Rice Lake Algae Blooms in 2005

When did Algae Bloom first become visible?

June 17th (identified by Carolyn Dindorf from Fortin Consulting)

What action was taken?

June 20 - Got Board buy-off to pursue Copper Sulfate treatment.

June 21 - Began getting quotes from contractors for Copper Sulfate treatment

June 23-30 - Petitioned lakeshore residents for approval to do treatment. 52 of 85 (%) said yes. Next step is to hire contractor and have them get DNR permit to begin application.

July 1-4 - Vote by Board to hire Lake Restoration to do treatment at $5,470 (10.6 lbs of Copper Sulfate per acre).

July 6 - Submitted request to Lake Restoration to conduct Copper Sulfate treatment. Next step is for them to secure permit from DNR.

July 10 - Sent e-mail to City Administration (Al Madsen, Gerry Butcher, Terry Just, Ken Ashfeld) updating them on the algae situation and forewarning them of the smell around the lake (Rice Lake Run is coming up this week).

July 12 - Lake Restoration still waiting for permit approval by DNR.

July 13 - DNR approved permit for Lake Restoration application.

July 18 - Application #1 of 3 (25% dose) conducted today.

July 25 - Application #2 of 3 (50% dose) conducted today.

August 2 - Application #3 of 3 (25% dose) conducted today.

August 8 - Lake does look noticeably better, but not in the creek and on the far west side of the lake. Is another bloom starting up?

What was the cost for the action taken?

Manual efforts by board members to collect signatures and votes.

$5,480 for whole lake treatment with Copper Sulfate.

Photos taken July 2005

Tristan Bay bridge                                                                                         Shoreline along 91st Ave.

Petition to Apply Algaecide on Rice Lake to remove Floating Algae                    June 23,2005

Rice Lake has recently suffered an outbreak of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, a floating blue-green algae that is created by a combination of several factors - a warm April, lack of curlyleaf pondweed, and phosphorus loading from all the rain. As you have recently noticed, this algae reduces water clarity and generates a pungent odor. Removal of this algae is done best with algaecides, such as Copper Sulfate.

The Rice Lake Area Association Board of Directors has approved the need to have algaecide treatment done on the lake as soon as possible. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) requires 51% or more of the lakeshore owners to approve of this request in writing before an application is done. This petition is requesting your authorization in form of a signature to move forward with an application of an algaecide as soon as possible.

Will the treatment have any affect on vegetation, recreation or pets?

No, algaecide will only affect the algae. Pets and vegetation will be unaffected. Normal water

recreational activities may be resumed immediately after application.

Will this cost me extra money?

Not in the immediate future. The RLAA is covering the cost of this application this year from the

dues collected in the past. However, our membership contribution rate has been low, so we do

encourage all lakeshore owners and those proximate to the lake to consider contributing if you have

not done so in the past.

Petition Signing Declaration

I understand that by signing this document I am authorizing the Rice Lake Area Association (RLAA) to request a DNR Permit to have a contractor apply algaecide to Rice Lake as soon as possible to remove the current infestation of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae.

Map of area to be treated: