Thoughts from the Association PresidentWelcome to another season on Bass Lake
I recently read an interesting and factual book on how “we are loving our lakes to death”. The title is “Ripple Effects “by Ted Rulseh. I would highly recommend it to everyone who owns property in lake country. As we begin another season, wouldn’t it be interesting to think about what we most enjoy about the lake. I find that my main enjoyment has evolved over the years. I seem to enjoy more the wildlife, the woods and in general nature. I must be getting old. Then I ask myself what we need to do so that we and generations after us can enjoy what we most enjoy about lake country. The book has made me more aware of our behaviors and how it affects our lake quality. Phosphorus is the biggest culprit in driving down lake quality. Patrick Goggin, a lake specialist with the University of Wisconsin Extension, observes that the number one stressor of lakes cited in the EPA National Lake Assessment in 2007 and 2012 was the loss of natural shoreland habitat. The urbanization effects (i.e., grass to the shore) on lakes are well proven to have a negative impact on lake quality with scientific studies and data from three states. Lack of natural habitat on the shore is the greatest source of phosphorus that leaks into the lake. Increased phosphorus causes increased growth of plants and weeds in the lake and harmful algae blooms. Once the phosphorus levels are up there no going back. In other words, there is no current way to rid the lake of high phosphorus. So, what can we do to maintain our lake quality? One way is to capture run off before it reaches the lake. The second way is to establish a no mow area along the shoreline or create a buffer of native plants and trees. The third way would be to minimize the use of fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides and the fourth would be to maintain the septic system. Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan are all glacier lake states. All three states are dealing with the same stressors on their respective lakes. Thus, there are numerous studies both on going and by history that are trying to figure how to best move forward in preserving lake quality. There is a direct correlation between the sale price of lake property and the quality of the lake. Protect your assets. (Interest in borrowing the book? Just let me know.) Bob Steele 2/8/2023 By-Laws (Adopted 2010; Amended 2014, 2018 and 2021)
Treasurer Reports
2022 Memberships=25
2021 Memberships=30 2020 Memberships=30 2019 Memberships=30 2018 Memberships=30 2017 Memberships=30 2016 Memberships=27 2015 Memberships=32 2014 Memberships=28 2013 Memberships=26 2012 Memberships=29 2011 Memberships=19 2010 Memberships=23 Membership dues are $20.00 Interested in being a member? Complete the application below.
Upcoming EventsAnnual Meeting Saturday, August 19 10 AM Mission Township NewsMission Township is excited to announce it has been awarded a grant by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Recreation Grant Program to assist the township with improvements to Mission Park. The grant is intended to assist local governments throughout the state with developing or redeveloping recreational areas and facilities. Under the terms of the grant, the township will match the funds provided by the state. Key improvements and additions to the park include dedicated pickleball courts, new playground equipment and surfacing, resurfacing the basketball court, new roof for the pavilion, and several other items. Work will commence in the fall of 2021 and be completed by mid 2023. So watch for more information and join in the fun as our park grows and provides exciting opportunities for all ages! The Mission Township Transfer Station is open every Saturday. New Hours 9am – 3pm Open April until the end of October. The Transfer Station is located on East Horseshoe Lake Road. Monthly township meetings held the second (this is a change for 2023) Monday of the month (unless it is a holiday). Meeting schedule, minutes and agenda can be located on the township website--missiontownship.org Attention Pickleball Players
We are currently setting up a reservation system-Court Reserve. We are currently working on website and hope to have fully functional by mid-July. You can sign up now under: https://courtreserve.com Under Organization look for Mission Park Pickleball. Please fill out all information required. An email will be sent after approval. Once ready, information, playing times, reservations, etc. will be posted on app. Check Mission Township, Horseshoe Lake Property Owners Association, and Bass Lake Association websites for other sign-up options.
Please limit court time to 90 minutes max Fees:
Mission Township Park (Michael Blassey) The shelter is available to Mission Township residents for use by reservation. Contact town clerk, Anna Anderson, at 765-4377 Also, please call Michael if you have questions or issues about the trail system at (612) 240-7985 People spread Aquatic Invasive Species, people are the solution.
BLA Officers
President: Bob Steele Vice President: Nancy Geiger Secretary/Treasurer: Pam Berhow Website Administrator: Martha Steele |
Crow Wing County UpdatesJanele Waterman
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| 2023_lake_map_sites.pdf |
| 2023_starry_stonewort_risk_map.pdf |
6/9/23:
Our 2023 season is progressing well as we are able to cover the majority of the landings within the County’s plan. This week, we conducted more interviews to onboard approximately 10 more watercraft inspectors which will give us the ability to further staff landings with expanded coverage requests. I want to thank you all for your partnership with us as we work to stop the spread of invasive species!
Starry Search Program: Funds will be available for up to 25 lake associations that participate in the County’s NEW Starry Search program ($300 per lake with a public accesses). Please see the attached list titled, “2023 Lake Map Sites” for lakes/landings that are at high risk for Starry Stonewort and qualify for this program.
5/25/23 (Jessica Shea)
Another season is underway and it’s been a busy one! We are excited to say that we are able to staff 98% of our landings this year. Once we get our staff fully trained we will be able to staff our landings at 100%. We want to THANK YOU for all your help with our plan, hiring inspectors, and your patience with us through these last couple years of being short staffed. We are hopeful that the improvements we have made continue to make this a strong program for years to come.
Our 2023 season is progressing well as we are able to cover the majority of the landings within the County’s plan. This week, we conducted more interviews to onboard approximately 10 more watercraft inspectors which will give us the ability to further staff landings with expanded coverage requests. I want to thank you all for your partnership with us as we work to stop the spread of invasive species!
Starry Search Program: Funds will be available for up to 25 lake associations that participate in the County’s NEW Starry Search program ($300 per lake with a public accesses). Please see the attached list titled, “2023 Lake Map Sites” for lakes/landings that are at high risk for Starry Stonewort and qualify for this program.
- Please view last year’s presentation for a refresher or if you are new to this by clicking here: https://youtu.be/zTmn0saCUbg
5/25/23 (Jessica Shea)
Another season is underway and it’s been a busy one! We are excited to say that we are able to staff 98% of our landings this year. Once we get our staff fully trained we will be able to staff our landings at 100%. We want to THANK YOU for all your help with our plan, hiring inspectors, and your patience with us through these last couple years of being short staffed. We are hopeful that the improvements we have made continue to make this a strong program for years to come.
- Inspector Update - We have 48 inspectors hired and working at landings at this time! We plan to hold interviews the first two weeks of June and hire approximately 10 more inspectors and we have at least 15 applicants that we will be reaching out to fill these positions.
- Starry Search – We are a little behind getting this off the ground but we will be offering this grant program again this year. New this year - we increased the grant amount to $300! Last year was our pilot year and we received great feedback and really appreciated all that participated in the program. More information to come soon!
- Talking AIS with U of M Video - https://twin-cities.umn.edu/news-events/talking-aquatic-invasive-species-u-m-1
- Decontamination Stations – We have three decon stations operating this year.
- Crosslake permanent location at the Crosslake Joint Highway Facility
- Open Friday – Sunday 9 am to 6 pm
- Mobile Decons
- Two mobile decons will be out every weekend – 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. These will be at different locations each weekend. Locations can be found by visiting CWC’s Map AIS Interactive Map (arcgis.com) or the DNR’s map WIP Survey Correction and Decon Sites (state.mn.us)
- Crosslake permanent location at the Crosslake Joint Highway Facility
| 2023_ais_policy.pdf |
County AIS Information:
- The County is offering a texting service for decontamination stations in the area. The public can Text CWCDECON to 72345 or call the Decon Hotline at 218-824-1055.
- The County’s mobile decontamination station is located at boat accesses throughout Crow Wing County. You can find its current location by visiting www.crowwing.us/ais and click the interactive map.
- You can also view the MN DNR decontamination stations by clicking this link: www.dnr.state.mn.us/decon
MAISRC (Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center)
The Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center is dedicated to fighting the spread and impact of aquatic invasive species on Minnesota’s beloved lakes and rivers. Created in 2012 through funds from the Minnesota legislature, our Center has grown into a respected partner and national leader in the fight against aquatic invasive species. MAISRC is a multidisciplinary team that plays a central role for AIS research in Minnesota.
MAISRC's mission is to develop research-based solutions that can reduce the impacts of aquatic invasive species in Minnesota by preventing spread, controlling populations, and managing ecosystems; and to advance knowledge to inspire action by others. You can learn more about our plans for the future in our 2015 - 2025 Strategic Plan.
Finding Solutions to Minnesota’s Aquatic Invasive Species Problems. | Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC) (umn.edu)
MAISRC's mission is to develop research-based solutions that can reduce the impacts of aquatic invasive species in Minnesota by preventing spread, controlling populations, and managing ecosystems; and to advance knowledge to inspire action by others. You can learn more about our plans for the future in our 2015 - 2025 Strategic Plan.
Finding Solutions to Minnesota’s Aquatic Invasive Species Problems. | Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC) (umn.edu)
AIS Research and Management Showcase: 2023Please save the date for the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center's AIS Research and Management Showcase on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 from 8:30am - 4:00pm. This one-day, completely online event is a chance to hear updates from our research teams on their latest discoveries in the world of aquatic invasive species (AIS). Ticket price of $25 includes exclusive access to recordings of the showcase, before the general public.
Early bird registration opens at midnight on Monday, August 14th! Get $5 off the ticket price if you register before August 28th!
MORE INFORMATION
In the News
6/8/2023: Lab to Lakes event this month focuses on Aquatic Invasive Species, MAISRC mentioned (Bemidji Now)
5/23/2023: Overflowing natural resources legislation passes at Minnesota Capitol, MAISRC mentioned (Duluth News Tribune)
5/23/2023: MN Legislature increases funding for environment, recreation; no hikes for fishing licenses or state park fees, MAISRC mentioned (Pioneer Press)
5/2/2023: Talking aquatic invasive species with U of M, Nick Phelps interviewed (UMN News)
Early bird registration opens at midnight on Monday, August 14th! Get $5 off the ticket price if you register before August 28th!
MORE INFORMATION
In the News
6/8/2023: Lab to Lakes event this month focuses on Aquatic Invasive Species, MAISRC mentioned (Bemidji Now)
5/23/2023: Overflowing natural resources legislation passes at Minnesota Capitol, MAISRC mentioned (Duluth News Tribune)
5/23/2023: MN Legislature increases funding for environment, recreation; no hikes for fishing licenses or state park fees, MAISRC mentioned (Pioneer Press)
5/2/2023: Talking aquatic invasive species with U of M, Nick Phelps interviewed (UMN News)
MAISRC Newsletter: June 2023
Summer is upon us! Check out the recent news coming out of the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC) in our June newsletter. A few highlights:
- University of Minnesota Extension educators and MAISRC researchers Megan Weber and Dan Larkin win an award for their Aquatic Invasive Species Management 101 course
- Registration is open for our Aquatic Plant Identification workshop
- Legislative update
- An interview with outgoing Research Outreach Specialist Meg Duhr
- ...and more!
Membership Signs
Are Available
$23.00 for an 8x8 acrylic with aluminum laminate sign. Post it on the road or your dock or both! Contact Martha Steele steeles@brainerd.net to order.
$23.00 for an 8x8 acrylic with aluminum laminate sign. Post it on the road or your dock or both! Contact Martha Steele steeles@brainerd.net to order.
PROTECT THE LOONS AND THEIR CHICKS
We had a late spring and many loon pairs went on the nest late. Their chicks will be hatching shortly before the Fourth of July.
This is the most dangerous time of the year for loon chicks because boat traffic is at its heaviest. Boat and jet ski strikes are a leading cause of loon deaths. Please watch ahead and be cautious near loons while boating and jet skiing .
We had a late spring and many loon pairs went on the nest late. Their chicks will be hatching shortly before the Fourth of July.
This is the most dangerous time of the year for loon chicks because boat traffic is at its heaviest. Boat and jet ski strikes are a leading cause of loon deaths. Please watch ahead and be cautious near loons while boating and jet skiing .
- If you see a loon, a chick may be near by but difficult to see. Adults will not dive when protecting chicks, and chicks are unable to dive to avoid watercraft.
- Many lakes are often as busy as a freeway during rush hour! Adult loons can be easily struck in high traffic areas. Give ALL loons space and do not expect them to dive out of your way.
- Loon parents often raise their chicks outside no wake zones where boats and jet skis are approaching and exiting at high speed. Be especially alert for loons in these areas! Keep speed low and give them space.
- Wave runners and jet skiers, please keep your eyes peeled for loons when traveling at high speeds. Loons cannot determine which direction you will go when you are spinning, jumping, and turning on a dime.
- Some loons may still be nesting. Stay 200 feet from loon nests so loons can safely hatch their eggs. If stressed by watercraft coming too close, loons may abandon their nest.
- Keep wakes low near loon nests so they do not wash out.
- Fireworks are very disturbing and stressful for loons. They are vulnerable to loud explosives being launched into the lake and may be “stunned” while trying to avoid fireworks. Chicks may be separated from parents and unable to hear their parents’ calls during the loud explosions. Please do not set off personal fireworks near the lake. There are many community fireworks displays for your enjoyment. Please be considerate of loon habitat as the lake is the loons’ home and only source of life.
MN Lakes and Rivers Advocates
Joined in 2015.
Mission: To protect Minnesota's lake and river heritage for current and future generations by forging powerful links between lakes, lake advocates, and policy makers.
http://mnlakesandrivers.org/
May 'Water Connects Us All' Newsletter - News You Can Use 6/1/23
Below are articles, invitations and information that will keep you up to date on everything happening out on the lakes.
Minnesota Lakes and Rivers' Lake Steward program featured in Martha Stewart Magazine.
Are Picture-Perfect Grass Lawns on Their Way Out? Why Natural Is the New Beautiful
The American lawn has deep roots in our nation's founding story, but environmental concerns have sparked interest in native plants and a wildlife-friendly landscape.
By Ann Hinga Klein
Published on May 1, 2023
Group advocates for clean lakes, rivers
Waterless cleaning stations are being placed on lakes infested with starry stonewort
by Jeanne Schram for the Aitkin County Aquatic Invasive Species Committee
"There is a group in Minnesota whose sole mission is to keep lake places affordable and protect the ecology and water quality of lakes and rivers.
Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates (MLR), begun in 1993, looks ahead to emerging issues regarding the state’s waters and educates its members and policy makers."
Second CD3 Station on Cedar Lake Provides the Tools Boaters Need to Clean, Drain and Dry, and help prevent the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species
by David Glass, President of the Cedar Lake Conservation Club, May 30, 2023
Many AIS programs are struggling to hire AIS Watercraft Inspectors. Installing free, self service watercraft cleaning stations is a good solution.
MN Goes Big on Committing Funds to Protect Natural Resources by Mike Moen, Public News Service
From protecting lakes, the environment bill protects groundwater sources, addresses Chronic Wasting Disease, PFAS - forever chemicals in our waterways, upgrades to watercraft access sites and provides finding for accelerated tree planting.
Angler preferences for management of aquatic invasive species in the USA and Canada: A discrete choice experiment,
Research by University of Illinois in Candada and US Finds Angelrs Want Boat cleaning Equipment to help prevent AIS spread.
MLR Welcomes Lily Carr to the Team
Lily will be the program manager of Lake Steward
as well as a Civic Organizer and advocate for our lakes and rivers.
We are excited Lily chose to work with us and know that you will enjoy working with Lily in the future.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Lily at lily@mnlakesandrivers.org.
Minnesota bans commercial turtle trapping after 20-year effort - About 20 commercial trappers took 10,000 wild turtles a year.
By Greg Stanley Star Tribune -MAY 30, 2023
STUDY SHOWS HIGHER PROFITS FOR AG WATER QUALITY CERTIFIED FARMS FOR FOURTH STRAIGHT YEAR
Farmers also saw other improved financial metrics
"The 101 MAWQCP farms in the study saw 2022 net farm income an average of more than $23,500 or 7.5% higher than non-certified farms. Looking at four years of data, the average income for MAWQCP farms was $16,000 - $40,000 higher. Other key financial metrics are also better for those enrolled in the MAWQCP, such as debt-to-asset ratios and operating expense ratios."
Minnesota Lakes and Rivers' Lake Steward program featured in Martha Stewart Magazine.
Are Picture-Perfect Grass Lawns on Their Way Out? Why Natural Is the New Beautiful
The American lawn has deep roots in our nation's founding story, but environmental concerns have sparked interest in native plants and a wildlife-friendly landscape.
By Ann Hinga Klein
Published on May 1, 2023
Group advocates for clean lakes, rivers
Waterless cleaning stations are being placed on lakes infested with starry stonewort
by Jeanne Schram for the Aitkin County Aquatic Invasive Species Committee
"There is a group in Minnesota whose sole mission is to keep lake places affordable and protect the ecology and water quality of lakes and rivers.
Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates (MLR), begun in 1993, looks ahead to emerging issues regarding the state’s waters and educates its members and policy makers."
Second CD3 Station on Cedar Lake Provides the Tools Boaters Need to Clean, Drain and Dry, and help prevent the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species
by David Glass, President of the Cedar Lake Conservation Club, May 30, 2023
Many AIS programs are struggling to hire AIS Watercraft Inspectors. Installing free, self service watercraft cleaning stations is a good solution.
MN Goes Big on Committing Funds to Protect Natural Resources by Mike Moen, Public News Service
From protecting lakes, the environment bill protects groundwater sources, addresses Chronic Wasting Disease, PFAS - forever chemicals in our waterways, upgrades to watercraft access sites and provides finding for accelerated tree planting.
Angler preferences for management of aquatic invasive species in the USA and Canada: A discrete choice experiment,
Research by University of Illinois in Candada and US Finds Angelrs Want Boat cleaning Equipment to help prevent AIS spread.
MLR Welcomes Lily Carr to the Team
Lily will be the program manager of Lake Steward
as well as a Civic Organizer and advocate for our lakes and rivers.
We are excited Lily chose to work with us and know that you will enjoy working with Lily in the future.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Lily at lily@mnlakesandrivers.org.
Minnesota bans commercial turtle trapping after 20-year effort - About 20 commercial trappers took 10,000 wild turtles a year.
By Greg Stanley Star Tribune -MAY 30, 2023
STUDY SHOWS HIGHER PROFITS FOR AG WATER QUALITY CERTIFIED FARMS FOR FOURTH STRAIGHT YEAR
Farmers also saw other improved financial metrics
"The 101 MAWQCP farms in the study saw 2022 net farm income an average of more than $23,500 or 7.5% higher than non-certified farms. Looking at four years of data, the average income for MAWQCP farms was $16,000 - $40,000 higher. Other key financial metrics are also better for those enrolled in the MAWQCP, such as debt-to-asset ratios and operating expense ratios."
Update on Impacts of Prop Wash on Lake Sediments 6/2: Wakes, waves, and propeller wash: Research on the impacts of recreational boating on inland lakes
With the introduction of larger, more powerful watercraft and the increasing popularity of wake surfing, reliable, peer reviewed research into wake energy, the power and depth of prop thrust turbulence and the impact of these forces on lake ecology is both critically important and long overdue. With good best practices we can enjoy our lakes without loving them to death. MLR is proud to have had the opportunity to share the latest research by the Saint Anthony Falls Lab into these issues.
The recording of the "Update on Impacts of Prop Wash on Lake Sediments," here is a link: https://mnlakesandrivers.org/webinars/
The recording of the "Update on Impacts of Prop Wash on Lake Sediments," here is a link: https://mnlakesandrivers.org/webinars/
Crow Wing County Lakes and Rivers Alliance (LARA)
Joined in June 2012.
LARA represents dues-paying lake associations in Crow Wing County.
Check out the latest newsletter! 3/30/21
LARA represents dues-paying lake associations in Crow Wing County.
Check out the latest newsletter! 3/30/21
| lara_spring_newsletter_2021_.pdf |
Weather Alerts
Sign up for Crow Wing County ALERT:
https://crowwing.us/1490/Crow-Wing-County-ALERT
Residents can opt in and pick what weather alerts they wish to receive
Sign up for Crow Wing County ALERT:
https://crowwing.us/1490/Crow-Wing-County-ALERT
Residents can opt in and pick what weather alerts they wish to receive
REPORTS
Bass Lake 2021 Summary from AW Research
| 2021_bass_lake_summary__002_.pdf |
Water Quality (Catherine McGoldrick):
See separate water quality page for more info.
Secchi disk readings (this tells us the clarity of the lake's water by measuring how deep one can see a white disk under the surface at the deepest part of the lake).
Secchi Readings @ 23' lake depth
Read 1/month @mid month
5/16 10'
6/14 13'
7/13 13'
8/16 8'
9/19 12'
Water level gauge set @ 1.20 on 5/9
Read 1/week on Tuesday
5/9 1.20
5/16 1.35
5/23 1.26
5/30 1.20
6/6 1.16
6/13 1.04
6/20 0.98
6/29 1.10
7/4 1.00
7/11 0.92
7/18 0.80
7/26 0.78
8/1 0.68
8/2 0.88
8/8 0.78
8/15 0.80
8/22 0.68
8/29 0.61
9/5 0.56
9/19 0.52
(Each tenth of a foot is equal to a water elevation change of 1 1/5")
Local Rainfall Report:
https://www.cocorahs.org/ViewData/Station
PrecipSummary.aspx?station=MN-CW-16