Rice Lake Drawdown 2014-2015
Last Updated 11/27/2015
Background on Rice Lake drawdown needs
  The lake is controlled by a dam on Elm Creek. This allows the Rice Lake Area Association and City of Maple Grove to control the lake level when necessary. The lake basin receives water from various sources (creeks, residential and commercial drainage systems, etc.) which cover over 100 square miles in the northwest Hennepin County area. High levels of phosphorous enter the lake from these many sources and contribute to accelerated and heavy weed growth. In some situations, this heavy weed growth impedes or halts navigation by water craft.

  There has been an on-going increase in the presence of the non-native Curlyleaf Pondweed (CLP) since the last whole lake treatment via drawdown was conducted over the winter of 2004-2005. A 2014 Aquatic Plant Study was conducted and showed the highest number of CLP plants since 2005. A Fish Survey was also conducted this year and evidence shows a disproportionate number of rough fish (common carp and bullhead) to the number of game fish. Both project consultants recommended a drawdown without aeration to both reduce the CLP growth and to try and eliminate more rough fish (winter kill).

How does a Drawdown work?
  A drawdown done during the winter months exposes the lake bottom to the elements. A good hard freeze could be very beneficial in stunting the growth of weeds for the next year and possible future years. The native plants are accustomed to the elements and should not be impacted during a drawdown. 

   The Minnesota DNR Fisheries contact has agreed that by not running an aeration system during the winter months would help eliminate the remaining fish in the lake, and allow us to restock the following year (2015) with game fish. 

How does the Drawdown Process Work?
  The procedure for requesting a drawdown is different than when last sought in 2004-2005. The Minnesota DNR incorporated a new process in 2012 with these requirements:
            - Get at least 75% sign-off from riparian residents (lake/creekshore owners)
            - Show evidence that drawdown is needed for non-native plant control.

​Who Advocates the Drawdown for 2014-2015?
  RLAA has received support for conducting a drawdown by the following parties:

What is the Current Status for the Drawdown?
  As of October 24, the bypass at the dam behind the high school was opened up to allow water to pass under the dam. Typically it takes 3-5 weeks for the water level to reach it's minimum (a drop of between 5-6 feet), assuming there are no physical barriers preventing the water flow from the Elm Creek inlet to the dam bypass.

Drawdown Preparations
             Hearing will be conducted on Wednesday, October 15 beginning at 6:30 pm at the Maple Grove   
               Government Center during the Lake Quality Commission (LQC) meeting.
             All are welcome to attend this Public Hearing.

Restocking Project
With the help of the City of Maple Grove, RLAA has stocked more native game fish this past season. Besides improving the game fish habitat and water quality, these species can feed on the young of both carp and bullhead. Note: All fish stocked were young, except for the 10 pair of adult largemouth bass. Among the species and number of fish stocked were:

How low can we go?

Comments

Thank you for your patience as we pursue this project to improve the quality of our lake/creek!




Post Drawdown Summary


# of Visitors since October 2014
Drawdown Project Request Draft to the City of Maple Grove
Drawdown Project Request Letter to the City of Maple Grove
Drawdown Public Hearing Letter (sent to shoreline residents)
Drawdown Public Hearing Notice (September 25, 2014)
Click on the respective links for more information
MN DNR Drawdown Requirements (2012)
Drawdown Signature Document
2014-2015 Drawdown Photos page (click here to enter)
Comparison Chart for current and previous Drawdowns
U.S. Geologic Survey gauge reading (Elm Creek in Champlin)  
2015-2016 Winter Aeration permit from DNR
2015-2016 Winter Aeration liability insurance coverage
2015-2016 Winter Aeration Public Notice (10/1/2015)