1/12/03 - Several open spots remain on the lake and creek this winter. Numerous geese and ducks continue to thrive in the exposed areas. The aeration unit, combined with mild temperatures, opened up a single area several hundred square feet in size from the aerator to the east (natural flow of the creek). Several warning signs succumbed to the expanding open water the past week; they will be replaced once the ice becomes safe to walk on.

12/28/02 - Surface Aspirating Aerator installed off the property at 14629 91st Ave. N. in approximately 5.5 feet of existing water (almost 12 feet pre-drawdown depth). Ice thickness at the time was 7-9". The power cable was housed in 2" PVC to protect from the elements and potential snowmobile traffic during the winter. An opening was cut in the ice with a chainsaw and the aeration unit was connected to the main power source. 7 'Thin Ice' signs were posted around the area expected to be opened by the aerator. The unit will be run when needed to keep the water open.

12/8/02 - Lake level has dropped to a total of approximately 6 feet as of this week. Creek flow to the dam has slowed to a trickle under the County Road 30 bridge.

12/2/02 - City of Maple Grove accepts RLAA request to insure Winter Aeration unit beginning with this winter (2002-2003). Aerator will be placed into position off Bob Cremers property (14629 91st Ave. N.) in the near future, now that the ice has begun to be established.

10/22/02 - RLAA Board meets to finalize decision on aerator purchase from Aeromix Systems, Inc., which is located in Golden Valley. Aerator will be placed a few hundred feet off shore from Bob Cremers home.

• Signs will be posted around perimeter
• Aerator will run 24x7 until ice is out in the spring

10/2/02 - City of Maple Grove removes the boards holding back the water at the Elm Creek Dam.

• Water is higher than normal due to above average rainfall this season. May take longer to lower lake level to desired 5+ feet.

9/12/02 - Letters sent out from RLAA to members advertising the drawdown and suggesting early removal of boats from the water. Drawdown to commence 10/2/02.

9/12/02 - RLAA Board meets to discuss ideas for aeration unit

9/3/02 - City Council passes drawdown request with some conditions:

• RLAA purchase, maintain, and insure lake aerator to be used during winter (ice in) months
• Aerator be marked with proper signage as advocated by DNR
• Aerator permits be secured from DNR before drawdown to begin

8/26/02 - City Council passes request 5-0 to put item on September 3^rd consent agenda

7/17/02 - Formal letter is sent to the City Council requesting approval

7/16/02 - Rice Lake Area Association (RLAA) Board votes to request a drawdown of the lake for the winter of 2002-2003