Rochester Post Bulletin, 4/5/2018
Author: Brian Todd, Post Bulletin
Read MoreViewpoint: Citizens should attend Lake Pepin Restoration meeting →
Red Wing Republican Eagle, 3/ 28/2018
By Rylee Main, Executive Director, Lake Pepin Legacy Alliance
1. What is the restoration project?
The restoration project at the upper end of Lake Pepin is designed to improve fish and wildlife habitat in the areas most impacted by shallow, muddy water. Constructing new islands and extending peninsulas will protect vulnerable areas from wind to create pockets of clear, undisturbed water that support healthy beds of aquatic vegetation.
The project is viable because special federal funds are available to utilize dredge material from the navigation channel to construct the base of the islands. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is covering 65 percent of the projects costs plus an expected $6 million for material transportation. Lake Pepin Legacy Alliance is responsible for fundraising the local cost-share, estimated between $3-5 million.
Read MoreProject is first step to restore Upper Lake Pepin →
Rochester Post Bulletin, 3/8/2018
Author: Mac Becco (formerly Consoer), Lake Pepin Legacy Alliance
Like many waters in southern Minnesota, it is impaired by excess sediment and phosphorus, both of which threaten cascading impacts that could eventually lead to ecological collapse. Sediment accumulation is a particular concern since it is causing social impacts, such as reduced accessibility to upstream areas and adjacent communities.
A sustainable solution will require upstream mitigation, but local restoration is also necessary to manage the cumulative impacts and sustain current uses on the lake.
Read MoreImpaired lake looking for friendship →
Red Wing Republican Eagle, 1/11/2018
Author: Sarah Hansen, RW Republican Eagle
A decade ago, neighbors living in the beautiful riverfront community of Wacouta began to notice that their island was growing.
Sediment had collected on its shores and was increasing the footprint of the small island in the bay. Down river, sediment collected in the bed of Lake Pepin as well.
By 2009 these concerned residents were heavily involved in the sediment runoff issue — so much so that they organized to form the nonprofit Lake Pepin Legacy Alliance. Since then, the aim of LPLA has been to save this beloved and geographically unique body of water from further pollution.
Read MoreLosing Lake Pepin: Time for unity, action against sedimentation →
Red Wing Republican Eagle, 3/10/2018
Author: Mac Becco (formerly Consoer), Lake Pepin Legacy Alliance
As reported by Lake Pepin Legacy Alliance, boat groundings in upper Lake Pepin reached an all-time high last summer. Some readers commented that the danger is most formidable for visiting and infrequent boaters. While accurate, the rest of us aren’t immune from the underlying ailment facing Lake Pepin. Sedimentation is nearing ecological and social tipping points that will be disastrous for everybody. It’s time for us to heed the warnings and mobilize together for action.
Read MoreThe Boating Show (LISTEN): LPLA Executive Director as Special Guest →
LPLA Executive Director, Rylee Main, is the special guest on The Boating Show with Wolf Marine Inc. and Tetzlaff Yacht Sales. The episode provides a great overview of sources of sediment, local impacts, and ways to help.
Read More(VIDEO) Boat Groundings on Lake Pepin Lead to Study →
KSTP Channel 5 Eyewitness News, 11/30/2017
Author: KSTP Channel 5 Eyewitness News
While the summer boating season has come to an end, it is still the topic of conversation around Lake Pepin - the iconic lake that forms the wide part of the Mississippi River near Red Wing. Boat groundings this summer were at an all-time high, with at least 30 boats needing rescue...
Read MoreBoaters Beware: Upper Lake Pepin Boat Groundings at an All-Time High →
Red Wing Republican Eagle, 11/28/2017
Author: Mac Becco (formerly Consoer), Lake Pepin Legacy Alliance
Sedimentation continues to fill upper Lake Pepin and wreak havoc for boaters as groundings reach an all-time high. While the exact number of grounded boats is unknown, the local tow boat companies and the Goodhue County Sheriff's Office attest that this year may have set a record number.
With sedimentation rates 10 times above normal, low water levels this year created dangerous conditions for boat navigation with little room for error. The problem gains concern just as planning commences to strategically dredge areas that have filled in at the upper end of the lake.
Read More