ALWA Identity Statement: Concerned citizens using civic governance as an approach to policy making that produces the sustainable civic infrastructure needed to govern for the common good.

ALWA Purpose Statement: To develop the civic imagination and organize the civic capacity and infrastructure needed to partner with local government and restore the waters of Ann Lake to the MPCA standards for nutrients and to protect and preserve the water quality of the Ann Lake watershed.

Civic Standards:

1. All those impacted by the problem are stakeholders and help define the problem in light of civic principles and the realities of their situation.
2. All stakeholders are accountable for contributing resources (leadership/time, knowledge, constituencies and dollars) to solve the problem.
3. All stakeholders are engaged in decision-making and policy-making that contributes to the common good.
4. All stakeholders implement policies grounded in civic principles in the places where they have the authority to act.

The following people were present: (7) Sharon Smith, Walt Smith, Ray Penwarden, Margot Kohl, David Knosalla, Linda Knosalla, Tracy Hass

Sharon started the meeting at 10:04

Outcomes from the last meeting and Agenda for today’s meeting: Margot asked to add a discussion about adding the RMB water sampling data to the monthly Outcomes.

Treasurer’s Report:   Ray presented the treasurer’s report

Correspondence:   Ray reviewed information about bills we pay: R and B Labs and the electric and garbage bills for the boat landing are paid one year ahead.  Sharon showed off a very nicely put together Bingo Sheet created by Linda and David’s son, Kurt, that we will be able to use for upcoming Bingos.  Thank you, Kurt!  No date has been set for spring bingo yet.  

Check–in on Old Business

Civic Organizing: Ann Lake Township Meeting was attended by Sharon, Margot and Walt.  They discussed: who pays for access roads for land locked tax forfeited land, counties or townships.  Ruts in dirt roads caused by joyriders not corrected by road grading, Paul Hoppe has communicated with law enforcement about joy riders and gotten some extra oversight for the area.  They received a request from ECE to donate to community members who struggle with electric bills and chose instead to give by taking part in the round up program.

Check-in on New Business

Discontinuing meetings over winter months: Because we don’t plan to hold an Ice Fishing Contest this year and because many of our attending members are snowbirds, Sharon asked for feedback and got support to discontinue December, January and February meetings and pick them up again in March.  Our start back up date will be the 2^nd Saturday of March, the 14^th.  If anything, important comes up during the winter months, we can send out an E-mail/mailer to keep members updated.  Sharon will notify the township we won’t need the Town Hall during those months.

ALWA Brochure: Sharon plans to update the ALWA brochure and distribute it around the lake in the Spring.   Don’t forget to consider stepping up to take on the challenge of President or VP which are up for election in June and check out the list of duties that entails and is attached to these Outcomes. 

New Business: Lake Monitoring data: Margot proposed adding lake monitoring data into the newsletter.

Invasive Species Grant Application: Walt plans to apply for new grant opportunities to fight invasive species and we will find out if we will get a grant early in 2026.   This is separate from the Soil and Water money which had no carryover from last year.    

Winter Ice Clean Up: Discussion happened about a potential grant that Emily from Soil and Water can apply for. Tracy spoke up about some individuals who would be interested in volunteering for the cleanup cause.  The proposal was made to create a flyer about garbage cleanup and drop it off at ice houses during the winter months.

Good to the Order: Topics such as changes to DNR rules about rip /rap; a new home for sale and wild rice around the lake and changing standards for rain gardens, were discussed.

Evaluation: The meeting got a-5 out of 5

50 cent Drawing: Was won by David Knosalla.

25 Dollar Incentive Drawing: Would have been won by Diane Penwarden but she was not present.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:45

Don’t forget to check out the website:   https://annlakewatershedalliance.org 

We look forward to seeing you again at the next meeting on March 14, 2026 at 10:00 am at Ann Lake Town Hall.  1448 240th Ave, Mora, MN 55051  

https://maps.app.goo.gl/d1kfY5FLZWiiL3Fe8

Links and Emails:

Kanabec Soil and Water, Emily Larsen:  emily@kanabecswcd.org

 Water quality data can be found here: http://lakes.rmbel.com  (Select the report you wish to see then go to the drop-down menus in the Query Criteria. Under “County” select Kanabec, then select Ann under “Lake”. If you select a report that requires a “Site” choose “201” which should be the only option. Complete any other drop-down menus that may be required depending on the report selected then click “View Reports”.)

ALWA Dues (January through December each year)

$15.00 per individual per year

$25.00 per couple/family per year

$100 individual lifetime membership

(See map below)