News and Events - Rush Lake Improvement Association

April 30, 2018

Water Quality Sampling – Rush City High School

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Check out this short video about the Rush City High School Introduction to Environmental Science class, led by instructor, Eric Telander, testing the water quality entering Rush Lake. The project was funded by an RLIA grant given in 2017 for $500.

Project Updates

RUSH LAKE Improvement Association

2 weeks ago

DNR: As ice recedes, safe practices around cold water are criticalThe ice is gone from most lakes in the southern part of Minnesota and ice on many northern lakes is melting quickly. It’s already common to see anglers and paddlers on open water, but with water temperatures dangerously low, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds anyone who’s around lakes, rivers and ponds that cold water is dangerous and unexpected falls into the water can quickly turn tragic.Each year approximately 30 percent of all fatal boating accidents occur during the cold-water period, defined as anytime the water is below 70 degrees. Many of these incidents involve victims who weren’t wearing a life jacket. The best way to survive a fall into cold water is to wear a life jacket and make sure it’s buckled or zipped.“We know Minnesotans want to take advantage of every day of open water, and it’s great to see people out on the water, getting an early start to the season,” said Lisa Dugan, DNR recreation safety outreach coordinator. “But the message people need to understand is this: Make sure you have the proper safety gear and don’t put your desire to hit the water over the need to be safe.”As boaters and paddlers head out on water, they should:Wear a foam-filled life jacket, rather than the inflatable type. Cold water can prevent inflatable life jackets from fully inflating.Ensure that watercraft operators meet safety permit requirements.Equip the watercraft with proper safety gear and make sure all equipment is functioning properly.Distribute weight evenly and abide by manufacturers’ weight limits to ensure the watercraft’s stability and reduce the likelihood of falling overboard.Have a means of communication and ensure someone knows their destination and planned time of return.Watch the weather to avoid shifting winds or storms.For more information about staying safe on and around cold water, visit the DNR’s cold water safety webpage (www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/boatwater/cold-water.html).###Rainfall monitoring network seeks volunteersParticipants provide important data about precipitation, climate trendsThe Minnesota State Climatology Office is seeking rainfall monitors for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network, or CoCoRaHS. The network includes more than 20,000 volunteers nationwide who measure precipitation in their backyards using a standard 4-inch diameter rain gauge.Participants submit their precipitation reports online. The data from backyard rain gauges are a critical source of information and it is beneficial to add more volunteer weather observers each year, even in areas where there are already volunteers.“Rainfall and snowfall amounts can vary widely over a short distance, so multiple reports are helpful in the same community or area,” State Climatologist Luigi Romolo said. “We have some areas in greater Minnesota that have very few reporting stations. The more we have across the state, the better information we all have. Over time, as more volunteer reports make our precipitation maps more accurate, these observations provide critical guidance on Minnesota’s changing climate,” Romolo added. “It’s a great educational activity for families with kids, and a rewarding hobby for anyone interested in weather or climate.”Volunteers are particularly needed outside the Twin Cities metro area. Volunteers receive training on how to observe weather trends and how to submit their precipitation and weather event reports. All training material is available online. Participants must purchase or provide a standard 4-inch diameter rain gauge (available at discount through CoCoRaHS) and have internet access to submit reports.For the past six years, Minnesota has won the “CoCoRaHS Cup” for recruiting the most new volunteers of any state during the annual national recruiting drive. Moved from March to April this year, “Rain Gauge Rally 2026” continues through the end of the month. “Year after year, Minnesotans are the best in the nation at stepping up and joining this important effort. Let’s keep the cup in Minnesota as we continue to improve our state’s precipitation recording,” Romolo said.To sign up or for more information, visit CoCoRaHS.org or contact Luigi Romolo at luigi.romolo@state.mn.us.### ... See MoreSee Less

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RUSH LAKE Improvement Association

3 weeks ago

Happy Easter 2026 from Rush Lake.THANK YOU ALEX REILLY!Keeping up the Easter tradition with a few new drone shots of the lake. It looks like we’ll be seeing docks going in before long. Summer is right around the corner. ... See MoreSee Less

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RUSH LAKE Improvement Association

3 months ago

During Minnesota winters, conifer trees such as pine, spruce and fir provide critical cover that helps wildlife survive cold, wind and deep snow. That’s why the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources encourages the nearly 200,000 woodland owners across the state to consider how conifers fit into their woodland management plans.By including conifers as one aspect of a broader woodland stewardship plan, woodland owners are supporting wildlife. For example, white-tailed deer use conifer cover to conserve energy during deep-snow periods. Turkey, grouse and songbirds rely on conifers for shelter, nesting and food as well.“Conifers are a long-term investment in both wildlife and the land,” said Troy Holcomb, a DNR forestry specialist. “When woodland owners manage conifers, they’re helping provide winter cover not just on their own land, but also for wildlife moving across the surrounding landscape.”Of the more than 17 million acres of forested land in the state, nearly half is private woodlands. How woodlands connect with surrounding forests can help or hinder wildlife movement and access to winter cover.The DNR offers resources, seedlings and forestry services to help landowners plan for how a woodland will change over time. Woodland owners can learn more about trees, forests, and what species would grow well on their land through the DNR Woodland Landowner Handbooks (mndnr.gov/woodlands) or by working with a professional forester to develop a woodland stewardship plan (mndnr.gov/foreststewardship/plan-writers.html). The DNR also offers native conifer seedlings through the Minnesota State Forest Nursery (mndnr.gov/forestry/nursery).### ... See MoreSee Less

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RUSH LAKE Improvement Association

3 months ago

rlia.org/notice-curly-leave-pondweed-clp-and-invasive-milfoil-treatment-2/ ... See MoreSee Less

Notice – Curly Leave Pondweed (CLP) and Invasive Milfoil Treatment - Rush Lake Improvement Association

rlia.org

NOTICERush Lake Improvement AssociationP.O. Box 677Rush City, MN 55069 The Rush Lake Improvement Association has contracted to treat Curly Leaf Pondweed (CLP) and Invasive Milfoil two Aquatic Invasive...

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RUSH LAKE Improvement Association

4 months ago

Request for Research Proposals:The Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC) at the University of Minnesota is seeking proposals for research studies to advance early detection and prevention of the establishment aquatic invasive species (AIS), create and improve options for AIS control, and assess risk and species impacts to prioritize management actions in Minnesota.Through this competitive Request for Proposals (RFP), MAISRC will administer an estimated $2,300,000 to fund high-priority research needs focused on both new lines of research and continuation of existing projects. Anticipated funding availability is January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2028. There is no budget limit for each proposal or a set number of proposals that will be funded. Proposals are invited from investigators at any Minnesota-based academic, governmental (federal, tribal, state, local), or non-profit research institution or organization with demonstrated capacity to conduct rigorous scientific research. Proposed work should build capacity within and benefit the state of Minnesota. Multi-disciplinary and multi-investigator projects bringing together diverse skillsets are strongly encouraged. Research teams may include expertise from outside of Minnesota, but please note that some restrictions apply to out-of-state spending of grant funds. The deadline for pre-proposals is March 2, 2026 at 11:59 PM CST. All documents must be submitted to maisrc@umn.edu. For questions about research priorities or to discuss research ideas, contact MAISRC staff.Click the button below to visit the website for the full announcement and application materials. REQUEST FOR PROPOSALSApply to the new MAISRC Externship Program: MAISRC is launching a new Externship Program in 2026 to support applied research capacity for AIS management in Minnesota. This pilot program will support AIS professionals to partner with MAISRC-affiliated researchers to conduct solutions-oriented, locally relevant research with potential statewide benefits. The program is designed to address high-priority AIS research needs while supporting the professional development of resource managers and decision-makers.Externships may last up to one year and include budgets of up to $30,000. MAISRC will fund a portion of the extern’s salary and associated fringe benefits to allow dedicated time for new AIS research while externs remain in their current roles. The program will also cover direct project costs such as supplies, laboratory services, and research travel. Projects must represent new research efforts rather than extensions of existing organizational work and will be co-developed and implemented with MAISRC researchers to ensure scientific rigor and management relevance.The program is open to early- to mid-career AIS professionals from state, tribal, local, nonprofit, and private-sector organizations working in Minnesota. Projects must focus on one or more MAISRC priority species and address early detection and prevention, control options, or impacts that inform management decisions. To learn more about the Externship Program and apply, visit z.umn.edu/m-externship or click the button below: APPLY TO EXTERNSHIP Upcoming EventsJanuary 28, 2026: AIS Detectors webinar: The FAQs of eDNA, presented by UMN eDNA panellFebruary 17–19, 2026: Invasive Species Forum, hosted by the Invasive Species CentreMarch 4, 2026: MAISRC Containment Lab free guided group tour: RegisterMay 6, 2026: AIS Detectors webinar: Genetic options for controlling invasive carp species, presented by: Michael SmanskiJuly 8, 2026: AIS Detectors webinar: Genomic surveillance of zebra mussel populations using genotyping by sequencing, presented by Daryl GohlIn the NewsNew Genomic Study Reveals Hidden Pathways Driving Minnesota’s Zebra Mussel Spread, Daryl Gohl and Michael McCartney interviewed, (UMN News)Frog patrol: How scientists, students, and community members are guarding Minnesota's wetlands from disease, Amy Kinsley interviewed, (UMN Vet Med)University of Minnesota survey finds Minnesotans concerned about health of lakes, rivers, Nick Phelps and Gretchen Hansen interviewed, (MPR News)Invasive rusty crayfish trapping offers lake benefits, and a tasty meal, Valerie Brady interviewed, (Outdoor News)Minnesotans' water worries run deep, see science as a solution, Nick Phelps and Gretchen Hansen interviewed, (UMN News)Tag, bait, scoop: Researchers explore new ways to rid Minnesota lakes of pesky common carp, Sarah Unruh, Solomon David, Przemek Bajer interviewed, (MPR News)Facebook logo Youtube logo Instagram logo BlueSky logoFunding for the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC) is provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR), the State of Minnesota, and public donations.Did someone forward you this email? You can sign up for our mailing list at z.umn.edu/MAISRCconnectCopyright © 2026 Regents of the University of Minnesota, All rights reserved.The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.This message was sent from:Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center2003 Upper Buford CircleSt. Paul, MN, 55108USA ... See MoreSee Less

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