9th: MAISRC AIS RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT SHOWCASE
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
Save The Date: August 9th for Starry Trek a statewide event focused on searching for the very problematic AIS, Starry Stonewart.
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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