Watertown Councilman Says Lake Kampeska Weed Debate Should Focus on Long-Term Lake Health, Fishing, and Economic Impact
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - With public chatter intensifying over late‑summer weed growth on Lake Kampeska, Councilman Lynn Jurrens delivered a detailed update Monday night aimed at reframing the conversation around long‑term lake health, economic impact, and the role of the Lake Kampeska Water Project District in determining next steps.
Jurrens, who requested the agenda change to bring the discussion forward earlier in the meeting, said recent social media posts and public comments have focused heavily on weeds, often overshadowing the broader significance of the lake to Watertown’s identity and economy.
“Really a lot of chatter lately about Lake Kampeska… a lot of things that actually impact more than just people that are living on the lake,” Jurrens said. “When all it is is weeds, weeds, weeds, we hear those people. Those are the boaters that still like to boat in August.”
He emphasized that Lake Kampeska’s assessed property values represent “millions and millions of dollars,” making the lake a major driver of local economic development and a key contributor to funding large city projects.
Economic impact and funding realities
Jurrens told the council that any large‑scale weed mitigation effort would be expensive.
“Going and predicting that we’re going to be spending millions of dollars to take care of our weed problem is what it would cost,” he said.
He clarified that the Lake District — funded by property assessments on lakefront parcels — would be the entity responsible for initiating and financing weed‑related projects. Citywide tax dollars are not automatically involved.
“Those dollars are not coming from those that are living throughout the city,” Jurrens said. “The only dollars that would ever be added to that is if the city council decides, hey, we want to partner with this.”
He noted the Lake District’s current balance is around $1 million, which he said “is not going to last very long” if major weed‑removal projects are pursued.
Lake District meeting Tuesday: “A very important meeting”
Jurrens encouraged residents to attend the Lake District’s monthly meeting at 12:15 p.m. Tuesday at the Watertown Regional Library, where weeds, fisheries, and potential mitigation strategies will be discussed.
“It’s a very important meeting in regards to weeds, fisheries, and just trying to figure out the differences between whether we spend millions of dollars or not,” he said.
He added that he plans to attend, though he is unsure whether he will be formally involved in the discussion.
Weeds as habitat: “Fishermen don’t share secrets”
While acknowledging frustrations from late‑season boaters, Jurrens highlighted what he called a “very, very positive” development: improved fishing conditions tied directly to weed growth.
He said he recently received a photo of a “beautiful bucket” containing four species of fish caught by two anglers, and that similar stories have surfaced in recent weeks.
“It’s time to talk about Lake Kampeska and the positive things that weeds can do for you,” Jurrens said.
He relayed advice from a local fisherman:
“Just get outside the 10‑ to 12‑foot break line and you can fish and you can boat all you want.”
Jurrens said large portions of the lake’s center remain navigable even during peak weed growth.
Comparisons to Big Stone Lake
To illustrate the potential long‑term benefits of a weed‑supported fishery, Jurrens pointed to Big Stone Lake, which has dealt with similar weed conditions for several years.
“Three times this summer, the state record bluegill has been caught in Big Stone,” he said. “There’s people coming to that town, coming to that community, spending their money.”
He tied that success to Watertown’s broader economic goals, referencing recent sales tax and BBB revenue reports.
Council questions: How is this a council item?
Mayor Ried Holien asked Jurrens to clarify whether any actionable items were coming before the council.
“Is there anything actionable that you are aware of that is coming up?” Holien asked. “How is this a council item?”
Jurrens responded that any Lake District decision requiring additional funding would ultimately come before the council.
“If they make a decision or if they see that there’s funding that’s needed, they would have to come to the city council,” he said. “Our 2050 vision and to grow Watertown should be at the top of our importance.”
No council action was taken Monday night.
