OUR PURPOSE: The Rush Lake Improvement Association (RLIA) is a 501c(3) non-profit association of members dedicated to improving and preserving the quality of East Rush and West Rush lakes in Chisago County, MN and preventing the spread of harmful aquatic plants, fish and chemicals in an effort to provide a healthy lake environment for the community and all its users. CLICK HERE to join and support the RLIA.

WELCOME to our new website!

We invite you to visit our new pages to learn about the activities of the Rush Lake Improvement Association, Inc. (RLIA). We encourage you to tap into the resources available on the Documents page. Be sure to check out the News/Events page for current information about monthly Membership meetings and special events. Come back often for additions and updates!

About us:

The Rush Lake Association was formed in 1961 for three primary purposes: Connecting the two bodies of water together by a boatable channel; Ridding the lake of algae by use of copper sulfate; and Developing a rearing pond to supplement fish population, and for three long-range measurers: By use of markers, identifying underwater obstacles such as rocks and sandbars; Establishing a water or safety patrol; and Providing a water stabilization program. On March 17, 1969 the Rush Lake Improvement Association was incorporated. At some point after that (date unknown) the RLIA disbanded. In 1989 the RLIA was re-established by a group of interested property and resort owners. To help fund its many projects, the Association applied for a charitable gambling license. On May 11, 2009 the RLIA was granted 501(c)(3) tax exempt status by the IRS and was designated a non-profit public charity. Among other benefits, the status allows us to receive tax deductible contributions. More RLIA history is documented in the “Winter 2008 Rush Report” article “150 Years in Review: A timeline of Rush Lake history & notable RLIA achievements”. See our Newsletter page to access this issue. Today, more than 50 years since the Association was formed, we are still going strong and working on many challenging projects to preserve and protect Rush Lake. We invite you to join us in our efforts!

Current Meeting Reminder Postcard: Click Here

Copyright 2013 RLIA • All Rights Reserved • Site Last Updated 5/21/13

Rush Lake Statistics:

Rush Lake is in the Rush Creek Watershed and is located just a few miles west of Rush City, MN.

The total watershed of the lake is 14,169 acres.

The total acreage of Rush Lake is 2,823 which puts its size in the top 10% of MN lakes.

West Rush Lake: 1,464 acres with a max depth of 42’ and a shoreline length of 15.8 mi. (does not include 3.1 mi around the islands). Greatest length is 3.85 mi.; littoral area (area less than 15 ft deep) is 862 acres.

East Rush Lake: 1,359 acres with a max depth of 24’ and a shoreline length of 10.6 mi. Its greatest length is 3.4 mi; littoral area is 1033 acres.

East & West Rush Lakes are joined by a navigable channel that was completed in 1963 at a cost of $3000, which was funded by the 175 members of the Rush Lake Association and the Rush City business community. The 75’ wide by 100’ long property was donated by the La Belle Isle Addition developers Fran La Belle and Lee Sandagar.

RLIA