Lake Independence Citizens Association

This fall, the Lake Independence Citizens Association (LICA) partnered with the City of Independence, the City of Medina, Three Rivers Park District, and the Pioneer Sarah Creek Watershed Management Commission to complete an important project: clearing the cattail vegetation that had built up in the outlet channel over the past several years. Because this channel is the lake’s only outlet, the accumulated vegetation was restricting water flow and contributing to the sustained high water levels that many property owners have noticed in recent years.

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In the past, cleanouts were only possible during the coldest parts of winter, when heavy excavators could safely drive onto the ice to dig out the cattails and sediment. While effective, this method was limited and difficult to execute.

This year, thanks to new technology and collaboration, LICA took a more efficient and environmentally sensitive approach. Working with Aquatic Weed Harvesting of Henning, MN, we used a state-of-the-art machine called the Truxor—a versatile, amphibious vehicle that operates on land and water. The Truxor was able to access the narrow channel without needing a traditional launch point, mowing the cattails growing from the channel floor and then switching attachments to remove floating root masses clogging the surface.

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With the necessary permits secured from the DNR, LICA also worked with nearby homeowners for access. A heartfelt thank-you to the Knox and Geyen families for allowing entry from their Pagenkopf Road properties, and to Joe Baker, Independence’s representative on the Pioneer Sarah Creek Watershed Management Commission, for his hands-on help in clearing buckthorn to make the project possible.

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This initiative was a true community effort. All five project partners contributed financially, with LICA committing 25% of the total cost. As part of our ongoing Water Quality Improvement Initiative, LICA launched a GoFundMe campaign and reached out directly to lakeshore residents. The response from members and neighbors was outstanding—together we raised over $25,000 toward this (and future) important projects. Thank you to everyone who donated and helped spread the word—your support made this possible.

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Once in operation, the Truxor cleared the 3,500-foot channel from Pagenkopf Road to Independence Road, reopening the full 15-foot-wide flow path approved by the DNR. The removed cattail vegetation was hauled to the City of Medina’s compost site, where it will naturally decompose and be repurposed as organic material.

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Looking ahead, LICA has developed an annual channel maintenance plan to help prevent regrowth and maintain water flow. Regular upkeep will protect the lake’s water quality, reduce flooding risk, and improve conditions for all who enjoy Lake Independence.