MLA Lake Bulletin   June 2005

TO:                   MLA Members and Friends of MLA

FROM:              Molly Zender Zins, Communications Coordinator   218-824-5565

Welcome to MLA’s monthly Lakes Bulletin, providing you with timely information in addition to our quarterly Reporter newsletter. To have material included for announcement or to request removal of your name from this mailing list, please send information to lakes@mnlakes.org.  Do not reply to the listserv from which you received this message.

UPCOMING MLA-SPONSORED EVENTS

MLA Members Volunteer to Stop the Spread of the Zebra Mussel

In May the DNR Watercraft Inspection Program and MLA co-sponsored a Watercraft Inspection Training.  The Training was a great success with over 40 participants, seven Brainerd area lake associations represented and dozens of participants committing to volunteer their time on the Lake Ossawinamakee public access this summer—to prevent the spread of the invasive zebra mussel.

Individuals volunteering their time to staff the Ossawinamakee public access are assisting the DNR with staffing several key weekend days this summer.  Thus far, volunteers have talked with many Ossawinamakee public access users, indicating some of the access users were well aware of the zebra mussel; however, some were not aware of the zebra mussel presence or how to remove invasives from watercraft.  Without the efforts of these volunteers, unaware watercraft users might easily depart from Ossawinamakee, fail to remove encrusted zebra mussels and launch their boat on any number of Minnesota’s lakes.  Staffing the Ossawinamakee and all public accesses across the state is paramount in preventing the spread of invasive aquatics. 

Due to great interest and enthusiasm for an additional training opportunity we’re excited to announce we’ve coordinated a second DNR Boat Inspection Training to take place on Thursday, June 30^th from 5-6 pm at the Breezy Point City Hall (on Crow Wing County Road 11, about ¼ mile north of the entrance to Breezy Point Resort).  The DNR Watercraft Inspection Coordinator and Technicians conduct the free trainings, which offer participants the technical skills to properly identify and remove aquatic invasive species. Once trained, citizens are encouraged to use these skills assisting and informing boaters about preventing the spread of all invasive aquatic species. If you’re interested in participating in the June 30^th Training or in holding a Watercraft Inspection Training in your community contact Molly Zender Zins at 800-515-5253 or molly@mnlakes.org.

Lake Data Assessment Workshops for Citizen Volunteer Monitoring Programs

Have lake data, but not sure how to analyze and interpret it.  Then this half-day interactive workshop is for you. You will be guided step by step through the process of gathering, organizing, “crunching” and interpreting Secchi disk, total phosphorus and chlorophyll ‘a’ data in conjunction with data from other sources. The first training was held on June 16 in Detroit Lakes at the Minnesota State Community & Technical College.  The next training, September 10, 8:30 a.m.—12:30 p.m. will be held in Brainerd at Central Lakes College.  Applications are due August 10. 

Cost is $10 and includes a step-by-step lake assessment guide. Space is limited. For registration or information contact Sandra Holm, Minnesota Lakes Association Citizen Monitoring Program Director, 218-765-8329 or RNSholm@brainerd.net

Funding for this project was recommended by the Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCMR) from the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund.

HOT TOPICS

Legislative Update 

Gary Botzek, Capitol Connections, MLA Lobbyist

As I am writing this update, the Legislature is in its third week of Special Session. The problem is there is nothing special about the session, which is expected to last through June. While some of the budget bills were passed in regular session, the larger billion-dollar budget bills for K-12 education and Human Service agencies were not. The environmental budget bill was also not finished. The political battle is over increased spending, where to prioritize it, and how to pay for it.

The MLA, working through the Minnesota Environmental Partnership (MEP), continues to lobby to minimize the cuts being considered in the environment and natural resources agencies and programs. The House and Senate are approximately $17 million apart on the funding of Department of Natural Resources, Pollution Control Agency, Department of Agriculture, Board of Water and Soil Resources, and other resource and economic development agencies.

One of the big issues in the environment budget bill is whether to reform the Legislative Commission on Minnesota’s Resources (LCMR). The Governor would replace the current 20 member all legislator decision-making commission with an 11-member all citizens group. While MLA wishes to see “reform” in the LCMR process, we do not support the Governor on his plan. MLA supports MEP’s effort to support restoration of the Future Resources Fund through the reinstatement of two cents of cigarette tax which was taken away from the LMCR two years ago.

Included in the environment budget bill is increased spending for the DNR Aquatic Invasive Species Program, largely in response to MLA’s legislative attempt to create an Aquatic Invasive Species Fund.  While additional dollars for this program is possible, which MLA will encourage be put into a grant program for local use, we will not know until a deal is made on the entire bill.

The Clean Water Legacy legislation appears to be dead for the year. This huge effort to begin the clean up of our lakes and rivers under the Clean Water Act needs $80 million per year to jump start the program. The legislature was unable to agree on a way to finance this massive, but important, effort. The $36 per year household water/septic fee was not well received by the politicians, and alternative funding plans and ideas have not faired any better.

MLA was able to secure passage of a change in the Common Interest Community Law this year. Under a provision passed by Representative Larry Howes (R-Walker) and Senator Carrie Ruud (R-Breezy Point), a developer of a CIC plan that includes shoreline will have to “disclose” that fact in the articles of declaration that are presented to the county recorder at the time of registering the CIC, as well as, disclose the fact, to potential buyers of the CIC property. While this language is not as strong as MLA had proposed, it is a step in the right direction in terms of stronger protection for shoreline in Minnesota.

Watch for a full report of the legislative session—regular and overtime—once the game is over. 

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Announces Statewide Plan for Mercury in Lakes and Rivers

Source: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Statewide Mercury Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Pollutant Reduction Plan

The MPCA has released a preliminary plan for cleaning up mercury pollution affecting the state's lakes and rivers. The proposal specifies how much mercury levels should be reduced to restore waters impaired by mercury.  Mercury is a toxic metal that can accumulate as it moves through the biological food web to fish and is passed to people who eat them. It can cause serious human health effects, particularly for infants and children.

The long-term goal of the mercury TMDL is for the fish to meet water quality standards; the approach for Minnesota’s share is mass reductions from state mercury sources. This mercury TMDL establishes that there needs to be a 93 percent reduction in state emissions from 1990 for the state to meet its share. Water point sources will be required to stay below one percent of the total load to the state and all but the smallest dischargers will be required to develop mercury minimization plans. Air sources of mercury will have a 93 percent emission reduction goal from 1990 levels. Air sources will be divided into three sectors: products, energy, and mining.

Leech Lake Watershed Partners with the Initiative Foundation for Long Term Protection

Excerpted from the Initiative Foundation News You Can Use for Conservation, Issue #45

After exploring several options for establishing a large endowment to protect the area’s water quality and natural resources, the Leech Lake Area Watershed Foundation (LLAWF) chose the Initiative Foundation to host and manage the fund.  The watershed traverses 744,000 acres and includes more than 100 miles of streams.  About one-third of the land is publicly owned.

By inviting local people to invest in the long-term future of the Leech Lake watershed, the group intends to grow its fund to $3 million within three years.  According to Pat Larson, LLAWF board of director’s chair, such a fund would yield significant grant-making power for generations to support locally-identified conservation efforts.  “It will allow us to continue to educate and engage the Minnesota public in conservation activities,” Larson says.  Mark Lease, Initiative Foundation donor services officer, says he hopes that other watershed groups will consider the LLAWF model.  “If we can continue to connect lake and river passion with opportunities to invest in local, long-term solutions,” Lease adds, “I believe we will have discovered something very powerful.”

Northern Pike Study on Mille Lacs Continues

Excerpted from DNR Cybernews Newsetter: cybernews@dnr.state.mn.us

Anglers who catch one of more than 7,000 Mille Lacs Lake northern pike marked with a numbered, plastic tag are asked to report their catch to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).  The tags, which resemble a short length of coated electrical wire, are anchored under the dorsal fin on northern pike as well as on walleye and some muskie. The northern pike were tagged this spring by biologists from the DNR, Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission and the Fond du Lac Band of Resource Management Division.

"We need anglers' help in establishing how many northern pike are in Mille Lacs," said Rick Bruesewitz, DNR 1837 Treaty biologist. "From there we can begin to clarify population trends and better manage the fishery."  Anglers who plan to release a tagged fish should write down the tag number without removing the tag. If a tagged fish is harvested, anglers are asked to return the tag to the DNR.  Reports of tagged fish should include the following information: tag number and approximately where the fish was caught in the lake; length of the fish, the date of the catch and if the fish was harvested or released; whether the fish was caught from a boat, a commercial launch, or from shore; the angler's name, address, telephone number and, if available, e-mail address.  Reports of tagged fish may be sent electronically to fishtags@dnr.state.mn.us or by calling 218-927-3751 or by mailing to DNR Fisheries, PO Box 138 Aitkin, MN 56431.

Debate Over Lake Speed Limits Heats Up

Excerpted from New Hampshire Union Leader

A marine accident reconstructionist says lawmakers would restrict boats to speeds "no faster than wheelchairs" if they saw the crashes he's seen.  "I have seen some video footage showing what happens when boats go crash against one another," said Bob Wallstrom, a certified marine surveyor. "At something over 25 mph or so, the striking boat will become airborne, flying right over the struck boat with the outdrive and running gear cutting people and boat into pieces."Scenes like that are what Rep. James Pilliod hopes to avoid by imposing speed limits on Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire's largest lake.

Lake George in New York has the same limits, and at least 10 other lakes in that state have speed limits set by the Legislature, according to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Many others have limits set by local ordinance.  Supporters of Pilliod's efforts say high-speed boating is unsafe and inconvenient for slower-moving boats, fishermen and swimmers. Pilliod, R-Belmont, said his goal is to make boaters aware of speed. 

Click Here to read the story in its entirety.

Crystal Lake Cleaner with Rain Garden Protection

Residents of Crystal Lake in Burnsville are learning firsthand about the many benefits of rain gardens.  The stormwater runoff reaching Crystal Lake from streets and other nearby impervious surfaces contributes heavy phosphorous loading, among other pollutants, into the lake system.  In an effort to address the harmful runoff, the city of Burnsville and the Metropolitan Council funded the development of 17 rain garden sites on one neighborhood street, filtering runoff headed towards the lake.  In order to measure the efficacy of the rain garden system, the project also developed a control site on a similar street.  The first three years of data indicate the rain gardens reduced the levels of phosphorus coming from the neighborhood by 90 percent and stormwater volumes by over 80 percent.  The project was recently recognized for its excellence in receiving one of the 2005 Minnesota Environmental Initiative Awards: www.mn-ei.org/awards/finalistswinners.html

LAKE ASSOCIATION NEWS

Briggs Lake Chain Association

The Briggs Lake Chain Association (BLCA) participates in the Healthy Lakes Partnership, a program to develop a long-range plan to protect the lakes and improve water quality for future use.  The principal components of the BLCA Healthy Lakes Partnership includes establishing a lake monitoring committee, performing water clarity readings on each lake in the watershed, participating in lake water sampling programs, sharing relevant data with other agencies, and sponsoring ongoing community education about lake water quality.  With grant funding from the Sherburne County Soil and Water Conservation District the BLCA implemented their Lake Management Plan as part of the Healthy Lakes Partnership. 

One of the BLCA education projects involved the development and distribution of their “Welcome to the Briggs Lake Chain Community” booklet.  The booklet includes helpful resources and information on the BLCA; protecting the natural lake environment, including lake-friendly lawn care, septic system guidelines, shoreland ordinances, and building permits; local government offices; recreation opportunities and much more.  The booklets are distributed to all new residents of the Briggs Lake Chain area.  BLCA, great job on keeping your community informed and actively protecting the lakes!

If you would like to share a story about the achievements or updates of your lake association please let us know!  lakes@mnlakes.org

PUBLICATIONS/REPORTS/RESOURCES

Minnesota Watersheds

Interested in learning more about your watershed?  Click Here to visit the EPA’s watershed website.  Simply click on the region of Minnesota you live in and learn more about your watershed’s health, EPA environmental information regarding the region and further resources in your watershed.

Use the Minnesota Phosphorus (P) Index to Reduce Risk of P Loss

The Minnesota Phosphorus Index (P Index) is a management tool to estimate the relative risk that phosphorus is being lost from a field and delivered to a nearby ditch, stream, or lake. It allows the user to evaluate management options that can reduce the risk.  Often, excess P entering surface water comes primarily from certain sites in a watershed. Learn how to use the Minnesota Phosphorus Index to identify high risk sites and choose management options to reduce the risk of P losses.  Click Here to access the MN Phosphorus Index Guide.

Lakeshore Development: How Much Is Too Much?

A 1987 DNR publication, even more applicable today than when it was written, covers topics related to shoreland development, including: recreational carrying capacity, physical limits for lakes, and lake management planning.  Click Here to read the Manual.

Rain Barrels Reduce Stormwater Leaving Your Yard

Rain Barrels are a simple and effective tool, reducing the stormwater flowing off your lawn.  The collected rain water also provides homeowners with a natural water source for watering gardens, landscaping and indoor plants.  Do-it-yourselfers can construct a rain barrel with a plastic, 55-gallon, food-grade drum. Make a hole in the cover and insert your vertical downspout, attach a spigot low on the barrel, and cut an overflow drain near the top with a small hose to direct extra water away from structure foundations. For a simple barrel plan Click Here.  Or buy a rain barrel from the Green Institute made from salvaged materials for $60 each. Contact Corrie at czoll@greeninstitute.org

June is Invasive Species Awareness Month in Wisconsin

More than 66 workshops, field trips, lectures and work parties are scheduled across Wisconsin to draw attention to the growing threat invasive species pose to Wisconsin's ecosystems, economy and outdoor recreation. The Wisconsin Council on Invasive Species Awareness month website includes information on events, publications and resources for preventing the spread.

"Save a Life" ResQ Disc

The ResQ Disc is a Frisbee shaped float that throws like a Frisbee with 100 feet of safety line and can hold even the heaviest swimmer’s head above water.  For the last five years all 2,000 US Coast Guard Auxiliary and US Power Squadron have sold the ResQ Disc in their boating safety classes.  The ResQ Disc is credited with saving over 300 lives in the last five years and won the US Power Squadron Invention of the Year Award.  With three thousand Fire, Police, Sheriff and National Park Service Agencies using the ResQ Disc over the past several years it’s clearly an excellent safety tool for every lakeshore residence and watercraft.  To order your ResQ Disc at a special ½ price discount for MLA members check out the “Save a Life” website: www.water-rescues.com/ or call 877-222-4343.

CONFERENCES/WORKSHOPS/MEETINGS 

Watershed Academy Webcast Seminars

June 22, Two-hour audio Web broadcast: Eastern: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm; Central: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm; Mountain: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm; or Pacific: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

EPA's Watershed Academy is pleased to sponsor its first free Webcast Seminar on "Eight Tools for Watershed Protection in Developing Areas."  Many communities in the U.S. are experiencing rapid growth and development, and a gradual decline in the quality of their aquatic resources. This Webcast will highlight effective tools communities can apply to minimize the impact of land development on their streams, lakes and estuaries.  In addition, the Webcast will review the eight tools localities can apply to protect their subwatersheds—watershed planning, natural area conservation, buffers, better site design, erosion and sediment control, stormwater management practices, non-stormwater discharges and watershed stewardship.  To register, visit http://clu-in.org/conf/tio/watershedtools. 

Government Training Services 2005 Land Use Planning Workshops

June 23, full day, “Environmental Planning” @ the Initiative Foundation, Little Falls

GTS is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping those who provide services to Minnesota citizens and communities meet current needs for knowledge and skills, plus anticipate and prepare for changes to come.  GTS has worked with policy makers, staff and appointed officials from all levels of government and all types of nonprofit agencies—and their collaborators in associations, business, higher education and community groups since 1976.  To register visit www.mngts.org or call 651-222-7409 x205.  The cost is $125 (and includes lunch).

Extension Offers Shoreland Re-vegetation Classes

July 9, 8:30 am to 4 pm, Onamia (Mille Lacs County), Contact Shelley Larson, 320-983-2584, erlarson@maxminn.com;

July 16, 9 am to 3 pm, Sherburne County, Contact Mark Basiletti, 763-241-1170 ext. 132 or mark.basiletti@mn.nacdnet.net.  

You’ll discover how natural shorelines can reduce runoff and erosion, filter excess nutrients, improve wildlife habitat, and protect your privacy. You’ll learn techniques to design and maintain a shoreland re-vegetation project, select appropriate erosion control methods, or take part in a hands-on planting session. The cost for each session is $15. You may register online, or via mail to Barb Liukkonen, Water Resources Center, 173 McNeal Hall, 1985 Buford Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108.

Where Have All the Lunkers and Honkers Gone?

July 9, 11:00 am—2:00 pm @ the Northland Arboretum in Baxter

Do you ever wonder why you don't catch as many fish as your grandfather claims to have caught when he was your age?  Are you puzzled as to why Gramps' duck hunting stories always sound more impressive than your own?  Gramps isn't lying.  It's all about loss of habitat.  We're over-developing our shorelines, we're removing aquatic vegetation, and we're filling in our wetlands.  Join us to learn why our own fishing and hunting stories sound so lame when compared to those of our grandfathers.  Paul Radomski, a DNR fisheries biologist, and another expert (possibly Ray Norrgard of the DNR), will talk about fishing and hunting in Minnesota, and how we can improve it (not to mention the stories we tell).  Sponsored by Crow Wing Lakes & Rivers Alliance.

Backyards to the Big Lake: An In-Depth Course on Water Quality Education

July 11—July 13, 9 am—4 pm each day @ the Duluth Aquarium

Experience water education from a new point of view! Join some of the region’s best aquatic educators and scientists for this course. With over 40 streams and one of the world’s largest freshwater lakes, Duluth provides a perfect location for this 3-day workshop. Based at the Great Lakes Aquarium, participants investigate water quality concepts and issues from streams, rivers and Lake Superior to urban storm-sewers. Study stream & lake water quality, meet with guest speakers, and develop new ways to work with other area educators to integrate water quality education into your presentations or classroom. Cost is $25. To register or learn more contact Nate Meyer, University of Minnesota Extension Service: 888-241-0724 or meyer179@umn.edu

Douglas County Day of the Lakes Fair

July 16, 10 am—2 pm @ the Alexandria Shooting Park

(from I94 take Hwy 29 south, then turn east on Cty Road 87)

Join the Douglas County Coalition of Lake Associations, lakeshore owners, and other concerned citizens to celebrate the area’s lakes and to learn about lake water quality, lakeshore habitats and what we can all do to protect our lake resources.  Speakers will include Senator Dallas Sams, addressing the legislative agenda aimed at protecting Minnesota’s precious water bodies.  In addition, agencies from throughout area will be exhibiting information on the helpful resources lake associations and lakeshore owners can use in protecting their lakes and shorelines.  Educational exhibits will include the University of Minnesota Extension Shoreland Education Program, the Minnesota DNR, Clean Water Action, the MLA and more.  Admission is free and the day includes a free lunch and door prizes.   Please contact the Douglas County Soil and Watershed Conservation District with questions: 320-763-3191 or Jerome.Haggenmiller@mn.nacdnet.net

Hold the Date—2006 Lakes and Rivers Conference

Mark your calendars now!  September 7—9, 2006

The 2006 Lakes and Rivers Conference will be held at the Duluth Convention Center.  Further information will be posted in the Lake Bulletin as the program plans develop.

FUNDING RESOURCES

Support for Land Conservation Efforts
Acres for America, a partnership between Wal-Mart Stores and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, was established to provide funding for projects that conserve important habitat for fish, wildlife, and plants through acquisition of interest in real property. The goal of the Acres for America program is to offset the footprint of Wal-Mart's domestic facilities on at least an acre by acre basis through these acquisitions. Acquisitions that contribute to "landscape level" conservation efforts that help reduce fragmentation are preferred over isolated acquisitions. All grant awards require a minimum 1:1 match of cash or contributed goods and services. The next pre-proposal deadline for 2005 is September 17. Application guidelines are available on the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation website: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation/Wal-Mart: Acres for America

Metro Environment Partnership Program

In the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area studies have shown nonpoint source pollution is a major contributor to water quality problems in streams, rivers and lakes. On November 13, 1998, the Metropolitan Council and the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding designed to focus on abating nonpoint sources of pollution to Metropolitan Area lakes and rivers.  The Metro Environment Partnership Program was established to provide grants to address nonpoint source pollution planning, education and remediation. $375,000 remains in Metro Environment Partnership funding.  Applications are due July 15. See http://general.metc.state.mn.us/mepg/ for application information. 

Lands' End Corporate Giving Program

The clothing retailer, based in Wisconsin, provides grants under and over $1,000 to nonprofit organizations that focus on education, community development, the environment, health, or human services. The majority of Lands' End's charitable donations are given to organizations in Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and New York, with preference placed on the communities where company distribution centers, phone operations, and retail outlets are located (e.g., Richfield, MN).  Click Here for more information.

PHENOLOGY NOTES 

The natural shorelines and sandy soils encircling Minnesota’s lakes are optimal locations for the painted turtle to deposit her eggs, yet finding these natural shorelines is becoming increasingly difficult.  Many painted turtles now make long journey’s to find the right place to dig a small depression and lay their eggs.  The turtles are making this trek and deposit around the second week of June, covering the fragile eggs with soil and leaving them to incubate for about three months.  Once the tiny inch-long turtles hatch in fall they rely on their sixth sense to direct them towards the safety of the nearest water body.  Unfortunately, the long passage made by both adult and baby turtles brings them in the path of heavy traffic, busy shorelines, and ever-shrinking habitat.  Therefore, many never survive these trips to and fro Minnesota’s protective lakes and streams.  Does your shoreline offer the painted turtle a protected habitat?

If you have a sheltered calm shoreline it likely came alive with loud buzzing sounds about a week ago.  Natural shorelines, marshes and wetlands are also home to the gray tree frog during these long June evenings.  Those noisy buzzing calls can be credited to the gray tree frog as it moves to its mating grounds and declares its territory.  Although spending most of their lives in trees, these three inch long creatures will soon be depositing their eggs in the water before returning to their more familiar tree terrain.  By the end of June the now raucous waters will be silent of tree frog calls.  The month of June offers us great opportunities for observing both the painted turtle and the gray tree frog, but both require protected areas and waters.  Are you hearing and seeing more or less of these frogs and turtles than you did last June?  Observing and recording the phenological changes occurring from year to year can be a good indicator for the health of the habitat along your shoreline and lake.      

Receiving the Lake Bulletin, but not a member of MLA?

We hope you have found the Lake Bulletin interesting and helpful. If so, we need your membership support to continue producing the Lake Bulletin, along with our quarterly 12-page, four-color Reporter newsletter and other reports, fact sheets, and youth stewardship materials. Your membership support also helps MLA represent the voice of lakeshore interests at the state Capitol and on state agency committees to set policies to protect our lake resources, and it helps provide resources and support to lake associations across the state to enhance their ability to be effective local water managers.  Please join today online at www.mnlakes.org or by requesting a membership brochure from lakes@mnlakes.org.

The mission of the Minnesota Lakes Association is to promote citizen stewardship of Minnesota’s waters and to influence and support public policy for water resource management. Click here to join or for more information.