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Nest Lake Aquatic Plant Management Program

In 1986, the Nest Lake Improvement Association (NLIA) purchased a lake weed harvester to deal with the longstanding problems of nuisance invasive aquatic vegetation. When the weed harvester was first purchased, giant coontail was the most problematic weed throughout the lake. In 2000, invasive curly-leaf pondweed had become the primary target for management. NLIA has been harvesting increasing amounts of curly-leaf pondweed; however, the weed continues to assist in degrading water quality and interferes with recreational opportunities on the lake. Finding funding for the plant harvesting program has been challenging. NLIA contacted the Middle Fork Crow River Watershed District to assist in the funding of plant management on Nest Lake through the 103D petition process. NLIA utilized the services of Wenck Associates to conduct a feasibility study on management alternatives for curlyleaf pondweed in Nest Lake. The feasibility study that followed covered part of the requirements for the Engineer’s report. In January 2010, NLIA submitted their petition for the Aquatic Plant Management Program to the District. As part of the petition, an engineer’s report was also completed by Wenck Associates. As required, the District appointed appraisers to determine the benefits and damages of affected properties. The results of the viewers report was presented to the public at a open hearing on September 15th, 2011. For more information on the Nest Lake Aquatic Plant Management Program, contact MFCRWD staff.

Feasibility study: Evaluation of Curly Leaf Pondweed Management Alternative for Nest Lake, August 2009Nest Lake Aquatic Plan Management Project Engineer’s Report CIP #10-01 Viewers report: Benefits and Damages Statement 

2017 Permitted Curly-leaf Pondweed Treatment Areas

Certified Project Assessments:

YearTotal Assessment
2012 $ 56,022.57
2013 $ 34,604.05
2014 $ 57,133.51
2015 $ 56,773.02
2016 $ 55,438.33
2017 $ 55,376.37
2018 $ 55,400.00

*These assessments will show up on each benefited property owners Property Tax Statement under the Special Assessments section.

For more information on Curly-leaf Pondweed, click here

Minnesota Statute: 103D.705