New Brighton Police Dept has partnered with us for many years to monitor the boat launch and lake, but they informed us a few months ago that they would be unable to provide continued support for multiple reasons, primarily due funding, lack of personnel, and a hiring freeze.  This left us in an uncomfortable position for 2020 where the COVID situation may draw more people to the lake seeking recreation with no management of the landing and lake.  

With our limited funding, we pursued multiple options to provide coverage and found a creative solution in utilizing an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Program provided through Ramsey County.  They have agreed to provide:

1. AIS monitoring of boats entering/leaving Long Lake
2. Pass out a postcard with the lake rules and recommended usage guidelines when the lake is busy; where to paddle, where to anchor, where to ski
3. Keep an eye on parking spots and inform boaters when the lake is at full capacity

In the past, Ramsey County Sheriff has focused their attention on other lakes knowing that we have New Brighton PD providing support.  We have informed the Sheriff’s Office of our situation and asked that we are included in their typical rounds, particularly from 5:00-7:00 PM on weekends and holidays when the no wake rule goes into effect.  Expect to see them on the lake more often. 

I think this is a win/win scenario to get both AIS and lake monitoring.  We’ll see how it works this year and go from there.  Please email us at llianewbrighton@gmail.com with comments or suggestions.

Special thanks to the following for a truly collaborative effort:

1. Our Public Safety Committee of Leon Kline, Caroline Beckman, and Wayne & Debbie Eck who coordinated with New Brighton PD, Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, and the Ramsey County AIS program to resolve this situation
2. Our Water Quality Committee of Rich Kusick and Jason Scott who informed us of this AIS program
3. Justin Townsend who runs the AIS program at the County who helped find a creative and affordable solution for us
4. Stephanie Johnson who runs a company called Water Guards which the County subcontracts for AIS monitoring services

Be safe and enjoy!