Boat and Water Safety Information (DNR)
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/boatwater/index.html
DNR Fisheries & Wildlife Glenwood Office, an area office of the Department of Natural Resources (Aquatic Plant Management & Hydrology)
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/areas/fisheries/glenwood/index.html
If you notice fish kill or other issues with fish in the lake, please take dated pictures and contact the Glenwood Area Fisheries rather than ILA. They are the correct agency to take immediate action. If the fish are still alive, try to get a live sample for the Fisheries.
Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Research Center
https://www.maisrc.umn.edu
MAISRC is a comprehensive center for research and information about aquatic Invasive Species in Minnesota. The site contains information about the Starry Trek statewide survey day for AIS.
DNR Aquatic Invasive Species Website (information on invasive fish, invertebrates , and plants)
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/ais/index.html
The site also contains a list of infested lakes, with the specific infestation. If you or a visitor to Lake Ida are going to a lake that does not have zebra mussels or curly-leaf pondweed, your boats should be carefully inspected so you do not introduce an invasive to other lakes. Likewise, if you or a guest are coming to Lake Ida from a lake infested with another species, you should have your boat inspected and decontaminated, if necessary.
Get your boat and fishing equipment inspected so you are not the one who introduces new AIS into our lake!
Douglas County Sheriff's Office
http://www.co.douglas.mn.us/dc/sheriff.aspx
Water Issues and Water Structure Permits
Douglas Planning Advisory Commission and Board of Adjustment
https://www.co.douglas.mn.us/planning-advisory-commission-board-of-adjustment
The board of Adjustment reviews zoning variances and sends out a notice of site visits. ILA receives copies of variance requests which may affect Lake Ida, and the President of ILA share those with the ILA board in order that they may visit sites with the board and provide input.
Douglas County Soil & Water Conservation District (Wetlands, Water Quality, & Buffers)
http://www.douglasswcd.com/
If you see runoff or water quality issues, please take dated pictures and contact the Douglas County Soil & Water Conservation Department first (Danielle Anderson). You are welcome to keep ILA informed, but DCSWCD is the agency that will take immediate action.
Board meetings are the second Monday of the month at 7:30am at 900 Robert St. The public is welcome.
Homeowner's may be able to obtain cost-sharing grants from DCS&WC for shoreline improvements. See brochure.
Douglas County Land & Resource Management (Land Use & Shoreland Alteration Permits)
http://www.co.douglas.mn.us/dc/land-resource.aspx
Douglas County Lakes Association
http://www.dclamn.org/
Meets the second Wednesday of the month at 4:30pm at the Douglas County Public Works building at 526 Willow Drive. All are welcome to attend.
Ida Township
https://www.idatownship.com/
Organics Recycling (Pope Douglas Solid Waste Management)
http://popedouglasrecycle.com/index.php/household/organics-recycling-drop-sites/
The links on their page tell you how to recycle your organic material, what types of materials are eligible, where to purchase compostable bags, plates, and utensils, and where the drop off sites are. We are fortunate to have a drop site at the Ida Township Hall (NO plastic bags please!). Pick up is Mondays from that location.
Alex Area Lakes Organization
http://alexarealakes.org/alex-area-lakes/alex-area-lakes-home.aspx
Minnesota DNR Water Publications and Presentations
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/publications/waters/index.html
Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates
http://www.mnlakesandrivers.org/
Minnesota Shoreland Management Resource Guide
http://www.shorelandmanagement.org/
RMB Environmental Labs Lakes Monitoring Program
https://www.rmbel.info/lakes/
Conservation Minnesota
https://www.conservationminnesota.org/
Minnesota Waters
https://minnesotawaters.org/
Lakes Journal
https://www.fergusfallsjournal.com/category/lakes-journal/