SLA Newsletter May 2026
A Note from Your President
Dear Neighbors and Friends,
Spring on Sylvan Lake is something I look forward to all winter long. There's a moment — you know the one — when the ice goes out and the water turns that deep, clear blue again, and you remember exactly why we love this place. This spring, I have three things I'm genuinely excited to share with you: a new regional watershed initiative that directly benefits our lake, the launch of the Lake Steward Program, and our new Recommended Wake Boat Area map.
First, I want to share something exciting happening at the regional level. The Cass County Watershed District has developed a 10-year initiative to protect and restore the lakes, rivers, and forests across our region. The plan targets phosphorus reduction, shoreline restoration, and improved water quality in the lakes we care about most. I'm pleased to share that Ryan Carlson will be joining us at this year's Annual Meeting to speak about this initiative and what it means specifically for Sylvan Lake. It's an important step: local agencies studying our watershed and bringing resources to support it. I hope you'll come with your questions.
Second, the Sylvan Lake Association is working to launch the Lake Steward Program this year, through Minnesota Lakes & Rivers Advocates. This is a neighbor-to-neighbor shoreline protection effort where trained volunteer Lake Stewards learn to identify healthy and unhealthy shorelines and share that knowledge with fellow property owners — gently and constructively. This program has gained significant traction on Gull Lake, and we believe Sylvan Lake will benefit from your participation
Third, we've published a new Recommended Wake Boat Area map at SylvanLakeMN.org. Based on University of Minnesota research from the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory, the map identifies where wake boat activity can be enjoyed without damaging our shorelines, sediment, and aquatic habitat — keeping at least 500 feet from shore and in water at least 20 feet deep. We're not trying to ban anything. We're trying to keep Sylvan Lake healthy for everyone, for generations to come.
All three of these efforts come from the same place: a belief that informed, engaged neighbors are our lake's greatest asset. The SLA exists to connect you with the science, the programs, and the people who are working hard to protect this place we all love.
As always, your membership makes everything we do possible. Only about half of Sylvan Lake property owners contribute annually — if you haven't renewed yet, please consider doing so. Details are at the back of this newsletter.
I look forward to seeing you on the water, and especially at our Annual Meeting this summer — Ryan's presentation on the watershed alone will be worth the trip.
Warm regards,
Michael Bromme
President, Sylvan Lake Association
New Boater Education Law (Effective July 1, 2025)
A new law requires certain adults and youth operating motorboats (including personal watercraft like jet skis) to have a valid watercraft operator’s permit (boater safety certificate). The goal is to improve safety by ensuring operators are properly trained.
Who Needs a Permit?
Starting in 2026, anyone born after June 30, 2000 must have a permit to operate a motorized watercraft
The requirement will expand to older age groups over time
People who already have a permit are not affected
Youth Rules
Under age 12:
❌ Cannot operate personal watercraft (e.g., jet skis)
✅ Can operate a motorboat over 75 hp only if accompanied by an adult
Resources
SIGN UP to take the watercraft operator's permit course: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/boatwater/education.html.
For more information https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/boatwater/boater-education-law.html
2026 SLA Annual Meeting — Save the Date!
Saturday July 11th at the Confidence Learning Center — check www.sylvanlakemn.org and our Facebook page for updates.
This year's agenda will include:
Election of Director
Ryan Carlson from Cass County Watershed
AIS Update
Treasurer's report
Open discussion
Wildlife Sanctuary tours for the kids
The annual meeting is our best opportunity to connect as a community, share what we've learned, and plan for the season ahead. We hope to see a big turnout. Let your lake neighbors know about the upcoming association meeting.
Opening on Sylvan Lake Association Board of Directors
The SLA Bylaws provide that one Director out of the five Directors will be elected every three years. The term of Nancy Haugdahl as a Director-at-Large will expire on June 30, 2026. If any Member of the Association would like to become a Director, please complete the 2026-2027 Board of Directors Nomination Form which can be found on the SLA Website or you can obtain the form by contacting Michael Bromme, President of the Association at michaelbromme@mac.com.
The form should be sent to sylvanlakeassociation@gmail.com by June 1, 2026. The election will be held at the Annual Association Meeting on July 11, 2026.
Nancy Haugdaahl has been responsible for leading the Association on its financial matters for over 10 years and is an important member of the Board and is planning to stand for re-election, so while a replacement is not necessary, all new candidates are welcome and will be considered by the Members.
Aquatic Invasive Species Update & Why Your Dues Matter
Protecting Sylvan Lake from Aquatic Invasive Species remains our highest financial priority. We currently hold over $35,000 in our AIS reserve fund — money that exists specifically so we can act fast if an invasive species is detected. As lake associations across Minnesota have learned, early detection and rapid response are everything. Having funds ready to deploy can mean the difference between containment and a full-blown infestation.
Zebra mussels continue to spread across Minnesota lakes, and the University of Minnesota's MAISRC research center is making real progress on detection and control technologies — including RNA interference methods that could one day target zebra mussels without harming native species. We don't have a solution yet, but science is moving in the right direction. The best thing we can do right now is stay vigilant, keep our AIS fund strong, and make sure every boat that visits our lake drains completely before launching.
Want to become an AIS detector or just learn more about identifying invasive species? Check out the classes being offered this summer at AIS Detectors: community members | Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC).
4th of July Boat Parade
The annual 4th of July Boat Parade is one of our favorite traditions, and this year is going to be another great one. The parade kicks off at noon in front of the Confidence Learning Center and will run Counter-clockwise this year. Please decorate your boat, bring patriotic energy, and come ready to make memories.
Prizes will be awarded at the Annual Meeting for the Best and Most Patriotic entries. Please text your boat registration to (612) 384-4800 on parade day.
Sylvan Lake Recommended Wake Boat Area
We've published a new resource on SylvanLakeMN.org. It includes a detailed map showing the two zones on Sylvan Lake where wake surfing and wakeboarding can be enjoyed while keeping impacts on the broader lake environment to a minimum.
The map is based on two science-backed thresholds from the University of Minnesota:
Stay at least 500 feet from shore
Wake boat waves can travel long distances, up to 1,000 feet before losing energy. When they hit shore at full strength, they can erode banks, damage docks, and harm nearshore habitat.
Operate in at least 20 feet of water depth
In shallow areas, wake turbulence stirs up sediment, releasing phosphorus that can lead to algae blooms and reduced water clarity.
Researchers at the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory tested seven different powerboats over two field seasons and recorded the results on video. As co-author Jeff Marr described it: "You see a lot of turbulence, and you see the bottom sediments being suspended in the water. You see vegetation, even root masses moving by the camera."
You can read the full blog post and download the map at www.sylvanlakemn.org. Please share it with guests and fellow boaters — awareness is our most powerful tool.
2025 Financial Report
A big thank you to whoever made a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from their IRA of $5000.00. We are still considering how best to use those funds.
Income (Donations, Dues, Interest) $16,856.97
Program Expenses (Fish Stocking and Lake Steward) $ 7,579.06
Operations Expenses (Annual Meeting, Newsletter, Bank Fees, etc.) $ 2,460.84
Net Income $ 7,167.07
Fish Fund Update
We successfully completed our 3rd walleye stock in the fall of 2025. Even though it wasn’t a full stock we put a large amount of 6” walleyes in the lake. The fish stocked in 2021 and 2023 are very healthy and doing well. Our next stock will be in the fall of 2027 and we are actively collecting donations to meet our goal of a max stock that will cost approximately $8,000. As always, share your pictures and practice catch and release when possible. Looking forward to seeing if walleyes will show up this coming fall in the DNR netting results, but we will continue our efforts as long as people continue to support the efforts.
Sylvan Lake launches the Lake Steward Program – Sign up Now!
The Sylvan Lake Association is launching the Lake Steward Program through Minnesota Lakes & Rivers Advocates this year! This initiative recognizes property owners who take steps to protect our lake through sustainable shoreline practices.
Why Become a Lake Steward?
Minnesota’s lakes are at risk, with 56% of surface waters now impaired, according to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. While multiple agencies work on water management, efforts are often fragmented, making local engagement even more critical.
There are 500 Lake Associations in Minnesota, with an estimated 100,000 members advocating for better water quality policies. By participating in the Sylvan Lake Association Lake Steward Program, you are joining a movement to protect our lake and influence statewide water management efforts.
How to Become a Lake Steward
Take the quiz: Challenge yourself with the Are You a Lake Steward Quiz (link can be found on the Sylvan Lake Association Facebook page and www.sylvanlakemn.org) to assess your impact on Minnesota’s lakes from your own backyard and uncover ways to enhance your environmental stewardship.
Schedule an evaluation: By completing the quiz, you will notify our Sylvan Lake trained shoreline evaluator of your interest, and they will reach out to you to arrange an assessment of your lakeshore property.
Restore your shore: Receive tailored restoration recommendations specific to your property.
Lake Steward Award: After a shoreline has been restored to a healthy and native landscape, Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates awards a “Lake Steward” sign to the property owner. The Lake Steward sign is a badge of honor for lakeshore property owners, shows their personal appreciation of the environment, and awards efforts to preserve Minnesota’s lakes.
Join Now or Renew your 2026 Sylvan Lake Association Membership
For only $25, you can be a part of preserving and protecting Sylvan Lake.
Your dues directly fund:
✅ Water quality testing & improvement projects
✅ Invasive species control
✅ Fun community events (Boat Parade, Annual Meeting)
Membership Form to include if paying via check.
Last Name: ________________________ First Name(s): _________________________
Mailing Address: _________________________________________________________
Lake Address(es) If different than mailing address: ______________________________
Email: _________________________________________________________________
Phone _______________________
Dues $25.00 AIS __________ Fish Fund __________ Board Discretion ___________
Payment methods accepted: Venmo (detail how much for each fund), QR code, Paypal via website or check mailed to Sylvan Lake Assn, ℅ Nancy Haugdahl, 12535 Lower Sylvan Rd SW, Pillager, MN 56473.
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SylvanLakeAssociation/
Website: www.sylvanlakemn.org
Questions or comments? sylvanlakeassociation@gmail.com