Will You Help Save Our Lake in Minnedosa, Manitoba?
Hi, Brian Martineau here as volunteer Committee Chairperson of the Friends of Lake Minnedosa.
An Aquamarine Weed Harvester that was recently purchased to make a difference for Minnedosa Lake for generations to come. Additional equipment is now needed to be purchased, including a shore conveyor to move the harvested weeds out of the lake, a harvester canopy, parts inventory, docking and storage.
The Story
Minnedosa Lake is a man-made lake near Minnedosa, Manitoba. It was created in the early 1900’s to serve as a reservoir for a hydroelectric dam. Today it is a popular recreation site, for both boating and swimming. The rapid growth and spread of weeds are impacting the environmental health of the lake and the future well-being of tourism in the region and use of the Lake. Minnedosa Lake is a place many visitors come for swimming, boating and fishing in this wonderful paradise, including the most priceless thing of all—our neighbours and friends who live, work and play here, who make this place so special too.
Countless memories have been made at Lake Minnedosa over the years. Generations of children have grown up, lived and loved spending time in and on the water, at the sand beaches, picnic areas and campground at Minnedosa Lake. In winter, the Lake is transformed for pond hockey and a curling tournament, cross country skiing, ice fishing and other activities. Truly, Minnedosa Lake gives visitors and those who reside on its shores, and in the Town of Minnedosa, an incredible history, memories, and laughter, as well as the economic benefit to the entire region.
The Need
Despite all these wonderful memories and amazing experiences today, unless action is taken now, Minnedosa Lake faces an uncertain future due to the significant infestation of weeds in recent years. The quality of the Lake is deteriorating and struggling. In this time when we need to come together the most, we’re asking for your help to save our lake.
The Weed Harvester will be used daily during the summer months to trim excess underwater plant life that plagues the lake and is dangerous for swimmers, water-skiers and other water enthusiasts, as well as impeding every kind of watercraft.
The bright orange weed harvester consists of front-mounted cutting blades, with the operator controlling operations from a raised platform in the middle. A series of onboard conveyor belts move the weeds to the back of the craft where they are collected. From there, when the harvester is at capacity, the collected weeds will be unloaded onto shore by conveyor and used as environment friendly compost.
How You Can help
To save the lake, this cornerstone of Minnedosa tourism, and build our local economy, we’re inviting you to help raise the additional $65,000 total needed now through GoFundMe. This will cover the additional investment of the operational equipment.
We're now asking you to match the generosity of our many community donors so that we can reach our goal through public donors to help with the additional costs.
It’s hard to imagine Minnedosa Lake in any condition other than pristine waters. Please, can you lend a helping hand? Any donation amount is deeply appreciated, $100 OR MORE ARE ELIGIBLE FOR A TAX RECEIPT. Will you also please help us get the word out by sharing this GoFundMe link on your social media and with friends: https://gofund.me/f99e314c
Together, we look to the brighter days when we can all continue to enjoy Minnedosa Lake for years to come and have a prosperous business community. Thank you. We are so grateful for your support.
PS For those who would prefer to donate directly, please make cheques out to:
Friends of Lake Minnedosa
Box 564
Minnedosa, Manitoba
R0J1E0
THANK YOU
Brian Martineau
Committee Chairperson
Friends of Lake Minnedosa