2015 WAPOA Fall Newsletter

Fall 2015
WAPOA
Stewards of the Lakes and Land
IT IS UP TO YOU TO HELP PROTECT OUR LAKES
ARROWHEAD | MUD | BIG TROUT | ISLAND | LOON | UPPER WHITEFISH | LOWER WHITEFISH | RUSH
HIDDEN | DAGGETT | LITTLE PINE | BERTHA | CLAMSHELL | PIG | CROSS | LOWER HAY | UPPER HAY | STAR
CLEAR | KIMBLE | OSSAWINNAMAKEE | EAST FOX | WEST FOX | GOODRICH | O’BRIEN | OX | BASS | DUCK
WAPOA
Stewards of the Lakes and Land
WAPOA Directors
Tom Watson
PRESIDENT
45 E Pleasant Lake Road, North Oaks, MN 55127
39195 Swanburg Court, Pine River, MN 56474
Pat Loban
SECRETARY
9041 Father Foley Dr, Pine River, MN 56474
Gary Olson
TREASURER
35926 Robert Street, Crosslake, MN 56442
Fred Strohmeier
WATER QUALITY
42863 Kego Lake Road, Fifty Lakes, MN 56448
PO BOX 208, Fifty Lakes, MN 56448
Jessie Eide
BUSINESS RELATIONS
38083 County Road 66, Crosslake, MN 56442
Jeff Laurel
NATURAL RESOURCES
11358 Manhatan Point Blvd, Crosslake, MN 56442
On the Cover...
Ted and Quinn are exploring a shoreline
buffer zone, looking for frogs, on Lower
Hay Lake.
A shoreline buffer zone helps reduce and
filter run off and lawn pollutants before
they reach your shoreline. Natural shorelines will also minimize erosion from wave
action and help maintain and improve
lake water quality. Natural shorelines are essential to the ecosystem that sustains wild life and fish. Native plants provide shelter for songbirds, water fowl
and other animals. Please do your part to protect our lakes for future generations.
What’s Inside...
President’s News and Notes...................................................................................... 1-2
2015 Run for the Walleye............................................................................................ 2
Make a Difference for Your Lake................................................................................. 3
Retiring Directors/Director Nominees....................................................................... 4-5
Economics of Clean, Quality Water for the Whitefish Area Lakes............................. 6-7
Silent Summer.............................................................................................................. 8
A Down Payment on a Good Summer.......................................................................... 9
The First Day of Fall ................................................................................................. 10
Joe Brodil
AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES
35518 West Shore Dr., Crosslake, MN 56442
Our Shoreline Restoration.......................................................................................... 11
Brian Olson
SHORELAND RESTORATION
16967 79th Ave N., Maple Grove, MN 55311
WAPOA has Information Booth at Classic Wood Boat Show in Crosslake................. 13
Army Corps of Engineers’ Volunteer Highlights.................................................... 12-13
Don’t Unkowingly Bring Spiny Waterfleas to Your Lake............................................ 14
Ken Neihart
OUTREACH
4255 Highland Drive, Shoreview, MN
40622 West Fox Road, (no mail)
Fifty Lakes, MN 56448
WAPOA Thank You.............................................................................................. 15-16
WAPOA Business Contributors.................................................................................. 17
Volunteers Needed....................................................................................... Back Cover
Dave Topinka
MEMBERSHIP
6190 Driftwood Lane, Pine River, MN 56474
Pamela Vaughan
PUBLICITY
33299 Duckwood Trail, Crosslake, MN 56442
Position Open
NEWSLETTER/COMMUNICATIONS
Position Open
SPECIAL PROJECTS/EVENTS
WAPOA
Stewards of the Lakes and Land
www.wapoa.org · email: [email protected]
The WAPOA Newsletter is published 3 times per year and mailed third class nonprofit.
Editor: Ann Schrupp
Published by Lakes Printing
President’s
News & Notes
by TomWatson, WAPOA President
Hope your summer has been safe, enjoyable and
relaxing. The Whitefish Area Property Owners
Association (WAPOA) has had a busy summer too.
WAPOA News and Notes
So, what has been happening recently at WAPOA and
what is new?
•
Completed three lake management seminars/
workshops (fourth on September 16) focused on
the water quality of our lakes, lake trout habitat on
Big Trout Lake, and learned about the “toolbox”
available to manage water quality;
•Increased watercraft inspections this summer at our
7 public accesses; more weekends, weekdays and
holidays and an increase from about 2800 hours to
nearly 5500 hours;
• Continued our monthly TSI (trophic state index)
water quality testing, with the addition of pH and
calcium testing, on about 40 area lakes in the Pine
River Watershed, including the Whitefish Chain;
•
Continued monitoring and advocating for a
thorough environmental impact and risk analysis,
including an environmental impact statement (EIS),
for Enbridge’s proposed route and alternate routes
for Sandpiper, Line 3 and all next planned oil
pipelines through the lakes in our area and North
Central Minnesota;
• Maintained cooperation with lake associations in our
area on AIS control, watercraft inspections, County
allocation of AIS funds, and local government land
use matters;
• Joined and hosted the July meeting of the newly
organized Minnesota Coalition of Lake Associations
(MNCOLA);
•
Completed presentations on the “economics” of
quality water, effective land use controls, and travel
and tourism about the Whitefish Chain, northern
Crow Wing County, and the North Central area;
• Participated with a multi-jurisdictional group of state
and local governments to advocate for stormwater
management improvements along County Highway
66 and Big Trout Lake, including working with
Crow Wing Soil and Water Conservation District
to submit a grant application to the Clean Water
Fund (our MN sales tax monies) for stormwater
improvements in this area of CH66;
• Hosted the Run for the Walleye (July 4) 5K, 10K
and Sunfish Dashes (over 600 participants of all
ages) with proceeds dedicated to fish, habitat and
natural resources;
• Advocated continually for effective land planning
and encouraged protection as it impacts sensitive
shoreland and water quality;
• Approved shoreland restoration grants to private
property owners and their plans;
•
Learned of new and continuing non-native AIS
threats to our area, especially with the finding of
the fast growing AIS plant starry stonewort on Lake
Koronis, Stearns County; new zebra mussels on Ruth
Lake (Emily); and more spiny waterflea infestations
on Lake Vermillion; and
• Confirmed that we have to remain vigilant about
“threats” to the water quality of the Whitefish
area lakes and assess our watercraft inspection and
education efforts for 2016.
What’s next?
Quality water is the attraction for this area and we
continue to have challenges to sustain it. With 14,280
surface water acres and 119 miles of shoreline, the
Whitefish Chain of Lakes is a destination for travel
and tourism visitors, seasonal cabin owners, resident
home owners and local businesses.
If we are to be effective stewards of this area - the
greater Whitefish Lakes area, the challenges remain
and we are faced with several matters in the next
months and year, including and not limited to:
•
Review our 2015 programs and activities and
establish our 2016 plans and budget;
• Remain actively involved in and participate in the
public hearings on the routing of proposed Enbridge
pipelines (Sandpiper and Line 3) in our area and the
Pine River Watershed;
• Commence a WAPOA Natural Resources plan for
the Whitefish Chain of Lakes and the area lakes in
our watershed; and
• Assess our AIS program - watercraft inspections,
prevention education and communication – and
formulate 2016 plans.
Continued on Page 2
WAPOA Fall 2015
1
It is becoming very clear to most of us, that if we are
to sustain quality water in this area, we must change
our activities in such a manner that we do not harm
ecosystems, do not further degrade water quality, and
do not compromise the ability of future generations
to meet their needs for quality surface and ground
water (e.g. drinking water). Each and every one of
us (residents, seasonal homeowners, visitors and
businesses) will need to adopt new practices, conform
to new policies and rules, and apply good sense if we
want to sustain the local economy and quality of life
in our area.
My Final Note as We Continue to Serve Our Mission
and Our Members
Prevention is the better course of action for sustaining
and improving water quality on our lakes. I know that
is a repeat, but protecting the quality of our waters
depends on the prevention actions of all shoreland
property owners, area businesses, and visitors. Thank
you to the members of WAPOA. We hope you will
find time to appreciate our beautiful fall season after
a nice summer.
Tom Watson
WAPOA President
2015 Run for the Walleye – A Huge Success
By Jenny Max, Race Director
Thank you to everyone who participated in the 18th
annual Grandpa’s Run for the Walleye. We had record
numbers this year! There were 544 total participants,
of which 70 participated in the first ever 10K race.
We also had approximately 175 Kids’ Sunfish Dash
racers. It was so fun to see all those kids run their
hearts out! Congratulations to Christian Leonard of
Elk River, MN who was the overall men’s 5K winner
with a time of 17:28 and to Neil Albaras of Hastings,
MN who was the overall men’s 10K winner with a
time of 37:58. Lily McKown from Independence, MN
was our top 5K female runner with a time of 21:13 and
Laura Roach from Hastings, MN was our top 10K
female runner with a time of 41:10. It was great to see
so many participants from all around the country – in
all, 27 states were represented in our race.
I truly want to thank the many volunteers who helped
coordinate the Run. Without their time and efforts,
Grandpa’s Run wouldn’t be the fantastic event that it
is each and every year.
Don’t forget to mark your calendars for July 2, 2016
for the 19th annual Grandpa’s Run for the Walleye.
See you then!
Runners
Finish Line
Dave Fischer awards prize
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WAPOA Fall 2015
Kids
WAPOA Fall 2015
3
A Big Thank You to our Retiring Directors
September marks a transition for the WAPOA
Board of Directors as some Directors “retire” and
new members step up to take a more active role.
Retiring this year are Jim Brandt, Dave Fischer,
Ann Schrupp, Mike Winkels and Pat Hecker. Each
of these folks has contributed many dedicated
hours to promoting the WAPOA mission and we
thank them for their years of service. Listed below
is our new slate of directors. Some are returning
for a second term and others are new directors.
NEW AND RE-ELECTED DIRECTORS
Jessie Eide
Jessie and her husband, Richard,
are currently in partnership
as owners of Moonlite Bay
Restaurant and Bar.
Jessie
has provided WAPOA with
many
complimentary
food
and beverage services for various events and as
WAPOA Business Director, has recruited many
local businesses to join the organization. Jessie
is very active in our Crosslake community and
is very active in many local fund raising events.
Thank you Jessie, for continuing your role in
WAPOA!
Jeff Laurel
Jeff has spent time on Trout Lake
at their family cabin since the
days of the “mail boat.” He and
his wife, Jan, became full time
residents in 2012, enjoying all
four seasons of outdoor activities.
Jeff and Jan are both active in the community,
working with Camp Knutson and “Light Up the
Dam”. Jeff has been involved with WAPOA’s
water quality testing group, taking lake samples
and helping with some of the lab work.
Pat Loban
Pat and her husband, George,
live on Middle Whitefish Lake.
Pat is a retired occupational
therapist. Pat and George have
two children. Pat serves as
Secretary/Treasurer of the Big
Whitefish/North Property Owners Association.
Volunteering is important to Pat. In addition to the
neighborhood lake association, she is a volunteer
grant writer for Lakes Area Interfaith Caregivers
and will soon take on the role as a volunteer for
the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term care.
Pat will assume the role of WAPOA Secretary.
Brian W Olson
Brian is Owner/President of
Terrain Corporation, which he
established in 1993 in the Twin
Cities. Recently his company
has
been
providing
land
development, land planning, land preservation/
restoration and real estate consulting services
in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Brian is a licensed
Landscape Architect, Real Estate Broker and MN
Master Naturalist. Brian is a third generation
family member, all of whom have lived in the city
Jeff and Jan lived on a farm in the Hamburg, MN of Crosslake, at various locations on the Whitefish
area for 37 years, where they were both active Chain. Brian will be the WAPOA Shoreland
leaders in community and church organizations. Restoration Director.
They have three children and eight grandchildren
and enjoy spending outdoor time together at their
lake cabin. Jeff received a B.A. degree from St.
Olaf College, worked for IBM, and co-founded
HighJump Software, an Eden Prairie based supply
chain software and services company.
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WAPOA Fall 2015
NEWLY ELECTED
DIRECTORS
Fred Strohmeier
Fred was raised on a 1,000 acre
farm with 150 head of beef cattle
near Frazee, MN. Fred lives on
the east shore of Kego Lake. He
volunteers on the Fifty Lakes
Planning and Zoning Board, is President of the
Fifty Lakes Property Owners Association, and
directs the water testing program for WAPOA.
Thank you Fred for continuing on as our Water
Quality Director.
Dave Topinka
Dave grew up in Cedar Rapids,
IA. He has vacationed on Big
Trout Lake since 1947. Dave
now lives on Lower Hay Lake
with his wife, Judy. Dave is a
Friends of Lower Hay Lake Board member and
has agreed to continue on as Membership Director
of WAPOA. Thank you Dave for all your years of
service!
Pam Vaughn
Pam holds a Biology degree from
Saint Cloud State College. Pam
spent 20 years with the University
of MN as a research scientist and
as a Quality Systems Consultant
with a medical device company.
Pam has been spending time on the Whitefish
Chain since the late 60’s. Pam is an active
volunteer for several Crosslake organizations
and has agreed to continue on as our Publicity
Director of WAPOA.
NEW NOMINATING
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Jim Brandt
Jim lives on Upper Whitefish.
He has served on the WAPOA
Board for 13 years, most
recently directing the activities
of our Shoreland Restoration
Committee. He has been a faithful elected servant
to the Township of Ideal. Thank you Jim for all
that you have done to promote WAPOA and good
shoreland management!
John Forney
John has resided on Lower
Whitefish for 25 years with
his wife, Carolyn.
John’s
professional background in the
advertising/marketing business
has been greatly appreciated as he helps with
our newsletter production. John’s past service
to WAPOA was as Board President, and also
involvement with water testing, newsletter, public
relations and the ROPE Study. John currently is
chair of the Land & Waters Preservation Trust.
John Pribyl
John holds an MA Degree from
St. Thomas. John is retired, but
was previously employed by
ARC Minnesota and Lutheran
Social Service. Past professional
background has been to develop opportunities for
seniors to serve other at risk elders and develop the
role of seniors as a resource to their communities.
John lives with his wife, Barb, on Cross Lake.
The above members will be serving on the WAPOA
Nominating Committee. A big THANK YOU to
Sandy Melberg and Dave Fischer for serving on
this important committee!
WAPOA Fall 2015
5
Economics of CLEAN, QUALITY WATER
for the WHITEFISH AREA LAKES by TomWatson
The Whitefish Chain of Lakes is a healthy public
body of water in a region of Minnesota that the
MN Department of Natural Resources identifies
with “good quality lakes”. “Good, quality lakes”,
as opposed to impaired lakes, for example, are the
destinations for second homeowners, vacation
visitors, and recreation travelers. That is an
obvious good thing for our “public” lakes. But
we have decisions about the proper “balance”
between maintaining quality water in our lakes
and inviting the public use of our quality lakes.
What is the tourism economy in our area – northern
Crow Wing County? Water is the attraction and
key element for the tourism industry in this area
year-round, but especially in the summer season.
Based on research completed by the University
of Minnesota, Extension Service, during a
recessionary period, travel and tourism spending
was nearly $300 million in Crow Wing County,
the third largest spending outside of the Twin
Cities seven county area only after Olmstead and
St. Louis Counties, as shown in this table:
As a result of “good, quality lakes”, regions of 2007-08 Traveler Exp State Revenue FTE Jobs
Minnesota such as North Central Minnesota, Crow Wing $294,295,204 $135,953,389 7,218
Aitkin 74,257,356 30,992,479 1,556
Crow Wing County and the greater Whitefish
Cass 245,867,979 113,581,822 6,033
Area Chain of Lakes are highly sought-after Hubbard 99,248,707 45,849,199 2,431
destinations. The local economy of the region, Total $713,669,246 $326,376,889 17,238
county, and the Whitefish Area benefits significantly
from travel, tourism, second homeowners and the In fact, the combined travel and tourism annual
expenditures they make.
expenditures in Aitkin, Cass, Crow Wing and
Hubbard Counties exceeds every Minnesota
The water quality in our lakes, the other county except Hennepin and Ramsey Counties.
“balance” component, is presently stressed with Travel and tourism is not a single industry. Travel
(1) quantity of present uses, including overuses and tourism expenditures in this University
in some instances; (2) existing natural forces and research are composed of spending on food
stormwater; (3) land use decisions of property and beverage (24.8%), lodging (18.7%), retail
owners and local governments; (4) persons (18.5%), transportation (16.0%), recreation
transporting watercraft with non-native aquatic (15.9%), and second homes (6.0%). This is one
plants and animals (AIS); (5) poorly managed measure of travel and tourism economics and
on-site septic systems, and (6) seasonal roadway a broader measure than the State leisure and
practices of our state and local governments.
hospitality sector.
How significant are “good, quality lakes” to the
local economy? The greater Whitefish Chain of
Lakes area is a major tourism area in Minnesota
and drives the economy of this northern Crow
Wing County area. “Going to the lake” or “going
up north” is a Minnesota quality of life feature,
and according to the research “good, quality
lakes” are the attraction.
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WAPOA Fall 2015
Leisure and hospitality spending as a measure
of direct tourism spending (used by the State
of Minnesota Departments of Revenue and
Employment and Economic Development) in
Crow Wing County, along with Cass, Hubbard
and Aitkin Counties, for calendar year 2013 gross
sales, sales tax revenue and employment is very
significant as shown in this table:
2013 Gross Sales Sales Tax Rev FTE Jobs
Crow Wing $205,526,213 $12,933,542 3,871
Aitkin $19,782,724 $1,363,440 487
Cass $100,740,225 $6,295,129 1,785
Hubbard $30,563,260 $2,031,545 754
Total $356,612,422 $22,623,656 6,897
How large is the impact of travel and tourism
on the local economy? Statewide, travel/tourism
industry gross sales was $13 billion in 2013. In the
Central Minnesota region, the spending in Crow
Wing County was 18% of the regional total; the
county with the most travel and tourism spending
in the region. The Leisure and Hospitality
industry consists of accommodations; food and
beverage businesses; and arts, entertainment and
recreation. As you can see, travel and tourism
spending is a significant contributor to sales,
employment, and taxes in Crow Wing County
and our area as shown in these two measures.
University of Minnesota, Extension Service. They
reported that the median annual local spending
was $3,252 per home. When combined with
local property and sales tax revenue, we estimate
the expenditure amount is closer to $10,000 per
home per year. Again we have decisions about the
proper “balance” between maintaining quality
water in our lakes, inviting the public use of our
quality lakes, and continuing to be an attractive
area for second homeowners.
I have discussed with the Minnesota Department
of Natural Resources about applying a natural
resources concept of the “biological carrying
capacity” to the Whitefish Chain of Lakes. The
“biological carrying capacity” or the density of
use of our lakes would consider and measure
biological impact of the quantity of watercraft
and motor size, land use and lawns on riparian
lots, fishing tournaments, pipelines and pipeline
spills, and on-site septic systems against a water
quality sustainability standard/index. The water
quality sustainability standard/index would
be a measure of uses and impacts that does not
harm the ecosystems in this area, degrade water
quality or compromise the water needs of future
generations.
We have forthcoming decisions about the proper
The “good quality lakes” of the Whitefish “balance” between maintaining quality water in
Chain of Lakes and lakes of northern Crow our lakes and sustaining this area as an attraction
Wing County are the destinations for second with our quality lakes. Should “we” consider a
homeowners, vacation visitors, and recreation “biological carrying capacity” for our Whitefish
travelers as measured by this economic data. The Chain of Lakes and other area lakes? WAPOA
“economic impact” of second homeowners was continues to advance strategies for the thoughtful
addressed in a research report last fall from the management of our pristine lakes and waters.
Fall is time for membership renewal in WAPOA.
Hey, even though the lakes will be frozen, a lot happens off the lakes. Decisions regarding the lakes
will continue to be made throughout the winter by township, county, DNR, US Army Corps of
Engineers, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and state legislative officials.
We will be there even if you can’t.
We will also be busy planning and budgeting our own program for next year. So please watch for
your WAPOA renewal notice. We can not do all we do without your help.
WAPOA Fall 2015
7
SILENT SUMMER
By John Forney
As I continued to think about it, I remembered
the book, Silent Spring, by Rachel Carson. The
book was published in 1962 and quickly gained
the public’s attention by exposing the bleak future
we were facing with the continued, indiscriminate
use of pesticides and the resulting negative impact
on birds (Hence: Silent Spring). The book painted
a foreboding picture of no birds singing due to the
over-use of pesticides. It was a landmark in the
movement to start to protect our environment.
Our children and their families gathered at our
home on Lower Whitefish this past July. There
were sixteen of us in all including our eight
grandchildren. We had a wonderful time and by
far the most time was spent at the dock, in the
boats, and in the lake. The grandkids probably
spent six or seven hours every day thoroughly
enjoying the lake and the water activities. In and
out, running, jumping, laughing and squealing. It
was pure fun and enjoyment for all.
The day after they all left to head back home to
Colorado, our next door neighbor told us that she
was truly going to miss the wonderful sound of
bare feet running down the dock and jumping in
the water. She said it was so fun to hear the kids
having so much fun in the water. At first I kind
of passed off the comment as simply a very nice
observation but the more I thought about it, the
more it made me think about what a legacy and
gift we have in of our lakes. The joyful noises the
kids made when they were enjoying our beautiful
lake was in marked contrast to the silence when
they were gone.
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WAPOA Fall 2015
So I wondered if we are doing the same thing to
our lakes? Are we treating them indiscriminately?
Are we using, misusing, and abusing our lakes
to the point that they will be unfit for future
generations to use?
Are we ignoring best
management practices to protect our lakes simply
because “its our land and we’ll do what we want”
or “well just this little bit won’t harm the lake”?
Or, are we not willing to find out the best way to
protect our lakes because we don’t have the time?
Will my great-grandchildren be able to enjoy the
lakes? Will yours? The historical water quality
testing of our lakes* and the advice of scientific
community strongly suggest we have already
begun the destruction of our waters. Are we
creating the Silent Summer?
*
The secchi disk/water transparency
measurement on the Whitefish Chain was
reduced from 13.6 feet in 1993 to 12.71 feet in
2010 — nearly a 9% reduction in water clarity.
A Down Payment
on a Good Summer
By John Forney
response to the financial challenge, WAPOA and
the Pine River Watershed Alliance have created
an endowment fund to provide grant funding in
perpetuity for water quality preservation efforts
in our watershed. The fund is called the Land
& Waters Preservation Trust and is being built
through contributions from people who want
to make sure our lakes and rivers are there for
future generations to enjoy as much someday as
we enjoy them today.
Our waters aren’t what they used to be. They are
deteriorating. They have suffered from countless,
small, thoughtless actions and inactions — overuse, misuse, and abuse. If you hope to leave a
legacy of this wonderful lakes area to future
generations of your family, two things are required:
volunteers and organizations to take steps to
preserve and protect our waters and, funding to
cover the increasing costs of preservation.
Please watch for a special mailing in early October
that describes Land & Waters Preservation Trust
and the special Match Fund opportunity to double
the impact of your gift — a Down Payment on a
Good Summer AHEAD.
Fortunately, there are organizations like WAPOA
and others in our Pine River Watershed with
volunteers who are ready, willing and able to take
the necessary action to ensure the quality of our
waters.
Today, the big challenge comes in finding the
financial support. Membership dues, fundraising,
and grants aren’t enough. Government funding
is not adequate to meet the challenges. In
WAPOA Fall 2015
9
THE FIRST DAY OF FALL
By Mike Holst
In the Pacific Ocean, west of Ecuador, lie the
Galapagos Islands. One thing that is unique
about them is they virtually straddle the equator.
They have no change in the hours of daylight—
spring or fall; the sun just shines from a different
direction. I have often wondered what it would be
like to live like that. I guess in the winter I would
think it was pretty good, but in the summer, not
so much. Because summer here—well, it doesn’t
get much better than it is. Summer, as we know
it traditionally at the lake, lives between two
bookends, as it arrives on Memorial Day, and
thumbs its nose at us on Labor Day. Fall, however,
is so fickle, so open-ended, never announcing
when it’s coming or going. It’s like welcome
September 23rd was the equinox—you know, company that arrives unannounced—leaving us
that day of the year when night and day share guessing how long it’s going to be around and
the same amount of time. Today is almost a dreading the ending we know is coming.
carbon copy of yesterday. However, now there is
a difference. They’re not equal anymore. One is So we take the fall days as they come, wishing for
longer than the other and it’s not the good one more, but knowing each day is one more day that
this time. I spent some time on the porch swing it’s not winter yet. No one seems to understand
today, looking out over the lake. The trees on the what makes a summer rain so refreshing, but in
shoreline across are changing into their colors of fall—well, it’s just unnecessary and sad. Then, one
autumn. There is a south breeze creating little day we wake up and look out the back door and
ripples on the lake, and pushing already-fallen there it is. As soft as a mother’s whisper, it came
leaves across the surface, like tiny sampans in the while we slept, blanketing the earth once more;
orient. If you sniff the air, there is a musty smell and now fall has left us just like that. No Labor
from the woods, reminiscent of dying vegetation Day weekend, no ‘cheerio’ or even a goodbye.
and moldy logs. The dock is out of the water, the The gray and white winter world is back and oh,
boat and the outdoor furniture put away, and it’s so deathly dark, cold and quiet. Maybe its
now we wait.
Mother Nature’s way of telling us, “I’m sorry I
had to put the earth to sleep for a while, so why
It doesn’t seem to have been that long ago when don’t you just take it easy for a time, too.”
we enjoyed the spring equinox—and we waited
for flowers to bloom and grass and leaves to For a writer, autumn seems to defy ordinary
put some color into our gray and white world. description, with its tawny grass and
Back then, the increasingly longer day, was the shriveled leaves,
and all its death
good one. Springtime was like showing a film of and dying. It’s not
fall backwards, as the dock and the boat were so much a season,
going into the lake, instead of out. The plants but a transition,
were budding instead of shedding, the flowers that lets us
were blooming instead of wilting, and my whole down easy as
attitude was so different because I was excited, we slide into
instead of subdued. But now its fall and the leaves winter. No pun
have become my proxy-colored flowers. Today, I intended.
feel like a little kid who’s just been told to go to
bed because playtime is over, and all of my friends
have gone home.
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WAPOA Fall 2015
Our SHORELINE Restoration
By Joy Majsterski
the Ideal Corners Community Center to face the
group who would make the decision whether my
project would garner a grant. Yes, yes, I received the grant, but I also received
much more in return. I did, in fact, get 4 young
college graduates working in the Corps, supply
me with muscle for digging and planting coir logs,
and transplanting native plants into the logs, but
I got a chance to meet and talk with the group:
so a special shout out to Darren Mayers (Crow
Wing Water and Soil), the Conservation Corps
members, and to Jim Brandt, from WAPOA,
Shoreline Restoration...we see the notices from and Bonnie, “Queen” of Sunshine Gardens,” for
WAPOA in our newspapers in early springtime. supplying muscle and information to the project.
For years, I had been toying with the idea of
doing some work to my receding shoreline and My project is by no means completed. This was
adding more native plants, but the work seemed Phase One, I am in the process of Phase 2 and
overwhelming to me.
next year I’ll work on Phase 3. Lots of work, lots
of sweat, lots of sore muscles, not so pretty this
I then heard WAPOA had added crew hours from year, but I have visions of butterflies, and bees
Conservation Corps members, and the thought and hummingbirds visiting my yard in years to
of some “muscle” to help with the heavy work come. I have learned so much from this project,
really made applying for a WAPOA Shoreline that come May of next year, you might just see me
Restoration grant a “no brainer” for me. So drawing up plans for another shoreline project.
this year, with my hand drawn project, I entered
WAPOA Fall 2015
11
Army Corps of Engineers’
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
By Miranda Peters
Building Bat Houses
about volunteer opportunities and began volunteering
for the Corps’ during the summer of 2014.
While volunteering with the Corps of Engineers,
Peggy has presented programs including: ‘We’re
Going Batty’- where participants learned about bats of
Minnesota and built bat houses; ‘Birds, Bugs, & Bee
Habitats’- participants made either a robin nesting
box, bug house or Mason Bee house and learned about
their importance and type of habitat needed to attract
each of them; ‘Animal Tracking’- kids learned how to
identify tracks and made a plaster-cast animal track,
‘We’re Rotten to the Core’- this program taught about
decomposers and decomposition and participants
added the finishing touches to game boards made from
reclaimed wood.
The Army Corps of Engineers’ Cross Lake Recreation
Area has been privileged to have Master Naturalist
Peggy Fowler volunteer her time and expertise over the
past two summers. During the summer of 2013 Peggy
attended a week-long Master Naturalist program
through the University of Minnesota. Peggy completed
the ‘Big Woods, Big Rivers’ courses and became a
certified Master Naturalist of Minnesota.
When asked about the Big Woods, Big Rivers course
Peggy says “the course provided an overview of the
distinctive biotic components and the geological history
found in the almost 12 million acres of the Eastern
Broadleaf Forest Province located in Minnesota.”
After becoming a Master Naturalist, Peggy began
looking for fun ways to volunteer her time while
keeping current in Master Naturalist course-work.
Peggy visited the Cross Lake Recreation Area, inquired
All of Peggy’s programs are interactive and each
participant gets the opportunity to create an object
relating to the topic. A few of the visitors that
participated in ‘Birds, Bugs, & Bee Habitats’ donated
the boxes and houses they built back to the Corps.
These insect and animal habitats will become part
of the Linda Ulland Memorial Garden that is being
constructed outside the administrative building.
In addition to her monthly programs, Peggy has
participated in annual events such as the Crosby
Kindergarten’s visit to the Dam and Crosslake
Recreation Area’s 2015 Fishing Derby. The Corps of
Engineers also keeps a rotating display at the Crosslake
Community Center. Peggy created beautiful exhibits
including Earth Day, ‘Stories of Trees’, ‘Signs of Spring’,
the Linda Ulland Memorial Garden, Campground
Flowers, and ‘There’s Fungus Among Us in Crosslake.’
Peggy has done an outstanding job working as a
volunteer at the Cross Lake Recreation Area. When
Creating Cribbage Boards
from Reclaimed Wood
12
WAPOA Fall 2015
at the campground have been coming for generations
and the adults seem to revert back to the pre-electronic
days. They’re into the kids and the program—not their
electronics. It’s a bit nostalgic. It’s nice to see.”
Cross Lake Recreation Area is currently seeking
volunteers for the 2016 season. Available positions
include, but are not limited to: Aquatic Invasive Species
Inspector, Firewood Sales, and Campground Host. If
you are interested in volunteering in other areas such
as programming and gardening please give us a call!
Making animal tracks
asked why she enjoys volunteering here she says:
…‘having the opportunity to help kids learn to respect
and care for our natural resources is priceless. Here,
parents are always with the kids to help. They’re in
non-stress, easy-going, vacation mode. Many families
For more information on volunteering:
Visit our Volunteer Clearinghouse website: http://
www.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/Recreation/
VolunteerClearinghouse.aspx
Give us a call: 651-290-5791
Or, stop by our office: 35507 County Road 66
Crosslake, Minnesota 56442
WAPOA has Information Booth at
Classic Wood Boat Show in Crosslake
For WAPOA the annual Antique and Classic Wood Boat Show
on Cross Lake is a wonderful opportunity for us to directly
meet local residents, visiting boaters, and WAPOA members.
Over 50 classic and wood boats were represented, some from
as far back as the 1920’s. Visitors are able to walk on the extensive dock system of Moonlite Bay, getting right next to real
classics and in many cases talking to the owners.
WAPOA has its information booth right in the heart of the
activities. Staffed all day by knowledgeable volunteers, it is a
perfect place for WAPOA to get information to a great number boaters and shoreline residents who are interested in lake
water quality protection and improvement, invasive species
threats, and shoreline restoration.
WAPOA Fall 2015
13
Don’t UNKNOWINGLY Bring
Spiny Waterfleas to Your Lake
By Alan Sherburne
What if this fall you buy a used dock or other used
waterfront equipment for use next year? Then store
it for the winter. Maybe there’s a little bit of mud on it
or it has not been cleaned thoroughly?
Unlike zebra mussels, freezing and drying may not kill
the resting thick­walled spiny waterflea eggs. They can
even pass through a fish’s digestive tract and still hatch
later!
If it is from Mille Lacs you could be bringing spiny
waterfleas.
They and their eggs can unknowingly be transported
not only in water in the boat and live well, but also on
ropes and nets, and in mud on anchors, and trailers.
Spiny waterfleas are as near as Mille Lacs. (It is always
possible that they are unrecognized in other nearer
area lakes.) They are often mentioned as a possible
contributor to the catastrophic collapse of the walleye
population in Mille Lacs.
Reproducing very rapidly, a single female can infect
a lake. They compete directly with tiny fish for the
available food. That lack of food for little fish travels
right up the food chain. It means less food for the
bigger fish we like to catch.
No more than 5/8ths of an inch long, they have a long
spiny barbed tail which protects them from predators.
On a fishing line they look like mucous or cotton
plugging up the guide rings, and their one eye may be
seen as a small black spot.
They can collect on objects put in the water such as
fishing line, anchor ropes, nets, etc. The messy globs
that they form are the least of the problems they cause.
14
WAPOA Fall 2015
Now in the fall we are starting to move not only boats,
but waterfront equipment. If we buy any equipment
we should get it cleaned thoroughly. Not only drain all
the water but get the mud off everything.
Docks and other equipment that have been in a lake for
any period of time will harbor, in high concentration,
any invasive species that are in that lake. Equipment
movement between lakes poses great danger to other
lakes­­
, perhaps even more than fishermen moving
between lakes.
The DNR emphasizes that if you move docks and
other waterfront equipment from one lake to another
there must be at least a 21-day period out of the water
for the equipment before it is put into another lake.
Even longer is better. If you are buying, selling, or even
moving used equipment this fall to storage, observe
the DNR requirements governing proper cleaning,
transport, and quarantine periods. You may need to
carry a signed DNR permit.
WAPOA
Thank You
STEWARDS (>$500)
James & Allison Brunes
Steve Curry & Julie Zimmerman
Jeff & Robin Lundborg
Dale & Gwendolyn Orred
SPONSORS (>$250)
John & Linda Andrews
Donald W & Lisa C Beaupre
Ed & Linda D Carpenter
Dennis Clemens
Cindy Conroy & John Madgett
Jonathan & Michele Eisele
Fred Gooley
Robert A & Mary L Graves-­‐Juve
James A & Kari J Haertzen
Jeanine M Hays
Michael Kobs
Daniel J McGraw
John Jr & Terry Norris
C Dennis & Mary O’Hare
Rich & Marit Reese
Kristen & Stephen Rose
Alan & Nancy Sherburne
Carolyn Taylor
Larry & Victoria L Zobel
FRIENDS (>$100)
(4) Anonymous
Douglas & Sandra Alger
David Anderson
Jim Anderson
Larry P & Joan L Arnold
Gil & Ginny Arvig
Richard & Katherine Atkinson
Dave & Mary Badger
Steven & Jennifer Baker
Jerald & Lauri Baratto
Bob & Jane Beach
John D Becker
Robert E & Jacqueline Becker
Milo A & Karen J Bennett
Leo F & Laura Benning
Gerald & Sandra Bilski
Milton Jr & Linda Bock
Carl Borine
Julie & Tom Bredesen
Joe & Mardy Brodil
John F & Lynne Bruder
John & Kristy Buck
WAPOA would like to thank the following
members that have made contributions in
2015 above and beyond their dues
Richard Burnham
Mary & Kelly Conger
Charles J Costa
Donald L & Corinne M Craig
Dennie Crooks
Barbara Curry
David A & Jean A Dassenko
James E & Gretchen Davidson
Jack H Eggleston
Richard & Jessica Eide
Mark T & Marlene A Engstrom
Marv & Joan Erdman
Michael K & Madelyn J Erickson
Jean Noel Eucher
Lincoln Fetcher & Kathleen Kater
David R & Marie A Fischer
William C & Deborah S Fisher
Camp Foley
Eileen R & Roy Fontaine
John & Carolyn Forney
Gregory & Julie Frandsen
Glen & Jeanne Frischmon
Thomas R & Mary Jo Fritsche
Bob & Karen Garland
John K & Patricia M Gilligan
James M Glenn
David & Christine Greischar
James S & Patricia E Gunderson
Thomas & Laura Gust
Samuel V & Cynthia Hanson
Howard & Mary Hawkins
Mildred T & James D Heck
Tom & Pat Hecker
John & Karen Himle
Ardys Hjerpe
Michael Hoke & Vonnie Lowman
Larry & Maureen Hollerich
Randy & Laurie Holt
David W & Judith Ann Jackson
Garth & Deborah Johnson
Stan & Skeeter Johnson
Dwayne & Jacquelin Jones
Leslie B & Nancy M Jones
Peter F & Hildie Kehler
Vern & Linda Kelley
Jay & Lisa Kent
Thomas R & Lona Jean Kluge
William & Elaine Knoff
Daniel & Pamela Kocer
Roy J & Carol R Kraft
Edward Kremer
Curt Kummer
Tim & Bonnie L Lane
John E Larsen & Mike Stewart
John & Karen Larsen
Daniel & Sally Larson
Ronald & Karen Larson
Jeff & Jan Laurel
John Lohmiller
Mark A Lozano & David E Gibbons
Thomas & Theresa Lydon
Roger Lynn & Sarah Dagg
Brennan C & Cynthia M McAlpin
Dale & Sandra Melberg
Ron & Sandy Meyer
Steve & Cheryl Michel
Robert T Miller
Thomas Mueller
Timothy & Kathleen Murnane
Gail Nelson Bliven & Chuck Nelson
Scott & Diane Nelson
Mark A & Donna S Nielsen
Dean W & Elizabeth M Noble
Pauline & Jerry Norgaard
Michael & Heidi Norman
A J C North LLC
Marilyn & Robert Olufs
Marian Peterson
Mark Rauenhorst
Richard D Reever
John R & Kathryn A Reisinger
Bruce Rohde
Tim & Liz Rollman
Michael & Julie Ruether
Terry H & Cynthia A Rust
Mark & Sue Scharenbroich
Judith B & Steve Schumeister
Mary Jane Sebald
Steven & Roxanne Sinkie
Kenneth A & Diane Skrien
Patrick & Marlene Sloan
Thomas Smith & Shelley Psyhogios
David & Kathryn Sorensen
Joseph & Suzanne Sullivan
John & Stephanie Sulzbach
Thomas & Karen Teske
Fred & Judy Thomas
David J & Judith A Topinka
Jeffrey & Jolene Trippe
Mark & Anita Udager
Michael & Danielle Valley
Pam & Wayne Vaughan
Jack & Jeri Veach
Rich & Lynn Voelbel
Continued on next page
WAPOA Fall 2015
15
Judy Wallschlaeger
Steven J Wallschlaeger
David & Nancy Walter
John L & Jane M Wardell
Daniel M & Barbara Warrington
Tom & Jane Watson
Matthew S Werneke
Robert & Geraldine Westlund
Cynthia J Wolfe
Jim & Lisa Wood
James G & Stephanie Woytcke
Jennifer Wuollet
Fred & Barbara Zahn
Joseph A & Cindy A Zemien
Jeffrey Zimmerman
OVER $30 (>$30)
(2) Anonymous
Greg & Jane Achterling
Frank & Leslie Altman
Robert C Bertram
James & Jacquelyn Brandt
John C Breen
Glenn & Nancy Bruggemann
Robert & Jean Burnett
Louis & Susan Buron
Mary A Campbell
Donald & Sandra Carpenter
Robert & Mary Casper
Tony & Bonnie Coffey
Peter A & Mary Jo Conzemius
Patrick & Terry Coughlin
Andrew H & Kristen A Cragg
David & Laurie Dahl
Geoffrey & Martha Davidge
Howard M Delk
Douglas & Patricia Dirks
William & Rebecca Donovan
Bonnie Dyrdahl
Edward & Toni Egan
Allen & Sandy Eliason
Donald & Myra Faust
Fawn Lake Crosslake Outlet A LLC
Robert W Fischer
David & Susan Von Fruke
George & Charlotte Gibbons
Michael J Giefer
Ginger Glenn
Marcia Gray
Beverly J Greenley
Michael & Kelly Haglund
Dennis L Hawkins & Michele Smith
Harry Head
16
WAPOA Fall 2015
William H & Sharon K Hennemuth
Gregory D & Corin Hodder
Gary & Rebecca Hoover
Roger A & Sigrid Hubley
David J & Linda A Huntley
Donald & Sharon Kay Jacobsen
Tom & Mary Johnsen
Lyle O & Nancy K Johnson
Roger A & Carole Anne Johnson
Joi J & Lowell E Kegley
Dan & Mary Jo Kelly
Judith & Dan Kenobbie
Dennis Kleven
Camp Knutson
David & Laurel Kuplic
Donna G Larson
Jeffrey & Dorca Ledosquet
Richard & Denise Leitschuh
Leo & Mary Lovejoy
Nancy Macnamara
M H Malinski
Alan W & Wendy Markman
Scott & Holly Martin
Tom & Mary Mathews
Marian Nyberg & Beth McGarry
Maryllyn Mckevitt
Michael McNamara
Richard & Janice Meier
Robert & Kathleen Mellas
Marjorie G Miller
Paul & Nancy Moran
John E & Kathleen J Morgan
Gary & Colleen Moser
Steven & Barb Mulawka
Robert & June Myller
Ken & Barb Neihart
J Robert & Donna Nelson
Lee Nelson
Rodney L Nelson
Neal F & Elizabeth Nordling
Terry R & Vicki Nygaard
John & Christy Oberreuter
O’Brien Family Partnership
Anne Marie O’Brien
Julie A W O’Brien
Patricia O’Brien-­‐Liedl
Robert Oemcke
Rodney & Alyce Olsen
Dale & Kay Olson
Gary E & Lynn Olson
William & Patricia Oredson
John E. Patton
Stephen K & Kathleen M Porter
John & Barbara Pribyl
Stephen M & Rhonda K Priem
Dale & Elizabeth Quist
Jon & Linda Radabaugh
Gary H & Rosemary A Radant
Keith & Susan Rahn
Kevin & Colleen Reber
Robb & Ann Reid
Rollyn C & Michelle Renstrom
Edward C & Wendelyn K Resler
Kay Rezanka
Cynthia Louise Rieck
Judith E Roadstrom
Steve & Beryl Roe
James F & Barbara C Roegge
Nyle J & Darlene L Rolfer
David & Constance Rosekrans
Ethylmay M Ross
Gerald & Joyce Roust
Stephen Salmon
Mark & Gail Satz
Larry E & Pamela Schmidt
M J Schneider
Jacqueline Louise Schodde
Ann & Dave Schrupp
Jim & Jeanne Schultz
Fred Schulz
Kathy Schumacher
William M & Barbara Schwartz
Roger & Nancy Schwieters
Christopher & Gretchen Sebald
Philip & Claudia Sherburne
Gary & Betsy Simons
Robert & Ruth Smith
Steven & Karen Sonnenberg
John V & Kathleen Staby
Jeffrey Stewart
Janet L Strand
Michael K & Deann Sutley
Darrell & Susan Swanson
Gregory & Gayle Swenson
Arlen & Marlys Thorsgaard
Dean & Jo Tollefson
Anthony D & Julie Truschel
John W & M Patricia Ulseth
John Vandermyde
Robert & Donna Waataja
Jill & Mike Wagner
David & Susan Walstrom
Larry & Marilyn Wannebo
Jeffrey & Mary Werbalowsky
Whispering Pines Resort
Michael & Mary Joy Winkels
WAPOA
Business Contributors
The following businesses and associations are contributors to WAPOA. Please let them know that
you appreciate their support. Mention that you saw them listed in the WAPOA Newsletter!
STEWARDS
66 Marine North....................................Crosslake
www.66marinenorth.com
Clamshell-Bertha Lakes Assoc.......... Pequot Lakes
Dive Guys LLC........................................ Lilydale
www.diveguysmn.com
Moonlite Bay Restaurant & Bar.............Crosslake
www.moonlitebay.com
Whitefish Lakes
Bertha Boatworks Inc................... Pequot Lakes
www.berthaboatworks.com
Whitefish Properties/Manhattan’s...........Crosslake
www.crosslakereservations.com
SPONSORS
Anderson Brothers Construction............. Brainerd
Christensen & Laue PA................................Edina
GrassMaster Pro GroundsKeeping Inc...Crosslake
Lakes Area
Pharmacies...............Pequot Lakes & Pine River
Lakeside Lawn & Landscape, Inc..... Pequot Lakes
Ossawinnamakee Prop
Owners Assoc............................... Pequot Lakes
Pittenger & Anderson, Inc..................Lincoln, NE
Sundance Ridge, Crosslake.....................Crosslake
Sunspace - Brainerd Lakes......................Crosslake
FRIENDS
Al’s Marine LLC & Leisure Day Rentals........ Crosslake
AW Research Laboratories, Inc........................ Brainerd
Bait Box Marina............................................. Crosslake
Big Whitefish Narrows Assoc.................................Ideal
Big Whitefish North Shore POA.................... Pine River
Birchdale Villas Homeowners Association..Bertha Lake
College City Beverage, Inc................................. Dundas
Crosslake Drug.........................Crosslake Town Square
Crosslake Veterinary Hospital........................ Crosslake
Dotty Brothers Construction.....................Pequot Lakes
Edina Realty Home Services........................... Crosslake
Fifty Lakes Property Owners Assoc.............. Fifty Lakes
First National Bank...................................Pequot Lakes
Frandsen Bank & Trust.................................. Crosslake
Friends of Lower Hay Lake........................... Pine River
Generations Law Office.................................. Crosslake
Golden Rule Estates Owners Assoc................ Crosslake
KC Companies Inc....................................Pequot Lakes
Kimble Lake Homeowners Assoc...............Kimble Lake
Lakeland Agency Inc............ Pequot Lakes & Crosslake
Lakes Area
Gallery & Frame Shoppe.......Crosslake Town Square
Lakes Printing.................................................. Brainerd
Larson Group Real Estate/Shores & More..... Crosslake
Manhattan Villa Apartment Owners Assoc...................
.......................................................Manhattan Beach
Moonlite Square LLC..................................... Crosslake
Nelson’s East Shore Landing, Inc..............Pequot Lakes
Norway Ridge Supper Club......................Pequot Lakes
Oasis Liquor
& Sports Shop SuperAmerica................Pequot Lakes
Old Milwaukee Club.................................Pequot Lakes
Pequot Sand & Gravel..............................Pequot Lakes
Reed’s Country Market.................................. Crosslake
Seaberg Motorsports...................................... Crosslake
Select Seamless............................................... Crosslake
Servpro of Brainerd and Park Rapids............... Brainerd
Sunshine Gardens Nursery & Landscaping... Pine River
SuperAmerica..................................................... Jenkins
SuperValu..................................................Pequot Lakes
Terrain Corporation....................................... Crosslake
The Chocolate Ox.... Nisswa & Crosslake Town Square
Tim Roggenkamp, CPA............ Crosslake/Pequot Lakes
Tip Top Building & Remodeling, LLC......Pequot Lakes
Upper Hay Lake Assoc..............................Pequot Lakes
W S M B Inc (Sunset Bay)......................................Ideal
Wannebo Excavating...................................... Crosslake
Waste Partners Inc......................................... Pine River
WFS Waterfront Services................................ Crosslake
Wilderness Park of Crosslake......................... Crosslake
Wind, Water & Wheels.................................. Crosslake
A BIG
THANK
YOU
to all of our
Business
Contributors!
You are
greatly
appreciated
and your
dedication to
conserving
and
improving
the quality
of our lakes
goes a
long way to
protecting
our natural
resources for
generations
to come!
Thank You!
Our Mission
Stewardship of the natural world throughout the Whitefish area and Pine River Watershed is the mission of the Whitefish
Area Property Owners Association. The Association shall lead and work with citizens, groups, associations, and government
units to conserve and improve the quality of our waters, shoreland, fishery, wildlife resources, and general welfare for the
benefit of present and future generations.
WAPOA Fall 2015
17
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Brainerd, MN
Permit No. 471
WAPOA
Stewards of the Lakes and Land
Post Office Box 342
Crosslake, Minnesota 56442
To Our Many Volunteers
WAPOA’s work toward preserving
and improving the quality of our
lakes is all done by volunteers. We
earnestly thank you for your energy,
time and talents. Without you it
wouldn’t happen. With your help the
lake will be better. So a
BIG THANK YOU TO YOU ALL!
Address Service Requested
www.wapoa.org
email: [email protected]
WAPOA is seeking volunteers to help support or direct
the activities of our organization. Our work promotes
conserving and improving the quality of our waters,
shoreland, fishery, wildlife resources and general welfare for
the benefit of present and future generations.
It is up to all of us to protect our waters and our watershed.
PLEASE CONSIDER BEING A VOLUNTEER!
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Contact Jim Brandt at 218-543-6483 and join our team today!