Chronology of 2019-2020 Rice Lake Winter Aeration project
November 18, 2019 - Winter Aeration signs posted along shoreline
In preparation for the winter aeration later this season, signs were posted at various entry points to the lake reminding everyone that winter aeration will be conducted on the lake which will mean there will be areas of open water present. Please use caution when venturing out onto the lake once winter aeration begins.
This page will track the activities related to the winter aeration of Rice Lake for the 2019-2020 season. Most recent activities are at the bottom of this page.
October 28, 2019 - Winter Aeration permit approved by MN DNR
The Minnesota DNR approved operation of the winter aeration system on Rice Lake for the 2019-2020 season. (Click here to view the permit)
December 21, 2019 - Started up aeration unit and posted signs around perimeter
Since the ice now appears to be thick enough (6"+), a work crew of 6 cleared off the snow and located the underwater diffusers (3 of the 6 were approximate since the duck decoys left as markers were not located). Holes were drilled in the areas of the 6 diffusers and the unit was started up. A perimeter of 100' x 500' was marked with Thin Ice signs warning everyone not to go too close to the area.
Thanks to the following volunteers for helping with these efforts today: Mark Ellingson, Luke Johnson, Curt Putland (and his 2 sons) and George Schneider.
Note: Our intention is to run the aeration unit run continuously until the ice is out in the spring. If you notice any disruption in operation of the aeration unit, please let us know via our e-mail (ricelakeassoc@comcast.net).
September 9, 2019 - City of Maple Grove provides Certificate of Liability Insurance for system operation
The City of Maple Grove provided insurance coverage for running the aeration system off City property.
December 21 aeration start-up photos
Crew at work
Duck decoy #1 located and freed
Duck decoy #2 located and freed
View of a few of the openings
Crew installing Thin Ice signs
Luke with his ATV snowplow at work
View from the pump box on shore
Pump box with aerator hoses running into the lake
This page was last updated on: April 4, 2020
Number of visitors since December 21, 2019
More photos of the area as the openings widen later in the day on Saturday (12/21)
Word got out to the waterfowl community (photo taken by Sean Miller on 12/22)
Day 4 (December 24) photos
View from north side of site showing water opened up across all 6 diffuser locations
View from top of hill looking northeast of aeration site (12/24/2019)
Day 17 (January 6 2020) photos
View looking west towards I-94
View of east half of aerated area
View of west half of aerated area
Day 42 (January 31 2020) photos
View looking SW of aerated area
View looking east of aerated area
View looking southeast of aerated area
Day 86 (March 15 2020) photos
View looking southeast of aerated area
View looking SW of aerated area (seagulls, ducks, geese and 2 swans are present at this time)
March 31, 2020 - Aeration System turned off for the season
Now that the ice has gone out on the lake, the aeration system has been turned off. Thin Ice and Warning signs will be collected soon. If you see any Thin Ice signs along the shoreline, please let us know so we can grab them (ricelakeassoc@comcast.net).
