GPLA November 2015 Newsletter

Information for those interested
in preventing the pollution of
Pokegama Lake and maintaining the
desirable environmental quality of
the existing lake and lakeshore area.
2015-16 Board of Directors
Randy Brennan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 999-9964
Bob Conzemius. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327-8146
Pat Davis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 999-9658
Johnnie Fulton . . . Green Heron B&B 999-5795
Patty Gould-St. Aubin . . . . . . . . 259-1603
Ron Kelner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326-5817
Rich Libbey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326-1874
Randy McCarty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326-4268
John O’Leary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328-0800
Jan Sandberg. . . . . . . . . . . . 612-964-3324
Vic Spadaccini. . . . . . . . . . . 651-497-5600
Ryan Tierney. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326-6641
President -- Randy McCarty
Vice-President -- Jan Sandberg
Secretary -- Bob Conzemius
Treasurer -- Ryan Tierney
Membership -- Pat Davis
patbill@paulbunyan .net
Newsletter -- Jan Sandberg
[email protected]
Membership
Included in this newsletter is an additional list of new and renewed members
since June 19, 2015. Thanks to all 420
folks who are new or renewed members.
If you have not previously included
your email address in your membership form and would like to be on the
list for alerts/timely information on lake
activities you can email Jan Sandberg
([email protected]).
Dues remain at $20/family, tax deductible and members have the option of
donating to the GR fireworks fund,
our Itasca Community College (ICC)
Natural Resources scholarship fund
or the GPLA land preservation fund
during our membership solicitation
in May. If you have new neighbors
during the winter, contact Pat Davis
([email protected] or (218) 9999658) for a newsletter and membership
information.
Greater Pokegama
Lake Association
http://minnesotawaters.org/greaterpokegamalake/
N
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VOLUME XLV NUMBER IV
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Nov 2015
Pharmaceuticals and Personal
Care Products in Our Water
The following are personal comments from Kathy Lee, United States Geologic
Survey. Kathy is working with a group of concerned citizens, including members
of the Izaak Walton League, to study the effects of “pharma” on our water.
One idea is to locate more drop sites for pharmaceuticals throughout Itasca
County. Please take old or unused medications to the Itasca County Sheriff’s
office any day.
My work at USGS has focused on the occurrence of chemicals such as
pharmaceuticals and other personal care
products in the nation’s streams and other
surface waters. There are a whole host
of chemicals including pharmaceuticals
that we use in our everyday lives that
can ultimately make their way to the
environment.
Pharmaceuticals enter surface waters in a
variety of ways. One is through human excretion that passes to waste water
treatment plants and then passes to streams when the plant discharge to surface
waters. This doesn’t indicate that the treatment plants are not processing the
waste properly--they are just a conduit from our homes to receiving streams.
Treatment plants are generally not designed to remove these types of chemicals.
Pharmaceuticals are also sometimes flushed down home drains directly and go
through the same process as described above. For those of us on septic systems,
the chemicals can enter the environment through discharge to groundwater
from our septic leach fields. There is also defecation or urination pathways onto
land surfaces near water bodies or directly into lakes and rivers from humans
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and domestic animals (including dogs, cats, livestock, and poultry).
You may also wonder what the effects of these pharmaceuticals are in the environment. That type of research is
in its infancy. The concentrations found in water are generally lower than doses that are prescribed to humans,
but pharmaceuticals are specifically designed to have biological effects. One concern is how all these chemicals
individually or in a mixture (even at low concentrations) effect the biota in the lakes and streams and ultimately
how they could affect human health.
More research is needed to fully understand this. One area that is fairly well understood is the effects of excessive
antibiotics in the environment. Excessive antibiotics in the environment can result in the development of
bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. There is a lot of literature on that topic that may be of interest to you.
A few sites that may be helpful:
http://mn.water.usgs.gov/projects/CED
http://toxics.usgs.gov/regional/emc/index.html
http://toxics.usgs.gov/regional/emc/ecological_effects.html
http://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/index.html
http://water.epa.gov/scitech/swguidance/ppcp/
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/hazardous/topics/toxfreekids/contents.html
Corp of Engineers
POKEGAMA RESERVOIR FALL DRAW DOWN
On October 2, 2015 the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers announced that it recently began its annual winter
draw down of its six Mississippi River Headwaters reservoirs (Big Sandy, Cross, Gull, Pokegama, Leech and
Winnibigoshish lakes) to create storage for the spring snow melt. The water levels in Leech Lake and Lake
Winnibigoshish are lowered (drawn down) each winter to provide flood control at Pokegama (and other
downstream areas) and prevent shoreline ice damage. Pokegama is also lowered during this process and is
currently releasing flows. The normal target draw down is to elevation 1,270.42 feet, or 3 feet below the middle
of the summer operating level. The current lake level elevation (on October 16) was 1,272.92 feet. The final draw
down elevations will also be determined based on the winter snow water content. It is anticipated that the lake
will reach the drawdown target by January 1, 2016. At that time, the water content in the basin will be assessed to
determine further draw downs of each reservoir, if any.
For more information on the USACOE, see http://www.mvp.usace.army.mil/ and for information specific to
Pokegama Lake, see http://www.mvp-wc.usace.army.mil/projects/Pokegama.shtml
PROPERTY OWNER BEWARE
Lake shore property should be prepared in the fall (or late winter) for a rise in lake levels in
the spring of the year. An exact date for the rise in the lake level cannot be determined due to
the uncertainty of when temperatures will warm up and if and when spring rains will occur.
The water level in Pokegama Lake rises every spring in response to the melting of the snow
and spring rains. The amount that it rises can vary greatly. The water level can rise as high as
4 to 5 feet above the normal summer level as it did, for example, in 1948 and 1975. The rise in
the lake level in the spring most often occurs between late March and mid-May. Please take
the necessary precautions to protect your property NOW.
Treasurer’s
Report
as of 9-30-2015
Receipts:
Dues
Fireworks
Land fund
Book sales
Scholarship fund
Interest
6,500.00
4,810.00
1,880.00
175.80
685.00
132.36
Total14,813.16
Expenses:
Total11,155.06
Account Balances
at Grand Rapids State Bank:
Business Checking
Regular Savings Cert. Of Deposit Total 9,761.14
17,837.36
7,239.94
34,838.44
Account Balance in GPLA
Community Fund at The Community
Foundation $18,369.55
Smith Creek Spawning
Bed Project
The GPLA is pleased to announce we’re working on the
Smith Creek Walleye Spawning Bed project in cooperation
with the DNR. This project is made possible by generous
donations from Hawkinson Construction and Edwards/
LaPlant Construction. We’re
hoping to have everything
wrapped up by the upcoming
walleye spawning season.
Look to the May newsletter
for a more detailed article and
photos!
Ripples . . .
1. Many thanks to Jeff and Mandy Dick, Tom Dunstan, Dr.
Ryan Novak and family, Steve Swartz and Jan and Dick
Sandberg for participating in the 2015 Pokegama Loon
Watch in July. It was a tad rough for the count morning,
which probably explains the scarcity of loons--the loons
will move to a smaller lake when it’s this windy because the
fishing is better. During a one-hour period, our observers
counted 50 adults and 8 chicks.
2. Over 100 teams participated in the 2nd annual GRAHA
walleye shootout on Pokegama Lake on August 8, 2015.
This was a substantial increase over 61 teams in 2014.
$31,500 in prize money was distributed to the top winners.
The “Catch, Record and Release” tournament benefits
GRAHA (Grand Rapids Amateur Hockey Association),
Second Harvest North Central Food Bank and Special
Olympics of Itasca County.
3. Lakefront Bargain Hunt came to Grand Rapids this
summer. The program is scheduled to air in late 2015. The
successful homebuyers, Terry and Kathy LaValle, donated
their $500 bonus from HGTV to the Pokegama fireworks
fund.
4. Thank you to the Mullins family for designating
contributions to the GPLA land fund as a memorial in
honor of Arthur Broadhurst (late husband of Jane E.
Mullins, father of Becca Broadhurst and Rachel Broadhurst
of Rochester, N. Y.) who enjoyed many summers at the
Mullins family cottages on the lake.
5. Christmas is Coming – A reminder that Voices of Pokegama
books are at the Village Bookstore, Reeds or the Itasca
Historical Society at a reduced price. Hardcover books are
$14 .98 and the softcover books are $9 .98.
6. Cold Water and Ice in the fall can be dangerous conditions . . . .
.when boating wear a life jacket, have a companion, be aware of
weather/wind . Hypothermia happens quickly in cold water.
Remember:
Safe Ice: 2” or less.......Stay Off.
5” will support a snowmobile or ATV
8”-12” will support a car or small pickup
Snowy ice is not as strong as clear ice, note conditions
Greater Pokegama Lake Association Annual Membership Meeting
9:00 Am, July 18, 2015 At Zorbaz Restaurant On Pokegama Lake
President Randy McCarty called the meeting to order at 9:05 AM.
BUSINESS
1. Approve Agenda
Gerry Eisele moved to approve the agenda, Patty Gould-St. Aubin seconded, and the motion carried.
2. Treasurer’s Report—Ryan Tierney
The board received the treasurer’s report electronically prior to the meeting. Randy Brennan
moved to approve the treasurer’s report, Gerry Eisele seconded, and the motion carried.
3. Secretary’s Report—Bob Conzemius
The minutes of the June 15, 2015 meeting were distributed prior to the meeting. Ryan
Tierney moved to accept the minutes, Randy Brennan seconded, and the motion carried.
4. Board Elections
John O’Leary and Vic Spadaccini have been approved by the Board as nominees to the board. Patty Gould-St. Aubin
moved to approve their nomination and elect them to the board, Jan Sandberg seconded, and the motion carried.
5. Miscellaneous Updates
Need shoreline monitors. Vicky is looking for monitors.
Thanks to Terry LaValle for his $500 donation to the fireworks fund. He was featured on the HGTV show on
Pokegama in June and received $500 for appearing on the program. He turned over that payment to the
fireworks fund.
The annual loon survey is tomorrow, July 19. 2013 was the year with the highest count at 89 birds and 21 or
22 juveniles.
6. ICOLA/IWLP Updates (Jan Sandberg)
IWLP is looking at becoming involved in a research study to lake water quality monitoring in Itasca County. Working
with Bowser and SWCD. IWLP does not do agency type work itself, but it works with agencies to help fund projects.
ICOLA is an information-sharing entity, and it provides leadership to help lake associations to work on issues. RMB
labs will be accepting samples from local homeowners’ wells starting in September. The well testing kits are now
available, but there is a time limit on the samples (time between taking sample and doing the analysis). The Healthy
Watersheds conference on July 31 at Sugar Lake Lodge. The GPLA web page has information. Also, GPLA has a
Facebook page that is used for communicating with its members. Sechi disk testing (Bill Davis) is clearing 20+ feet so
far this summer.
Mullen family: Arthur Broadhurst died. The family has started a memorial fund in his honor to go to the GPLA land
fund.
7. Newsletter Update. Jan Sandberg has assumed duties from Pat Davis and is now editor
GUEST SPEAKER – Dave Weitzel—DNR Northern Program
The DNR laws for northerns have really not changed much since 1945 or 1946. Dave Weitzel spoke about DNR’s recent
update to the program. This includes some activity on Pokegama Lake, where DNR has had a good relationship with
GPLA.
Pokegama is one of the more popular fisheries in the area, and it is one of the most
diverse in Minnesota. It has a combination of both warm water species (bass) and
cold water species (whitefish, lake trout). Pokegama lake is sampled every 5 to 7 years,
most recently in 2010, so it’s due for an assessment this summer. Fish management
has changed from standard stocking in the 1970s to a more scientifically based method
recently.
In April, DNR stocked 600 lake trout (1/3 pound each) and conducted boat
electrofishing at night for smallmouth and largemouth bass. The agency also did some
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work with muskies, which have been stocked since 2008, just to identify sites that might be good for sampling in the future.
They also did a spring panfish assessment. Bluegills are becoming more popular (ice fishing) as a species in the lake, and
Spring is a good time to sample them.
The summer population assessment will occur in late July using gill nets. Smelt assessment will be conducted in the fall.
DNR will be stocking walleyes and muskies in the fall, too, and will look at data over the winter.
There has been about a tenfold increase in sunfish recently, given the weather patterns we’ve had lately. Sunfish have likely
benefited from milder winters and shorter ice cover periods. Do sunfish act as a single population, or do they behave
differently over different parts of the lake? From 45 nets over two week period, DNR found the following in Pokegama: 57
crappies (low to moderate density), 864 bluegills (sizes from 3 inches to just under 10 inches, with an average just over 7
inches), so it’s a very healthy and large size (quality) population. Bass, Grave, Big and Little Splithand are the best bluegill
lakes in the area, and Pokegama is right up there with them (although not any over 10 inches).
Bass management is currently not much of an issue. The population is rather stable. The largest fish are up to around 19”
for both smallmouth and largemouth species.
Muskies were stocked in 2008, 2010, 2012, but not 2014 due to a statewide shortage
of fingerlings. The DNR procedure calls for stocking for 5 of 9 years followed by
an evaluation of natural reproduction. Boat electrofishing, to identify areas for test
netting in 2019, identified fish 24-36” and up to 40 inches, consistent with the above
stocking period.
There has been some concern over walleyes as a result of muskies being in the lake.
DNR has been thinking about it, but there aren’t very many muskies. Muskies are
just a low population density fish and don’t have a huge impact on fish populations.
They are at the very top end of food chain, where there isn’t a lot of energy left, so they cannot be a very impactful species.
Typically 1 per 50 acres on Mille Lacs. Pokegama population would be a little more than 300.
Northern Pike: catch trend has doubled between 1980 and 2010. In 2010, more northerns were present than would be
expected in lakes with similar habitat. It is not desirable to have such a huge pike populations, but this is similar to trends
in a lot of other lakes in northern Minnesota. When there are large populations of northern pike, there will be a lot of small
ones. Their size is heavily density-dependent because they reproduce really well. Their spawning age is actually sensitive
to environment and acts as a positive feedback effect to this. Northerns eat smelt, yellow perch, but also sunfish. High
populations of small northern have larger impact on fish populations than anything else (incl. muskies). This is getting
attention statewide now. Historically, Minnesota has had only 100 lakes with slot limits for pike management. A three fish
limit has been around since 1940s, but it no longer makes sense. Minnesota’s northern pike habitat is pretty diverse though.
Northeast Canadian Shield lakes have far fewer fish (1 or 2 per gill net), some as high as 20, and southern Minnesota lakes,
where wetlands have been eliminated, need stocking to maintain the population. The state is presently evaluating a larger
limit (10 fish) with a 22-26 inch protected slot and two fish over 26 inches in possession.
Walleye in Pokegama. Average growth is to 15 inches at four years of age and 20 inches at seven years of age. There is an
excellent size structure, increasing since the 1990s. There is somewhat poor natural reproduction because deep and clear
water in the lake warms up slowly, so plankton are not yet present when fry are ready to eat. DNR stocks just under 2000
lbs annually at $35,600 per year. There is an upcoming project to improve spawning habitat in the Smith Creek tributary
because it is believed that walleyes may be spawning there. The project would include beaver dam removal. DNR might
conduct a site visit with GPLA members to stake out the project dimensions. This would best be done in fall when the
water is lower. GPLA members could also help by going out in the spring with spotlights to identify whether fish are
spawning in these areas.
This upcoming winter, DNR may draft a new lake management plan for Pokegama Lake. Drafting of this plan can involve
the lake association if desired. Typically, some associations like to be involved, but others do not.
Zebra mussels will likely not do as well in lakes with clearer water and less impairment and have not had devastating impacts on
fish populations where they have become established. Expect them to show up on Pokegama at some point, but Pokegama has
relatively clear water, so they may not occupy the lake with as high a density as in lakes with more nutrients. The best plan to
limit their impact is to keep the number of invading species to a minimum to reduce the stress factors on native populations.
to the Board
We are happy to welcome
two new members to the
GPLA Board, John O’Leary
and Vic Spadaccini!
John O’Leary has held a
number of community and
economic development
management positions with
local and Federal
governmental agencies
including six years as
Operations Manager with the
US Army Corps of Engineers
in Grand Rapids. A native
Minnesotan, John is also a
Habitat for Humanity and
MacRostie Arts Center Board
member. He is excited and
grateful for the opportunity to
serve on the Pokegama Lake
Association Board of Directors.
John and Jane O’Leary
have lived on Sherrys Arm
since 2002.
Vic Spadaccini is a retired
book publisher, volleyball camp
director, and coach.
He enjoys biking, sailing,
fishing, sightseeing, singing
with the Itasca Community
Chorus, and watching his wife
work in the yard. Their yard
was nominated for a Minnesota
Horticulture Society District 8
beautification award.
MN Power Integrated
Resource Plan
MN Power recently released its current integrated resource plan
that sets out how it will meet future electric needs. The full plan is at
http://mnpower.com/Content/Documents/Environment/2015-ResourcePlan.pdf
The company expects a 30 percent reduction in carbon emissions
by 2025, from 2005 levels, with the short and long-term action plans
proposed. Components of the plan include:
• Economic idling of the company’s Taconite Harbor Energy Center
in the fall of 2016 and ceasing coal operations there in 2020.
• Expanding renewables through delivery of 383 megawatts of
carbon-free hydropower from Manitoba Hydro via the company’s
planned 500-kilovolt Great Northern Transmission Line.
• Adding 200-300 megawatts of clean and flexible natural gas
generation to the company’s portfolio within the next decade.
• Advancing both large- and small-scale solar generation additions.
• Expanding the potential for additional energy efficiency savings.
The company reports significant investments in its power plants to reduce
mercury, NOx, and SO emissions and increase efficiencies. A project
underway at Boswell 4, the largest unit in Minnesota Power’s fleet, is
projected to result in a 90 percent reduction in mercury emissions.
Itasca Water Legacy
Partnership (IWLP) Update
The Healthy Watersheds Conference held in late July was
a success. A report on the conference with links to presentations (Powerpoint presentations and hanouts) is online at Maven Perspectives at http://mavenperspectives.
com/2015-healthy-watersheds-conference-water-forests/
Videos from the presentations may be found on Youtube at
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLskc2Ud_
rdtAN65j5ItbRII3s7HCG_4CJ
Itasca Coalition
of Lake Associations
(ICOLA) Update
ICOLA sponsored a well-attended
The Youth Water Summit
held in May was also a success with 440 fifth grade
students, 80 volunteers, 44
presentations and 77 presenters. A committee is already working on the event
for 2016.
annual meeting in July with a pre-
Other news: Considerable meeting time is spent discussing
AIS issues. IWLP partnered with ICOLA to operate a very
successful AIS booth at the county fair. IWLP is working
with RMB Environmental Laboratories on its new location
at ICC. The website is undergoing significant changes and
should go “live” in another month. An upcoming project,
in conjunction with RMB Environmental Laboratories, is
collecting new data and compiling existing and new data
to assist trends in water quality for 34 lakes in addition to
those assessed by SWCD. A grant submitted to BWSR is in
process. The IWLP Board is changing a bit, with the addition of Moriya Rufer (RMB Environmental Laboratories)
to the Technical Advisory Committee and two additional
new members likely in January. For more information see
http://www.itascawaterlegacypartnership.org/
new ICC lab and lake data, encourag-
sentation by Dan Swenson, Itasca
County Environmental Services, on
septic systems, zoning and variances, shoreland restoration, hazardous
waste disposal and risk of shoreline
flooding. Moriya Rufer of RMB Environmental Laboratories discussed the
ing associations to review their files
for older data. ICOLA also adopted a
policy about the use of email for advocacy. ICOLA worked with IWLP on
the successful county fair booth focused on AIS. In October, ICOLA reviewed the shoreland award winners
(ICOLA provides a framed wildlife
print to the winners). ICOLA will be
looking for work to begin on a county
comp plan update and on ordinance
revisions. For more information see
http://itascacola.org/
Greater Pokegama Lake Association Board Meeting
5:30 pm, October 26, 2015 at Grand Rapids Public Library
In attendance: Pat Davis, John O’Leary, Jan Sandberg, Randy McCarty, Bob Conzemius, Vic Spadaccini, Patty Gould-St. Aubin,
and Johnnie Fulton. Guests Dick Sandberg, Ben Edwards, and Doug Fulton were present.
Randy McCarty called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM.
Pat Davis moved to approve agenda, Bob C seconded, motion carried.
Randy McCarty delivered the Treasurer’s report in absence of Ryan Tierney. Jan Sandberg moved to approve, Patty Gould-St.
Aubin seconded, and the motion carried.
The July 2015 membership meeting minutes were presented to the board electronically prior to the meeting. Jan Sandberg
moved to approve the minutes, Pat Davis seconded, and the motion carried.
1.
2.
3.
4.
BUSINESS
The Harbor restaurant space. Doug Fulton and Ben Edwards presented their
plan for the Harbor restaurant and surrounding property. Doug and Ben
signed a purchase agreement for the property in April, and they are partnering
to develop the property with a restaurant, marina, houseboat waste pump-out
station, and boat maintenance. Their purchase agreement is for the two acre
piece of property containing the restaurant with an option to buy the rest of
the 7-acre property. They are looking for someone to lease the building and
run a restaurant. Doug Fulton has a lot of family in town and is looking to
develop the property as a successfully operating business that his family and the
community will patronize. He works in commercial real estate at the national
level with Avison and Young Real Estate, but he has also been involved more locally in northern Minnesota and has
advised owners of other restaurants. Ben Edwards is from Edwards-LaPlant construction, a locally operated business
in Grand Rapids. In addition to the restaurant, the plan includes development of a professional marina with 30 or
40 slips and four rental duplexes (eight units total, allowed by zoning) where families could stay and have access to
facilities. In the existing canal, there is a 600-foot easement with perpetual right to dredge that has not been exercised
recently. Additionally, the sand bar at the entrance to the harbor needs to be cleared every few years.
Questions to the board (Vic Spadaccini). Q: Can we get better colors and better pictures of zebra mussels on the
newsletter? A: The e-mailed PDF version of the newsletter has full color. The cost to produce a color version of the paper
newsletter is prohibitive. Q: Would the Grand Rapids Herald-Review be receptive to a weekly or biweekly column by
GPLA in the paper? A: The issues are twofold: it takes a lot of time to put it together, and the paper might not be very
receptive to a regular column produced by a single lake association. Vic could write the column. Q: Could we have a
members-only event for GPLA? A: Possibly, but GPLA already has summer membership meetings that are attended by
30 to 40 members. Q: Who dumped some white pine seedlings in the compost facility in Nashwauk? A: will track down
the source to find a way to connect the people getting rid of them with people who might want the seedlings. Q: Who is
the best person to contact for shore land management? A: Andy Ahrens at SWCD is the best person to ask.
Clarify By-Laws terms of service (Jan Sandberg). Jan Sandberg advised the board of the need to revise the By Laws
of GPLA on the subject of limits on the terms of service. If someone gets appointed to the board as a replacement,
are they able to serve three three-year terms after their interim appointment ends? The language in the By Laws is
ambiguous about the limits for board members that are appointed (not elected) to fill the remaining time limit of a
board member’s position. The board concluded that language should be revised to state that nine consecutive years is
the limit for any individual to serve on the board. The limit is reset, however, if an interruption on service (work one
year, not serve the following year) if the service is not for consecutive years. Jan will develop revisions to the language.
Memorial discussion—procedures (Jan Sandberg). Memorials are usually sent to GPLA with a specific
designation how to use the funds. In the absence of a designation, GPLA posts the money in the general fund but
could add to the community foundation fund. Jan Sandberg will write draft a policy statement.
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5. ICOLA/IWLP updates (Jan Sandberg and Patty Gould-St. Aubin). The lab is not certified yet but will be certified
by spring. AIS inspections have been going along very well now and Jan may add AIS information to the
newsletter (see below). Budget for AIS inspections is $50,000.
6. Newsletter update (Jan Sandberg). Might add information about zebra mussel traps and further information
about AIS. It might aid in recruiting volunteers and securing grants (some of these are 50/50 with time
reimbursed if equivalent hours are donated by the organization). We could mail a copy of Voices of Pokegama to
all new homeowners on the lake as a way to introduce GPLA and to encourage them to join the organization. Bill
Grantges can help do the “sales job” on AIS.
7. Smith Creek spawning bed update. The landowner has signed an approval letter to grant access for constructing
the spawning beds.
8. John O’Leary suggested a specific item be added to next quarter’s agenda for membership development to increase
the ranks of GPLA.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 PM.
Itasca County’s Aquatic Invasive Species Program and GPLA
In 2014, IWLP signed an agreement with Itasca County to hire a coordinator to implement and coordinate a countywide
strategy, relevant programs, and effective partnerships for preventing and controlling the spread of aquatic invasive species. The
Itasca County Coordinator, Bill Grantges, reports regularly to the IWLP Executive Committee and Board. He works with the
Itasca Soil and Water Conservation District and its AIS program that surveyed 96 county lakes in 2015 (47 had mostly plant
AIS) and treated purple loosestrife infestations at numerous locations throughout the county. In addition, Bill works with representatives from the Itasca Coalition of Lakes Associations (ICOLA) to review applications for Community Assistance Program
(CAP) grants and monitor grant progress. Bill also oversees the Itasca County Aquatic Invasive Species Program Facebook page.
By mid-October 2015, Bill reports that his team of inspectors conducted over 7,840 watercraft inspections with trends still
pointing to a 20% plus violation rate, an improvement from 2014. This work reflects 6,357 hours of inspection and decontamination time. Zebra mussels have been detected on three occasions, all at the Sherry Arm’s landing on Pokegama Lake, with two
on bunk trailers. The mobile thermal AIS decontamination unit has been in service since June 24. For the last four weekends, the
decon unit has seen near constant use while stationed at the heavily infested Sand Lake. Bill’s inspectors provided tournament
and pre-fishing coverage for several local fishing tournaments.
Communication and awareness efforts represent a substantial increase over previous years. Several AIS Watercraft inspectors and SWCD AIS Field Crew participated in the Tall Timber Days parade with the AIS decon unit made a big “splash.” The
popular AIS booth at the Itasca County Fair was a great success with over 1,500 people listening to conversations about AIS
and how to prevent its spread. Bill gave numerous presentations to local lake associations and business groups and is a regular
presenter at ICOLA. Bill also has a project in process with the Grand Rapids High School IB Biology program following up on a
study conducted this summer at Sand Lake. NOTE: The preceding description was adapted from the IWLP website.
From May 1 to October 20, Pokegama Lake received 2,340.8 of 5,696.8 priority lake hours,
the most of any of the other six (Bowstring, Deer, Splithand, Swan, and Trout-Coleraine) priority
lakes. A smaller number of additional hours were devoted to several non-priority lakes and other
activities.
GPLA purchased an additional 100 hours above its original allocation through a matching
Community Action Project grant. Inspections were conducted at five of the seven Pokegama landings (Kings (295.5 hours), LaPlant (8 hours), Mishawaka (367.5 hours), Sherry’s Arm (550 hours)
and Tioga (1119.8 hours). This year inspections continue into October, cover nearly every day of
the week and, at times, multiple landings. As noted in the general program description, Sherry’s
Arm was home to the discovery of zebra mussels on three occasions.
2015 Fireworks Donations
Leo Burley (certified pyrotechnician) and his pyrotechnic crew (all volunteers) created a wonderful fireworks display
on Drumbeater Island on July 4. Assisting with the operation were the Grand Rapids Police/Police Reserves, Itasca Sheriff’s
Department, DNR, Herald-Review, City of Grand Rapids, Arrowhead Transit, Pokegama Golf Course, and KOZY/KMFY.
GPLA’s role is giving members an opportunity to make a donation as part of the new and renewing membership process.
Thank you to the individuals who made a donation this year.
Akre David/Jill
Amble Buzz/Bird
Anderson Keith/Janet
Anderson Philip/Pat
Arbour Steve/Barb
Bahr Robert
Bealka Dennis/Kathy
Beier Jim/Sandi
Berkeland Jim/Jenny
Bjerk Dave/Georgia
Bleifuss Rod/Meredith
Bonney Harry/Linda
Boyer Robert/Linnea
Brennan Marcia/Randy
Burley Leo/Connie
Buysse Chris/Jodi
Carey Bernard/Jody
Chesness David/Kathleen
Chisholm Dan / Ann
Clark/Mcginnis Ann/Mike
Claypool Dave
David/Arnold Kristen/
Michaelyn
Davis Jr Bill/Pat
Demars Jeff/Brenda
Denzel Brett/Karen
Dornseif Dan/Jan
Dunstan Tom/Maria
Dvorak Dave/Brenda
Eisele Gerry/Mimi
Elkington Bob/Laura
Elliott Duane/Alice
Erdman Daryl/Audrey
Ericson/Kirwin Jeff/Kelly
Feyereisn Wayne/Bonnie
Feyma Steve/Lynn
Finden Sue/Steve
Forst Dale/Jan
Fowler Marc/Carrie
Fulton Chris/Johnnie
Fulton Doug/Cindy
Gaalaas Peder/Narco
Garshelis Dave/Judy
Gesme Andrew/Tiffany
Goodwin George/Kathleen
Gorham Willett/Judith
Gornowich Don/Phyllis
Grubs Jim/Judy
Hedberg Steve/Diane
Hedman Carol
Hegarty Barb
Heiken Mary/Doug
Heimer Tom/Nancy
Helgeson Russ/Sandie
Hendricks Mike/Mary Jo
Hileman Jim/Jane
Hill Jerry/Linda
Holycross Bob/Patty
Hrouda David/Marilynn
Jasper Joe/Diane
Jessen Geoff/Pat
Johnson Carl/Bobbi
Johnson Charles R/Tere Iva
Johnson Penny
Johnson Ron/Kathy
Johnson Scott/Julie
Johnson Steve/Barb
Johnson/Fattic Muriel/Dick
Klump Dave/Amy
Kopischke Ken/Carol
Kuhn Roger/Bernadine
Lang Lois
Langford Wm/Anne
Lawless Fred/Sally
Layman Bill/Sandy
Libbey Keith/Pat
Lightfoot Keith
Lothrop Jerry/Pat
Macalpine Kent/Judith
Martin Jim/Barb
Matonich Ed/Judy
Matteson Shawn/Kristi
Maturi Jon/Noreen
Mcavoy/Mc Mike/Siobhan
Mcdermott Peter/Charlotte
Mcgary/Lo Carl/Maureen
Mcknight Jerry/Joyce
Miner Jonathan/Pamela
Monge’ Mary Ann
Moren Pat/Judy
Mulcahy John/Cathy
Mullins Jane H.
Niewind Chuck/Alice
Nordeen Mike/Pat
O’brien Bob & Carolyn
O’brien James/Maureen
O’leary John/Jane
Osberg Lou Ann/John
Oxton Barry/Jami
Patnaude Reuben/Mary
Peiffer Joan/Tom
Person Richard/Teresa
Prazich Dan/Patty
Prochazka Drew/Tania
Raebel Stephen/Dianne
Rajala Tom/Karyn
Rasmussen/Le
Ringdahl Lee/Leslie
Roessler John/Joan
Rohloff Dick & Sue
Rose Jerry/Kathy
Roswold Gerry
Rourk Dave/Jan
Roy Denny/Wendy
Ryan Robert/Kristin
Ryan Tom/Deb
Sampson John/Gail
Sandberg Richard/Jan
Schmittdiel Leonard/Mary
Seliger Robert/Carol
Sherman Chas/Judith
Sinha Ashok/Vicki
Smith Dean
Smith Robert/Marlene
Sprague Lee/Patricia
Stanley Kitter
Steffen Robt/Ellen
Stimson David
Swanson/Huidek Joanne/Ann
Thompson David/Bonnie
Tierney Ryan/Katie
Tok Keith/Andrea
Vergin Mary B.
Verry Sandy/Ellen
Vilendrer Kent/Kathy
Wagner Darrel/Kathy
Walker F James
Weber Terry/Diane
Wetzell/Weiden Steve/Nancy
White Mark/Michelle
Wickman Bob/Ginny
Wigfield David/Louise
Wulf Lavern
Zilka Brad/Paula
Zwonitzer Ron/Nancy
GPLA Renewals Since June 2015
Anderson, David/Susan
Holzemer, Rex/Arlene
Roswold, Gerry
Anderson, Cindy
Hoogestraat, Tom/Mary
Rothstein, Jean
Bahr, Robert
Huntley/Bjorgum, Lark/Lana
Rothstein, Rose/John
Caron, Mike/Marilyn
Jasper, Mike/Kathy
Ruud, Jim/Brenda
Carroll, Pat/Nancy
Jess, Lee/MaryJo
Ryan, Tom/Deb
Chesness, David/Kathleen
Johnson, Carl/Bobbi
Sampson, John/Gail
Collett/Rajala, Jeff/Mary
Johnson, Ron/Kathy
Schmittdiel, Leonard/Mary
Connolly, Dennis/Debbie
Jones, Tom/Mary
Schuttinga/Dreyer, Carol/Connie
Cummins, Tom/MaryJo
Kaiser, Jeff
Shannon, Elizabeth
Davis, Emery/Marijean
Kalstad, Kirk/Karen
Smith, Dean
Dehn, Brad/Kari
Kirwin/Ericson, Kelly/Jeff
Smith, Bob/Marney
Devine, Tom
Klump, Amy
Sorensen, Jeff/Jane
Dvorak, Dave/Brenda
Kole, John/LuAnn
Spadaccini/Schreifels, Vic/Susan
Eichorn, Rusty
Kreitzer, Joe/MaryJo
Sprague, Lee/Patricia
Ewens/Loomis, Steve/Becky
LaPlant, Rita
Stanley, Tom/Ann
Glomstad, Gary/LoRaine
LaValle, Terry/Kathy
Stephens, Ken
Gordon, John/Susan
Libbey, Rich
Stone, Bob
Gould St. Aubin, Patty
Loegering, Perry/Shirley
Theisen, Tom
Guertin, Joe/Jeanne
Lothrop, John/Kathy
Thiry, Allen
Hallquist, Jim/Corinne/Jonas
Matson, Marilyn
Thompson, Harold/Shirley
Hedman/Rasmussen, Len/Carol
Medure, Pat/Donna
Walker, John/Jean
Hegarty, Barb
Miller, Russ
Weich, Doug/Madelyn
Heiken, Doug/Mary
Mullins, Jane E.
Weseloh, Jim/Trace
Hendricks, Mike/MaryJo
Niewind, Chuck/Alice
Whitney, Byron/Patricia
Hengel, Peter/Margie
Novak, Ryan/Amilee
Whitney, Thomas/Judith
Hileman, Jim/Jane
Petersen, Jay/Michelle
Yates, Jack/Roberta
Holycross, Bob/Patty
Peterson, Lane/Sherry
Zuhlsdorf, Gary/Bonnie
Calendar
January 25, 2016
In Memoriam
GPLA Board Meeting
5:30 pm GR Library
Reuben Patnaude
April 1, 1927 – August 21, 2015
A long time GPLA member and resident on the lake,
he was very active in the GR community.
GPLA Board Meeting
5:30 pm GR Library
Dr. Gordon LeRoux, DDS July 19, 1925 – June 5, 2015
A Pokegama resident for many years, raising his family on the lake.
Rex W. Myers 1941- May 15, 2015
Resident of the lake and business owner on the lake,
having developed the Crystal Springs RV Park.
Our condolences to the families.
April 25, 2016
June 20, 2016
General Membership Meeting
5:30 pm Pokegama Grill
July 16, 2016
Annual Meeting
9:00 am TBD
October 24, 2016
GPLA Board Meeting
5:30 pm GR Library
Address Correction Requested
Box 381
Grand Rapids, Minnesota 55744
Greater Pokegama Lake Association
Non-Profit Org.
US Postage
PAID
Grand Rapids, MN
55744
Permit No 188