Newsletter - Minnesota Waters

Summer 2016
Kyle, Mark, Mary, Jean, Jim, Beth,
Peyton, Noah, Tyler, Kim, David and Luke (not pictured)
make Run for the Walleye a priority event.
“IT’S A GOOD CAUSE”
See page 15 for more photos of Run for the Walleye
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
ON THE COVER...
Participating in the WAPOA Run for the
Walleye race has been a 4th of July tradition for the Nickman family from Lino
Lakes, Minnesota and the Martin family
from Sidney, Montana. They designed
their own shirts for the occasion, ordered
them on-line and wore them on race day
so they would “stand out.” In a remarkable coincidence, their shirt design included the same tribute to Prince that was
found on back of the WAPOA race shirt.
Position Open
VICE PRESIDENT/PAST PRESIDENT
Pat Loban
SECRETARY
9041 Father Foley Drive, Pine River, MN 56474
Gary Olson
TREASURER
35926 Robert Street, Crosslake, MN 56442
WHAT’S INSIDE...
President’s News and Notes......................................................................................... 1
WAPOA Annual Meeting............................................................................................. 2
Membership Form........................................................................................................ 2
Reasons the Sheriff Might Stop Your Boat................................................................... 3
Fred Strohmeier
WATER QUALITY
42863 Kego Lake Road, Fifty Lakes, MN 56448
PO BOX 208, Fifty Lakes, MN 56448
High Water and Shoreline Erosion............................................................................ 4-5
Jessie Eide
BUSINESS RELATIONS
38083 County Road 66, Crosslake, MN 56442
WAPOA Supports the Need for an Environmental Impact Statement ....................... 8-9
Jeff Laurel
NATURAL RESOURCES
11358 Manhattan Point Blvd, Crosslake, MN 56442
Joe Brodil
AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES
35518 West Shore Dr., Crosslake, MN 56442
Brian Olson
SHORELAND RESTORATION
16967 79th Ave N., Maple Grove, MN 55311
WAPOA Annual Shoreland Restoration Contest Results.............................................. 6
Antique Boat Show Draws a Big Crowd....................................................................... 7
AIS Report at Annual Meeting................................................................................... 10
Water......................................................................................................................... 11
Camp Foley - A Great Place to Spend Some Time................................................. 12-13
Whitefish Chain Fishing and Water Quality............................................................... 14
Grandpa’s Run for the Walleye 2016.......................................................................... 15
Environmental Economics - WAPOA Measures Value of Clean Water....................... 16
Business Contributors................................................................................................ 17
Harvest Dinner............................................................................................. Back Cover
Ken Neihart
OUTREACH
4255 Highland Drive, Shoreview, MN
40622 West Fox Road, (no mail)
Fifty Lakes, MN 56448
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 mailed third class nonprofit.
Editors: Ann Schrupp, Alan Sherburne, Tom Watson
Published by Lakes Printing
PRESIDENT’S
NEWS & NOTES
by TomWatson, WAPOA President
Greetings from the Whitefish Area Property Owners
Association (WAPOA) to our supporting members and
others whom we invite to be supporting members. Let’s
continue to enjoy a safe summer on the water and visiting
with family and friends.
Challenges for our Mission and Members
The Whitefish Chain and the greater Whitefish Lakes
area are destinations for year-round travel and tourism
visitors, seasonal cabin owners, resident home owners,
and permanent and seasonal businesses. The increasing
recreational summer (watercraft) and winter (snowmobiling)
traffic are welcome and contribute to the local economy,
but add new challenges for year-round lake use, conflicts
among users, and environmental degradation threats.
Water quality, as I have written about previously, is not
improving, but degrading, as recreational use increases and
adding unwanted threats. With 14,230 surface water acres
in the Whitefish Chain of Lakes, Minnesota’s 9th largest
lake, we have a big challenge and need to be even better
stewards of this greater Whitefish Lakes area.
As an update, here are some of the happenings in 2016:
• Increasing watercraft inspections at our 7 public accesses;
more hours on weekends, weekdays and holidays; fewer
state funded inspection hours; more WAPOA paid hours
• Expanding AIS prevention advertising and education in
local newspapers and social media
• Continued monthly TSI (trophic state index) water quality
testing on 40 area lakes about the watershed, including
the Whitefish Chain;
•Continue our Water Quality and Natural Resources
seminar/workshops – July 26: oil pipeline routing
experiences; Aug (tbd): ground water quality; Sept (tbd):
water-related topic
• Completed our annual shoreland buffer and restoration
contest with $10,000 in grants for seven shoreland
projects;
• Completed Grandpa’s Run for the Walleye (July 2) 5K,
10K and Sunfish Dash (over 700 participants; a 32%
increase); proceeds dedicated to fishing and fish habitat;
• Continue the stormwater project along Hwy 66 and east
end of Big Trout Lake in cooperation with CW Soil &
Water Conservation District and others;
• Cooperate with lake associations in our watershed and
area on AIS control, watercraft inspections, and local
land use matters;
• Regularly review proposed variances and land use matters
as they impact sensitive shoreland, water quality and
shoreland protection;
•Continue to monitor, research and address threats to
water quality in our lakes, including:
- stormwater management about roadways
- road salts and impurities entering lakes
-increased recreational lake use and environmental
impact to the water
- public access monitoring for AIS
- new threats (e.g. starry stonewort)
- economic impact of quality lakes
- environmental impacts of the Enbridge Sandpiper and
Line 03 proposed routes through lakes and rivers in our
watershed.
WAPOA News and Notes
We conducted the WAPOA annual meeting June 11th, and
I share these items:
• Elected one new director (Tony Coffey) to serve a three
year term on the WAPOA Board of Directors;
• Reelected three directors (Joe Brodil and Pam Vaughan)
to a second three-year term and Gary Olson to a third
year term.
• Retired one director (Ken Neihart);
•Elected new Nominating Committee members Marv
Erdman and Ken Neihart and re-elected Tom Watson to
two year terms; retired MJ Schneider and Jim Schultz;
We followed legislation in the 2016 Legislative session to
restore funding for the DNR 50/50 grants for watercraft
inspection which remains in the proposed tax bill awaiting
a special session.
We continue to participate with MN COLA (Minnesota
Coalition of Lake Assns), the Minnesota Lakes and Rivers
Advocates (MLRA), and the Northern Water Alliance,
who are all partners in advocating for “best practices”
in water quality and environmental responsibility. These
partnerships enable WAPOA to remain vigilant about
“threats” to the water quality of the Whitefish area lakes.
What can we do?
As we have offered many times, sustaining water quality in
the Whitefish Chain of Lakes and area lakes, depends on
improving:
• shoreland management;
• stormwater management;
• watercraft management for AIS “Clean In, Clean Out”;
• land use and zoning in the ordinary high water setback
area; no variances in the setback; and
• a “biological carrying capacity” standard on the Whitefish
Chain for recreational uses, plants and animals, habitat,
and water quality.
Tom Watson, WAPOA President
My Final Note
Water quality on our lakes depends on the pledge of all shoreland property owners, area businesses, and visitors to protect
our waters. Thanks and have an enjoyable and safe summer.
WAPOA Summer 2016
1
WAPOA ANNUAL MEETING
The delicious home-made free breakfast is always
a popular part of the WAPOA Annual Meeting
Sarah Fogderud of AW Research Labs was introduced
by WAPOA President Tom Watson. She talked about
testing well water for safety. Owners are increasingly
adding arsenic to the substances tested.
Patrick Welle, retired BSU economics
professor was the featured speaker at the
WAPOA Annual Meeting. He was introduced
by Tom Watson, WAPOA President.
WAPOA President Tom Watson(left) talks with
legislators Carrie Ruud and Josh Heintzeman
Please join WAPOA and support our beautiful natural resources!
The Whitefish Chain and Pine River Watershed belong to all of us!
Share this newsletter with a neighbor and ask them to join WAPOA by sending in this membership form.
Make your Tax Deductible Payment to WAPOA. Mail Form to PO BOX 342 Crosslake, MN 56442
You can also join WAPOA by going to www.wapoa.org and clicking on the JOIN WAPOA link.
2
2016 Membership Form
Annual dues (Jan-Dec) $40.00
Name ________________________________________
Phone No_____________________________________
Mailing Address _______________________________
Alt Phone No__________________________________
City _________________________________________
Email________________________________________
State/Zip _____________________________________
Lake Name___________________________________
WAPOA Summer 2016
REASONS THE SHERIFF
MIGHT STOP YOUR BOAT
Deputy Todd Holk of the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s
Boat and Water Division spoke at the WAPOA Annual
Meeting about enforcing boating safety on the Chain.
He updated the group on a new “no-wake” zone
and cautioned them about certain dangerous boating
activities which draw the attention of the Sheriff’s
Water Patrol. Violating some of these could lead to a
citation.
Sitting on the bow, transom, or sides of the boat while
underway is illegal. He said they give close attention
to this “major safety concern” since “falling off leads
straight back to the motor.”
“This is our number one stop on the lake.”
New prohibited hours for water skiing: Water skiing,
tubing, and wake surfing are now prohibited from
one-half hour after sunset to sunrise the next day.
Tubing: Last year there were 2 incidents, fingers
“almost lost” by getting caught in a rope, and a tube
accidentally slammed into the side of a boat. Deputy
Holk thinks pulling tubers through a slow no-wake
zone is “not a good idea…with all these other boats
in there.”
Docking lights are for “docking.” “Don’t be going
across the lake using these. It obstructs the view of
other boaters. We stop people for this.”
New slow no-wake zone: Added to a channel in the
south part of Cross Lake by Sunrise Island.
A question from the audience concerned noise from
boat motors and sound systems. Holk said that they
carry sound level meters and will check apparent
violators. He added that the DNR officers also enforce
noise levels.“Cut-outs” on boat exhausts are illegal.
Jet skis too close: Personal watercraft must travel at
slow no-wake speed within 150 feet of swimmers and
swim rafts, anchored boats, and shore.
WAPOA Summer 2016
3
HIGH WATER AND
SHORELINE EROSION
By Tom Watson, WAPOA President
the season, but wide water level fluctuations or
“bounce” can be more impacting on some lakes
than others. The wave action impact significance
varies and may depend, among other things,
on the size of the lake, channel and shoreline
topography. In larger lakes and channels, boat
wakes have relatively little impact compared with
natural water wave action. The opposite is true
in smaller waterways, lakes and channels where
wake actions can have considerable impact.
Where motorized watercraft navigate, and their
wave action, are therefore very important for
Shoreline erosion occurs when land at the water’s
effective shoreland management.
edge is eroded by wave action. Shoreline erosion
is a process that occurs along all waters, lake
The magnitude of the waves generated by a boat
shores, channels, and rivers. There are many
depends on different factors, particularly the
natural causes including wind-generated waves,
boat’s speed, its size, passenger/cargo loading, the
water level changes, ice movement, slope of
shape of its hull, distance from shore and water
shorelines and banks, and absence of vegetation.
depth. Wave height, both wind generated and
Human causes include deforestation of shorelines,
boat and watercraft created, is one of the most
unstable shorelands, and wave action from
important factors in preventing shoreline erosion.
passing recreational boats and other motorized
According to the Minnesota Department of
watercraft. Wake is the wave action produced by
Natural Resources, one of the most important
the wash of passing boats that strikes against the
things to address in dealing with shoreline erosion
shoreline and banks of lakes, channels and rivers.
is protection of the toe (bottom) of the slope or
shoreline. Shoreline erosion results in diminished
Wave action from wind action and motorized
habitat for wildlife, loss of access, additional
watercraft/boats/pontoons is especially a problem
public and private costs for restoring shoreland,
during high water. The recent July rains in this
increase in sedimentation and in turbidity of the
area of northern Crow Wing County produced
water, and the release of nutrients (phosphorous
at least nine (9”) inches of water and raised lake
and nitrogen) that promote algal blooms. Needless
levels proportionately.
to say, shoreline erosion can result in the loss of
Water levels naturally change over the course of
land and affect shoreline property values.
4
WAPOA Summer 2016
WHAT YOU CAN DO
•Plant native species near the water’s edge
There is no single or universal rule for avoiding When planting near the water’s edge, it is
or minimizing shoreline erosion. Let’s consider a
important to select native species that can
few actions:
tolerate water level “bounce” if you have
significant water level fluctuations.
•Watch your boat and watercraft speed
One action is to observe and minimize the •Maintain a no-mow buffer area as wide as
wake produced by your boat on smaller
possible
waterways, high water levels and around
sensitive shorelands.
Since erosion is the Lakescaping and shoreland restoration can
cumulative effect of more than one contributing
return many desirable features to your shoreline
factor, recreational boaters can also help by
including habitat for a wide variety of wildlife,
reducing the wake produced by their boats
filter out pollutants and runoff that degrade
when operating near shorelines, in channels,
water quality, and prevent shoreline erosion by
and on smaller water bodies. This voluntary
absorbing wave action
action will also promote a more harmonious
co-existence between shoreline property owners Bottom line, it is important to keep in mind that
and recreational watercraft users.
several factors may increase shoreline erosion and
more than one solution may be needed to lessen
•Restore shoreland and shorelines
the impact of shoreline erosion. The responsibility
Restoring the balance of nature enhances the for preventing shoreline erosion is not only
aesthetic quality and recreational opportunities the property owner, but also the motorized
we appreciate. It will also balance your lifestyle recreational watercraft (boat, pontoon, PWC,
with the needs of the natural communities of wake boat) owner and operator. With increasing
plants and animals that also call the shoreland recreational lake traffic, lake user conflicts
home.
and environmental degradation of lakes and
shoreland appear to be certain in the future unless
Reminder: you may need a land use permit from appropriate management actions are taken by all
your local government for the restoration.
parties, including our government regulators and
enforcers.
WAPOA Summer 2016
5
WAPOA ANNUAL SHORELAND
RESTORATION CONTEST RESULTS
By Brian Olson, Director Shoreland Restoration
Pamela and Peter Graves answer a question about
their proposed restoration on Big Pine Lake.
WAPOA awarded seven Shoreland Restoration
Contest grants totaling $10,000, as well as 4
half days of supervised Minnesota Conservation
Corp labor crews (up to six people) for project
installation.
On June 1st, interested lakeshore property
owners attended an Open House at Moonlite
Bay. Attendees received expert information on
how to restore their shorelines and how to apply
for the contest monies. On June 22nd, contestants
presented their Shoreland Restoration proposals
to a panel of judges; Darren Mayers from Crow
Wing SWCD, Heather Baird from the Minnesota
DNR and Bonnie Hiniker from Sunshine Gardens
in Pine River. WAPOA judges were Brian Olson,
Jim Brandt and Dave Fischer.
Winners were:
Paul Guilliford on Lake Ossawinnamakee
– 1/2 day of labor crew and $1,000.00
Charles and Julie Costa on Lake Ossawinnamakee
- $750.00
Pamela and Peter Graves on Big Pine Lake
- 1/2 day of labor crew and $1,250.00
Jerry Norgaard, Old Log Landing HOA
on Cross Lake - $2,250.00
Dave and Helen Smidt on Kimball Lake - $1,750.00
William and Sharon Hennemuth on Pig Lake
- 1/2 day of labor crew and $1,500.00
Sandy Callahan on West Fox Lake
- 1/2 day of labor crew and $1,500.00
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WAPOA Summer 2016
Jerry Norgard, representing the Old Log Landing HOA on Cross
Lake, makes a presentation for the first part of their project.
WAPOA thanks all the participants for their
interest in the contest and for being conscientious
lakeshore owners. Rain gardens, buffer strips,
natural plantings along the shoreline, swales or
basins that catch and absorb storm water all help
protect our precious lakes.
Paula Guilliford of Ossawinnamakee
points to the location of her proposal.
Pamela Graves passes a photo of the their Big
Pine Lake project area to Heather Baird, MN
DNR, an expert in shoreland restoration.
ANTIQUE BOAT SHOW
DRAWS A BIG CROWD
crowded docks, good weather, and a steady flow
of visitors.
It is a great opportunity to spread word about
better water. Our exhibit is located near the
main entrance to the docks. That provides the
opportunity for everyone attending to the show
to see our exhibit.
We were there from early in the morning to midafternoon. Our exhibit was staffed with WAPOA
volunteers who are knowledgeable about our
activities. This year most of the visitors had
questions about invasive species and water quality.
Helping kids and their parents understand invasive species. Zebra
mussels glue themselves to practically everything in the water. The kids
are looking at two items covered by zebra mussels-- a native clam and a
stick. The specimens are provided courtesy of the Minnesota DNR.
WAPOA was once again at the Whitefish Chain
Antique and Wooden Boat Rendezvous on
Saturday, June 18th at its usual Moonlite Bay
location in Crosslake. It was the 29th year for this
Crosslake tradition. There were about 40 boats,
WAPOA Water Quality Director Fred Strohmeier discusses
WAPOA’s water testing program. They are looking at a map
of water quality updated annually using the testing data.
WAPOA does water testing on about 40 lakes and
brings its current water quality map to the show.
Usually several people are gathered about it. In
addition, we have a lot of printed information.
We also have, courtesy of the MN DNR, actual
preserved specimens of invasive species.
One long stick loaded with attached zebra mussels
seemed to gather the most interest--especially
among the kids.
At WAPOA’s exhibit at the Boat Show, on the left Jeff Laurel
discusses WAPOA activities, in mid-photo volunteer Jim
Schultz discusses WAPOA’s efforts for better lake water
quality, and on the right volunteer MJ Schneider is ready to
discuss invasive species and answer other lake questions.
WAPOA Summer 2016
7
WAPOA SUPPORTS THE NEED FOR AN
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
FOR OIL PIPELINES
Enbridge, a Canadian company working through a
subsidiary, wants to build two pipelines in the northern
part of the Pine River Watershed which includes the
Whitefish Chain. These proposed pipelines would
be constructed through some of Minnesota’s most
treasured and environmentally sensitive lakes and
wetlands, areas we know to be irreplaceable. The
Minnesota Court of Appeals, supported by the
Minnesota Supreme Court, found in September
2015 that the State of Minnesota must complete an
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) before any
final decisions on the Certificate of Need (CN) and
routing permit (RP).
The Whitefish Area Property Owners Association’s
(WAPOA) believes that the Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS) should be completed for Enbridge’s
preferred route and all other proposed route alternatives
presented before a route permit is approved by the
State of Minnesota.
WAPOA position is not against the need for pipelines.
We need oil.
WAPOA participated in the recent EIS scoping hearings
that were completed in late May. We submitted our
written comments (details on our website) to the
State of Minnesota addressing three (3) major items,
including:
1.The definition of the purpose of these pipeline
proposals must be defined broadly to encompass
reasonable alternatives to the proposed project
route.
Defining the purpose as a system to transport
oil from Clearbrook, MN to Superior WI is
not reasonable considering the market for the
petroleum products proposed for transport via these
proposed pipelines. The applicant Enbridge and its
related companies have proposed the “narrow”
purpose so as to exclude significant, functional,
and environmentally appropriate alternatives with
8
WAPOA Summer 2016
destinations that leave Minnesota and the Upper
Midwest and are destined for foreign markets and
company operations in eastern and southern parts
of the United States.
2.The EIS must address the economic, employment
impacts the pipeline proposals, including all
reasonable alternatives to the proposed project.
With “good, quality lakes,” regions of Minnesota
such as Crow Wing County and the greater
Whitefish Area Chain of Lakes are highly soughtafter destinations. The local economy of the region,
county, and Whitefish Area benefits significantly
from travel, tourism, second homeowners and their
expenditures. Based on research completed by the
University of Minnesota, Extension Service, during
a recessionary period, travel and tourism spending,
as shown below, was nearly $300 million in Crow
Wing County, the third largest spending outside of
the Twin Cities seven county area and Olmstead
and St. Louis Counties, which also shows the other
counties along the proposed pipeline route:
2007-08
Traveler Exp State Revenue FTE Jobs
Crow Wing $294,295,204 $135,953,389 7,218
Aitkin
$74,257,356 $30,992,4791,556
Cass
$245,867,979$113,581,822 6,033
Hubbard $99,248,707 $45,849,1992,431
Total
$713,669,246$326,376,889 17,238
Source: Univ of MN, Extension Service,
June 2007-May 2008, Davidson-Peterson Associates
3. The EIS must address impacts of the predicted spills
associated with the pipeline proposals, including all
reasonable alternatives to the proposed project.
The area of North Central Minnesota has very
important and significant natural resources
including plants, animals, fish, and lake-based
ecosystems and sensitive areas for these natural
resources. WAPOA cannot imagine a project that
has more potential for “significant environmental
effects” than these pipeline projects. The lakes
of and about the Whitefish Chain of Lakes and
the Pine River Watershed, which are some of the
clearest and cleanest in Minnesota, along with the
area rivers, creeks, and wetlands are all extremely
vulnerable to adverse impacts from construction,
leaks and spills from these pipelines. Our water
resources, including both surface and ground
water, are extremely vulnerable to these adverse
impacts and threats from construction and spills.
Actual incidents that are highly predictable could
be devastating to these public waters. The forests,
lands and wildlife in the area of the proposed
pipelines are also vulnerable to adverse impacts
that should be analyzed thoroughly.
The diagram to the right shows the
proposed route of the two proposed oil
pipelines. These two proposed pipelines
are planned to carry 1.1 million barrels
of crude oil each day. It is possible that
additional pipelines may be built along
the proposed route. The proposed
pipelines would cross at least 4 significant
rivers and multiple streams that bring
water directly into the Whitefish Chain.
A spill could come into Upper Whitefish
from the Pine River on the west end of
the Chain, and through Little Pine and
Daggett into Cross Lake on the east end.
Are crude oil spills a serious threat? Enbridge oil
pipelines have had over 800 reported oil spills during
a recent ten (10) year period, or more than one spill
per week. Enbridge has also been cited for wetland
violations during construction, including more than
100 violations during construction of Line 61 in
Wisconsin alone.
spill has not been confirmed. http://www.mlive.com/
news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2015/07/kalamazoo_river_
oil_spill_time.html
In Minnesota history and on March 3, 1991, a rupture
in an Enbridge pipe (at that time, the company was
called Lakehead Pipe Line) spilled 1.7 million gallons
of crude oil near Grand Rapids (Cohasset), Minnesota,
making it the largest oil spill in Minnesota state history.
Oil spills will occur. Only question is when, where and
how large and how much destruction?
We believe that these facts support the need for the
EIS and the concerns WAPOA has about the direct
impact on and threats to the surface and ground water
(a source of drinking water) in this area. What are
the next steps in this process? The completed EIS
is anticipated in late summer/early fall after which
the report will be presented to the Minnesota Public
Utilities Commission as they resume consideration of
the Certificate of Need and Route Permit for these two
proposed pipelines.
Reference: “Letter submitted by the WAPOA Board in
May 2016 in resonse to the Sandpiper/Line 3 Scoping
Public Notice.”
In 2010 Enbridge had a 30” pipe break in a Kalamazoo
(Michigan) wetland. It is reported the Enbridge
control room misinterpreted the data and did not shut
the pipeline off for 17 hours. Thirty-five miles of the
Kalamazoo River was closed. Dredging the River for
oil and “dilbit” (a mixture of heavy Canadian bitumen
diluted with liquid chemicals, some of them toxic) was
not completed until 2014. The “clean up” cost to
Enbridge and others was over $1.2 billion. The direct
impact to ground water in the area of the Kalamazoo
WAPOA Summer 2016
9
AIS REPORT AT
ANNUAL MEETING
By Joe Brodil, Aquatic Invasive Species Director
WAPOA feels the best way to keep invasive species
out of the Chain is by access monitoring.
In 2016 we are getting funds for access inspection
hours from 3 different sources: DNR —532 hours,
State funds though the County—2400 hours, and
WAPOA funds—1700 hours. This totals over 5,000
hours, counting some volunteer hours.
But this only gives us limited coverage at 6 of the
busiest accesses.
There are 27 different ways to get on to the Whitefish
Chain. We try to cover the busiest accesses with 10
hours per day, 7 days a week. Less busy accesses get
less inspection hours. We are not giving it as much
coverage as we would like to.
Since we already have zebra mussels why are we still
doing inspections?
There are at least 200 non-native aquatic species
that have reached the Great Lakes. Many have the
potential of being spread to our lakes, using the same
pathways that the zebra mussels have used.
Putting herbicides in lake water to control invasive
plants can be very expensive. Control is uncertain.
Invasive animals disrupt the lakes food chain and may
lead to the loss of some species.
Eurasian water milfoil is as near as Ossawinnamakee.
It forms thick dense mats, interfering with swimming,
boating and fishing. It is a breeding ground for
mosquitoes. Realtors say that buyers often inquire
about invasive species that are present.
Starry stonewort is an invasive new to Minnesota.
Unfortunately the first invasion in the state was found
A near capacity crowd enjoys the delicious free
breakfast at the WAPOA Annual Meeting
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WAPOA Summer 2016
fairly close to us. The Lake Koronis lake association,
near St Cloud, is spending over $800,000 over the
next 3 years to combat it. Its dense mats prevent fish
from laying eggs on the bottom. It is so aggressive it
can choke out Eurasian watermilfoil and also native
plants. No practical chemical eliminates it.
Spiny water fleas, while not yet documented in the
Whitefish Chain, are found in nearby Mille Lacs.
Spiny waterfleas arguably do even more damage to
the fish food chain than zebra mussels. They travel in
boat water, on anchor ropes, and in anchor mud.
The DNR tells us that only 5% of the lakes in
Minnesota are infected. The infected lakes tend to
be the larger, frequently visited lakes. In Crow Wing
County the infested lakes represent 45% of our total
county lake surface area.
In regard to invasive plants, early detection is the key.
WAPOA feels it is worth it to spend money now, to
find invasive plants early, when there is better chance
of elimination or control. We contract annually with
Professional Lake Management to do surveys, looking
for signs of early plant invasion, on about 40 area
lakes.
To keep the invasive species out, education and
inspection are most important. We want to give
researchers at the University of Minnesota time to find
ways to control or eradicate these species.
We need to invest our dollars now so that we don’t
have to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on
control once we are infected. Most invasions are
irreversible.
Thank you for everything you do to keep our lakes
clean.
Speaker at WAPOA
Annual Meeting. Retired
Professor of Economics,
Bemidji State University
By Mike Holst
WATER
I have written about water before, so to those of
you who feel I am obsessed with it, maybe I am,
but for good reasons I feel. Water seems to be
something we all too often take for granted, and
especially here where we have such an abundance
of it.
as that warm red and yellow orb sinks and
slips beneath the far horizon across the other
shoreline. Always though, even in the blackness
of the calmest, darkest night, you sense the waters
comforting presence. Winter may seal it under
a cold icy barrier but it is only resting and the
waterfowl, the animals, and we wait patiently for
Long before Henry Wadsworth Longfellow it to reappear. Even now as I write, the words to
wrote,” By the shores of Gitche Gumee, by an old song run through my mind. “All day I face
the big-sea-shining waters,” man recognized a barren waste without a drop of water. Cool
the importance of water for many reasons. For --Clear-- Water.”
Longfellow it was the setting for an epic poem
about the old Nokomis. For the rest of us it is I have often sat in my friend’s pontoon as we
the very essence of life. Without water we can navigate the chain. There is, on a warm summer
live for only a few days. Without it we would day, a virtual parade of watercraft all with the
be filthy and unkempt. It was one of the earliest same thing in mind, a cruise on the lake. Most
mediums for transportation, and it is home to of them have no real idea where they are going
countless creatures and fish that we rely on for or why. The destination is unimportant but the
food. It controls our weather as it evaporates and reasons for doing it are not. It’s the resident’s
draws itself to the heavens, cleansing itself in the version of a Sunday drive. A chance to come out
process to be used over and over again. It has been of the woodwork and see your neighbors, soak up
the stage for countless stories of war, adventure the sunshine and enjoy the endless beauty of the
and romance, and its recreation possibilities are chain. Life can be so uncertain sometimes but the
endless. Life is not possible at any level or in any serenity of the lakes says, “This is where I wanted
place without water.
to end up.”
For the author Kurt Vonnegut water was a means
to orient him on the face of the earth. He wrote,
“The very edge of anything from a rivulet to an
ocean says to me: Now you know where you
are. Now you know which way to go. You soon
will be home now.” To those of us that live in
this beautiful lake country we know just what he
meant. I am often drawn to the waters edge just
to smell the scent of the water. To listen to the
rhythmic caressing of the waves that rise and fall
softly on the sandy shoreline, only to be slowly
drawn back into the depths again. I have watched
the sun glinting like a million sparkling diamonds
off its placid surface, and kept an evening vigil
Minnesota and its lakes are nature personified.
Water identifies with nature and makes it what it
is. Thousands of people travel great distances just
to enjoy a day on these lakes. Something we who
live here simply assume as life ongoing. -- Or do
we? I know I never tire of it and I search diligently
for the right words to do it justice on paper but
they always elude me, and when all else fails I go
sit by the edge of the lake and like old Kurt, I wait
for inspiration, always safe in the realization that
I’m home by the water.
Mike Holst is a local author and writer from Crosslake. Mike’s books are available in Crosslake at Reeds Market and the Lakes
Area Gallery and Frame Shoppe. Also Rainy Day Books in Nisswa and on-line through amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.
WAPOA Summer 2016
11
CAMP FOLEY
– A GREAT PLACE TO SPEND SOME TIME
By Pamela Vaughn, Communications Director
Camp Foley Church
Camp Foley provides a wonderful camp experience
and environment for children 8-16 years old. The
camp sits on 235 acres on the north shore of Lower
Whitefish, on the Whitefish Chain of Lakes. The camp
was opened in 1924 by Father John P. Foley, a catholic
priest, as a Catholic boys camp. He operated the camp
for children of all religious denominations until the
1940s, when it was purchased by the grandfather
of Alli Faricy. Alli’s grandfather had worked as a
counselor and assistant director for Father Foley for
many years before acquiring the camp.
To introduce Alli --- Alli has been instrumental in
helping WAPOA “get with it” and open Facebook
and Twitter pages for WAPOA to communicate with
our families and “friends”. She gave me a tour of the
camp grounds and shared some history and current
information regarding the camp.
Alli’s grandfather and grandmother ran the camp until
1973 when the grandmother took over. She was a
nurse in Pine River and became the camp nurse as
well. Marie Schmid, Alli’s mother, inherited the camp
in 1985. Alli is now Camp Director. She served as the
Assistant Camp Director from 2004 to 2008, when
she became Camp Director. She now works with her
mother, Marie Schmid to run the camp.
Camp Foley opens on about May 1st each year. During
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WAPOA Summer 2016
the school year, they provide Environmental Education
day camp to local school groups Mondays-Fridays.
The classes are taught by school teachers who also act
as chaperones. The summer camp runs mid-June to
mid-August and provides a 2-4 week camp experience
to about 80 girls and 80 boys per camp session. The
summer camp focuses on building independence and
relationship skills to the attendees. For some of the
kids, it’s their first time away from home. They are not
allowed to use cell phones, video games, and there is
no TV during their time at the camp. They do write
home regularly and share their experiences with their
families. The camp remains open to children of all
denominations.
Their day is structured, but they can participate in
activities of their choosing at some times. Of course,
the camp utilizes beautiful Big Trout Lake for many
activities. The camp kids get to choose to participate in
sailing, wind surfing, springboard diving, swimming,
fishing, canoeing, and others. They can also participate
in tennis, baseball, volleyball, woodworking, guitar
lessons, nature classes (Alli says they love the snakes
and turtles), archery, skeet/trap shooting, rifle-ry,
fencing and others. They can also play with Norm
and Nike, two lively dogs who live on or frequent
the camp grounds and appear to love being with the
children.
Each year some of the children are first timers at the
camp. Some like it so much that they come back for
10 years. Since several children do this, they get to
reconnect with camp friends the following summer.
The kids have also been known to come back and work
at Camp Foley as a counselor when they turn 18+.
Mass is offered on Sundays (but is not mandatory) in
the Our Lady of Snows Chapel, which was built on
the grounds by Father Foley in 1936. It is a beautiful
chapel, a Minnesota Historic Building, is available for
weddings.
The campers and counselors come from many countries,
such as Australia, Spain, Mexico, England, and the
U.S. They are trained at the camp. The counselors live
in the cabins with the kids; 2 counselors per cabin of 8
campers. Some of the cabins are original cabins from
the 1920s. The camp is part of the American Camp
Association, and gets inspected every three years to be
sure they continue to meet the association’s standards.
There is a nurse on staff during camp season, and
maintenance is performed year round. Alli, Marie
and other staff do the marketing, hire staff, and
register next year’s campers over the winter months.
Alli maintains a creative and informative Camp Foley
website and Facebook page year round. She often
posts pictures of camp activities and the campers.
When asked what she enjoyed most about working at
the camp and being Director, Alli replied,
#1 - seeing the kids year after year. She shares her meals
with them, participates in their activities, and makes
a personal connection with them, and the counselors.
#2 – getting the kids out into the environment. Many
children come from homes and towns where green
space is getting smaller and smaller. At Camp Foley
they can be outdoors interacting with nature, and
seeing the stars over the dark lake and camp.
#3 – She said it is cool to see subsequent generations
come and to hear their stories about the life skills they
learned at the camp.
At Alli’s suggestion, I interviewed a few of the kids
participating at the camp on June 23rd. Sophie, who’s
mom was also a Camp Foley attendee, is spending
her fourth year at the camp. She said she loves the
camp because you can “be yourself, and do great/fun
activities that I can’t do back home in Michigan”.
Camp Foley Kids
“canteen” where the camp kids get candy or ice cream
once a day. She likes the new counselors and likes to
learn about their experiences and lives from living in
other countries.
John is a camp counselor. He is a college student
at the University of Kentucky. He has been coming
to the camp as a camper and now as a counselor
for 12 years. His family moved a lot when he was
younger, and he said “The camp is like a home- and
they welcomed me with open arms. I am who I am
today because of camp”. He said “you learn who you
are at camp”. He said he “has grown as a person
at camp”. He has developed a strong connection to
nature and conservation at camp. He believes that
he is “different” than his peers in the aspects of being
optimistic, more confident, and having a strong sense
of self.
Camp Foley looks like a wonderful place to spend a
few weeks in the summer. Alli and staff are dedicated
to making the camp experience a great one. The
Whitefish Area is lucky to have this camp in our
neighborhood. If I were only younger, I’d be signing
up for 8 weeks at Camp Foley every summer! To learn
more about Camp Foley and camp opportunities go
to www.campfoley.com or call at 218-543-6161. The
public is welcome to visit the camp, but only if you
make an appointment in advance so they can be sure a
counselor is available to take you on the tour.
Anna is a 10 year old from Tampa, Fl. She said she
came to Camp Foley because her siblings came here.
This is her third her at Camp Foley. She said “I sure
like to do morning fun, four square, archery and
sail bics (small sail boat)”. She said she also loves
WAPOA Summer 2016
13
WHITEFISH CHAIN
FISHING AND WATER QUALITY
By Jeff Laurel, WAPOA Director of Natural Resources
The Natural Resources effort of WAPOA has a long
history of working with the DNR on fisheries interests,
including habitat improvements. With water as our
key natural resource, we need to include actions
directed at protecting our water quality in our scope.
One of the most important factors affecting healthy,
multi-species fish habitat is water quality, which also
affects our recreational enjoyment of our lakes.
Using a specific example, a review of data over time
shows declining water quality in Whitefish Lake,
as measured by TSI (Trophic State Index), which is
primarily determined by algae concentration. A one
point rise in TSI is an increase of 10% in algae, which
consumes the oxygen in the water as it decomposes.
That leads to less dissolved oxygen in the water,
creating a problem for sensitive species such as Lake
Trout and Tullibee (Ciscoes), which are an important
food source for game fish.
There are several programs in place to protect the fish
habitat by decreasing algae production and thereby
increasing oxygen concentrations.
One of those is the Highway 66 project. It runs right
next to Big Trout Lake, has a large culvert that pipes
storm-water runoff, sediment, and chemicals directly
into Big Trout. The Soil and Water Conservation
Board, working with a number of other groups
including WAPOA, was able to get a $300,000 grant
that will get a Defender filtering system installed by
2017 to protect the water of Big Trout.
Another project involves planting more trees around
the Chain. Minnesota DNR research shows that the
healthiest lakes have 75% of their surrounding land
in forest. WAPOA has just started a tree planting
campaign for owners with smaller tracts of land,
typically shoreland property. This year we sold
1,300 trees at a much reduced price to anyone in
the watershed. This first year went well so it will be
expanded and become an annual program. With more
trees, forests slow down, absorb, and filter rain water
rather than let it run straight in to lakes carrying
unwanted nutrients and sediment.
For larger tracts of land there are programs available
for land owners to get forest management plans for
their property, which can qualify them for property
tax relief and financial assistance for forestry projects.
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WAPOA Summer 2016
Typical projects could include tree planting, invasive
species control, forest improvements, and erosion
control. Another program for those who want to
permanently dedicate their land to stay undeveloped,
there are conservation easement programs, that
provide direct payments to land owners. For more
information on any of these programs, contact me at
(952) 217-9429, or Darren Mayers at Crow Wing Soil
and Water Conservation District (218) 828-6197.
Fisheries update: In spring 2016 issue of this newsletter
I mentioned that I had written letters to the DNR and
legislators supporting the proposed “zoned northern
pike regulations” which would increase limits on
small northern pike. They are out of balance, and outcompeting other fish for the available food sources.
Senator Rudd reports that at the end of the session,
this proposal was rolled into larger game and fish bill
which did not get approved, due to some concerns
about certain of the game regulations. There is a
good chance for passage of the zoned northern pike
regulations in the next session.
This spring I visited, for the first time, the DNR’s
walleye egg stripping station on the Pine River near its
entrance to Upper Whitefish. They encourage visitors
and it is a fascinating process from which to watch
and learn.
Five million walleye fry were stocked in the Whitefish
Chain this spring. In this coming fall over 5000 pounds
of the larger walleye fingerlings (4-6”) will be put into
the Chain. In our lakes it takes about 4 – 5 years for
walleye fry to grow to 14”, or about 1 pound.
To keep track of the fish population the DNR is now
using hydro-acoustic sampling along with the vertical
gill nets which are stretched from water surface to lake
bottom. Combining this new “sonar” based view of
fish in the water, with the gill nets and GPS location
data, the DNR can get better information about
individual species population and location.
To learn more about the status of the fish in your lake
checkout the DNR’s amazing online Lake Finder:
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/index.html
Here’s hoping you are getting some time to enjoy your
favorite activities on our amazing lakes this summer!
GRANDPA’S RUN
FOR THE WALLEYE 2016
By Jenny Max, Race Director
It was another successful year for Grandpa’s Run
for the Walleye! We had a record turnout of 718
5k and 10k participants – an astounding 32%
higher than last year! The event hosted racers from
over 19 states and 4 countries. Jonathan Stoltman
was the overall men’s 5k winner with a time of
15:54, and Jennifer Walz was the overall women’s
5k winner with a time of 20:27. Russell Dylla
was the overall men’s 10k winner with a time of
38:28, and Sarah Getty was the overall women’s
10k winner with a time of 41:17. There were also
approximately 125 Sunfish Dash runners who
ranged from 0-10 years old.
The weather was perfect again this year and all
of us at WAPOA thank the many families who
came out to the Community Center to cheer on
the runners, walkers and kids racers – it was
fun for the whole family! A big thank you also
goes out to the volunteers who continue to make
the event as successful as it is. These volunteers
donate countless hours out of their schedules to
make sure everyone has a fun and enjoyable time.
There were quite a few strollers in the race, usually toward the back.
“We made it” passing the finish line
Older kids running a Sunfish Dash heat
Top male and female in 5K race awarded prints.
WAPOA Summer 2016
15
ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS
– WAPOA MEASURES VALUE OF CLEAN WATER
Written by Chelsey Perkins, Brainerd Dispatch staff writer
IDEAL TOWNSHIP—The water quality in Minnesota
lakes has a measurable economic benefit, members of the
Whitefish Area Property Owners Association learned at the
organization’s annual meeting.
Patrick Welle, retired BSU
economics professor was the
featured speaker at the WAPOA
Annual Meeting. He was
introduced by Tom Watson,
WAPOA President.
According to Watson’s analysis based on 2014 property
value assessments, the economic market value in
communities represented by northern Crow Wing County
lakes associations is nearly 30 percent of market value in the
entire county. This includes the communities of Crosslake,
Fifty Lakes, Manhattan Beach, Timothy Township, Jenkins
Township, Ideal Township, Mission Township and Pelican
Township. On the non-commercial seasonal residential
recreational properties, 48.1 percent of those in the county
are in these areas.
According to 2008 data from the University of Minnesota
Extension, tourism and second homeownership spending in
Crow Wing County is the third highest outside of the Twin
Cities metro area.
Watson said these figures are strong evidence of a need to
manage water quality and prevent the spread of aquatic
invasive species.
Patrick Welle, a professor emeritus from Bemidji State
University, studied the relationship extensively and
published several papers on the topic. Welle told the group
at its June 11 meeting his studies found that not only is the
clarity of water a factor in lakeshore property value, it’s
actually the “most important explanatory factor.”
“Economics shows that it is much cheaper to do prevention
effectively than it is to try to do mitigation after the fact,”
Welle said. “And some damages are irreversible.”
A study Welle and three others produced in 2003 examined
the effect of water quality on lakeshore property values
within the Mississippi River headwaters region. This
included lakes in Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison and Aitkin
counties. The study was later updated with more recent
data and resulted in similar conclusions.
“Water quality has a positive relationship with property
prices,” the 2003 study stated. “Implicit prices of water
quality were determined and calculations were made to
illustrate the changes in property prices on the study lakes
if a 1-meter change in water clarity would occur. Expected
property price changes for these lakes are in the magnitude
of tens of thousands to millions of dollars. The evidence
shows that management of the quality of lakes is important
to maintaining the natural and economic assets of this
region.”
Tom Watson, president of WAPOA, told the more than 100
people in the Ideal Town Hall that Welle’s findings show
the importance of protecting water quality in the Whitefish
Chain of Lakes and beyond.
Using recent data from Crow Wing County and University
of Minnesota Extension sources, Watson sought to make
the case stronger protections must be pursued to protect an
economically valuable region of the county.
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WAPOA Summer 2016
“Realtors have stated that the first questions people ask
when they’re looking at lakefront property is, ‘Does it have
zebra mussels? Does it have milfoil?’” Watson said. “We
need to get the attention of elected officials. They have a
major asset here.”
This idea is central to some of the initiatives the lakes
associations pursue, particularly those focused on natural
shorelines. Runoff from manicured lawns along shorelines
can increase five to 10 times as compared to a natural
shoreline, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
reports, and this runoff carries with it phosphorous,
sediment, toxic chemicals, pesticides and other pollutants
with a negative impact on water quality.
Welle said despite the strong correlation between water
quality and higher property values, a wrinkle in the data
shows there is also a relationship between developed,
manicured lawns and higher sale prices for lakeshore
properties. Welle said finding a way to reverse these
contradictory circumstances would be key to ensuring
lakes area economies continue to benefit from high quality
waters.
Welle noted lakes with better water quality and healthier
ecosystems have the capacity to more effectively resist AIS
as well. He cautioned against what has happened to the
Great Lakes, where the presence of AIS leads to $5 billion
in economic losses annually.
“Ten or 20 years from now, we’re not going to have the
same quality of lake,” Welle said. “It’s not going to be as
valuable as it could be. ... It is not going to be as good for
the economy locally.”
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
FRIENDS
66 Marine North............................................ Crosslake
Crosslake Dairy Queen.................................. Crosslake
www.66marinenorth.com
Crosslake Drug.........................Crosslake Town Square
Clamshell - Bertha Lakes Association........Pequot Lakes
Crosslake Veterinary Hospital........................ Crosslake
Moonlite Bay Restaurant & Bar..................... Crosslake
Dotty Brothers Construction.....................Pequot Lakes
www.moonlitebay.com
Edina Realty Home Services........................... Crosslake
Oasis Liquor & Super America Jenkins
Fifty Lakes Property Owners Assoc.............. Fifty Lakes
.............................................Pequot Lakes & Jenkins
First National Bank North
Ossawinnamakee Prop Owners Assoc.......Pequot Lakes
................................ Pequot Lakes, Crosslake, Baxter
Whitefish Lake Bertha Boatworks, Inc......Pequot Lakes ...
Frandsen Bank & Trust.................................. Crosslake
berthaboatworks.com
Generations Law Office.................................. Crosslake
Lake Country on Whitefish HOA................... Crosslake
SPONSORS
Lakes Area Gallery & Frame Shoppe
Anderson Brothers Construction...................... Brainerd
..............................................Crosslake Town Square
Camp Foley............................................ Whitefish Lake
Lakes Printing.................................................. Brainerd
Christensen & Laue PA........................................ Edina
Larson Group Real Estate/Shores & More..... Crosslake
Friends of Lower Hay Lake........................... Pine River
Manhattan Villa Apartments..............Manhattan Beach
GrassMaster Pro Groundskeeping.................. Crosslake
Moonlite Square LLC..................................... Crosslake
Lakes Area Pharmacies........ Pequot Lakes & Pine River
Nelson’s East Shore Landing.....................Pequot Lakes
Lake Country Crafts & Cones....................... Crosslake
Norway Ridge Supper Club......................Pequot Lakes
Lakeside Lawn & Landscape, Inc..............Pequot Lakes
Old Milwaukee Club.................................Pequot Lakes
Pittenger & Anderson Inc........................... Lincoln, NE
Pequot Sand & Gravel..............................Pequot Lakes
PLM Lake and Land Management Corp.......... Brainerd
Riverwood Bank............................................ Crosslake
Sundance Ridge Homes on Crosslake............. Crosslake
Sunshine Gardens Nursery & Landscaping... Pine River
Sunspace-Brainerd Lakes................................ Crosslake
SuperValu..................................................Pequot Lakes
The Chocolate Ox.... Nisswa & Crosslake Town Square
FRIENDS
Tip Top Building & Remodeling, LLC......Pequot Lakes
A W Research Laboratories Inc........................ Brainerd
Upper Hay Lake Assoc..............................Pequot Lakes
Al’s Marine LLC & Leisure Day Rentals........ Crosslake
VFW Post 3839.................................................. Jenkins
Bait Box Marina............................................. Crosslake
W S M B Inc (Sunset Bay)......................................Ideal
Big Whitefish Narrows Assoc.................................Ideal
Wannebo Excavating..........................Manhattan Beach
Big Whitefish North Shore POA.................... Pine River
Waste Partners Inc......................................... Pine River
Birchdale Villas Homeowners Assoc.........Pequot Lakes
WFS Waterfront Services................................ Crosslake
Brainerd Lakes Chamber........................ Brainerd Lakes
Whitefish Lodge and Suites............................ Crosslake
College City Beverage........................................ Dundas
Wilderness Park of Crosslake......................... 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 Summer 2016
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
We Need Volunteers
DIRECTORS NEEDED: At this time and for the past two
years, our Board of Directors is operating with three (3)
fewer Directors. Please call me or contact me about your
interest in serving our membership.
TREASURER NEEDED: We are looking for an Assistant
Treasurer to serve now and who would become a Director
and Treasurer next year.
OTHER VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: We will welcome
members interested in our programs (AIS, Water
Testing, Natural Resources, Communications, Land Use,
Membership, and Shoreland Mgmt) who would like to get
involved and assist in these programs.
Address Service Requested
HOW TO APPLY? call me
or send an e-mail [email protected]
www.wapoa.org
email: [email protected]
HARVEST
DINNER
AUGUST
27,
2016
12316 Co. 18 SW, Brainerd, MN (about 7 miles west of Brainerd.)
Join us in a celebration of community and bounty ~ bringing together the diversity of our region in the
interest of stewardship and friendship. Families from farm, town, and lake encouraged.
The dinner-bell rings this year at Sunup Ranch with an authentic chuck wagon-style meal prepared
from local beef, pastured chicken from Island Lake Farm and local produce from Grandpa G’s.
SUNUP RANCH
A very interesting place. 700 acres. Practicing sustainable farming with a conservation easement.
Producing award winning quarter horses who have found homes all over the world. Named the 2012
“Farm Family of the Year” for Cass County.
5:00 pm Farmer’s market opens - Social hour, cash bar
6:00 pm “Come and get it” dinner served, locally produced foods,
prepared by Chef Mike Sams of Y4Ranch and KC’s Saloon
PLUS: Horse-drawn wagon rides, Local Brew tasting & Wine tasting
Enjoy the music of Hans Blix and the Weapons Inspectors. Silent Auction ~ Bid early, bid often
Tickets: $25 adults, $10 children 15 and under.
Contact: Judy Wallschlaeger 218.543.6257