09/02/2026
Thank you to LLCA board members Joel Barker, Steve Donen and Mark von Oven who spoke at the Carver County Commission meeting yesterday in support of finding ways to keep boat launch inspections funded and gain commission support before they make their final decision in early December. They were joined by the Lake Minnewashta Preservation Association and several boat inspectors employed by Carver County.
Carver County, Minnesota Government as part of the 2027 budget, has proposed eliminating inspectors at boat launches across Carver County as a result of Federal and State budget cuts.
Our goal is not to analyze budget cuts or place blame, but rather to find a solution going forward that continues to protect our lakes from invasive species. Here is the context:
- In 2026, Carver County received $140k from the State AISPA fund which, in 2027 and beyond, will go from $10M to $5M (a big number you'll hear quoted often)
- The 2027 direct impact of these cuts to Carver County is $70k (half of the $140k).
- Carver County projects a $117,406 savings by eliminating inspections across all Carver County lakes (1/17 of 1% of the entire $200M county budget).
- The current 2027 budget proposal eliminates inspections entirely, but retains funding for lake monitoring and AIS education
Your LLCA board will continue to work to influence the budget decisions between now and December. As a member of the LLCA and resident of Chanhassen, County Commissioners hearing your voices in this process is crucial.
The entirety of Lotus Lake sits in District 2, represented by Tom Workman (he can be reached at (952) 250-4924 or [email protected]). All other commissioners' contact information can be found at https://www.carvercountymn.gov/government/county-board-of-commissioners/commissioner-biographies
