Thoughts from our PresidentWELCOME TO 2024! 🥂🍾
Happy New Year - hope this year is a good one for all of us, in spite of all the turmoil and chaos in the world. I'm excited about being the Lake Association President for the next couple of years - I've served as Secretary/Treasurer, Vice President, and now as President. I've valued getting to know more of my lake neighbors and learning more about Bass Lake's health and challenges. The Lake Association Board met in October to welcome our new Vice President, Mike Munos, and to thank Bob Steele for all his contributions as President and Vice President the last four years. He will remain involved with the Board to help guide us. Pam Berhow is staying on as Secretary/Treasurer and Martha Steele as Web Administrator. Several past Presidents, Catherine McGoldrick and Jon Auge, also remain involved in the work of the Association. Thanks to all of you! In October we talked about some of the challenges facing lake associations and efforts to maintain lake health. Since January is a time for New Year's resolutions, here are some "resolutions" for the Bass Lake Association this upcoming year: - To maintain Bass Lake as a place where we can all find peace and tranquility away from the chaos of modern life. I've been coming to Bass Lake for 75 years - my grandfather bought land here in 1938 and built our cabin in 1940. This has always been a place for me to reflect and revive my spirits. I envy those of you who are able to live up here year round. - To foster connections with our neighbors on the Lake. We hope you'll attend our spring social (June 8), July 4th Boat Parade, and Annual Meeting (August 17). Thanks to everyone who has been posting pictures and updates on our Facebook page. If you have ideas for other ways we can make and expand connections, please let us know. - To connect with local and state organizations that are committed to keeping our lakes and rivers clear and healthy. We work with Minnesota Lakes and Rivers (statewide focus), Lakes and Rivers Associates (local), Crow Wing County, and other Lake Associations to understand their challenges and best practices, and to provide input on concerns we are facing on Bass Lake. - To support efforts to keep Bass Lake free of Aquatic Invasive Species through education and testing. Thanks to Catherine McGoldrick and Martha Steele for conducting several of the tests involved in this effort. - To support efforts to maintain and increase the loon population in our state and on Bass Lake. This is a topic of particular concern for many of our Association members. We have supported initiatives like the creation of the National Loon Center in Crosslake, and the state's "Get the Lead Out" campaign. If there are other areas you'd like to see us involved in, or if you'd like to get involved, please let us know. Best wishes for a happy, healthy 2024! Nancy Geiger, President 1/7/2024 By-Laws (Adopted 2010; Amended 2014, 2018 and 2021)
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Treasurer Reports
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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 EventsBoat Parade Thursday, July 4th Annual Meeting Saturday, August 17th 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: Nancy Geiger Vice President: Michael Munos Secretary/Treasurer: Pam Berhow Website Administrator: Martha Steele Membership Signs
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Crow Wing County UpdatesErik Hidalgo
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2024_cwc_ais_proposed_plan.pdf | |
File Size: | 3232 kb |
File Type: |
County AIS Information:
Crow Wing County AIS decontamination stations are open
The Crow Wing County aquatic invasive species decontamination stations are open for the season for boaters free of charge.
The county has a permanent decontamination unit located at the Crosslake Joint Highway Maintenance Facility off Highway 3 at 13870 Whipple Drive. This location is fully staffed from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays through Sundays.
Two mobile decontamination units will be located at different public accesses throughout the county. They will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays through Sundays.
To get the locations of all decontamination stations, call 218-824-1055 or text CWCDECON to 1-833-258-7509.
Under DNR guidelines, boaters will be referred for decontamination when:
• AIS or other unknown items or materials are discovered.
• The watercraft has been in the water for more than24 hours.
• The watercraft is being transported to a new water body within 24 hours.
• If undrainable or unverifiable water is present.
Watercraft decontamination consists of a very hot water rinse used to kill zebra mussels and if needed a high-pressure spray to remove material from boats, motors, trailers and personal gear.
No soaps, bleaches or chemicals are used during the process. The station is operated by DNR- trained and certified inspectors who ensure the process effectively and safely removes or kills AIS.
“The decontamination stations provide a useful service to boaters,” Jessica Shea, Crow Wing County operations manager, said in a news release. “The entire process takes a short time and is a valuable tool for limiting the spread of AIS in our lakes and rivers.”
Find information about Crow Wing County AIS prevention efforts at www.crowwing.gov/AIS
Contact the Land Services office at 218-824-1010 or [email protected] to discuss AIS or other land use related activities.
The Crow Wing County aquatic invasive species decontamination stations are open for the season for boaters free of charge.
The county has a permanent decontamination unit located at the Crosslake Joint Highway Maintenance Facility off Highway 3 at 13870 Whipple Drive. This location is fully staffed from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays through Sundays.
Two mobile decontamination units will be located at different public accesses throughout the county. They will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays through Sundays.
To get the locations of all decontamination stations, call 218-824-1055 or text CWCDECON to 1-833-258-7509.
Under DNR guidelines, boaters will be referred for decontamination when:
• AIS or other unknown items or materials are discovered.
• The watercraft has been in the water for more than24 hours.
• The watercraft is being transported to a new water body within 24 hours.
• If undrainable or unverifiable water is present.
Watercraft decontamination consists of a very hot water rinse used to kill zebra mussels and if needed a high-pressure spray to remove material from boats, motors, trailers and personal gear.
No soaps, bleaches or chemicals are used during the process. The station is operated by DNR- trained and certified inspectors who ensure the process effectively and safely removes or kills AIS.
“The decontamination stations provide a useful service to boaters,” Jessica Shea, Crow Wing County operations manager, said in a news release. “The entire process takes a short time and is a valuable tool for limiting the spread of AIS in our lakes and rivers.”
Find information about Crow Wing County AIS prevention efforts at www.crowwing.gov/AIS
Contact the Land Services office at 218-824-1010 or [email protected] to discuss AIS or other land use related activities.
![](http://www.weebly.com/weebly/images/file_icons/pdf.png)
2023_ais_policy.pdf | |
File Size: | 414 kb |
File Type: |
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/
Update on Impacts of Prop Wash on Lake Sediments 6/2/23: 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
![](http://www.weebly.com/weebly/images/file_icons/pdf.png)
lara_spring_newsletter_2021_.pdf | |
File Size: | 1000 kb |
File Type: |
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
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 17'
6/11 12'
7/15 15'
Water level gauge set @ 1.20 on 4/24
Read 1/week on Wednesday
4/24 1.20
5/1 1.35
5/15 1.40
5/22 1.52
6/3 1.60
6/23 1.65
7/4 1.70
7/5 1.80
(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
MAISRC (Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center)
Registration opens on Monday!The Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center's AIS Research and Management Showcase returns to in-person on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. This event is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to meet our researchers and learn about the latest tools, information, and technologies being developed at MAISRC.
Date: Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Time: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Location: St. Paul Student Center, University of Minnesota, St. Paul Campus (Google map)
Tickets: $50; lunch and light refreshments provided; discount codes are available if the ticket price is a financial barrier.
Parking: Hourly parking available in the Gortner Parking Ramp and daily rate parking available in lot #S101 and #S106. Accessible parking is available on Buford Ave. There are also some metered parking spots available on this campus. Visit Parking and Transportation Services for rates and maps.
The first 100 registrants will receive a MAISRC-themed dry bag for your water adventures!
REGISTER
Date: Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Time: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Location: St. Paul Student Center, University of Minnesota, St. Paul Campus (Google map)
Tickets: $50; lunch and light refreshments provided; discount codes are available if the ticket price is a financial barrier.
Parking: Hourly parking available in the Gortner Parking Ramp and daily rate parking available in lot #S101 and #S106. Accessible parking is available on Buford Ave. There are also some metered parking spots available on this campus. Visit Parking and Transportation Services for rates and maps.
The first 100 registrants will receive a MAISRC-themed dry bag for your water adventures!
REGISTER
Upcoming Events
- Upcoming MAISRC Containment Lab guided tours, June 26 and July 31 (last Wednesday of each month from 3:00 - 4:00pm)
- Thursday, July 25, 1-2pm: Aquatic Plant ID Workshop
- Wednesday, July 31, 1-2pm: Fanatic Weeds and Where to Find Them: Seeking Starry Stonewort
- Saturday, August 10: Starry Trek 2024 (registration opens soon)
- Wednesday, September 25: SAVE THE DATE! AIS Research and Management Showcase 2024; in person from St. Paul, MN!
- November 12-14: Upper Midwest Invasive Species Conference, Duluth Entertainment Convention Center in Duluth, Minnesota
- How will a warm winter affect spring fishing? What to know before the opener, Gretchen Hansen mentioned, (MPR NEWS)
- Species without borders: How collaboration could improve management of aquatic invasives, Amy Kinsley and AIS Explorer mentioned, (UMN College of Veterinary Medicine)
- Diverse and Important Underwater Forests: Aquatic Plants in Birch Lake, Ray Newman's Milfoil Mapper mentioned, (White Bear Press)
- Prairie Sportsman: Season 15 Episode 8, Little Fish, Big Problems, Nick Phelps and Meg McEachran interviewed, (Pioneer PBS)
- 2nd annual CFANS Research Symposium highlights projects across the College, Gretchen Hansen keynote, (CFANS News)
- Prairie Sportsman: Season 15 Episode 7, The Science of Destroying Invaders, Nick Phelps and Cori Mattke interviewed, (Pioneer PBS)
![Picture](/uploads/1/2/8/1/12815901/editor/ais-detectors-newsletter.jpg?1707342943)
6/24/24
View this message on the web.
Team Member - Dan Larkin
As my sabbatical continues, I have had a busy 2024 traveling to points north, south, east, and west to work on projects related to aquatic plant ecology, management, and restoration. I have been working with colleagues at Utah State University and the University of Florida to increase capacity for restoration of native wetland and aquatic plant species. A trip to the University of Oulu in Finland kicked off a new collaboration investigating changes in aquatic plant biodiversity across continents. And closer to home—in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois—I have been working with partners new and old on our AIS Extension programs and conservation and restoration of declining native aquatic plants.
I’m grateful for the opportunity my sabbatical has afforded me to step back, take a bigger-picture view, recharge, and spend more time focused on research.
I hope you are getting out and enjoying the beautiful spring weather we’ve been having and I look forward to seeing you soon!
Species Feature Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)Common carp were introduced to North America in the 1870s for food and sport. Seen as a valuable species at the time, people both intentionally and unintentionally released the fish into the wild. Currently they are established in 48 states and are one of the most widely distributed fish species. Common carp are light gold to dark brown or olive-colored with a lighter tan to cream underside. Their eye pupil is rimmed with golden pigment and the selectively bred ornamental variant, koi, can be white, orange, and black. Common carp have two pairs of barbels (whisker-like appendages) by their mouth, and typically grow to 3-10 pounds.
Common carp can be confused with buffalo, grass carp, and goldfish as their appearances are quite similar. This species migrates for spawning and can be accidentally included in bait, which if released, furthers their spread. A significant issue common carp pose is their ability to stir up sediment and nutrients with their feeding behavior. This reduces the light available for aquatic plants and leads to the release of nutrients into the water column, causing algal blooms and poor water quality. Common carp can disturb spawning habitat for native fish and have even been known to eat their eggs. Being a long-lived fish, it has up to 20 years to alter water habitats for native aquatic inhabitants.
If you are interested in learning more about common carp and the research being done around this species, check out our YouTube Channel for previous webinars we have hosted.
Meet a Researcher - Cindy Gackle
Bill Nye once said “Everyone you will ever meet knows something you don’t.” Our featured volunteer Cindy Gackle takes full advantage of making new connections, gaining experiences and ideas to bring back to her lake association. This North Dakota native ventured to Minnesota to complete her clinicals in Minneapolis in pursuit of a career in occupational therapy. Now retired, Cindy, her husband Randy, and their golden retriever Murphy are still Minnesotans and swap between Northern Minnesota and what she jokingly referred to as “down south” near the Twin Cities, with the changing of the seasons.
As a member of the healthcare field, Cindy never expected she would one day be studying the life cycles and effects of invasive plants and animals that could potentially inhabit her favorite lakes. The ripple effect of her connections began with knowing people on the Wabedo-Little Boy-Cooper-Rice (WLBCR) Lake Association Board thanks to her husband being a board member. After joining the board herself, when the need arose for an AIS committee chair, it was an easy decision for her to jump in. Inundated with the new terminology and processes in her acquired role, Cindy lucked out when she met someone at an Association of Cass County Lakes (ACCL) meeting who introduced her to the AIS Detectors program. Initially, Cindy thought she couldn’t possibly fit any more learning into her life with the belief that, “Oh, there's just too much new learning going on already. I just can't even think about one more thing.” But it turned into a great resource for her favorite pastime, networking.
Through her connections, she was able to sit in on a DNR review meeting “with a lot of stuff over my head, but yet it was a way of meeting people and then connecting with them over time. So I guess one of the favorite parts of volunteering has to do with the networking and the learning and the new relationships that have evolved from it.” Connections have paved the way to creating tool stations for water accesses and even sourcing the tools cost effectively. The committee has been able to gain permission to survey for AIS via rake toss at a local resort and put signage out at a couple of others. Cindy and the team have also begun a relationship with the local YMCA camp to provide educational, hands-on experiences to their campers. Additionally, the WLBCR Lake Association started sending out Welcome Packets to new property owners in the neighborhood containing educational handouts, decontamination station information, reference materials, and Lake Association information.
Cindy was surprised at how easily she met the requirements to stay an active AIS Detectors Volunteer, as the tasks she was already doing put her way above the minimum threshold. She never intended for these activities to become a job or something that completely took over her life. With hobbies such as hiking with Murphy, fishing, painting, stained glass, and snowshoeing, Cindy prioritizes balance with her time volunteering. She is a perfect example of how you don’t have to already know everything or be overly passionate and completely dedicated to a cause. As long as you are committed, you can still make an impact.
Of note was Cindy’s commitment to acknowledging the team she is on. “The work we as the AIS committee/team are doing here at WLBCR really is a team effort. I’m so very grateful that I have the privilege of working together with others who also share the same goals of preservation of our natural resources. And that together our brainstorming has guided us with some meaningful projects... I’m really part of a team effort, and I’m very grateful for that.”
When asked what she would say to someone thinking about taking the Core Course and becoming a volunteer, Cindy responded that the AIS Detectors team does “a really nice job of trying to reach out to create a community and that even if we're not together in person, there's just something that's like, personal about it.”
Thanks, Cindy, for being part of our community and making such important connections that result in the sharing of ideas and effort. We can’t wait to see who you unite with in the future and what amazing projects are a result.
In the News
View this message on the web.
Team Member - Dan Larkin
As my sabbatical continues, I have had a busy 2024 traveling to points north, south, east, and west to work on projects related to aquatic plant ecology, management, and restoration. I have been working with colleagues at Utah State University and the University of Florida to increase capacity for restoration of native wetland and aquatic plant species. A trip to the University of Oulu in Finland kicked off a new collaboration investigating changes in aquatic plant biodiversity across continents. And closer to home—in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois—I have been working with partners new and old on our AIS Extension programs and conservation and restoration of declining native aquatic plants.
I’m grateful for the opportunity my sabbatical has afforded me to step back, take a bigger-picture view, recharge, and spend more time focused on research.
I hope you are getting out and enjoying the beautiful spring weather we’ve been having and I look forward to seeing you soon!
Species Feature Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)Common carp were introduced to North America in the 1870s for food and sport. Seen as a valuable species at the time, people both intentionally and unintentionally released the fish into the wild. Currently they are established in 48 states and are one of the most widely distributed fish species. Common carp are light gold to dark brown or olive-colored with a lighter tan to cream underside. Their eye pupil is rimmed with golden pigment and the selectively bred ornamental variant, koi, can be white, orange, and black. Common carp have two pairs of barbels (whisker-like appendages) by their mouth, and typically grow to 3-10 pounds.
Common carp can be confused with buffalo, grass carp, and goldfish as their appearances are quite similar. This species migrates for spawning and can be accidentally included in bait, which if released, furthers their spread. A significant issue common carp pose is their ability to stir up sediment and nutrients with their feeding behavior. This reduces the light available for aquatic plants and leads to the release of nutrients into the water column, causing algal blooms and poor water quality. Common carp can disturb spawning habitat for native fish and have even been known to eat their eggs. Being a long-lived fish, it has up to 20 years to alter water habitats for native aquatic inhabitants.
If you are interested in learning more about common carp and the research being done around this species, check out our YouTube Channel for previous webinars we have hosted.
Meet a Researcher - Cindy Gackle
Bill Nye once said “Everyone you will ever meet knows something you don’t.” Our featured volunteer Cindy Gackle takes full advantage of making new connections, gaining experiences and ideas to bring back to her lake association. This North Dakota native ventured to Minnesota to complete her clinicals in Minneapolis in pursuit of a career in occupational therapy. Now retired, Cindy, her husband Randy, and their golden retriever Murphy are still Minnesotans and swap between Northern Minnesota and what she jokingly referred to as “down south” near the Twin Cities, with the changing of the seasons.
As a member of the healthcare field, Cindy never expected she would one day be studying the life cycles and effects of invasive plants and animals that could potentially inhabit her favorite lakes. The ripple effect of her connections began with knowing people on the Wabedo-Little Boy-Cooper-Rice (WLBCR) Lake Association Board thanks to her husband being a board member. After joining the board herself, when the need arose for an AIS committee chair, it was an easy decision for her to jump in. Inundated with the new terminology and processes in her acquired role, Cindy lucked out when she met someone at an Association of Cass County Lakes (ACCL) meeting who introduced her to the AIS Detectors program. Initially, Cindy thought she couldn’t possibly fit any more learning into her life with the belief that, “Oh, there's just too much new learning going on already. I just can't even think about one more thing.” But it turned into a great resource for her favorite pastime, networking.
Through her connections, she was able to sit in on a DNR review meeting “with a lot of stuff over my head, but yet it was a way of meeting people and then connecting with them over time. So I guess one of the favorite parts of volunteering has to do with the networking and the learning and the new relationships that have evolved from it.” Connections have paved the way to creating tool stations for water accesses and even sourcing the tools cost effectively. The committee has been able to gain permission to survey for AIS via rake toss at a local resort and put signage out at a couple of others. Cindy and the team have also begun a relationship with the local YMCA camp to provide educational, hands-on experiences to their campers. Additionally, the WLBCR Lake Association started sending out Welcome Packets to new property owners in the neighborhood containing educational handouts, decontamination station information, reference materials, and Lake Association information.
Cindy was surprised at how easily she met the requirements to stay an active AIS Detectors Volunteer, as the tasks she was already doing put her way above the minimum threshold. She never intended for these activities to become a job or something that completely took over her life. With hobbies such as hiking with Murphy, fishing, painting, stained glass, and snowshoeing, Cindy prioritizes balance with her time volunteering. She is a perfect example of how you don’t have to already know everything or be overly passionate and completely dedicated to a cause. As long as you are committed, you can still make an impact.
Of note was Cindy’s commitment to acknowledging the team she is on. “The work we as the AIS committee/team are doing here at WLBCR really is a team effort. I’m so very grateful that I have the privilege of working together with others who also share the same goals of preservation of our natural resources. And that together our brainstorming has guided us with some meaningful projects... I’m really part of a team effort, and I’m very grateful for that.”
When asked what she would say to someone thinking about taking the Core Course and becoming a volunteer, Cindy responded that the AIS Detectors team does “a really nice job of trying to reach out to create a community and that even if we're not together in person, there's just something that's like, personal about it.”
Thanks, Cindy, for being part of our community and making such important connections that result in the sharing of ideas and effort. We can’t wait to see who you unite with in the future and what amazing projects are a result.
In the News
- DNR Invasive Species Announcements
- Diverse and important underwater forests:Aquatic plants in Birch Lake
- Study shows impacts of invasive species transcend ecosystem boundaries
- Options to deal with whirling disease limited
Zebra mussels confirmed in Lee Lake in Clay County - BWCA citizen science initiative begins this summer to monitor invasive rusty crayfish
- New ballast water findings lead to new questions on the Great Lakes
- So many people have dumped their pet turtles that it’s threatening B.C. species, says biologist
- Marbled crayfish raises eyebrows, and concerns
- Starry stonewort confirmed in Middle Cullen Lake in Crow Wing County
- Launch of new, statewide aquatic invasive species PSA series
- Moth larvae enlisted in the battle against phragmites
- How massive, feral goldfish are threatening the Great Lakes ecosystem
- Unintended consequences of stocking grass carp
- Northwoods experience: Dozens attend 8th annual AIS roundtable in Crosslake
- AIS Detectors learn to identify invasives
- U of M hosts invasive species workshop in Duluth
- Starry stonewort confirmed in Pokegama Lake in Itasca County
- Can bans on boats-including canoes and kayaks-stop a tiny shellfish from wreaking havoc across Canada?
- Leech Lake Association working to reduce starry stonewort infestation on Leech Lake
- Alberta aims to keep aquatic invasive species out by bringing in highest fines in North America
![Picture](/uploads/1/2/8/1/12815901/starry-trek_orig.jpg)
Save the date!
AIS Detectors Program has aggregated the data from previous years and have some fun information to share:
- We've sent volunteers to search 728 different public water bodies.
- 594 different bodies of water have been a part of the search.
- Even though we've searched 594 unique bodies of water, we only have 488 unique names to share.
- The most common lake name among those searched during Starry Trek: Long Lake (15)
- After that it's Bass (7), Cedar (6), Eagle (6), and Round (6)
Finally, mark your calendar for August 10, 2024, for our next Starry Trek adventure. Registration will open this summer, and we hope you will join us!