Legendary Gustavus men's hockey coach Don Roberts dies at 83

Don and Nancy and their four children camped at Nies Campground on Birch Lake one summer around 1970. They found their "perfect" lot to buy across Big Birch. Two years later Don spent a week alone at his lot digging an outhouse. It just so happened his next door neighbor had chosen to honeymoon that same week on their lot. They felt well chaperoned and never let Don forget it! Don's family spent many summers and frequent weekends in winter enjoying the fishing and other water activities on Birch. He joined the BLA in the early 70s. And like many Birch Lake families, his children have continued the membership and enjoy our lake as seasonal residents.  He frequently had former hockey players visit - many of whom he had coached during his 35 years of coaching at Gustavus. Don's obituary can be found here. 

Public Meeting June 30, 2016 Presenting the Quality of the Waters

You are invited to attend a public meeting to be held June 30, 2016, from 9:30 am to 11:30 am at Hope Lutheran Church in Walker to present the findings of a study conducted over the past four years on the quality of the waters of the Leech Lake River watershed.
 
Strategies in a soon-to-be-released plan by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to protect the future quality of waters in the region will be previewed. “While the results of the study show the waters in the watershed to be of high quality, there are some areas of possible concern for the future if we’re not vigilant in protecting our waters,” said Lindsey Ketchel, executive director of the Leech Lake Area Watershed Foundation. “We cannot take for granted that our waters will stay clean in the future when there are continued projections for population growth in the region and climate changes looming on the horizon.”
 
In 2012, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) along with local partners Cass County Environmental Services, Leech Lake Area Watershed Foundation (LLAWF), Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe (LLBO)-Division of Resource Management, DNR, US Forest Service and the Hubbard County Soil and Water Conservation District launched a four-year study called the Leech Lake Watershed Restoration and Protection Study (WRAPS). “This watershed is one of the 80 major watersheds in Minnesota being assessed on a 10-year rotational basis as a result of the 2008 Clean Water Land and Legacy amendment, “said Phil Votruba, MPCA project manager. “The study will culminate in the Leech Lake River WRAPS plan, to be released for public comment mid-summer, that details strategies and responsibilities to keep the waters of the region healthy for future generations to enjoy. With final approval later this year, the plan’s strategies will be incorporated into the Cass and Hubbard County Water Plans to insure the counties and their partners in water quality protection are eligible for funds to implement protection projects prioritized in the plan. “
 
The Leech Lake River watershed covers 855,000 acres in Cass County, eastern Hubbard County, and a small portion of Beltrami County. The watershed includes priority waters such as the Necktie and Kabekona rivers and Garfield, Kabekona, and Benedict lakes in Hubbard County; and the Leech Lake River, Boy River and chain of 20+ lakes along the river, Leech Lake, the Woman Lake chain, and more than 30 other priority lakes in Cass County. This watershed’s land area ultimately drains to Leech Lake and from there to the Mississippi River and on to the Gulf of Mexico. Over 165,000 acres (20%) of the watershed is surface water. “This watershed contains some of highest value waters in Minnesota,” said Ketchel. “Our waters are essential to our health and quality of life, our recreation, abundant fish and wildlife habitat, and the economic sustainability of our communities.”
 
From 2012 to 2015, streams in the watershed were monitored for chemical and biological activity plus historical and current lake water quality data was collected and analyzed from lake associations, the LLBO, and local and state agencies. When the monitoring was completed, professionals and citizens participated in meetings to review the results and prioritize strategies for protecting the waters of the Leech Lake River watershed. The draft plan is being written by the Leech Lake Area Watershed Foundation and MPCA using the data gathered and input received throughout the four-year project; Cass County is the fiscal agent for the study.
 
The general water quality protection strategies in the plan, by resource category, include: continued forestry management to “keep forests forested” to prevent runoff to streams and lakes; replacing and resizing road culverts for proper water management; land conservation; vigilance and modification of local land use controls; livestock management; sediment and nutrient management; shoreland stewardship; continued water quality monitoring; groundwater protection; urban stormwater management; no net loss of wetlands; and protection of unique cultural resources. “Protecting our water quality will require the involvement of the whole community,” said Ketchel. “The public meeting will be an opportunity to hear about the results of the WRAPS study and strategies for future protection of water quality and the role that all sectors of the community can play in the implementation of the WRAPS plan.”
 
For more information on the WRAPS Project, contact Phil Votruba, MPCA, at phil.votruba@state.mn.us, 218-316-3901 or Lindsey Ketchel, Leech Lake Area Watershed Foundation, at llawf@tds.net, 218-675-5773.

Detroit Lakes area cabin owner catches curious bear on deck in middle of day

Bears are around us and are curious creatures, remember to be mindful of the food we leave out. Read this fun story here.

Governor Dayton Proclaims: Clean. Drain. Dry. Day!

At the stroke of midnight on Saturday, May 14th, Governor Mark Dayton will cast his line, proclaim Clean Drain Dry Day, signaling the start to a time-honored tradition, the Minnesota Fishing Opener!

With over 1.6 million anglers hitting the water, fishing opener is the perfect opportunity to educate anglers on the importance of invasive species prevention.  Clean Drain Dry Day recognizes county partners, lake associations and the many advocates united under a common theme working to ensure clean water and a vibrant outdoor economy. 

Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates (MLR) recognizes that vibrant communities rely on healthy natural resources and citizens engaged in the fight against invasive species.  MLR Executive Director Jeff Forester said:  “By presenting the Clean Drain Dry Proclamation at the 2016 Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener, all outdoor recreational users are reminded to take action and become part of the solution for protecting our lakes and rivers.”

Working with county agencies, lake associations and civic groups, Wildlife Forever coordinates community outreach and education throughout the state promoting conservation and stopping the spread of invasive species. 

“We can’t fight AIS alone. Clean Drain Dry unites everyone in prevention and I’m happy that Governor Dayton acknowledges the partner accomplishments in preventing the spread” said Pat Conzemius, Conservation Director of Wildlife Forever.  “We are thankful for Minnesota Lakes and Rivers and hundreds of local lake associations working to keep invasive species out of Minnesota's lakes.”

Minnesota is home to some of America’s finest fishing and boating waters. Clean Drain Dry is simple and easy to do and, as the national prevention message, visitors from other states are likely to have seen the message and know how to help. Visual reminders are posted throughout the state on highway billboards, at gas stations, boat ramps, bait shops, social media and on mobile devices.  

Do your part this fishing and boating season: Clean. Drain. Dry. all boats, trailers and gear.

Thank you. Thank you for your advocacy. Thank you for your support. Thank you for your work to protect our public waters

If you have any questions or comments, please call me directly or email me using the information below. It is only by hearing from our members that we can understand and act on the issues important to you. And click the Facebook and Twitter links below - I post articles, announcements, and updates through those social media sites almost daily. It is a great way to keep in touch.

Sincerely,

Jeff Forester
Executive Director
Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates (MLR)
jeff@mnlakesandrivers.org
Cell:  612-961-6144

A Burning Problem

Let's help protect our lake and the environment.

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mcvmagazine/issues/2016/may-jun/illegal-burning.html

Birch Lake Spring Newsletter

Jackie Schumacher has once again produced a wonderful newsletter. We have it on the website if you need to view it again, or to share with others. Thank you for all of your hard work Jackie!

Minnesota Lakes & Rivers

The Minnesota 2016 Legislative Session is a little more than half over. This Legislative Session is short, just 10 weeks and it is an election year, which further complicates the process. Still, there are some important bills moving and Minnesota Lakes and Rivers has been very, very busy.  Here is where we stand as of April 18th. The session ends on May 23rd. 

We wanted to keep you up to speed with a number of legislative issues that have emerged. Please make use of the links provided in blue text which will take you to more information, or the MLR Citizens Action Network, (CAN) where you can take action on these issues. Non-resident members will find links to local media outlets where you can draft a letter to the editor on these issues.

Property Taxes: It is time to reform the State Business Property Tax, on cabins and Commercial/Industrial property. Language is alive in both the House and Senate that would reform the state business tax on cabins. This is a state property tax levied on cabins ($43 annually) that returns no revenue to local communities.

In addition, this session Senator Rod Skoe has introduced SF 3492 which would eliminate the non-commercial seasonal residential property tax classification (cabins), thereby removing them from the state general tax. MLR applauds this philosophically, having long advocated that a “home is a home,” but much will depend on the tax ramifications. We are working with research at the legislature to learn the full impacts.

Aquatic Invasive Species: 

DNR Policy Bill: HF 2866/SF 2793:

• Creates a two year Lake Minnetonka Pilot Study, allowing the commissioner to issue an additional permit to service providers to remove and then return to Lake Minnetonka water-related equipment with zebra mussels attached after the equipment has been seasonally stored, serviced, or repaired. This should create efficiencies for marina owners, and savings for boat owners without increasing the risk of AIS spread.

• Clarifies that boats transported on a conveyance between adjacent water bodies must meet the same "Clean, drain, and dispose" standards that apply to watercraft transported on a trailer.

• The bill establishes civil penalties for those who refuse to comply with a decontamination order.

• The bill adds "micro algae,” to the list of designated aquatic invasive species - an important change given the discovery of the first infestation of starry stonewort in Lake Koronis in the summer of 2015.

• Restoring the MN DNR Grant programs for invasive plant management and inspectors. Last Fall the MN DNR announced that they were cutting all public AIS education grants, all AIS inspection grants, and reducing Invasive Plant Management grants to $200,000 from $675,000 last year. Lake Associations spend millions annually out of their own pockets to fund lake protection and improvement for a range of activities including fish stocking, aquatic invasive weed management, putting out navigational buoys, inspection programs to help contain AIS spread and education programs for everything from shoreline management to storm water runoff management. They do this in support of a public asset, Minnesota's lakes and rivers. It is short sighted that the MN DNR, instead of truly partnering and applauding these efforts that benefit so many, and partnering to enhance and encourage local efforts, chooses instead to abuse this generosity and push ever more of the cost for lake management to these civic minded volunteers.
   
• Remove the Sales Tax for Lake Treatments of Aquatic Invasive Species - Every summer lakeshore residents and cabin owners put out the call for donations to treat their area lakes for Eurasian Water-milfoil, curly leaf pond weed and other invasive non-native aquatic plants. This work, and expense, helps keep the lakes open for use by everyone in the state, improves aquatic habitats by increasing native plant growth, and lowers the risk that these noxious plants will be carried to another lake on a boat or trailer. MLR will push to remove the sales tax for these efforts, allowing tens of thousands more dollars to go towards this work statewide.

Join or Renew Now  

Click here to join or renew. Thank you

Sales Tax on Vacation Home Rental

The internet is driving a growing market in vacation home rentals. Some are businesses and others are families who occasionally rent out a cabin in an effort to help pay property tax bills and other expenses. Some resort owners have complained of an uneven playing field since sales taxes and health requirements for the lodging industry do not apply to these types of transactions.

Rep. Steve Drazkowski has introduced HF 3660 which allows a property owner to rent out a second home or cabin for fourteen days without having to pay sales and lodging taxes on the transactions. MLR, working with the Congress of Minnesota Resorts, has advocated that the legitimate property owners who rents out their property occasionally should have that right protected, but when the property is being run as a business, the taxes and regulations that apply to other lodging industry sectors should apply.

And while it seems unlikely that action will be taken on HF 3660 this session, the discussion will continue. MLR Executive Director Jeff Forester welcomes your views on this emerging issue.

Muskie Stocking: 

On Thursday, October 29th, 2015, a public meeting was held in Fergus Falls to discuss the DNR’s plan to plant muskies in Otter Tail County lakes.  This plan has been in the proposal stage for more than two years.  A number Lake associations and municipalities in Otter Tail County have passed resolutions against the DNR muskie stocking plan citing impacts to fisheries, waterfowl and recreational use as well as fears of increased risk of aquatic invasive species spread.

Supporters of muskie stocking point out that muskie fishing is a growing sport, and extends the fishing season into late Fall, and so extends the resort season as well, adding revenue. Muskies are stocked at very low density, a cornerstone of the claim that they have no significant impacts on other fish populations.

In response to the organized opposition, the MN DNR made the decision to delay stocking until after the Legislative Session.

Senator Ingebritsen (SF 3059) and Rep. Anderson (HF 3207) have introduced legislation that would either block muskie stocking into the proposed lakes (HF 3207), or would end the expansion of muskie into any additional lakes or rivers (SF 3059). The House has included their muskie language in its Game and Fish bill, HF 2844 (Hackbarth).  Both bills have generated significant controversy and it is unclear if either of these proposals will make it through the legislative process and arrive on Governor Dayton’s desk.

What is clear is that no matter the outcome from this session, the controversy will continue. Otter Tail County lake associations are working to expand an advocacy base to oppose muskie stocking in Minnesota, and Muskie’s Inc., a national proponent of muskie fishing, is ramping up its advocacy efforts as well. But most importantly, it is clear that a large segment of the population, including Legislators, has lost confidence in both MN DNR science and the public input process.

There is a need to do conclusive science on the impacts of muskie stocking. Without conclusive science that is above accusations of bias, there can be no resolution. Additionally, without a civic governance process that builds trust between all stakeholders, the legislative push and pull surrounding muskies will continue.

Thank you. Thank you for your advocacy. Thank you for your support. 

If you have any questions or comments, please call me directly or email me using the information below. It is only by hearing from our members that we can understand and act on the issues important to you. And click the Facebook and Twitter links below - I post articles, announcements and updates through those social media sites almost daily. It is a great way to keep in touch.

Sincerely,

Jeff Forester
Executive Director
Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates (MLR)
jeff@mnlakesandrivers.org
Cell:  612-961-6144

Gov. Dayton's Water Summit to Provide Interactive On-Line Access

We Lobby for Lakes                                                                                                                                           www.mnlakesandrivers.org

Gov. Dayton is determined to get public feedback on the state of water in Minnesota, and the direction that his administration will take in the next few years. Unfortunately, 750 people registered in a matter of hours, and many cold not attend. So in the spirit of inclusiveness, the Governor's office is providing an interactive web link to the event.

Yesterday, in this spirit, Governor Dayton's office announced that they will provide interactive on-line access for those that missed out on registering for the event. Below is a press release with all the details.

Now is our chance to make our collective voices heard.

Summit will convene broad group of stakeholders from across Minnesota to address water quality challenges in all regions of the state – both rural and urban.

 Online engagement tools will ensure all Minnesotans’ voices are heard on this crucial, statewide issue.

 ST. PAUL, MN – On Saturday, February 27, 2016, Governor Mark Dayton will host the first-ever Governor’s Water Summit at the InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront, to focus public attention on the serious challenges facing Minnesota’s water supplies – in both rural and urban areas of the state – and continue statewide dialogue around steps that must be taken to address those challenges. The summit will bring together water quality experts, farmers, legislators, regulators, the business community, members of the public, local leaders, and a wide variety of other stakeholders.

 An agenda and additional details on the summit are included below.

 Online Resources

To ensure that all Minnesotans’ voices are able to engage with this important, statewide issue, the Governor’s Water Summit will make a number of resources available online to all interested stakeholders and other interested members of the public. Links to all of these resources will be available from the homepage of the Governor’s website by Friday, February 26, 2016.

 Livestream

Thanks to the generous support of the InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront, the opening remarks from Governor Mark Dayton (9:00 am – 9:30 am) and the Water, Business and Stewardship Panel (1:00 pm – 2:00 pm) will be available via a web-based live-stream. The link to that web- stream will be available from the homepage of the Governor’s website by Friday, February 26, 2016.

 Public Forum

As part of the Governor’s Water Summit, interested individuals – those attending the summit as well as those who are not – are encouraged to participate in an online forum, where Minnesotans will be able to submit ideas and vote on proposed solutions regarding the state’s water quality challenges. A link to that online, public forum will be available from the homepage of the Governor’s website by Friday, February 26, 2016.

 Governor’s Water Survey

To ensure that all Minnesotans’ voices are heard on this important, statewide issue, stakeholders and other interested members of the public are also encouraged to take this online survey, launched in conjunction with the Governor’s Water Summit, regardless of whether they plan to attend the summit. The information and input gathered from this survey will help inform the Administration and Legislature on Minnesota’s water quality challenges and possible solutions.

 Governor’s Water Summit Agenda

 8:00 am – 9:00 am          Registration

  9:00 am – 9:30 am          Welcome and Remarks from Governor Mark                                                 Dayton (Ballroom)

  9:45 am – 10:55 am         Breakout Session

 11:10 am – 12:20 pm           Breakout Session

 12:20 pm – 1:00 pm           Lunch

  1:00 pm – 2:00 pm           Water, Business and Stewardship Panel (Ballroom)

Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith will lead a discussion on the role of Minnesota’s business community in addressing the state’s water challenges. The panel features:

·        George Barclay - Dow Water and Process Solutions

·        Anita Foster - The Mosaic Company

·        Ryan P. Godfrey PhD - Tonka Water

·        Raj V. Rajan, PhD, PE - Ecolab

·        Philip M. Rolchigo, PhD - Pentair

  2:00 pm – 2:30 pm          Wrap-up and closing remarks

 Breakout Session Topics and Rooms

 • Aquatic Invasive Species (Kellogg 1)

The spread of Aquatic Invasive Species through our lakes and rivers has a devastating impact on natural aquatic life. Stopping it will require behavioral changes and adequate penalties for offenders. Infested waters need ongoing research and the best available technology to clean them up.

 • Challenges Facing Minnesota’s Iconic Waters (Governor’s 2)

Whether it’s Lake Superior, the Mississippi River, or the Boundary Waters, Minnesotans take pride in our iconic waters. How can we protect these special places for future generations?

 • Ensure Minnesota is Resilient to Extreme Weather (State 1)

Heavy rainfall and floods are increasing in Minnesota as our climate changes, threatening our water quality, health, infrastructure, agriculture and transportation. Our water and landscape must be able to withstand these mounting pressures.

 • Sustaining Our Water Supplies (Governor’s 3)

Minnesotans can no longer take the abundance of fresh water for granted. We must take action to protect our water quantity and availability though efficiency and conservation practices.

• Water in the Urban and Built Environment (State 3)

When the rains come, it rinses our urban landscapes of contaminants, pollution, and sediment. How can we better manage stormwater runoff in our urban areas where rooftops and pavement speed polluted water to lakes and rivers?

 • Water & Wastewater Infrastructure (Governor’s 1)

Minnesota’s drinking water and wastewater infrastructure needs an estimated $11 billion in upgrades. How should the costs and responsibilities for current infrastructure needs and new regulations be balanced and affordable?

 • Water in the Rural Environment (Ballroom)

Water in Minnesota’s rural areas faces unique challenges as we balance economic development with the increased demand on our water, and as we manage potential pollutants. What strategies help us achieve these goals in a way that allows businesses to grow and thrive, while ensuring the protection of our water?

 • Living Cover (Governor’s 4)

Living cover is important to our landscape by holding water, filtering contaminants, protecting drinking water, and allowing water to recharge aquifers. We’ll explore ways to improve and expand living cover through the use of cover crops, perennial plant cover and other land practices.

 • Investing in Clean Water (Kellogg 1)

With the Legacy Amendment funds set to expire in 2034, it’s time for a close look at how to best maximize those funds to protect and restore Minnesota’s water. We also need a smart, balanced approach for utilizing public-private partnerships and other sources of funding to enhance the state’s investment.

 GOVERNOR’S WATER SUMMIT

 WHO:

Governor Mark Dayton

Lt. Governor Tina Smith

Cabinet members

Water quality experts, farmers, legislators, regulators, the business community, members of the public, local leaders, and other stakeholders

 WHAT:

Governor Mark Dayton will convene the state’s first-ever Governor’s Water Summit to focus public attention on the state’s serious water quality challenges, and seek public input on solutions

WHEN:

9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Saturday, February 27, 2016

 WHERE:

InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront

Lower Level

11 Kellogg Blvd E.

St. Paul, Minnesota

Jeff Forester
Executive Director
Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates (MLR)
jeff@mnlakesandrivers.org
Cell:  612-961-6144

Lakes Warming almost half a degree per decade→

From Kare 11 http://kare11.tv/1LfXpY3

MN DNR Seeking Candidates for Fisheries Oversight Committee

A wise person once said, "The world is run by those who show up." The MN DNR is seeking candidates for the Fisheries Oversight Committee. This is a great opportunity for Lake Associations to gain a seat at the table when it comes to advising the MN DNR on issues related to Minnesota's fisheries programs.I have just received this announcement and wanted to make sure all of you saw it.  I encourage every lake association to submit a candidate - lake associations play a critical role in fisheries management, from running (and paying for) stocking programs, protecting aquatic habitat, and buying fishing licenses.

Another wise person (but perhaps more cynical) said, "You can either have a seat at the table, or you will be on the menu." It is long past time for Lake Associations to have a seat at the table.

Here is a link to the DNR website for more information:  http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/gamefishoversight/tasks.html
 
MN DNR FISHERIES OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE APPLICATION FORM
 
CONTACT INFORMATION – identify:
Name
Street Address
City, State, Zip code
Email address and/or phone number
 
DEMOGRAPHICS – identify: 
Gender
Age group (30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+)
Race/ethnicity
General MN location (NW, NE, Central, Southern, Metro)
 
RESPONSE QUESTIONS
Which licenses and stamps have you purchased in the last year?
 
What are your outdoors organization memberships, if any?
 
What are your particular areas of interest for this oversight activity, if any?
 
Why do you want to serve on citizen oversight of the Game and Fish Fund?
 

Please email your application to the following DNR staff:
Don Pereira        don.pereira@state.mn.us
Beth Carlson      beth.carlson@state.mn.us
Kristel Peters     kristel.peters@state.mn.us

Best to you all - and please keep in touch,

Jeff Forester

Governor Dayton Wants to Know Your Water Priorities

Governor Dayton has scheduled a Clean Water Summit for February 27th. This event will likely set the Governor's water agenda in coming months and years. 
Forward this email to all of your members and urge them to take the survey - let Governor Dayton know our lakes need his leadership on aquatic invasive species.
Take the Survey to let Governor Dayton know that the fight to stop Aquatic Invasive Species needs his leadership. AIS is a biological pollutant as serious as nitrogen and phosphorus, but unlike those contaminants, it CANNOT BE CLEANED UP.
As Lake Association members, and lake home and cabin owners, we have know the water problems facing our state. You may never have a better opportunity to bring the issues you care about forward in the public policy arena.
Please take the time to fill in the survey. And if you can make the event, there is a registration link. 

Let Gov. Dayton know Aquatic Invasive Species is a biological pollutant, capable of destroying Minnesota's Lakes and water based tourism economy.
TAKE THE WATER SURVEY AND HELP SET AGENDA FOR GOVERNOR'S WATER SUMMIT, which will take place on Saturday, February 27, 2016.
 
Registration Now Open for Governor’s Water Summit
January 14, 2016
Summit will focus on state’s water quality challenges, seek public input on solutions
Summit will convene broad group of stakeholders to address water quality challenges in all regions of the state – both rural and urban
ST. PAUL, MN – Registration is now open for the Governor’s Water Summit, which will take place on Saturday, February 27, 2016. The summit will focus public attention on the serious challenges facing Minnesota’s water supplies – in both rural and urban areas of the state – and continue statewide dialogue around steps that must be taken to address those challenges. The summit will bring together water quality experts, farmers, legislators, regulators, the business community, members of the public, local leaders, and a wide variety of other stakeholders.
Governor’s Water Summit Registration
Registration is now open for the Governor’s Water Summit, which will take place on Saturday, February 27, 2016, at the InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront. Registration can be found online at this link. This link will also be available from the homepage of the Governor’s website. Registration is open to all Minnesotans, and is free of charge.
Governor’s Water Survey
To ensure that all Minnesotans’ voices are heard on this important, statewide issue, stakeholders and other interested members of the public are encouraged to take this online survey, launched in conjunction with the Governor’s Water Summit, regardless of whether they plan to attend the summit in February. The information and input gathered from this survey will help inform the Administration and Legislature on Minnesota’s water quality challenges and possible solutions. The survey can be found online at tiny.cc/MNWaterSurvey.

Best to you all - and please keep in touch,
 
Jeff Forester- MN Lakes and Rivers Advocates

Water is Everyone's Business

From Jeff Forester, Executive Director of Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates (MLR)

Often, when I give presentations on Aquatic Invasive Species someone says, "We can't stop it. It is only a matter of time."  Or they say, "We can't stop it and it won't be that bad. The Scientists will find a solution anyway."

Well here is one of the world's leading scientists working in aquatic invasive species, and he debunks all of those false ideas in the video below.

I wanted to share an episode of a Water is Everyone's Business by the Rice Creek Watershed District in which Dr. Peter Sorensen, the top aquatic invasive species scientist in the state (his research was key to solving the sea lamprey crisis in the Great Lakes,) takes on these issues directly and explores them in great detail.

As for the idea that we cannot stop the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species, he says, "It's our responsibility and our obligation.... We brought these things here and without much effort, we can stop it."

He discusses aquatic invasive threats on the horizon, gives examples of where and how AIS has been stopped, and explains the solutions for Minnesota.

It is a well produced informative video. Please forward this to anyone you know who has an interest in Aquatic Invasive Species and wants to have healthy lakes.

The Rice Creek Watershed District is producing a series of these informative and entertaining videos around lake issues, and we will continue to get them out to you as they become available. Thank you for your advocacy. Thank you for your support.

If you have any questions or comments, please call me directly or email me using the information below. It is only by hearing from our members that we can understand and act on the issues important to you. And click the Facebook and Twitter links below - I post articles, announcements and updates through those social media sites almost daily. It is a great way to keep in touch.

Sincerely,

Jeff Forester
Executive Director
Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates (MLR)
jeff@mnlakesandrivers.org
Cell:  612-961-6144

Strange happenings on the lake

Walking by the shoreline on Sunday to grab a few images for you, and here on the lake were these odd looking cracks or vein formations. Do you have an idea how they were formed?

DNR seeking applications for Aquatic Invasive Species Advisory Committee

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking applications from people interested in serving on the statewide Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Advisory Committee. The committee was established in December 2012 to help guide the department’s aquatic invasive species activities.

People concerned about aquatic invasive species are encouraged to apply if they can commit to reviewing reports, preparing comments and participating in eight meetings per year. Applications are due by Dec. 10.

Aquatic invasive species is one of the state’s most important natural resources issues. Preventing the spread of zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, invasive carp, spiny waterflea, and other invasive plants and animals is of critical environmental, recreational and economic importance.

DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr seeks to continue building strong relationships with those who have a particular interest and stake in the issue. The insights and perspectives of individuals, citizen organizations, and local governments have been very helpful in guiding DNR aquatic invasive species activities.

The committee comprises 15 stakeholders appointed by the commissioner to up to four-year terms. Application questions reflect the DNR’s desire to have a well-rounded Aquatic Invasive Species Advisory Committee. Members have a range of personal and professional experiences with AIS issues, including prevention, decontamination, public awareness and control activities.

Similarly, the DNR seeks representation from different parts of the state, as well as a diversity of ages, genders, ethnicities, recreational interests and education. The committee also reflects the range of private, nonprofit and public sector organizations that are actively engaged in AIS issues. Appointees must abide by requirements pertaining to potential conflicts of interest.

HOW TO APPLY
Apply online at http://survey.dnr.state.mn.us/snapwebhost/s.asp?k=144770880809. Data provided for the committee application are classified as public data under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. 

Details about the AIS Advisory Committee, including bios of current members, are available at www.dnr.state.mn.us/aisadvisory. For more information, contact Ann Pierce at 651-259-5119, ann.pierce@state.mn.us, or Heidi Wolf at 651-259-5152, heidi.wolf@state.mn.us.
 

Minnesota loons remain under close watch in their migration to Gulf of Mexico

Tracking Minnesota's loons' migration to the Gulf of Mexico and studying the effects of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill on the birds have been revealing.   Click here for more information from the Star Tribune.

Last Boat Ride for the Season

Rick and Diane Zaske took their last boat ride for the sesason-Nov 15, it looks like this might be our last boat ride around the lake.  We only saw 4 small docks beside ours on the lake and one other small boat.  The loons all seem to be gone finally.  We saw a couple small flocks of mallards. What a beautiful day!  The forecast is for very cold this weekend here so I finally took my dock in today.  Does this shoreline look familiar Mark, Barb, and Paul?

There is a loon on the lake yet!

While Jackie Schumacher and her family were up over the weekend hunting, she was able to capture this picture of a young loon still on the lake.

Protect Your Lake Heritage

'Aquatic Invasive Species' was the main topic for Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Jeff Forester key note speaker at the Pacific Northwest Economic Region Summit.

"The relationship between a public who was looking to protect lakes in their entirety, and all the ecological services connected to those lakes, the tax base, as a source of drinking water, the way of life that lakes support, has grown increasingly strained. With each lake that becomes infested with zebra mussels, public impatience has increased. This same tension is evident in other areas of natural resource management."

The rest of the article can be viewed here.

 

 

It's all about Walter!

I am not the person to talk to about fishing, but I can share many 'Walter' stories of which I have heard throughout the years. I would much rather read your stories and this will be the place to share them with everyone.

Please submit your stories to: 

mybirchlake@gmail.com