Main Page
A collaborative website for members of the Silver Lake Association. (Website created and maintained by Marc Riedel.)
Contents
Announcements
- The Steering Committee has been meeting since mid July 2016 to discuss the formation of the association.
- Stay tuned for a formal invitation for all to join!
About Silver Lake
There are many Silver Lakes across the country, and several in Minnesota. Ours is located here:
See the Silver Lake Fact Sheet, courtesy of the watershed district.
About the Association
Mission
Stewardship of the natural world throughout the Silver Lake area is the mission of Silver Lake Residents' Association.
The association shall lead and work with residents and government units to conserve and improve the quality of our waters, shoreland and wildlife resources. Its mission is to preserve the recreational, aesthetic and ecological values of Silver Lake for the benefit of present and future generations.
Its primary goal is to disseminate information. The association will serve as:
- a conduit of information to the the residents of Silver Lake regarding the welfare and management of the lake;
- a conduit of information, questions and concerns from the residents of Silver Lake to the local and state entities such as the Watershed District, the DNR, the municipalities of Shorewood and Chanhassen, as well as Hennepin County.
Other specific goals are:
- to preserve wildlife
- to manage vegetation
- to improve water clarity
- to undertake drainage improvements
- to educate lake shore residents on lake/lake shore management
- to provide social opportunities for members
Steering Committee
| Name | Address | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brock Austin | 952 300 5530 | brockjayaustin@gmail.com | |
| John DePaolis | (763) 229-4030 | john.depaolis@oatly.com | |
| Bill Heyman | 19900 Sweetwater Curve | (612) 751-7906 | bill.heyman@gmail.com |
| Gary Kiecker | (952) 470-3955 | glkiecker@fastmail.com | |
| Klaus Clark | 952 401 3642 | klausclark@mchsi.com | |
| Dorothy Pedersen | (952) 933-2141 | naturesgardenllc@centurylink.net | |
| Marc Riedel | 5995 Ridge Rd. | (612) 275-9878 | mriedel@umn.edu |
| Rich Simpson | 5800 Covington Dr. | (612) 720-1849 | jrs4883@aol.com |
MPCA Classification
Here are the criteria from the MPCA.
We mounted a lobbying campaign in the Fall of 2016 to have the classification changed..
- Here is Marc's analysis.
- Here is the presentation that Marc gave to the watershed district.
Brock had numerous discussions with the MPCA, and he posted a public comment to the MPCA Draft Impaired Waters List. We are very pleased to say that our lobbying efforts were successful. On Dec. 1, the MPCA concluded:
"During the 2016 assessment of Silver Lake, information was gathered to determine if the lake met the definition of a shallow lake or if it was a wetland. Input from Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District, MPCA staff, and local stakeholders was reviewed. The MPCA has determined that Silver Lake should remain in the shallow lake category. This basin does have characteristics of both shallow lakes and wetlands, however, the local use of Silver Lake is more indicative of a shallow lake. It will be added to the 2018 Draft Impaired Waters List because the 2016 watershed assessments are part of the 2018 listing cycle."
Having Silver Lake listed as an impaired lake by the MPCA is significant. We can apply for grants for projects aimed at promoting lake health. Furthermore, we can lobby the watershed district, local municipalities, the DNR, and the state to take active steps to improve water quality.
Active Topics
- Water clarity is one of the chief areas of concern. See discussion.
- Stormwater runoff is harming our lake. See discussion.
- Dorothy is concerned about Blue Green Algae. See discussion.
- The culvert on Covington Avenue is badly damaged and a cause for concern. See discussion.
- Residents have been discussing plans to mitigate the damage from the Emerald Ash Borer. See discussion.
- Dorothy has identified Northern Red Belly Dace, an unusual species, in Silver Lake. See discussion.
- The Metropolitan Council Sewer Line runs beneath the western shore of Silver Lake. There is concern about its integrity. See discussion.
Resources
- 2013 Aquatic Plant Survey of Silver Lake. Note that Silver Lake has a healthy population of wild rice. According to the watershed district, it is the only urban lake in Minnesota with wild rice – another reason why our little lake is so special.
- 2008 Watershed District Report On Lake Health. Excerpt of Silver Lake Portion.
- Developing a Lake Management Plan by the Interagency Lakes Coordinating Committee
- MLA Guidebook for Lake Associations
- Information on Shallow Lake Ecology
- DNR Shoreland Management Guide
Photos
We would like to assemble a gallery of photos contributed by Association Members. Please email your photos to Marc: mriedel@umn.edu.
- Bill shared this time lapse satellite imagery of Silver Lake from 1984 to 2016. You can slow it down by tapping on the speed in the lower left, or pause it and go from year-to-year.
- Here is a collage of photos of Silver Lake, assembled by Marc.
- Here is a college of Aerial Photos of Silver Lake, provided by Bill.
- According old timers, otters were never present on Silver Lake. Around 2012, they made their way up the Purgatory Creek watershed, and Silver Lake now has a thriving population. Another reason why our little lake is special.
(Photo courtesy of Sherri West).
