SUMMER 2026 NEWSLETTER
- Long Lake Waters Association
- Jul 16
- 5 min read
Long Lake Waters Association
Our mission is to provide collaborative leadership in improving and protecting the water quality of the Long Lake Creek Watershed for the enjoyment of present and future generations
SEVEN LAKES - THREE CITIES - ONE WATERSHED
Welcome to Summer in the Watershed!
As summer settles into the Long Lake Creek Watershed, our community is once again drawn to the water—for boating, fishing, swimming, and time with family and friends. At the same time, summer is also when our community is most engaged, offering a powerful opportunity to raise awareness, take action, and work together toward meaningful improvements. In this issue, we’re sharing important updates, progress on key projects, and ways each of us can help protect and restore the Long Lake Creek Watershed.
The warm weather this summer has already reminded us how closely we are all connected to the health of the lake and watershed. Early signs of algae blooms and ongoing water quality concerns continue to highlight the challenges we face and the urgency to act.
Water Conditions Concern Us All:
Awareness matters.
The condition of Long Lake and the watershed is serious. Water quality challenges—including beach closures and visible algae issues—were especially apparent last year and again early this season, as shown in recent photos. These conditions affect not only recreation but also the long-term health of the lake and the watershed overall.
Work is underway.
The Long Lake Waters Association is actively working to help accelerate solutions to improve water quality throughout the watershed. This work is being done in partnership and collaboration with the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) and the cities of Long Lake, Orono, and Medina.
Community support will be essential.
Improving the health of Long Lake and the watershed will require strong community involvement. We will need your support to help spread awareness, stay engaged, and support future actions as plans continue to take shape.
Watershed Projects: Co. Rd 6 Stormwater Pond Project:
The County Road 6 pond project was a key initiative winter 2026 in improving water quality entering Long Lake. This project was designed to help capture and treat stormwater runoff before it reaches the lake, reducing the amount of phosphorus and sediment that contribute to algae growth.
This project involved adding a sand filtration bench to enhance the pond’s water treatment capacity to increase the pond’s ability to treat water from the surrounding area before it reaches Long Lake and maximize the pond’s water storage.
The project is now completed, and it is predicted to remove 52-73 pounds of phosphorus annually - ie, it should reduce the phosphorus running into the lake, to improve the overall lake health!
Visit the MCWD's website to learn more about this important project.
Be A Good Water Steward:
If not done carefully, wake boating has significant impacts on shoreline erosion and lakebed disturbance. To help protect Long Lake:
Operate in deeper water where wave energy has less impact on the shoreline.
Avoid wake activities near shorelines, docks, and environmentally sensitive areas.
Follow the Long Lake Wake Board map, which identifies preferred areas for safer operation with minimal environmental impact.
Remember to clean your boat to prevent AIS hitchhikers before and after entering the lake at the free Nelson Park Boat Cleaning Station.
The more of us that are using these best Wake Boating practices, the more it will preserve the shoreline integrity and improve overall lake health for future generations!
What’s moving: Dragonflies
Minnesota is home to about 140 dragonfly and damselfly species, so there’s always something interesting to watch for along the shoreline. Fun Fact: Radio tracking shows that some Dragonflies can travel over 87 miles/day!
Dragonflies are one of the best signs of a healthy lake. They help control mosquitoes and other small insects, and they’re also an important part of the food web for birds, frogs, and fish. Dragonflies usually begin emerging in late spring and early summer, with many species active through mid- to late summer. Go to https://www.mndragonfly.info/ to try an identify the dragonflies in your back yard!
What’s Blooming: Native Shoreline Plants
A healthy shoreline does more than look beautiful — it helps protect all of the lakes throughout our watershed. Native plants are critical, as they support clean water by holding soil in place, slowing runoff, and creating habitat for pollinators and wildlife.
Here are three shoreline favorites that can really have a positive impact on water quality:
Swamp Milkweed - usually blooms June through August. Its deep roots help stabilize soil along the shore, while supporting the Monarch population.
Blue Flag Iris - blooms May through June. It helps slow stormwater runoff and supports a natural shoreline.
Fox Sedge - blooms June and July. Its dense roots help hold shoreline soil together and provide cover for wildlife.
Planting natives support a healthier lake, a stronger shoreline!
Shop Otten Bros. Garden Center & Landscaping and receive 15% off all in-stock perennials. They offer a wide selection of Minnesota native plants and other perennials that are ideal for shoreline restoration, erosion control, and supporting local pollinators.
Please present this coupon at checkout to receive your discount.
Offer valid through Aug. 31, 2026. Cannot be combined with other coupons or discounts.
What’s happening: Fish Kills
This spring’s fish kill in Long Lake was a visible reminder that lake conditions can change quickly. Fish kills are often caused by a combination of factors such as low oxygen, sudden temperature shifts, winter stress, algae blooms, or poor water quality. When these conditions stack up, fish can become stressed or die in large numbers.
What you can do:
Keep an eye out for unusual fish behavior or dead fish.
Report concerns to local officials: MN DNR Fish Kill Reporting
Help reduce runoff by using native plants and limiting fertilizer use.
Stay involved in lake improvement efforts for a healthier fishery.
A fish kill is upsetting, but it underscores why protecting our area lakes matter. Continued community action can help reduce the conditions that lead to these events.
Take the Lake Pledge!
If you are interested in protecting the lake from aquatic invasive species (AIS), join the community and take the LAKE PLEDGE to stop the spread. It’s a FREE, fun program with interactive videos. Take the pledge at: https://www.lakepledge.com/
How to help the Watershed:
Personal Steps:
Clean up grass clippings and pet waste, and control erosion on your property. This reduces algae blooms and promotes native plants.
Volunteer!
LLWA is looking for residents to volunteer for special projects and be lake liaisons. Email us at longlakewaters@gmail.com. We need volunteers for Buckhorn Days on July 25th!
What do you see?
Share your concerns or positive feedback via email or social media.
Help us grow!
Check out our website at www.longlakewaters.org and follow us on social media.
Did you know?
Facts about the Long Lake Watershed:
The watershed covers 7,619 acres. Water flows into Tanager Lake, which is a bay on Lake Minnetonka.
Watershed Roadmap:
Since 2018, local cities and LLWA have worked together to improve water quality. The roadmap focuses on high-impact projects. The Long Lake Creek Roadmap, created from this partnership, guides these efforts, focusing on data-driven, high-impact projects to improve water quality.
Long Lake Waters Association
PO Box 195, Long Lake, MN 55356
A Minnesota 501(c)(3)
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