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:(18)Margot Kohl,Tina&Eric Kerska, Bobbie&Dennis Hurmi,  Heidi Annexston&Erik Peterson, Linda Stoneburner, Pam Peterson, David&Linda Knosalla, Ginny&Jeff Kukkola, Ray Penwarden, Rich Anderson, Walt&Sharon Smith, Ken&Deanna Kern.

Sharon started the meeting at 10:00 Welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming.

Introductions were made and locations of where everyone’s location of property.

Agenda for today’s meeting and outcomes from July 11,  accepted and no changes made.

Treasure’s Report:  Ray Penwarden gave the treasurer’s report.

Correspondence:  Nothing reported.

Check-in on Old Business:   Oath of office was given to Margot new President, Bobbie new Secretary and Sharon back-up Secretary.

Civic Organizing:  Sharon went to the Ann Lake Township meeting the highlights were they were going to transfer money from General Fund to the Fire fund.  The brush hogging on 220^th street  they will have to work with Kanabec County to get that done.

Sharon also attended the Shoreline and Water Quality Panel Event at the Sapsucker Farms on August 7^th  she said it was interesting and Emily Larsen will be sending out the minutes and would share them when she gets them.

Check in on New Business:  BINGO fundraiser will be on August 22, 2026 Tower Bar in Ogilvie, from 1 P.M. to 4 P.M. at the latest.  Please come and play or be a volunteer, whatever is appreciated.  ALWA will be making a donation to Deer Hunters Association for their September banquet of 100.00. 

Good to the Order:   Rich requested we send a thank you for the brush hogging that was done, it really does make it safer for the people walking, 4 wheeler people and the wildlife.

Erik Peterson wanted to share the passing of Jim Tadeusiak.  Fun and interesting fact that Ann Lake even had a baptism on the sandbar of Joe Michael.

People are interested in getting T-shirts with the ALWA on them, we only have 4 left in the sm/med size.  Does anyone know anyone in the business?  Let’s start working on this, looking for a source and the cost. 

Ken Kern brought up that we could use a sign at the bottom of Indian Point Rd to inform big trucks that continuing down Forest Shores there is a “cul-de-sac” instead of struggling backing up to get turned around on Forest Shores.

Evaluation:  Was a 5, thank you everyone.

50 cent drawing:    Margot Kohl

25 Dollar Incentive Drawing:   Scott Sandhofer sorry he wasn’t in attendence.

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

We look forward to seeing you at the next meeting on  September 12, 2026 at 10:00 am at Ann Lake Town Hall 1448 240^th 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)