Protecting the lake we love. Strengthening the community around it.
OUR MISSION
To promote, educate and improve the understanding and comprehensive management of Cross Lake and its watershed.
Proudly Recognized Nonprofit501(c)(3)
2026 Annual membership drive underway JOIN NOW!
Cross Lake Association of Pine County is a federally recognized nonprofit organization. Your support helps fund efforts that protect our lake, improve water quality and strengthen our lake community.
Your support makes a difference.
Federal Tax ID / EIN41-1560609
4TH OF JULY BOAT PARADE - WINNERS
A SPECIAL THANK YOU!
An extra round of applause goes to our First Place winner, Duncan Donuts who generously donated their entire $200 prize back to the Cross Lake Association to support future lake protection efforts.
- 1st Place | #5 Duncan Donuts (107)
- 2nd Place | #2 The Freedom Floaters (65)
- 3rd Place | #8 Let Freedom Float (59)
Eurasian Watermilfoil Treatment Scheduled
Week of July 26, 2026
One of the Association’s highest priorities is protecting Cross Lake from invasive species. Following the June 26, 2026 Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM) Delineation Survey, treatment of identified infestation areas is scheduled to completed the week of July 26 2026, weather permitting.
The survey identified approximately 9.5 acres of management plots around the lake where EWM was found.
Treatment Contractor
Aquatic Conservation Services will perform the herbicide application under Minnesota DNR permitting requirements.
2025 | fEASIBILITY STUDY
The takeaway? Cross Lake is at a critical point.
The study confirmed that approximately 70-75% of the phosphorus fueling algae blooms is coming from within the lake itself (internal loading), while the remaining 25-30% comes from external sources such as runoff and other watershed inputs. The green algae bloom we've all seen are a direct result of excessive phosphorus in the lake.
The good news is that we have a path forward—but it requires a two-pronged approach:
Reduce External Phosphorus Inputs
Every lakeshore owner can help by:
- Maintaining or creating natural shoreline buffers
- Reducing fertilizer use near the lake
- Ensuring septic systems are properly maintained and functioning
Address Internal Phosphorus Loading
- The study found that an alum treatment is a feasible and effective option for reducing phosphorus already stored in lake sediments.
- The recommended treatment plan would occur over three applications in Years 1, 3, and 5, with an estimated total cost of approximately $2 million.
- This is not a quick fix, and it won't happen overnight. Success will require planning, monitoring, community support, fundraising, grant funding, and volunteer involvement.
How You Can Help
- Volunteer for lake water quality monitoring efforts. Consistent monitoring is critical to securing grants and measuring progress. To learn more or volunteer, visit the MPCA Citizen Lake Monitoring Program website.
- Share your expertise. We are looking for volunteers with experience in fundraising, grant writing, communications, project management, data analysis, and community outreach.
- * Consider shoreline restoration projects. This is where Pine County SWCD can help! Email them to learn more email: paul.swanson@pinecountymn.gov or visit them on the web.
- * Read the full study documents on our website under "Water Quality" to better understand the challenges and opportunities ahead.
The study gives us something we've never had before: a clear understanding of what's driving water quality issues in Cross Lake and a roadmap for improvement. Now it's up to us as a community to decide what comes next.
IF NOT YOU...THEN WHO?
Volunteers are the lifeline to any non-profit organization. It takes many hands to be successful.
We hope you will consider sharing your time and talents with us.