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Special Interest Articles:

•   Welcome to our 1st edition!

•   Welcome Shadow Creek residents!

•   RLAA in the local media

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Individual Highlights:

Project Update   2

Treasury Report 2

Recreation page 2

Green Section    3

Other local lakes 3

Contact Info        4

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out later this fall.

Barley Straw project - Installations of barley straw were placed in the 2 storm water ponds on the east side of the lake. The goal is to compare water quality in the pond and entering the lake before and after the season.

Algae treatment with Copper Sulfate - This seasonal project was cancelled due to a lack of funds. Current cost was over $9,000 for one 4-week treatment.

algae problems.
Aquatic Plant Survey - An annual event required for any city-funded projects, the plant survey shows the species and density of plants in the lake. Surveys are conducted in the spring and late summer. The spring survey continues to show a weak presence of Curlyleaf Pondweed, which continues to be a good thing. Native plants are still on the comeback trail. Final details of the last survey and season summary will be coming

This section will be dedicated to an update on current projects RLAA is working on. A complete list of projects can be found on our website.
Fish Survey - The first one conducted since 1994 is almost complete. 7 trap nets were set out over the lake during the week of August 18. Preliminary results indicate dominance by carp and bullheads. Final results will be forthcoming in early fall 2008. This survey will help determine if rough fish are a significant cause for our

Project Update

Tristan Bay pond with Barley

Straw treatment (red bags)

Results will be in soon on this survey; this may give us direction on if our rough fish population has an impact on our water quality and plant life.

Increasing our revenue base will be a key objective going forward into 2009 and beyond to help us afford to conduct the studies and treatments necessary to improve our water quality.

Rice Lake Circle pond with

Barley Straw treatment (red bags)

As you know, we decided not to pursue an algae treatment this year due to the excessive cost ($9,000+) plus the commitment to other projects (sum of $10,500).
The board of directors has discussed the possibility of setting up a reserve fund for projects such as an algae treatment. This will be considered going forward to help pay for unanticipated short-term

Coontail with some Curlyleaf Pondweed. A late season cutting for a channel allowed residents to get out to the lake. More frequent cuttings may be needed in 2009.

Heavy algae growth had an impact on some water use during the late summer, as evidenced by the photo on the left.

The Fish Survey project should give us a good indication of what is in the lake.
Boating - Fortunately, there were no problems with access on the lake this season. However, access to the lake from Shadow Creek was inhibited by the dominance of vegetation, mostly

This section will be dedicated to reporting on outdoor recreational activities, including boating and fishing.
Fishing - Generally, 2008 has been a slow fishing season on Rice Lake. Crappie runs seemed to be considerably slower than in the past, as well as pan fish like sunfish and perch.

Elm Creek south of County

Road 30 (7/27/08)

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Treasury Report

projects like this.
An overview of 2008 large project expenses includes the Plant Survey, which has been conducted annually. The Plant Survey is necessary to demonstrate other project needs; each of the lakes in Maple Grove needs to do the same. The Fish Survey was done on a one-time basis to capture data missed since the DNR last conducted one in 1994.

Outdoor Recreation Update

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Media Update

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RLAA was recently in the local news for stories on the latest algae problems and our need to increase membership.

The Osseo-Maple Grove Press ran a story 9/3/08. You can view it at: http://www.pressnews.com/articles/2008/09/03/osseo-maple_grove_press/news/3ricelakewpics.txt
Cable Channel 12 (NWTV) ran a story on their

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We’re on the Web!

See us at:

http://ricelake.homestead.com/

About Rice Lake Area Association…

RLAA is a member of the Minnesota Waters organization (formerly known as Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Council). We are a

501c3 organization, meaning we are a non-profit organization. Dues and contributions to RLAA are tax deductible.

RLAA was formerly known as Rice Lake Homeowners Association, but changed names in the early 1980's.

Rice Lake Area Association

Attn: Rick Stulac

13870 95th Ave. North

Maple Grove, MN  55369

Company Name

Street Address

City, ST  22134