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of excess lake weeds and debris is not a specific board action but, rather, a voluntary program in which participation has been decided by individual property owners. Historically, about 50% have chosen to participate. Had it been a board action, the cost of removal would have been assessed to all members by property tax levies with no option to opt out. As a board, we recognize that weed removal is important and beneficial to the health of the lake and encourage it. Since it is beneficial but not necessary, it is not considered it to be an official board action. For purposes of documenting this issue in the minutes, Susan described an alternative approach that has been considered in the past to address voluntary efforts related to the lake. Namely, the board has considered the creation of a Karth Lake association legal entity, but concluded that organizing and managing such an association would be costly, difficult and unlikely to succeed. Rather than establishing an association, board members have found that the Arden Hills Foundation has been a valuable vehicle for voluntary donations of funds designated for specific voluntary projects in and around Karth Lake. Proposals for each project are submitted to the Foundation and have regularly been approved. By contrast, the removal of invasive species such as Purple Loosestrife, Curly- leaf Pondweed and Eurasian Watermilfoil should not be optional. According to the DNR, if identified, such species should be removed. Anything that would be a danger to the health of the lake should be considered to be a board issue, consistent with the KLID mission of advising the city on its management of the health of the lake. The Purple Loosestrife removal efforts in August of 2022 were met with nearly unanimous cooperation by property owners to remove identified plants or allowing volunteers to remove the plants. The DNR has enforcement mechanisms for removal of invasive species, but the positive experience of 2022 suggests these plants can be managed through cooperation rather than enforcement. In 2023, Purple Loosestrife removal efforts may be hindered by the ability to identify the plants before they bloom in late summer. However, a DNR pictograph linked to from the City of Arden Hills’ website shows how to identify and eradicate the plants before full bloom. Last year’s effort was a crisis response. This year’s effort can be more deliberate. Planning for that effort can be addressed in the next meetings. 5.3. Sediment Growth: David Swearingen 5.3.1 Background: Karth Lake’s sediment levels have risen through the years. Several steps have reduced the rate of new sediment inflow including installation of grit chambers on all street sewer inflows including within the BMP#1 Phase I structure. Board members asked whether sediment growth could be measured going forward. David discussed how the city is measuring sediment growth in