A Fee to use Lake Minnetonka? Point / Counterpoint

The Lake Minnetonka Association (LMA) has recommended spending $600,000 per year to fight zebra mussels in Lake Minnetonka. According to the LMA, Minnetonka doesn't yet have zebra mussels, but it could only be a matter of time unless the right prevention steps are established.

The money would be generated by assessing a $5 to $10 fee on every boater who launches in Lake Minnetonka. It would be the first approach of its kind in the state. More information here - StarTrib Article.

On the flip side, critics say that the biggest benefit of such a policy would be to lakeshore homeowners who would love the reduced traffic, and that other lakes in the state would adopt the fee requirement quickly. See this opinion letter from a local Shorewood resident.