Minimize Fire Risk

We’re not currently experiencing wildfires here, but we certainly are experiencing the smoke! 💨 This article includes helpful hints to help minimize the risk of losing your lake property to fire.
With active fires nearby, protecting our wooded cabins and homes is critical. Here are quick, actionable steps from Minnesota Lakes & Rivers Advocates to safeguard your property: https://mnlakesandrivers.org/firewise/
🌳 Land Defense
Whack & Stack: Thin out smaller balsam fir and spruce to prevent ground fires from climbing into the treetops.
Create Space: Keep a 10-foot gap between evergreen tree crowns, and clear vegetation 30 feet out from structures.
🏡 Structure Defense
Clear Tinder: Rake leaves/dead grass 30 feet away, and remove firewood stored under your deck.
Block Embers: Make sure all roof vents are screened.
Roof Sprinklers: Consider a gas-powered lake pump system to protect your roof if you have to evacuate.

Check out the full article for more steps on fire safety! 🌲👇
#Firewise #LakeLife #MinnesotaLakes #WildfireSafety #CabinLife

Youth Boat Training

Stearns COLA and the Stearns County Sheriff’s Water Patrol is pleased to announce youth boat training dates for this summer. Classes are for youths 12 to 18 years old. The classes include both classroom and on-boat training. Students will take the approved DNR boat permit test and upon successful completion they will receive their operators permit. Pizza and refreshments will be provided by the Stearns COLA.

The 2026 class at Shady's is FULL.

You can complete a certification witn the DNR’s online course: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/boatwater/education.html.

For everyone’s sake, Own Your Wake!

As we officially enter the summer lake season, it’s crucial to be mindful of your wake. Every boat creates a wake, and being considerate of how it impacts other boaters and the shoreline is essential. Plus, minding your wake is key to keeping people safe while on the water. Here are some tips to help you navigate responsibly:

🚤 Be aware of your environment — look out for swimmers, other boaters, no-wake zones, etc. to prevent injuring other water-goers. For a map of the no-wake zones on the Chain, go to Our Lakes.

🚤 Per the DNR, stay at least 200 feet away from shoreline, docks, and other structures to prevent damages and shoreline erosion . On our Chain, this means being extra cautious in the channels and around corners.

🚤 Minimize repetitive passes — once you’ve run a line, move onto another area.

🚤 Respect the rights of others to enjoy their time on the water!

By taking these tips to heart, you can help keep Minnesota’s waters safe and fun for all! For more details, head to https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/.../boatwater/own-your-wake.html.

2026 Youth Watercraft Operator Permit & Water Safety Class

Sponsored by Stearns County Coalition of Lake Associations (COLA)

Stearns COLA is pleased to announce the scheduling of youth Watercraft Safety Classes for 2026.  The COLA helps supervise the classes and provides refreshments including pizza for all participants.  There are only 20 slots for each class. 

Event: Sauk River Chain of Lakes Youth Watercraft Operator Permit & Water Safety Class
Date: Wednesday, June 29th, 2026
Time: Time: 7:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Shady's Long Shots - 17467 Fairway Circle, Cold Spring, Minnesota 56320

For details and requirements of this program and to register for this event click HERE. If you sign up and decide you cannot attend please cancel your reservation so others can attend. 

For more information: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/boatwater/boater-education-law.html