About Us

In July 1985, the Lake Demontreville and Olson Association (LDO) was incorporated with the primary goal of preserving and restoring water levels on Lakes Demontreville and Olson, and addressing environmental concerns. The LDO monitored lake levels and environmental aspects of the lakes while keeping residents, local governing agencies, and the City County informed of the lakes' conditions.

In 1987, the Valley Brach Watershed District (VBWD) completed the 1007 project, which managed floodwaters in the Lake Elmo Tri-Lakes area and alleviated water level concerns. For the next 27 years, the LDO focused on environmental issues such as clean water, shoreline health, and invasive species monitoring.

However, in 2009, the LDO detected the Eurasian Watermilfoil and Curly-Leaf Pondweed aquatic invasive species (AIS) in Lake Demontreville, followed by Lake Olson a few years later. Consequently, the LDO collaborated with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, VBWD, City of Lake Elmo, Washington Conservation District, and Washington County to prevent, detect, and control AIS while educating the residents about its effects.

The LDO received grants from 2014 through 2017 to execute their lake management plans to prevent further AIS distribution. In 2017, the LDO restructured its purpose in collaboration with the University of Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC). The LDO now focuses on preserving, protecting, and improving the waters and shorelines for lakeshore residents and the general public's use.

The LDO coordinates local lake association joint educational meetings, mailings, email, lake surveys, AIS monitoring/detection and control, and participates in other AIS preventative/awareness activities. Additionally, the LDO works with the VBWD and Metropolitan Council to gather monitor clarity and collect water samples.