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Lake Minnetonka Conservation District updates Mound council on boat-rental licensing, carp control and water patrol funding
Summary
Ben Brandt, the Mound representative to the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District (LMCD), told the council about new watercraft-for-hire licensing, possible bow-fishing carp control in Harrison's Bay, and LMCD funding for a dedicated water patrol deputy.
Ben Brandt, Mound's representative to the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District, briefed the council on several items affecting lake users and Mound residents.
Brandt said LMCD code changes will create a uniform licensing system for watercraft-for-hire operations and require both LMCD and city approvals at launch ports. The changes are intended to make licensing consistent for commercial operators carrying more than six passengers and to improve safety and enforcement; licensed watercraft will receive visible approval stickers.
Brandt also described work with Harrison's Bay Association on projects to improve impaired bays and to reduce an elevated carp population that is harming water quality and native vegetation. LMCD staff are exploring options including a limited bow-fishing season during spring spawning; no permit or special-event approvals are final and the idea remains under internal review.
On enforcement and public safety, Brandt said LMCD helps fund a dedicated water-patrol deputy to supplement Hennepin County's patrols. He said LMCD contributes roughly $70,000 toward a dedicated deputy in order to maintain consistent lake patrol coverage through the boating season, though he added LMCD may explore more sustainable long-term funding mechanisms.
Brandt also said LMCD has clarified jurisdictional boundaries (authority ends at the ordinary high water mark) and continues to process dock and code enforcement issues. He encouraged residents to consult LMCD's website for the published code changes (lmcd.org) and said staff will continue to coordinate with local associations and developers on lake-front projects.
Councilors asked for frequent updates on local efforts such as the proposed lake improvement district (LID) process for Harrison's Bay and sought clarification about LMCD's role vs. city jurisdiction; Brandt said a LID is principally a tax-levy mechanism and would not directly regulate boat operations.
