From the Prior Lake Association 

For channel marker buoys: All solid green and solid red buoys indicate that the boating channel is between them.

In floating water, the red buoy is on the right side of the channel when facing upstream. Upper Prior is upstream from lower Prior. Remember, there is a stream flowing into upper Prior from Spring Lake.

Controlled area buoys: A white buoy with an orange circle and black lettering indicates controlled or restricted areas on the water. The most common restrict is “slow/no-wake speed,” which means operating your boat at the slowest speed necessary to maintain steerage but in no case greater than 5 miles per hour.

The Prior Lake Association, with generous support from members and sponsors, pays for all waterway markers and buoys on Prior Lake, including replacements for damaged or destroyed buoys. This money could be better spent on other projects, such as Fourth of July fireworks, improving water quality, boating safety, etc.

It is a misdemeanor to molest, tamper with or destroy a navigational aid or buoy.

There is a perpetual no-wake zone within 150 feet of the shoreline around all portions of the lake. This area is generally marked by individual lakeshore owners with a 14-inch circular orange buoy. A permit is required for this buoy and is available from the Scott County Sheriff’s Office at no cost.

The boat safety clinic last Saturday was attended by more than 60 young boaters. It was a great class, and they all enjoyed the Domino’s Pizza and soft drinks for lunch. Thanks to sheriff’s Deputy Bret Krick for his information and instructions to this class.

In other lake news, the inflow stream from Spring Lake is running vigorously and the spillway at Jeffers Pond is releasing some of this water.

The water clarity in upper Prior, with some brown algae and turpid conditions, was 5½ feet. The surface water temperature was 54 degrees.

Enjoy the open water, but use your personal floatation devices, as the water is still shockingly cold.

 The Prior Lake Association Web site has been updated. Visit www.priorlakeassociation.org.