For 31 years, the Winsted Lake Watershed Association, formerly known as the Winsted Lake Committee, has been carrying out its mission of providing a leadership role in improving and protecting the quality of Winsted Lake and its watershed for present and future generations.

Currently, there are more than 100 members, made up of families and businesses that have a strong commitment to the quality of Winsted Lake.

Winsted Lake is in the heart of the city of Winsted and is 376 acres with a maximum depth of 12 feet, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

This year, Winsted Lake will have its final treatment in a three-year cycle for curly leaf pondweed, according to Bev Schmitz, association president.

The association strongly encourages lakeshore owners to participate in this treatment. The owners pay for the treatment, which is about $149, and the association covers the cost of the permit through the DNR.

Curly leaf pondweed is an invasive plant, that if left untreated, spreads throughout the lake causing thick vegetation that is difficult to boat through, according to Dale Maus, association vice president.

This particular vegetation also produces phosphorus, which promotes the growth of algae, affecting the clarity of the lake, Maus continued.

“We need some plant life to sustain a healthy fish population,” Maus said, “but an over abundance of plant is not good.”

In 2009, Maus noted seeing a reduction of the number of plants in the lake.

Every summer, the lake is tested for clarity using a secci disk reading. The reading for 2009 was 7.5 feet at its best clarity (exceptional clarity is 7 to 9 feet), which is usually in the first months following ice out, according to Maus.

When the algae sets in, the clarity can be between 2 to 4 feet.

The association, with cooperation and support from the City of Winsted, works to improve water quality, vegetation, habitat, and fishing, as well as educating the residents.

The association encourages becoming a member as it is extremely beneficial to the watershed for providing additional monetary support for education and to create an even healthier lake, Maus explained.

“We are always looking for new members and new ideas,” Schmitz said.

The watershed association also hopes for additional volunteers for events throughout the year.

Weather permitting, the association is planning a family fun day in February with a fishing contest, presentations from DNR officials at the City Hall, and information presented on the association.

The cost of membership is $25 annually per family/business and is open to anyone interested in contributing to the quality of Winsted Lake and its watershed.

The current board of directors are Bev Schmitz, president; Dale Maus, vice president; Pat Schommer, treasurer; and Gary Daigle, secretary.

For more information about the Winsted Lake Watershed Association, visit its web site at www.winsted.mn.us/pages/watershed.html.

Winsted Lake Watershed Association works to protect the quality of Winsted Lake and its watershed. Below is the latest GPS mapping of Winsted Lake showing a reduction in curly leaf pondweed after being chemically treating the lake in the spring of 2008.