Cedar Lake Association
Rice County Mn
According to the MPCA, Cedar Lake water quality is impaired, and here's how YOU can help
Property Owners:
1. Plant a rain garden
-
This is one of the most efficient residential BMPs (Best Management Practices) to remove pollutants before they enter the lake
-
Rice County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) offers resources and potential cost-share or incentive programs to help install rain gardens
2. Re-establish or maintain native plants along the shoreline
-
MNDNR has a Restore Your Shore webpage to help
-
Curious how your current shoreline measures up? Take this quick assessment at Score your Shore
-
Be a Lake Steward (see below)
3. Septic system compliance
-
An estimated 50% of the septic systems in Cedar Lake's drainage area are non-compliant
Farmers:
1. Cropland best management practices (BMPs)
-
Implement no till, conservation till, and cover crops, or convert cropland to grassland
Visitors to Cedar Lake:
1. Donate to/join the CLA
2. Help keep the lake clean -- double check your boat prior to launching to ensure no spread of AIS
More resources for water quality improvement:
Become a Lake Steward
Lake Stewards is a program of Minnesota Lakes and Rivers that supports lakefront property owners in protecting and restoring natural shorelines. Through simple actions like planting native vegetation and reducing runoff, participants help improve water quality and strengthen habitat for fish and wildlife.
Start by taking the “Are You a Lake Steward?” quiz (Click the image to the left to get to the quiz) to assess how your property impacts water quality. You’ll be connected with a trained Lake Steward Evaluator from our Cedar Lake Association , a neighbor who knows your lake well. They’ll schedule a site visit to walk your property and offer personalized tips to restore habitat, reduce erosion, and manage runoff. If your property meets the criteria, you’ll proudly earn a Lake Steward sign—a visible symbol of your commitment to protecting Minnesota’s lakes for future generations. (source: MN Lakes and Rivers website)
Some of our Cedar Lake Stewards - THANK YOU for helping to improve our water quality!



.jpg)



AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species) info/treatments
Click the image to the left for a great guide from the U of MN, or check out this guide from the MN Coalition of Lake Associations
- 2025 AIS Treatment -
During the 2023 – 2024 winter season at Cedar Lake, the water level, ice cover, and snow cover was ideal for vegetation growth in the lake. The early growth of Curly-leaf pondweed is a direct result of these contributing factors.
The AIS treatment on Cedar Lake in 2024:
-
AIS treatment was conducted on 5/1/2024 by Cory Culbert of Lakescape Enterprises, LLC
-
The map for 2023 and 2024 shows the treatment areas which are represented by letters (A through D)
-
On May 1, 2024, Sections A & B were treated between 7:15 – 8:10am and Sections C & D were treated between 6:10 am – 7:15 am.
-
The temperature of the water on 5/1/24 was: 49 to 50 degrees
-
The wind speed 10 – 15 mph and increased throughout the day
-
The official report that is presented to the MN DNR is attached.



