Ida Lake Association News

Aquatic Plants Are Important to a Healthy Lake

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 04:06:25 GMT

Many of us value a clean shoreline and open water for swimming and boating. But an interesting recent MPR News article explains why removing too much aquatic vegetation can actually harm the lakes we are trying to protect.

Native aquatic plants are an important part of a healthy lake. They help keep water clear by stabilizing bottom sediments and absorbing nutrients that can contribute to algae blooms. They also provide habitat for fish and other aquatic life, reduce shoreline erosion, and can help limit the spread of invasive species.

The article reports on research comparing Minnesota lake surveys conducted today with surveys from the 1920s and 1930s. More than half of the lakes studied had lost at least one plant species that had once been common.

For lakeshore owners, the message is worth considering: aquatic plants aren’t necessarily weeds that should be removed. The vegetation along our shorelines and in shallow water is part of the natural system that keeps our lake healthy. Indeed, removing native plants may actually make things worse in the long run.

Please take a few minutes to read the article:

https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/09/14/many-minnesotans-dont-value-aquatic-plants-the-states-lakes-are-paying-a-price

David Geddes - ILA Aquatic Invasive Species Committee Chair

New Wakeboard Map for Lake Ida.

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 16:22:12 GMT

While wakesurfing is a popular way to enjoy Lake Ida, we recognize growing community concerns regarding the impact of wakeboard boats on water quality, aquatic species, and shoreline erosion. To help balance recreation with lake preservation, the Ida Lake Association has partnered with Minnesota Lakes and Rivers to provide this "Own Your Wake" map, which highlights recommended areas designed to minimize negative impacts on our ecosystem. Please click the link for more information.

Artist Talk series at Ida Graves

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT

There is a nice article in Minnesota Monthly about the upcoming Artist Talk experience at Ida Graves on June 21 from 6-7 PM. Guests will have the opportunity to meet and talk with artists that created some of the paintings that are on display in the tasting room and on the sculpture walk on their 88-acre property.

https://www.minnesotamonthly.com/general/art-cocktails-and-conversation-come-together-at-ida-graves-distillery/

Pilgrim Point Update

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Here are some exciting updates from Brad Bonk, Douglas County Park Superintendent, about Pilgrim Point Park.

They will be installing a fishing pier on the North Side of the park near the beach sometime in May. Later in the fall, they will be creating a trail to allow ADA access to the North Beach and the fishing pier. It will be paved in 2027.

On the south side of the point they will be installing temporary fencing to allow additional vegetation and trees to take root and help prevent some of the erosion that has been taking place. They will also be adding additional native plantings to help shore up the point. Although certain areas will be protected, there will still be plenty of areas to beach your boat.

Lastly, the Alexandria Rotary Club has donated $150,000 to the Park Department for the construction of a picnic shelter. The county will need to enhance that donation to get enough to pay for the whole project but it is a very generous donation and will move the county's development timeline for park amenities us greatly. They have not established a construction date for it yet but anticipate that it will be in next 2-5 years. It will be located near and replace the current bathroom building.