http://www.fergusfallsjournal.com/2012/01/26/invasives-fight-will-begin-in-spring/

Invasives fight will begin in spring [UPDATED]

Published 10:55am Thursday, January 26, 2012 Updated 10:58am Thursday, January 26, 2012

Otter Tail County’s Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force will likely partner with the area lake associations to pursue grant applications. There’s an urgency to move forward due to the deadlines for Department of Natural Resources (DNR) grants.

Land and Resource Director Bill Kalar, the lead county employee on the new task force, said information about the invasive species threat will be mailed out with property tax statements.

“We have a (invasive species) crisis that we don’t know quite how to handle,” said County Board Chairman Lee Rogness. “We need a good plan of action.”

To that end, the county board directed County Attorney David Hauser to draft a simple bylaw document for the AIS Task Force.

Appointments to the task force will come from volunteers from the Soil and Water Conservation Districts, DNR, Coalition of Lake Associations, individual lake associations, lake service providers and resorts.

The task force would likely include from 20 to 25 individuals. Appointments, in some instances, may not be a specific person. The county board would instead name an agency or organization and that particular group would name an individual to serve on the AIS Task Force.

The DNR has trained invasive species staff to implement new inspections and operate newly purchased decontamination (boat washing) units. The portable decontamination units are capable of spraying 160-degree water at high pressure.

The equipment is used to remove zebra mussels from boat hulls and treat livewells and other areas that can harbor invasive species. This equipment has previously been used in Otter Tail County. Kalar is confident the equipment will again be used in the county in 2012 and in future years.

Kalar updated commissioners on his AIS-related activities. They included discussions with Becker County’s AIS Task Force Chair Patty Swenson. He also noted that the county could assist the DNR in locating lake service providers for training and certification purposes.

Moving forward with the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Task Force has wholehearted support from all county board members.

“We have more lakes in Otter Tail County than any other county in the United States,” said Commissioner Doug Huebsch, who represents the Perham area on the county board.

Commissioner Roger Froemming, who represents the Parkers Prairie area, said there’s a lot at stake with the invasives fight, and the county needs to make an impact.

“This (invasives invasion) is a devaluation of our way of life. Lakes are a resource that we cannot regenerate once infested,” said Wayne Johnson, who represents the Pelican Rapids area. “It’s critical that we work directly with the DNR and other state agencies. We also face funding issues.”

The first meeting of the AIS Task Force will be called by Kalar and will take place by the middle of February.

Happy New Year!

I would like to thank all people that support the Lake Lida Property Owners Association. Your support is extremely important to help achieve our goals and to keep our lakes as healthy as possible, for people to enjoy. We strive to improve water quality, to minimize the effects of development, and to develop a sense of community pride.

Our Association continues to move forward. Listed are some projects being worked on, completed, or in the planning stage:

1. Enlist matching funds from Lida Township for a water quality study and monitoring program (we will know in early 2012. Our old plan is now complete. We will start to work on a new plan after we hear from the Lida Township Board.

2. Requested Lida Township to implement a Township Storm Water
Permitting Program (this is in township legal counsel)

3.    Obtained a permit to widen/open the clogged outlet, under County HWY4 to 10 feet wide. Water is flowing out, at a slow rate – movement will slow the spread of AIS.

4. Developing a plan to help educate boaters, fisherman, and lake users to the AIS and to monitor lake access points.  Monitors will
be volunteer or paid, starting near opening fishing. We will be applying for grants if available.

5.  Continuing to work on the Star Lake Classification

6. Updating and making changes to the website.

7.  LLPOA is a member of Ottertail COLA and Minnesota Waters

8.  Water sampling of both lakes will continue

9.  Working to establish a group of volunteer workers for lake projects and to attend COLA meetings

10. Plan for a new directory in the near future

11. Clean up in early June (dates to be picked later)

Please think about volunteering to help the LLPOA.  Your help will be appreciated! Call 1-218-841-6428 for information.
NOW MANDATORY – LAKE SERVICE PROVIDER WORKSHOPS

These workshops are now mandatory for any business that moves equipment such as docks, lifts, and boats from water body to water body in Minnesota.  These businesses are the focus of a new law that makes It mandatory for “individuals or businesses to install or remove water related equipment or structures from waters of the state” to obtain a permit before they can go into the state’s waters. In order to obtain a permit, each business must attend LSP aquatic invasive species training and pass an examination on the information.

Please be sure that you are aware that your Lake Service Provider has had the training and has the $50.00 permit.

A list of service providers is being compiled by Minnesota Waters; You may send their name to:  carrlea@minnesotawaters.org

Upcoming Events

January 28th – JC Fishing Derby (tentative 11-3)

February 26th – Candlelight Ski at Maplewood State Park (6:30)

February 28th – Date to move fish houses off the lake

May – Beach Captains meeting (Date to be picked)
Opening fishing season (May 12th)

June – LLPOA Annual Meeting (Date – TBA)
Like Lida Fun Fish (Early June)
Membership Drive (Finish it in June)
Clean-up – Metal & steel

July 4 – Boat Parade

August – Enjoy the lake, family, and friends

Thank you for your membership, your input, and concerns.  We will continue to keep you informed of critical issues that affect our lakes.  Remember to use the website!

Thank you,

John McMillen, President
LLPOA

October 6, 2011 – For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Jeff Stabnow, President, Otter Tail County Coalition of Lake Associations (COLA) cell phone 218-770-1276; Alternate Contact: Shawn Olson, Past President OTC COLA email shawnmolson@hotmail.com

Photos taken by Shawn Olson; Photos Attached:
1). DNR Invasive Species Specialist Nathan Olson being interviewed by Paula Quam a reporter with the Detroit Lakes Newspapers 2). Employee of Lake Restoration, Inc, Rogers, MN applying copper sulfate, a chemical used to treat a small area of Rose Lake for zebra mussels; October 6, 2011 10 am;

Don’t Move a Mussel

Frazee, MN – “This will be groundbreaking if it works,” said Otter Tail County Coalition of Lake Associations (OTC COLA) President Jeff Stabnow, “it may just be the first successful extermination of zebra mussels from an open body of water in Minnesota, maybe even North American and perhaps the world.”

Juvenile zebra mussels were discovered September 28th in Rose Lake between Frazee and Vergas, MN and the copper sulfate that the DNR is using has the potential to control the small isolated population. Relatively low concentrations of copper are known to be toxic to zebra mussels, but the use of copper sulfate for eradication has not proven to be successful when it was used in other parts of the state.

Zebra mussels produce free-living larvae (veligers) and they can attach to firm substrates with their byssal threads. This allows the zebra mussels to attach themselves to boats, pipes, pilings, rocks, and other aquatic objects or plants. Additionally, the microscopic free flowing zebra mussel veligers are easily transported from infested waters through boats, anchors, personal watercraft, dive gear, and bait buckets and, as was the case in Rose Lake, by a boat lift infested with zebra mussels.

“The cost for the three, once-weekly applications is just under $14,000,” said DNR Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist Nathan Olson. Lake Restoration, Inc. out of Rogers, MN was hired by the DNR to apply the copper sulfate.

If the colony in Rose Lake is not eradicated, given enough time, the free flowing veligers may populate the watershed downstream from Rose Lake, including Long Lake at Vergas.

“Rose Lake flows into Long Lake, and Long Lake then flows into the Otter Tail River,” said Nathan Olson, “which flows into Big and Little Pine, Rush, Otter Tail, and so on.”

Knowing that elsewhere in the US, zebra mussel populations that have colonized an open body of water are merely managed to mitigate their economic and ecological impact, COLA members gathered on Thursday, October 6, 2011 to watch, listen and learn as the DNR applied the copper sulfate. Among the OTC COLA members present included President Jeff Stabnow, Past President Shawn Olson, and Members George May, Rich McCrady, Mark Huber, Sylvia Soeth, Rob Evans and John Askew. Also present was Becker County COLA’s Vice President Terry Kalil, Frazee’s Mayor Hank Ludtke and Rose Lake residents Larry Madson and Laurel Maham.

“Invasive Species will not go away,” said Lake Seven Lake Association President George May, “The OTC COLA has been concentrating on zebra mussels because they are trying to stop the spread in Otter Tail County but there are other invasive species like spiny water fleas that lake users need to be aware of.”

“Lake Associations have demonstrated that they are willing to help,” said Rich McCrady, Sr, the President of the Vergas Long Lake Association, “but they should not bear the burden. We need coordination between agencies and adequate state and federal resources.”

“The Otter Tail County Pine Lakes Improvement District has been treating Big Pine Lake with herbicides for the control of curly-leaf pondweed,” said Mark Huber, the OTCPLID Vice Chair, “it is a non-native, invasive plant that has created problems due to its excessive growth and the Big Pine Lake taxpayers have expended $20,000 a year to control it.”

“We have been more successful in controlling curly-leaf pondweed this year than ever before,” said OTCPLID Chair Sylvia Soeth, “but we can’t let our guard down. We must be vigilant because the next invasive is closer than we realize.”

Remember to remove any visible mud, plants, or animals from your equipment before transporting and dispose of all unused bait on shore.

Remember to eliminate water from equipment before transporting.

Remember to clean and dry anything that came in contact with water (Boats, trailers, equipment, clothing, dogs, etc.).

Never release plants, fish or animals into a body of water unless they came out of that body of water.

The OTC COLA is organized to facilitate cooperation among member lake associations and to assist in the fostering of the wise use of lake areas.

Anyone interested in forming, expanding or reorganizing a lake association or joining the OTC COLA should contact the OTC COLA’s Membership Committee Chairman, Steve Johnson, by phone (218) 758-3707 or email sojcjj@arvig.net.

###

President Linda Kohls called the meeting to order and asked us to introduce ourselves.

Secretary’s report was accepted.

Treasurer’s report was accepted. By June of 2010 we had collected $6,900 in dues.  The balance as of May 26, 2011 is $13,219.13.  Robyne asked us to get name, address, one telephone number and email from dues paying members.

Shoreland Specialist position: Steve Henry’s work is much appreciated. Motion by Williams and second by Rossum to support this position with $2000 again this year was passed.  Linda will contact him regarding intern help.

MN Waters: motion by Lerfald with second by Gilbert to to pay dues of $200 was passed.

COLA membership: Motion by Baldry with second by Israelson to pay dues of $550 which includes the lake monitoring fee was passed.

Invasive Species: DNR has placed signs around our area.  More regulation on this issue is ahead.

Lake Clean Up: Post ice fishing clean up was done by Dave Boe and others rather than by Boy Scouts.

Water Quality Sampling:  There was a cold water algae bloom this year. Secchi disc reading on North Lida was 14 ft and South Lida was 8 ft.

Car Crushing Site: Increased activity at the site means greater potential for run off into Lida via connection streams. Gilbert, Lerfald and helpers have been active in making governing agencies aware of our concern. Plan is to work with the County to map drainage area, with the Township to develop a water monitoring /sampling plan to get baseline data and note any violations. The cost could be around $4000. Contributions from the Township and LLPOA plus grants will be needed. This information will be presented at the annual meeting.

Star Lake designation:  Linda has the application to fill in

Annual Meeting: Friday, July 8 at Lida Greens Golf Course, dinner at 6:00pm, meeting at 6:30PM.Motion by Strander with second by Arntson to spend $100 to purchase signs for annual meeting notices was passed

High Water Issue: Steve Henry and regional hydrologist, Julie, say that the outlet is functioning well. Lake Lida and Lizzie are both high.

Garbage Pickup: Motion by Earl Strinden with second by Dale Duerr to make no contract for pickup this year was thoroughly discussed and passed with two no votes.

Motion by Gilbert with second by Larson to adjourn the meeting was passed.

Secretary, Gerry Langseth

Membership Benefits

The Lake Lida Property Owners Association (LLPOA) has been an enormous force in protecting and enhancing the quality of the lake, the fishery, and the landmass surrounding the lake.  To give you an idea of the importance of membership and the dues that support the Association, the following is offered as just some of the things that have been accomplished over the past 20 years:

*          About every 5 years a new LLPOA lake directory is published and presented free to members of the Association.

*          Inlets have been surveyed to determine what materials are entering the lake that could cause pollution or other kinds of problems.

*          The outlet channel has been monitored and appropriate measures to keep it open have been recommended to the DNR, and in some cases funded by LLPOA.

*          LLPOA has worked with Pollution Control to eliminate or minimize feedlot flow to the lake.

*          Shoreline stabilization has been initiated and in part funded to eliminate erosion on a number of Lida properties, including the major project completed on the North Clay Bank area.

*          Enhance Bass Habitat through various efforts in cooperation with the DNR.

*          Purchases and released many thousands of walleye fingerlings (up to 10 inches) into the lake.  Currently walleye stocking takes place on years with poor natural walleye hatches.

*          Funded a lakes ecology unit for 5^th grade students (Books and curriculum).

*          Water quality monitoring has been maintained by LLPOA volunteers each summer with samples taken monthly from May-September.  Sample testing has been paid for by LLPOA.

*          The Association developed the official Lake Lida Management Plan in 2003, paid for by a grant from Minnesota Waters and matched by LLPOA dues.

*          Official web page for LLPOA.  It is:  http://poa.lakelida.com 

*          Support the funding for a professional consultant who meets with land owners and discusses the “best” changes for their property.  Also will consult and contribute time to develop and write grants for LLPOA property owner’s shoreline improvement. 

            *          Funded trash pick-up every other year for major clean-up around the lake.

*          Supplied fishing rulers and refrigerator magnets to all property owners.

*          Paid dues to be an official member of Ottertail COLA and Minnesota Waters.

1:00 PM Saturday, May 2, 2010 at the Pelican Rapids Library.

Linda Kohls, our new president called the meeting to order.

Sec report:  The last year’s minutes of Beach captains and annual LLPOA meetings were reviewed.  Motion by Earl Strinden with second by Robyne Williams to approve the minutes was passed.

Shoreline Specialist Contribution: We contributed $2000 in 2009.  Steve Henry has worked with many Lida landowners applying for grants and helping with plans and planting.  COLA and many other lake associations are contributing also.  Dave Holsen of Sunrise Beach and his neighbors have completed a project and are very satisfied with Steve’s work. There were many other positive comments. Linda Kohls will write a letter to East Ottertail Soil and Water District regarding Mr. Henry’s work with LLPOA.

Motion by Arnie Jentz with second by Dave Holsen for LLPOA to contribute $2000 again this year was passed.

MN Waters Dues:  Dues are $200 per year. Motion by Mike Spangler with second by Robyne Williams to pay these dues was passed.

COLA Membership: $300 plus water testing fees of $200 was paid last year. The dues may increase as our membership has increased.  Bob Neilsen attended the April meeting. Shawn Olson is president and Steve Johnson membership chair.  Programs for this year are May 24- Invasive Species, June 26 -Steve Henry Shoreline Stabilization, July 24- New Septic Tank Rules- Lake Mellissa example, Aug 28- Round Table with other COLA’s,  Sept 25- DNR- 6 county update. Meetings start at 9AM and are usually held in Ottertail City Community Center. Anyone may attend.

Motion by Earl Strinden with second by Neil Lerfeld to continue COLA membership was passed.

LLPOA Dues: The Treasurer reported dues collection of $8,825 and $9,399.78 in the bank. Beach Captain honorarium has been difficult for Robyne to know who to pay as dues are submitted in many ways.  A few have received payment but others not. Discussion about what to do for the past year resulted in the decision to pay those who request it. Dues are $20.  Motion by Ed Strinden with second by Dave Holsen to cancel beach captain honorarium was passed.  Discussion ensued regarding incentives for joining LLPOA this year.  Garbage collection costs about $5000 and is too expensive to do every year. Linda Kohls will create a document listing what the LLPOA has done over the years.  Ed Strinden and Bob Neilsen and others who have something to share will forward info to her. The deadline is May 15.  The newsletter will be e mailed or hard copied out to members and beach captains for circulation to landowners.

Mussels :  Zebra mussels have entered the Pelican River and can be carried by boats to other lakes on boats, trailers, and live wells.  Some lake associations have paid people to be at lake accesses to reinforce the information and dangers of zebra mussels and other invasive species to our lakes.  There are fines for non compliance.  Mike S. will speak to DNR about providing a sign to private lake access on 108. Linda will attend COLA meeting in May about invasive species.

Lake Clean up After Ice Fishing: Discussion to explore paying Boy Scouts about $200 to do this work. Linda will follow up on this.

Water Quality report: Lida ranks 5^th for quality among area lakes. First sampling due May 17 and done monthly until Sept.  Collection is done on Sunday and Mike S and Bob N could use a helper.  Bill Kohls will be contacted.  Mike does weekly secchi disc test on South Lida and Lyle Bring volunteered to do secchi disc test on North Lida. Motion by Robyne with second by Kathy Arntson to buy Lyle equipment for testing was passed.

 Water Run-off:  Discussion concerning car crushing business on farm which has a slough that eventually drains via culverts and other sloughs into Lake Lida.  The Gilbert’s have contacted OTC commissioner with this information without any resulting action.  Neil Lerfeld will contact them as LLPOA rep with a letter from President Kohls.  MPCA may also be contacted.  Question regarding watering property from the lake was answered by several who say it is good as the nutrients fertilize the ground and water filters back into the lake.  There is no law that controls this watering. MN Waters helped make fertilizer containing phosphorus illegal in the state.  

Star Lake Designation:  We have met the requirements and Linda continues to purse this status. We all need to work to keep LLPOA at this level.

Annual Meeting: Tentative meeting date is 6:30 PM Friday, June 25 at Lida Greens.  Linda will follow up on this.

Meeting adjourned

Gerry Langseth, Sec.

Beaches represented: Inlet, Bagley, Hwy 4, Forest Hills, Isle View, Klix Bay, Moonlight Bay, Kansas Point, Twilight/Omans, Crystal Lida, San Dee Cove, Eagle Ridge, Outlet, Sunrise, Lida Shores Loop, Tri lakes Dr, Matson Beach.

Picture of Bob N, Linda K, Gerry L, and Robyne W were taken by FF journal reporter attending meeting.

LAKE LIDA PROPERTITY OWNERS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

9:00 AM Saturday, August 8, 2009 at Lida Greens

President Bob Nielsen called the meeting to order

  Beaches represented at the meeting were County 4, Crystal Lida, Inlet, Isle View, Kansas Point, Klix Bay, Matson Point, Matson Beach, Moonlight Bay, Twilight/Oman, Outlet, Sandi Cove, Sunrise, Rothsay, Bagley Bay, Thompson, West Shore, and Stony Bar for a total of 31 people.

Secretary’s report was presented by Gerry Langseth

  All previous minutes for the year were reviewed and members were reminded that they were available in detail on the LLPOA web page under the news icon.  The report was accepted as presented.

Treasurer’s report was presented by Robyne Williams. 

  Total receipts are $21,503.69 and total expenses $13,396.60 leaving a balance in checking and savings of $8,107.09 as of June 19, 2009. The report was accepted as presented.

Lake Shore Clean-up date is Wednesday, August 12. 

  A motion to do a clean-up this year was passed at the Beach Captains meeting June 20, 2009.  An announcement was in the Pelican Press last week and it read:  “The LLPOA junk/clean-up date is set for August 12^th and includes metal, appliances, batteries, TVs, computers and furniture.  It will NOT including tires, concrete, construction debris, brush, grass, wood, oil or paint.  Please have your 2009 dues paid for taking advantage of this service and place the materials you want picked up on your lawn next to your road before the morning of the 12^th. “

Dues and 2009 directory distribution

  Cost per book is $20.  There are some extras for future use.  Darnell Lundstrom stated that the executive board has power to hire anyone to do anything as approved by a motion at a previous meeting.  Some money was spent to pay individuals to work on the directory.

Lake Consultant

        Steve Henry has spent over 1/3 of his time on Lake Lida with 22

official landowner appointments, 216 hrs and 1000 in mileage recorded.  There has been over $3000 in grant money awarded.  Sunrise Beach on Dawn Drive has several projects done this year. Steve Henry says there is a possibility of a full-time landscape/lakescape architect intern from the University of Minnesota or from the Landscape Architecture Department at North Dakota State University for Lake Lida, who will be paid for by grant money. Approved projects are paid with 75% grant money and 25% landowner.  There are a large number of grants available for MN lakes this next year. Landowners can put in vouchers for their time and purchases also. Two landowners on Sunrise Beach paid only $40.  Steve Henry does all the paper work for approvals of projects. Lakescaping is part of our management plan.  A motion to contribute $2000 to the lake specialist program in Otter Tail Soil and Water Conservation District because of the fine work Steve Henry has done was made by Arnie Jentz and second by Dallas Israelson.  The motion was passed unanimously.      

Fishery Concerns

        The slot limit for walleyes is 17 to 26 inches.  These fish must

be returned to the lake immediately.  There is a 10 year sunset on this limit and we have 5 years left.  Although the DNR intended to do this slot restriction even without the landowners approval, LLPOA at the request of DNR, did survey the membership about six years ago with about 100 responding in agreement with the slot restriction and about 20 opposed.

Resort Owners liaison

  Darnell Lundstrom will head this project so each resort will have a representative at all Beach Captains Meetings.

Outlet into Rush Lake/Lizzie

  There was no report from the task force studying this issue, however it was noted that water runs back and forth dependent on rainfall.  Presently there is a good channel through the reeds but the Executive Board is to evaluate this annually to determine the need for the poisoning of vegetation along the channel to maintain a good water flow.

Annual meeting signs

  Individual beach signs were suggested by Kathy Arntson. Each Beach captain could put one up to remind people of the annual meeting if LLPOA would provide them.  The Executive Board will pursue this idea.

Thanks to Volunteers

  Thank you for after ice fishing clean-up and other volunteer work was expressed by several people. Kathy Arntson also reminded us of approval of paying expenses and proposed a small gift to say thank you for volunteers who contribute their time and efforts so extensively.

Election of officers

        Nominating committee of Darnell Lundstrom, David Boe, and

Greg Larson presented the slate of officers with the following statement.  Bob Nielsen served for 8 years and Bob Green and Earl Strinden also served for many years.  The following people agreed to serve a 1 year commitment in their office, including the Past President.  This will result in a 3 year commitment for the Vice-President as he/she moves through the procession of offices. 

Slate of officers

  President – Linda Kohls; Vice President – John McMillin, Secretary – Gerry Langseth; Treasurer – Robyne Williams and Past President – Bob Nielsen.  All were elected unanimously following a motion by Earl Strinden with a second by Conrad Posz.

President recognition

  Lake Lida plaque gift was presented to Bob Nielsen with our thanks for a job well done.

Meeting adjourned

        Gerry Langseth, Secretary