Introduction
The Child, Girl Woman Lake Association (CGWLA) annual meeting was held at Salem Lutheran Church in Longville on August 1, 2026. This is a summary from the Q&A portion of the meeting. Questions were addressed by Neil Sharmer, President of CGWLA and Scott Wold from Cass County Soil and Water District.
Main Issue
During the open Q&A session, the topic focused on concerns that water levels in the Woman Lake Chain are unusually low and whether the recently rebuilt Boy River outlet dam is contributing to the problem. Many in attendance believe the new structure is allowing too much water to leave the lake system.
Key Points Raised During the Q&A Session
- Lake Levels Are Historically Low
- Lake Association leaders and DNR representatives acknowledged that lake levels are significantly lower than normal.
- They attributed much of the decline to:
- Five consecutive years of below-average precipitation.
- Reduced snowpack, which is a major source of groundwater recharge.
- Lower groundwater tables and spring flows.
- Increased evaporation during hot weather.
- Concerns About the New Dam
Many concerned citizens challenged the explanation that drought alone is responsible.
Their concerns included:
- Water appears to be flowing out of the lake faster than it is flowing in.
- Residents reported seeing:
- Exposed shoreline and sand where water previously existed.
- Docks becoming unusable.
- New areas of exposed lake bottom.
- Some argued that the fish-passage design allows water to continue flowing through gaps between rocks even when water levels are low.
- Residents questioned whether the redesign effectively lowered the functional outlet elevation despite claims that the dam crest remains at the same height.
DNR and Project Supporters’ Position
Representatives familiar with the project stated:
- The rebuilt outlet was surveyed and constructed at the same statutory elevation as the previous structure.
- Multiple surveys, including reviews by outside engineering firms, confirmed the elevation.
- The project was designed using standard methods employed at many similar sites around Minnesota.
- Low water conditions are occurring throughout the region, including lakes unrelated to the Boy River outlet project.
Calls for Independent Verification
Several residents requested:
- An independent hydrologic study.
- Measurements of water flowing into and out of the lake system.
- Verification that the dam functions as intended.
Their argument:
- The DNR has an interest in defending its project.
- Independent experts should evaluate whether the structure is contributing to water loss.
The suggestion received strong support from attendees.
Lake Association Response
Association leadership stated:
- They recognize widespread concern among members.
- Any decision to fund an independent hydrology study would require:
- Board review.
- Cost estimates.
- An assessment of whether the study could realistically lead to change.
- The Association must balance spending on this issue against other priorities, particularly aquatic invasive species management, which can be extremely expensive.
Residents responded that many property owners may be willing to contribute additional funds if needed.
Legislative and Advocacy Efforts
Residents reported:
- Meeting with state legislators and showing them conditions around the lake.
- Legislators expressed concern about the amount of water leaving the system.
- Organizers are considering:
- Petitions.
- Coordinated letter-writing campaigns.
- Public outreach through the womanlake.org website.
The Association said it would consider helping distribute information but stopped short of endorsing specific advocacy efforts.
Dredging Concerns
Discussion also addressed the increasingly shallow channel leading to the city docks.
Key points:
- Dredging would require DNR permits.
- The City, affected property owners, or the Lake Association could potentially initiate the process.
- Funding and environmental impacts would need consideration.
Questions About Past Support for the Dam Project
One attendee asked why the Lake Association supported the project in 2023.
The Association president responded that:
- He relied on information provided by government agencies and technical experts.
- The project was presented as environmentally beneficial.
- If the support was mistaken, he acknowledged that possibility but emphasized he trusted the experts involved.
Outcome
No decisions were made during the meeting.
The Association committed to:
- Placing lake-level concerns on the agenda for future board meetings.
- Considering proposals for independent studies or other actions if sufficient information and cost estimates are provided.
The meeting ended with continued disagreement over whether the low water levels are primarily the result of drought conditions or whether the new Boy River outlet structure is accelerating water loss from the lake chain.