Chronology of 2023-2024 Rice Lake Winter Aeration project
November 17, 2023 - 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 2023-2024 season. Most recent activities are at the bottom of this page.
November 13, 2023 - Winter Aeration permit approved by MN DNR
The Minnesota DNR approved operation of the winter aeration system on Rice Lake for the 2023-2024 season. (Click here to view the permit)
September 15, 2023 - City of Maple Grove provides Certificate of Liability Insurance for system operation
November 9 & 16, 2023 - 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 2023-2024 season. (Click here to view the notices)
See below for photos of various activities related to Winter Aeration
September 9, 2023 - RLAA submitted permit renewal to MN DNR
Permit AERP3222 pending for MN DNR review and approval for the 2023-2024 winter aeration season.
January 21, 2024 - Winter Aeration system started up
With 12" of ice in the area, the winter aeration system was started up today. Diffuser holes were drilled and located with GPS markings captured this past fall. Thin Ice signs were posted around the perimeter.
Winter Aeration start-up on 1/21/2024
1/21/2024 - Volunteer crew of Mark, Hente and George drilled the start-up holes for the diffusers and posted 11 Thin Ice signs around the anticipated open water area. The system will continue to run on a 24-hour basis until further notice.
View looking East.
View looking West.
Close-up of westernmost diffuser hole
January 26, 2024 - Winter Aeration system beginning to open up area (Day 6)
After running for the past week the aeration system has opened up most of the contiguous area connecting the diffusers. Birds are starting to populate the area. All of the Thin Ice signs are still up at this time.
Winter Aeration area expanding (Day 6)
1/26/2024 - Waterfowl are congregating to the evolving open water area as the aeration system continues to do its job. All of the Thin Ice signs are still up as of today, but that may change soon with warmer weather forecast in the upcoming weeks.
View looking South from Aerator Power Panel.
February 1, 2024 - Winter Aeration system continues to expand open area (Day 11)
With the warmer weather and continued system operation, the open water area has expanded to roughly 125' x 250' after 11 days. Birds are starting to populate the area. All of the Thin Ice signs are still up at this time.
Winter Aeration area continues to expand (Day 11)
2/1/2024 - The open water area continues to expand with the ongoing warmer temperatures. There are still many waterfowl visiting the area. All of the Thin Ice signs are still up as of today.
View looking South from Aerator Power Panel.
View looking West from park trail
February 12, 2024 - Winter Aeration system turned off for the season (Day 22)
Due to the weakening ice and falling Thin Ice signs, we had to turn off the aeration system today, probably for the season. The open water area has expanded to roughly 250' x 600'. Many birds are present, including several swans. All Thin Ice signs are now down.
Winter Aeration shut down for the season (Day 22)
2/12/2024 - As the open water area continues to expand and consume the Thin Ice signs, we decided to shut down the winter aeration system in order to comply with MN DNR permit requirements. It is unlikely that the system will be restarted again this winter. With relatively little snow cover and average ice, hopes are that there was not much deprivation of oxygen for the fish.
View looking West from park trail. 4 swans can be seen in the distance to the right by the shoreline.
February 14, 2024 - Open water still expanding in Winter Aeration area (Day 24)
The open water area continues to expand, thanks to the presence of both warmer weather and the many waterfowl. The open water area has now expanded to roughly 300' x 800'. Dozens of geese, ducks and swans populate the area.
Open Water Area continues to grow (Day 24)
2/14/2024 - Continued warmer weather and the presence of many ducks, geese and at least 20 swans are leading to expanding open water area.
View looking West from park trail. At least 20 swans can be seen in the distance to the right by the shoreline.
February 21, 2024 - Open water area continues to expand (Day 31)
Even with the aeration turned off, the open water area continues to expand. The open water area has now expanded to roughly 300' x 1,000'. Dozens of geese, ducks and swans populate the area.
Open Water Area continues to grow (Day 31)
2/21/2024 - Aeration area is still open with continued warmer weather and the presence of many ducks, geese and swans. If you find any Thin Ice signs washed up on the shoreline, let us know at ricelakeassoc@comcast.net where so we can pick them up. Thanks!
View looking East from park trail.
March 4, 2024 - Enter lake now open water
With the latest warm spell and winds, the ice went out on Monday, March 4 for the earliest Ice Out ever on the lake! It was also the latest Ice In (1/4/2024), making it the shortest ice season on record.
