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Wake Boat Maps (click here) – Questions about Wake Boats have been brought up at past Annual meetings. ELRA's board researched this topic and here is our conclusion.

 

Many lake associations across the country are hearing concerns about wakes created by wake boats causing environmental and physical damage to shorelines, lake bottoms, property, and safety risks for people on the water and on shore. Large, statewide organizations such as MN Lakes and Rivers Advocates (MLR, mnlakesandrivers.org) and MN Coalition of Lake Associations (MNCOLA, mncola.org) have been actively supporting independent peer-reviewed research conducted by the University of MN to better understand the complex dynamics of wake boat waves and propeller wash on lake ecology. We encourage you to visit these websites for further information.

 

It is anticipated that these studies will guide development of statewide policies to regulate future wake boat use. In the meantime, best available research suggests that surf-generating wake boats be operated at a distance of at least 500 ft from shorelines and other boaters and in a minimum of 20 ft of water. We, like many other lake associations, are adopting these recommendations to mitigate potential disruptions to our lakes while the details of this matter are being researched and statewide policies put in place.

 

To aid boaters on where to operate in wake surf-generating mode under these distance/depth conditions, “wake safe maps” have been designed using a lake’s GPS coordinates and depth contours. We have obtained such maps for Emily and Mary. Areas that meet these distance/depth criteria appear in dark purple. Only Mary has a wake safe area. Because Emily Lake is shallow (less than 15 ft), there are no safe areas for wake boats.

 

Since these criteria are still “fluid” pending their codification into law, there can be no enforcement of these recommendations. It is hoped, however, that such maps bring awareness to this issue and promote responsible boating practices that will increase public safety, protect our waterways, and minimize economic impacts. Our challenge has been, and will continue to be, how to be good stewards of our water resources while balancing the desires of all lake enthusiasts to enjoy our waterways.

NOTICE
Emily Lakes and Rivers Association
P.O. Box 111
Emily, MN 56447


The Emily Lakes and Rivers Association has contracted to treat Eurasian Watermilfoil, an Aquatic Invasive Species in Lake Emily and Lake Mary in 2025.


The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has granted the Emily Lakes and Rivers Association a waiver of the requirement that the association obtain the signatures of approval of owners of lake-shore property. Instead, the Emily Lakes and Rivers Association will notify property owners of the treatment through alternate forms. This notice is one form that the Emily Lakes and Rivers Association is using to notify property owners. Other forms include but are not limited to notification through the lake association’s web page, member newsletter and annual meeting.


With regards to the treatment for this year, 2025:

1. The proposed date for treatment: June 1, 2025 through October 31, 2025


2. The target species for the treatment: Eurasian Watermilfoil


3. The method of control or product being used: EPA and MDA registered aquatic herbicides, such as but not limited to Florpyrauxifen-Benzyl, Diquat Dibromide.


4. How landowners may request that control not occur adjacent to the landowner's property: If you desire that the treatment of Eurasian Watermilfoil not occur adjacent to your property, please notify the Emily Lakes and Rivers Association immediately at the following address and email address below:


Emily Lakes and River Association
P.O. Box 111
Emily, MN 56447
elra@emilylakes.org

Our Mission:
Encourage the wise use, management, and preservation of the Emily lakes and rivers.

Promote educational opportunities for our members and the local community that advocate a healthy balance between recreational use of the lakes and their protection.

Establish partnerships with local and regional organizations and governmental policymakers for the promotion and preservation of our valuable resources.

 

Out Actions to Promote Healthy Waters:

 

Control Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)
• Secures funding for needed AIS treatments
• Conducts annual lake surveys for Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM)
• Facilitates EWM treatments
• Annually test for veligers (zebra mussel larvae)
• Distributes education literature

 

Maintain Water Quality
• Monitors water quality from May to September and reports data to DNR
• Monitors lake levels and reports data to DNR
• Encourages water quality, enhancing shoreline and upland management by property owners
• Distributes education literature on proper lakeshore management

 

Foster Recreational Enjoyment
• Coordinates with DNR to stock walleye in our lakes
• Promotes annual 4th of July Boat Parade open to all

Supporting Our Lakes and Rivers

Emily Lakes and Rivers Association is a non-profit organization created in August 2002 with the adoption of the Corporation Articles and By-Laws.  ELRA represents the interests of our members on Dahler, Emily and Mary lakes and the Little Pine River in Crow Wing County, Minnesota.

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P O Box 111

Emily, MN  56447

elra@emilylakes.org

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