2024 Water Quality Report Available

The 2024 Water Quality report is now available: click here or go to the Projects page. It is the product of the Sauk River Watershed District (SRWD) in partnership with the Sauk River Chain of Lakes Association (SRCLA). The SRWD produces this more detailed report every five years. Unsurprisingly, the Sauk River Chain of Lakes still carries an excessive nutrient load, particularly phosphorus, and the SRCLA will continue to advocate for programs to reduce the nutrient load. For ways you can help, please contact our Land Use program chair, Richard Gallea, at rjgallea@gmail.com.

Save County AIS Prevention Aid Funding

An important message from MLR’s Executive Director, Jeff Forester:

As you probably know, Gov. Walz, in his 2025 Budget Recommendations released in January, proposes cutting the County AIS Prevention Aid Formula.

We have put out a few Action Alerts, and I know there is a lot of interest in this and also a number of questions about what individuals can do to protect this funding in the face of significant budget constraints.

We will be hosting a Legislative Update to provide more information on the process, the next steps, and some practical advice on how you and your organization can move the needle on this issue. We will also be able to answer your questions.

Monday, February 10th, 4:00 – 5:00pm

Time zone: America/Chicago

Video Link: https://meet.google.com/zie-wdvq-kha

Or dial: ‪(US) +1 219-390-9911‬ PIN: ‪563 532 205‬#

NOTE: this is a virtual only event hosted by MN Lakes and Rivers. The SRCLA receives about $30k through this program.

Plan Ahead: Shoreline Weed Treatment Permits

Hey SRCLA members! Are you ready to keep your shoreline accessible this season? Now’s the time to apply for your 2025 shoreline weed treatment permits—don’t wait until spring!
Getting your permit early ensures you’ll be ready to tackle aquatic weeds and maintain access when the season starts. Early applications help avoid delays and ensure a smooth treatment process.
💻 Learn more: https://www.srcl.org/chainlinksp24/battling?rq=weeds
Let’s work together to protect and preserve the Sauk River Chain of Lakes!

Catfish Fest on the Chain Feb 14-15

Join us for the Catfish Fest on the Chain, an exciting ice fishing tournament hosted by the Richmond Firefighter Relief Association on the Sauk River Chain of Lakes!
Date: Friday, February 14th – Saturday, February 15th
Location: Sauk River Chain of Lakes, Cedar Island Lake
Tickets: Available for purchase online or at any of the sponsored locations.
Embrace the winter season with fellow fishing enthusiasts, enjoy great music, and experience the thrill of the catch.
Don't miss out on this fantastic community event!
#CatfishFest #IceFishing #SaukRiverChainOfLakes #CommunityEvent
https://catfishfestonthechain.com/