The Riley-Purgatory-Bluff Creek Watershed District will be operating an aeration system on Rice Marsh Lake from December 1, 2020 until May 1st, 2021 that will result in open water. Anyone on the lake should be aware of the danger of open water and thin ice around the aeration system. This aeration system is necessary to prevent winter fish kill in the lake. The aeration system will be located in the southeast quadrant of the lake as shown on the map.

The District and the City of Eden Prairie will be hosting a virtual informational session on June 1 at 7pm to discuss a unique opportunity to reconnect the two parts of Duck Lake. Duck Lake Road currently bisects the lake with only an 8” pipe connecting the two parts. The potential project would be performed as part of a road reconstruction project. The City is looking to see if the District would be willing to be a financial partner in a project that would rehabilitate the lake’s historical footprint and minimize wetland and floodplain impacts. Join us via zoom to listen to the presentation and share your thoughts on the proposed project.

Treatment will occur on Monday, May 11th. The District will be treating 3 lakes this Spring as part of an ecological restoration and water quality improvement program. Mitchell Lake, Red Rock Lake and Lake Riley will be treated in early May when weather conditions are optimal (60F- low wind conditions). This will maximize the efficiency of the treatment. We will be using a herbicide known as diquat. “There are no restrictions on swimming or eating fish from water bodies treated with diquat. Treated water should not be used for drinking water for one to three days, depending on the concentration used in the treatment. Do not use treated water for pet or livestock drinking water for one day following treatment. The irrigation restriction for food crops is five days, and for ornamental plants or lawn/turf, it varies from one to three days depending on the concentration used.” (WI DNR)