Winter_Aeration

November 24, 2024 - 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.

(Aeration Warning sign locations)

This page will track the activities related to the winter aeration of Rice Lake for the 2024-2025 season. Most recent activities are at the bottom of this page.

September 26, 2024 - Winter Aeration permit approved by MN DNR

The Minnesota DNR approved operation of the winter aeration system on Rice Lake for the 2024-2025 season. (Click here to view the permit)

September 4, 2024 - 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. (Click here to view the policy information)

November 7 & 14, 2024 - Winter Aeration public notice in Osseo-Maple Grove Press

Per Minnesota DNR requirements, a public notice must be run in the local newspaper prior to any operation of the winter aeration system on Rice Lake for the 2024-2025 season. (Click here to view the notices)

September 2, 2024 - RLAA submitted permit renewal to MN DNR

Permit AERP3222 pending for MN DNR review and approval for the 2024-2025 winter aeration season.

December 14, 2024 - Winter Aeration system started up

With 8-10" of ice in the area, the winter aeration system was started up today. Diffuser holes were drilled and located with GPS markings. 5 of the 6 diffuser heads showed activity. Thin Ice signs were posted around the perimeter. As always, please use caution when venturing near the area.

12/14/2024 - Volunteer crew of five drilled the start-up holes for the diffusers and posted 12 Thin Ice signs around the anticipated open water area. The system will continue to run on a 24-hour basis until further notice.

Crew drilling the GPS marked start-up holes. Some of the Thin Ice signs are visible in the distance.

12/15/2024 - Area opened up to approximately 25' x 150' since system was fired up yesterday.

December 15, 2024 - Day 2 of Winter Aeration

Approximate area of 25' x 150' has opened up within the past 24 hours since the system was started up. Waterfowl are beginning to show up.

December 22, 2024 - Day 9 of Winter Aeration

Approximate area of 75' x 250' has opened up in the past week since the system was started up.

12/25/2024 - Area opened up to approximately 100' x 250' since system was fired up. More waterfowl are in the open water. A bald eagle was also spotted in the vicinity.

December 25, 2024 - Day 12 of Winter Aeration

Approximate area of 100' x 250' has opened up in the past week. Dozens of waterfowl are in the open water, plus a bald eagle was spotted in the vicinity.

December 27, 2024 - Day 14 of Winter Aeration

With continued warm weather it was decided to turn off the aerator to prevent the Thin Ice signs from falling in.

January 2, 2025 - Day 20 of Winter Aeration

Aerator turned back on today as weather has gotten colder. Hope this reopens up the water.

1/2/2025 - Restarted area after temporary shutdown during recent warm spell. Hoping running the system will generate open water.

January 3, 2025 - Day 21 of Winter Aeration

As of this afternoon each of the 6 diffuser heads have opened up water.

1/3/2025 - Aeration showing progress opening up the area since it was restarted yesterday.

January 11, 2025 - Day 29 of Winter Aeration

All 6 diffuser heads are working and open area expanded to 150' x 400'. No waterfowl were present as of today.

1/3/2025 - Aeration showing progress opening up the area since it was restarted yesterday.

1/11/2025 - Aeration system working as expected opening up an area approximately 150' x 400'. No waterfowl were present at the time this photo was taken.

January 16, 2025 - Day 34 of Winter Aeration

All 6 diffuser heads are working and open water area still at about 150' x 400'. There were waterfowl present as of today.

1/16/2025 - Aeration system working as expected with an open area of approximately 150' x 400'. There were waterfowl present at the time this photo was taken.

January 25, 2025 - Day 43 of Winter Aeration

System shut down as motor is malfunctioning. Stay tuned for updates.

January 28, 2025 - Day 46 of Winter Aeration

System repairs completed by RLAA volunteers and is back up and running again. Open water area is now about 75' x 250' after previously being closed up during shutdown.

1/29/2025 - Aeration system now working as expected with an open area of approximately 75' x 250' after it had recently shut down (1/25). There were waterfowl present at the time this photo was taken.