Thoughts from our President Welcome to 2026
Happy March everyone! I am looking forward to the snow melting and Spring arriving, the loons returning and the Swans stopping and visiting our lake on their way north. I'm Mike Munos the new president of Bass Lake Association, voted in last year at our annual meeting. I would like to thank Nancy Geiger for her last 4 years of service on the board as Vice President and President, awesome job Nancy. Changes on the Board for 2026 are Mike Munos - President, John Buenneke - Vice President Pam Berhow - Treasurer/ Secretary and Maria James - Web Administrator. Past Presidents Nancy Geiger, Bob Steele, Jon Auge, Catherine McGoldrick and past Web Administrator Martha Steele all volunteered time on the Board, I would like to thank Martha for all she has done as Web Administrator. Events for 2026 are approaching fast so Mark your calendars. Spring Social --- Saturday June 6th Mission Tavern 2:00- 4:00 Boat Parade ---- Saturday July 4th Boat Launch 1:00 Annual Meeting-Saturday August 8th Mission Park 10:00 Last year Nancy listed a few resolutions for our lake association, and they are still applicable for 2026. -Maintain Bass Lake as a place where we can find peace and tranquility away from the stresses of life. It is even more important this year as it seems like our country, state and word are in turmoil. We look forward to our time on Bass Lake to escape some of the pressure. Our Facebook page has been a great place to share photos and information. This website has been a central place to find information about the lake association as well as state/county work around lake health. -To connect with local and state organizations that are committed to keeping our lakes and rivers clean and healthy. We continue our membership with Minnesota Lakes and Rivers (state) and Lakes and Rivers association (county), as well as networking with other associations in the area. This information is linked to our website. -Continued efforts to keep Bass Lake free of Aquatic Invasive Species or AIS, through education and testing. Bass Lake remains free of AIS. Many lakes around are contaminated. Thanks to Catherine McGoldrick for conducting the testing on our lake. -Maintain efforts to support and increase the loon population in Minnesota and on Bass Lake. There were two loon families on our lake last summer as well as several other loons who visited regularly. The last two years both loon families had a chick survive and migrate. And lastly- always remember to be mindful of who's on the lake with you, keep an eye on your wake for the safety of others and always check your boat and trailer for AIS when putting in and taking out of the lake as well as when purchasing used docks. Have a wonderful summer at the lake, Mike Munos, Bass Lake Association President By-Laws (Adopted 2010; Amended 2014, 2018, 2021 and 2024)
Treasurer Reports
2025 Memberships=20
2024 Memberships=26 2023 Memberships=22 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 EventsSpring Social --- Saturday June 6th Mission Tavern 2:00- 4:00 PM
Boat Parade ---- Saturday July 4th Boat Launch 1:00 PM Annual Meeting-Saturday August 8th Mission Park 10:00 AM Mission Township Park (Michael Blassey) The shelter is available to Mission Township residents for use by reservation. Contact town clerk, Naomi Scott, at 218-765-4377 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: Michael Munos Vice President: John Buenneke Secretary/Treasurer: Pam Berhow Website Administrator: Maria James |
REPORTSWater 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 5/26 14' 6/16 15' 7/2 13' 7/6 14.5' 7/22 9.0' Water gauge level : set 4/30/2026 4/30 0.50 5/26 0.27 6/14 0.14 6/25 0.25 6/29 0.35 7/23 0.06 (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 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 MAISRC (Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center)
4/17/26
Explore the Latest in Aquatic Invasive Species Research The newest edition of the MAISRC newsletter is now available, highlighting new research, partnerships, and opportunities to strengthen aquatic invasive species (AIS) management across Minnesota. This issue features the launch of MAISRC’s 2026 Externship Program, connecting AIS professionals with researchers to test management strategies directly in the field. Projects in this cohort address key challenges like biocontrol of Eurasian watermilfoil, community-based management of mystery snails and rusty crayfish, early detection of starry stonewort using eDNA tools, and understanding how weather influences common carp movement. You’ll also find:
Read the full newsletter: NEWSLETTER Upcoming Events
Crow Wing County Lakes and Rivers Alliance (LARA)
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Crow Wing County UpdatesAmy Stoneking
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| final_2026_ais_prevention_plan.pdf |
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/
Volume 4 Issue 7
July 2025
Welcome back after the 4th of July, we hope you were able to enjoy a some time by the water this weekend. While we at MLR (Minnesota Lakes and Rivers) hope you enjoyed boat parades, barbecues, bonfires, and fireworks by the shores of your favorite Minnesota waterway, we'd also like to draw to your attention how we are working to protect and preserve these memories by the water.
The 2025 state budget session highlighted just how vital MLR’s 30-year history of engaged, bipartisan advocacy for lakes and rivers at the Capitol truly is. With a projected $6 billion deficit expected for the 2028–29 biennium (with funding rolling out in summer 2027), MLR’s lobbyists viewed this session as a primer for the next budget battle. In the past, state budget shortfalls led to cuts in local aid and property tax hikes that pushed many longtime lake owners—especially retirees—out of their homes. Natural homesteads were replaced by suburban lawns, harming water quality and weakening community ties.
Today, with 56% of our waterways impaired and pressures from invasive species, development, and increased boating, we face a critical crossroads. Cuts to local programs will limit the ability of communities to protect our waters, at a time when recent surveys show only 15% of lakefront property owners feel their communities have the financial resources to manage invasive species.
Water Connects Us All™ has never been a stronger call. Our obligation to pass on clean and healthy waters to the next generations is a powerful message. When we share the stories and concerns of MLR's members, lawmakers listen. As you continue to enjoy the rest of summer at the lake with friends and neighbors, invite them to join you in protecting the waters that make these moments possible. By becoming contributing members of MLR, they will help sustain—and grow—the strong, effective voice that Minnesota’s lakes and rivers need.
Warm regards,
Sami Selter,
MN Lakes and Rivers, Associate Executive Director
www.MNLakesAndRivers.org
July 2025
Welcome back after the 4th of July, we hope you were able to enjoy a some time by the water this weekend. While we at MLR (Minnesota Lakes and Rivers) hope you enjoyed boat parades, barbecues, bonfires, and fireworks by the shores of your favorite Minnesota waterway, we'd also like to draw to your attention how we are working to protect and preserve these memories by the water.
The 2025 state budget session highlighted just how vital MLR’s 30-year history of engaged, bipartisan advocacy for lakes and rivers at the Capitol truly is. With a projected $6 billion deficit expected for the 2028–29 biennium (with funding rolling out in summer 2027), MLR’s lobbyists viewed this session as a primer for the next budget battle. In the past, state budget shortfalls led to cuts in local aid and property tax hikes that pushed many longtime lake owners—especially retirees—out of their homes. Natural homesteads were replaced by suburban lawns, harming water quality and weakening community ties.
Today, with 56% of our waterways impaired and pressures from invasive species, development, and increased boating, we face a critical crossroads. Cuts to local programs will limit the ability of communities to protect our waters, at a time when recent surveys show only 15% of lakefront property owners feel their communities have the financial resources to manage invasive species.
Water Connects Us All™ has never been a stronger call. Our obligation to pass on clean and healthy waters to the next generations is a powerful message. When we share the stories and concerns of MLR's members, lawmakers listen. As you continue to enjoy the rest of summer at the lake with friends and neighbors, invite them to join you in protecting the waters that make these moments possible. By becoming contributing members of MLR, they will help sustain—and grow—the strong, effective voice that Minnesota’s lakes and rivers need.
Warm regards,
Sami Selter,
MN Lakes and Rivers, Associate Executive Director
www.MNLakesAndRivers.org
Volume 6 Issue 7 – July 2025https://www3.thedatabank.com/dpg/529/pm.asp?nav=1&ID=99729
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 [email protected] to order.
Mission Township News
Let's Plan The Future of Mission Township Together
Help Shape What's Next!
Your input is the best way to help us plan for the future. Mission Township invites you to share what matters most to you at the Community Visioning Session.
Monday May 11th
5:30-6:30 pm -- Vision Screening
Mission Town Hall
29474 Co Rd 3
Merrifield
Light dinner will be served.
RSVP to reserve your spot!
missiontownship.eventbrite.com
Your input is the best way to help us plan for the future. Mission Township invites you to share what matters most to you at the Community Visioning Session.
Monday May 11th
5:30-6:30 pm -- Vision Screening
Mission Town Hall
29474 Co Rd 3
Merrifield
Light dinner will be served.
RSVP to reserve your spot!
missiontownship.eventbrite.com
The Mission Township Transfer Station is open every Saturday.
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 Monday of the month (unless it is a holiday). Meeting schedule, minutes and agenda can be located on the township website--missiontownship.org
The Mission Township Transfer Station is open every Saturday.
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 Monday of the month (unless it is a holiday). Meeting schedule, minutes and agenda can be located on the township website--missiontownship.org