Lake Health & Permits

If you see something, say something.

Keep an eye out for Aquatic Invasive Species, blue green algae, or other issues with the lake. Kindly pick up litter if you see any and remind neighbors or guests of tips to keep the watershed healthy. If you see anything of concern or have questions, please contact GLIA and the Board will convene on appropriate next steps.

2024 Notice Regarding Bacteria and Fish Health:

  • Warming water in the spring creates an increase in pathogens/bacteria in the waters of shallow lakes. The majority of lakes in the Twin Cities transmit diseases. These bacteria are more active in fish.
  • Spawing is stressful to fish and their immune systems are stressed.
  • Sunfish and crappies have spawn beds close to each other. With the fish congregating there, it increases the transmission of these diseases.
  • On the other hand, bass tend to be very solitary with their spawning and northerns simply scatter their eggs over vegetation where they cling to the plants.
  • The die-off of smaller and weaker sunfish and crappies is a regular occurrence in the lake with an abundance of these fish and is considered “good” for food supplies and survival of the fittest.

Weed Control Permits (See DNR site for Eligibility)

DNR Permit Guide – Aquatic Plants

Midwest Aquacare spraying for shoreline weed/AIS control

Below is the 2024 weed treatment form. Forms must be returned to Midwest Aqua Care, and they are due by March 15, 2024. GLIA will coordinate with Midwest Aqua Care as a group on your behalf.

Download 2024 Weed Form

Do I send money with the forms?

Yes, send a check for the appropriate amount:
1 Spraying: Cost may vary each year – see MAC form.
2 Sprayings: Cost may vary each year – see MAC form.
(GLIA pays the permit fee of $40 for its members.)

Can I get help diagramming the treatment area?

If MAC has done the treatment in prior years and the information that MAC has is still correct, you can note “treat same as last year.” If you need help, reach out to the GLIA Board of Directors.

Do I need to sign the form in two places?

Yes, the top half is for MAC; the bottom half is for DNR.

Who can I contact with additional questions?

Email [email protected] or call 952-403-6879.

What weeds/invasive species should I watch for?

Gleason Lake has Curly Leaf Pondweed, Purple Loosestrife, and Coon Tail. MAPMS is a great resource for lake management education on weeds and invasive species. Below is one of their resource forms.

Download Here:

Watershed Management History

Gleason Lake Management Plans

Gleason Lake Subwatershed Plan [April 2007, 6MB]
Gleason Lake Management Plan [August 2003, 5MB]

Protecting Our Lake Guide
Minnehaha Creek Watershed Management Plan

View MCWD’s Watershed Management Plan [January 2018]

Surveys & Reports

Gleason Lake Test Results
Fish Survey Report
Aquatic Invertebrate Field Report
Eurasian Milfoil

2009 Eurasian Watermilfoil Map [1MB].
2007 Eurasian Watermilfoil Map [1MB]
No Eurasian Watermilfoil was located during the 2007 surveys. The site map depicts seven previously reoccurring EWM locations. These locations have all been treated numerous times for the control of EWM. Scattered plants did occur between points # 1 to #2 and between points #3 to #4. The original sites #3 and #4 were confirmed by the MN DNR in 1998.

Treatments & Practices

Aeration

Gleason Lake is a small, shallow lake with a great deal of nutrients and vegetation. The lake is aerated in winter to maintain adequate oxygen levels for lake and fish health. Lakes as shallow as Gleason can only absorb oxygen through open water. 

Gleason Lake’s aerator is typically turned on in December or January (ice must be 5-6” thick). Holes are drilled and stakes are set in ice.

“Thin Ice” signs are posted to mark the aeration area and thin ice notice is submitted to local newspaper.

The aerator is typically turned off in April after the ice goes out.

Aquathol K

Aquathol K is a 40.3% Endothall liquid concentrate soluble in water used to treat a broad range of aquatic leafy plants. Aquathol K has a wide margin of tolerance for fish and other aquatic animals.