Spring 2016 newsletter

Long Lost Lake Area Association
Spring 2016 Newsletter
PREZ SEZ:
Dan Wilson,
President
Our Long
Lost Lake
Area Association has been active and
strong over the years due to
the interest and commitment
of its membership to the goal
of ensuring a quality lake and
forest environment. The
newsletter and web site, the
service projects and social
activities that bring us together are possible only
through the work of dedicated and talented volunteers. If you are interested in
becoming active in any of
the Associations activities
and projects, contact me or
any of the LLLAA Board
members, or the persons
listed as providing leadership to the respective activity. Here is a quick list of
some of what we anticipate
in 2016, and don’t forget to
join us at the Spring LLLAA
meeting on June 4th (see
below)
1) electing 1st and 2nd Vice
Presidents and Treasurer
for the LLLAA Board of Directors as Kathy Toomey,
Ellen Gugisberg and Richard
Bovard complete their
terms of service for which we
are more than grateful;
2) LLLAA network support
including the newsletter and
web site (Grace Kuphal, Jane
Bovard):
3) further developing the
Neighborhood Networks
(Mitzi Balstad);
4) monitoring the North
Country Riders ATV trail expansion plans to insure that
the interests of Long Lost
Lake residents and the well
being of forests and wetlands
surrounding the lake, are fully
protected;
3) assisting with the revision
of the LLLAA section of the
North Country Trail (Dick
Toomey);
4) Cooperating with Clearwater County to support and
strengthen our efforts to prevent aquatic invasive species
through inspections at the
public landing;
4) possible partnership with
the Clearwater Historical Society to mark additional historic logging sites near the
lake (Peter Hovde, other volunteers);
5) Continuing the monitoring
of the quality, depth and clarity of our lake water (Peter
Gugisberg, Jim Svobodny,
Becky Bergerson, Ardell Johnson);
continued on P2
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
LLLAA Spring Meeting
Saturday, June 4 3:00 PM
At Jon & Nora Jennings—12816 Ecton Trail
Come meet your neighbors --- bring your ideas and concerns
Inside this issue:
LLLAA OFFICERS
LLLAA OFFICERS
Dan Wilson, President .................................... 657-2285, [email protected]
Kathy Toomey 1st Vice President .................657-2299, [email protected]
Ellen Gugisberg, 2nd Vice President ............657-2745, [email protected]
Jane Bovard, Secretary ................................ 657-2827, [email protected]
Richard Bovard, Treasurer ............................ 657-2329, [email protected]
Peter Hovde, Historian .................................. 657-2346, [email protected]
Grace Kuphal, Newsletter Editor ................ 657-2492, [email protected]
Jane Bovard, Newsletter Layout Editor ..... 657-2329, [email protected]
FIRE DEPT VOLUNTEERS
ATV TRAILS
WILD LIFE
TOWNSHIP NEWS
UP AND DOWN THE LAKE
2
WINTER ON LLL
7
LAKE DATA
8
3
4
5
6
Long
Long Lost
Lost Lake
Lake Area
Area Association
Association
PREZ SEZ CONTINUED
6) County Road 39 spring and fall cleanup (Becky Bergerson);
7) Water table monitoring (Marv Mortenson);
8) Road maintenance and non aquatic invasive species (Township board members); and
9) continue a range of social/networking activities including weekly dining out, book club, end of summer rummage sale (not yet
discussed), other.
Our thanks goes to Jon and Nora Jennings who have graciously offered to host our Spring meeting at their home (12816 Ecton
Trail). The meeting will be held Saturday, June 4th at 3:00 PM. The meeting is open to all who enjoy full time and seasonal stays at
Long Lost and Glanders lakes and their guests. The business meeting will include coffee and dessert and a presentation by a guest
speaker on a topic of interest.
Dan Wilson, President
Support Needed For Our Local Volunteer Fire Department
Most of you are familiar with the Elbow-Tulaby Lakes Volunteer Fire Department which includes Long Lost
Lake in their response area. The Fire Department, while partially supported by the townships they serve, must
sustain their organization through a number of fund raising efforts in addition to the volunteer hours they contribute for fire prevention and response. You can support them by purchasing the raffle tickets sent to you
(Winter raffle raised $8,000). You can also support them by attending one of their other fund raisers including the Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast on May 29th, the Annual Pig Roast on August 6th and/or the Labor
Day Pancake Breakfast on September 4th. For more information, contact Fire Chief Dick Roman at 701-3617341 or Greg Syverson, Assistance Fire Chief, at 218-849-4065.
Some basic pointers they share in their circular include: 1) check smoke detector batteries; 2) install carbon
monoxide detectors; 3) burning permits not required with 3” or more of snow but are required after the snow
melts.
The newsletter will be sent out by e-mail to people with confirmed e-mail addresses UNLESS Grace is notified that you
prefer to receive it by regular mail. Grace can be contacted at 657-2492 or by e-mail at gekuphal@aol. The newsletter
editor assembles, staples, folds, addresses and mails the newsletters that go out in the mail. It saves time and expense to
be able to e-mail them out and have the recipient print out their own copy if at all possible.
Your 2016 Dues are new due.
Dues are still only $15.00 annually. They can be paid at the June meeting or mailed directly to
Richard Bovard
12346 McKenzie Rd., Bagley, MN. 56621
Name_____________________________________
e-mail address________________________________
Mailing Address___________________________________________________________________________
Amount enclosed:_____________________
For: ____ 2015 ____ 2016
Page 2
Spring 2016 Newsletter
ATV Connector Trails: Here They Come Again
Those of us on the lake at the time recall that in 2004 the DNR
proposed an ATV ring trail around Long Lost Lake. The plan
was to link our access roads into what became known as “the
racetrack around a lake.” Just the publication of the proposal
was enough to attract irresponsible riders from elsewhere to our
lake, raising hell, noise, dust, and many near-miss accidents on
our torn up access roads.
The issue was discussed at the next lake association meeting.
Some voiced resignation; that the DNR and rider groups couldn’t be stopped. Others volunteered, and a group of residents
were authorized to fight the proposal. What followed was a lot
of fieldwork, attending meetings and hearings—from Long
Lost Lake to St. Paul, and linking with other groups fighting
similar battles around their lakes. We later learned that
“sensitive noise receptors” (that’s DNR-speak for “residents”)
were not even considered in planning the proposal. In the end,
thanks to these efforts, the DNR withdrew its plan, and “the
racetrack around a lake” was not laid down.
Yet now, here they come again. Appearing before the Clearwater County Commission, a Beltrami county ATV club proposes making “connector trails” linking present trails in
Beltrami and Hubbard counties to areas in southern Clearwater
County.
Hundreds of research articles have been written about the wide
variety of negative impacts of irresponsible ATV use in forests.
For example, the US Forest Service lists “unmanaged motorized recreation” as one of four major threats to American forests. Apart from its own set of damages, ATV use in forests
rises to a threat level because it is implicated in all the other
three.
Fire. Connector trails bring people into the woods who are
not knowledgeable of its ways, and are not careful
with fire.
Invasive species. ATVs pick up seeds of invasive species
and literally plant them in the forest soil torn up by
their aggressive tire treads.
Forest fragmentation. Every time a new trail is laid down,
a forest further fragments. Predators in particular feel
insecure in smaller patches of forest, so they go elsewhere. Black-footed or deer ticks pick up the lymecausing bacterium from blood of the white-footed
mouse, and pass the disease on to whomever the tick
feeds on next. With fewer predators, mice populations explode. The vanishing predator-mouse-tickdeer-human cycle has affected places as diverse as the
northern Twin Cities suburbs and southern Clearwater
County.
Page 3
The last thing we need in southern Clearwater County is
more trails.
Wildlife. Everyone—hikers to hunters, birdwatchers to
trappers—want abundant wildlife. For wildlife, just raising their young and getting through the winter are raging
successes. If birds and animals are frightened away from
favored feeding and nesting places—as they are by the
noise and pollution, and simple presence of ATVs—they
will have less success in producing the next generation and
surviving the winter.
It’s tough being wild.
Connector trails provide many more opportunities for
greater damage to the land. As these trails become soggy,
the width of the trails expand as riders try to avoid sinking
into the muck. Other riders cannot seem to resist
“mudding.” Any wetland will do, wetlands which are essential parts of the freshwater supply system for those of
us who live in the forests of southern Clearwater. Connector trails also result in unauthorized trails—called “ghost
trails”—formed by riders themselves. Trails created with
no knowledge or concern about the impacts on soils, vegetation, animals, or residents.
Residents. Those of us who live in southern Clearwater
county chose to do so because of its undisturbed beauty
reminiscent of Itasca Park and the BWCA, while the 10
mph speed limit on Long Lost Lake preserves the peace
and quiet of the northwoods. By stopping the connector
trails proposal in its tracks, the county will be following
the prime best management practices (BMPs) of concentrating the damage which inevitably occurs. Not to mention preserving, the natural beauty and quiet offered here
in southern Clearwater County.
No one intends to restrict the responsible use of ATVs by
lake residents. We need to prevent southern Clearwater
County from becoming a playground for the irresponsible
use of ATVs. We need to prevent the inevitable damage
which connector trails would do to our little bit of heaven.
(For more on the impacts of irresponsible ATV use, go to
YouTube and request “ATVs in Minnesota Forests,” a
documentary film by Peter & Charlie Hovde, produced for
each of Minnesota’s 201 legislators.)
(A further update is on the bottom of page 5)
Long
Long Lost
Lost Lake
Lake Area
Area Association
Association
Long Lost Lake Winter Phenology* Report 2016
Nuthatch
Raven (call only)
Redpoll
Robin
Ruffed Grouse
Sharp-Shinned Hawk
Slate-Colored Junco
Trumpeter Swan
Wild Turkey
Birds:
American Tree Sparrow
American Woodcock
Bald Eagle
Blue Jay
Brown Creeper
Canada Goose
Chickadee
Crow
Downey Woodpecker
Golden Eagle
Great Horned Owl (call only)
Hairy Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker
Pine Grosbeak
Northern Flicker (call only)
Northern Goshawk
Northern Shrike
Animals:
Cottontail Rabbit
Ground Hog (Woodchuck)
Porcupine
Red Fox
Red Squirrel
Snowshoe Hare (tracks only)
Vole
*Phenology refers
to key seasonal changes in plants and animals from year to year—such as flowering,
emergence of insects and migration of birds—especially their timing and relationship with weather and climate.
Eagle, owl, fox, swan and wood
duck photos by Penny Kemmer,
turkeys by Julie Thieshafer
Page 4
Spring 2016 Newsletter
SUPPER CLUB 2106
Up and Down the Lake
.
Westside residents enjoying an evening of Carbels (a combination game
of cards and marbles) at the
Thieshafer’s home over the holidays.
(The women won!)
Our teenager, Donna Houglum
celebrated another birthday on
February 29. She and Ruth Johnson partied together.
Connie Silkett is moving to a
Memory Care Unit. Her address is:
Weatherly Inn
6016 N Highlands Pkwy,
Tacoma WA 98406
We have several deaths of lake residents (or former residents) to report.
Bob Snyder, son of Lil Snyder,
passed away December 14 in Bismarck after a long illness. Bob’s
mother, Lil, was instrumental is the
establishment of our lake association.
John Debauche also passed away
in December after a long illness. For
the past twenty years, John has
shared his life with Dorothy Eckhoff.
Together they built their "cabin in
the woods" on Long Lost Lake. John
was happiest in the outdoors and
many hours were spent "baiting" the
bears, fishing, and hunting with
John's children and Dorothy's son.
John's favorite sport was around the
campfire at happy hour, surrounded
by neighbors and friends with Dorothy by his side.
"Ice Out" is a great way to celebrate the
end of winter particularly when it comes
by April 4th.—6th. (depending on where
you are on the lake!) The returning trumpeter swans, ducks and Canadian
geese also welcome in Spring.
On Thursday evenings during the
summer, at 5:00, a number of
LLL residents meet for dinner at
area restaurants. This event is
open to all. An e-mail is sent out
early in the week to get an estimate of the number attending to
let the restaurant know how many
will be coming. Upcoming venues for 2016 are below.
May 26 Hilltop
June 2 Y Steakhouse
June 9 Ice Cracking
June 16 Lobos
June 23 Boulders
June 29 (Wed.)New Horizons
July 7 Becida
July 14 Companeros
July 21 Daroos
July 28 Blueberry Pines
August 4 Vallartas Mexican
Aug 6 Necce’s
Aug 11 Vacationaire
Aug 18 Zorbaz
Aug 26 Mi Rancho
Sept 1 Lobos
Sept8 Douglas Lodge
Sept 15 Hilltop
Sept 22 Ice Cracking
We want to welcome Todd and Stacey
Bietes from Thief River Falls
George Zender died in January 2016
in Sarasota, Florida. He was originally
from Fergus Falls and was one of the
earlier owners on LLL. He enjoyed
hunting grouse at Long lost
lake, swimming and telling tales on the
dock. He will be remembered with a
Coke and a Smile. Surviving wife is
Phyllis and seven children.
To make sure their dining out skills have
not become rusty, winter residents practice
all winter to be sure they are ready for the
rigorous social calendar come summer
Page 5
Congratulations to Jim and Lin
Svobodny who enjoyed a visit to
New Zealand this winter.
Long
Long Lost
Lost Lake
Lake Area
Area Association
Association
TOWNSHIP NEWS
Are you interested in being part of a garage sale this spring? Current plans are for a 1-day sale held on Saturday, May
28th starting at 9:00 AM and running until 4:00 PM. Greg Scherzer has ok'd use of the ditch area that we used for last
falls sale. If you are interested in participating please call 218-657-2853 to express your interest. Your only cost would
involve sharing in any paid advertising that is done.
Long Lost Lake Township Meeting Schedule for 2016
Tuesday, June 14
Tuesday August 9
Board Meeting 7:00 pm Board Meeting 7:00 pm
A. Johnson residence
A. Johnson residence
Tuesday October 11
Board Meeting 7:00 pm
D. Johnson residence
Tuesday November 15
Board of Canvas 1:00 pm
L.Wilson residence
Tuesday December 13
Board Meeting 7:00 pm
D. Johnson residence
TOWNSHIP OFFICERS
Dave Johnson, Supervisor …………….………….. 657-2853, [email protected]
Greg Scherzer, Supervisor……………………..…..657-2557, [email protected]
Ardell Johnson, Supervisor ……………………….. 657-2606
Dick Toomey, Treasurer ……………………………657-2299, [email protected]
Laurie Wilson, Clerk ……………………….………657-2285, [email protected]
Linden Wilson
can claim to be
the first in 2016
to go for an
(unintended )
swim in Long
Lost Lake on
April 3rd.
ATV Trail Expansion Proposal: update
The following information was taken from the February 17th Farmers Independent.
“Jay Vold and Paul Schummer of Bemidji, and Joe Mayer of Bagley, members of the North Country Riders ATV Club, attended the February 9 meeting of the Clearwater County Board to discuss the possibility of extending ATV trails from
Beltrami and Hubbard counties into Clearwater County. Their goal “is to get members over here (Clearwater County), so
people know what we’re doing. We keep trails and driveways clean, and want to keep homeowners happy”. They plan to
seek grants from the State of Minnesota and Polaris Industries, and indicated their plan to work with DNR foresters. They
have 160 members in their club. Joe Mayer explained that the primary goal is to tie in existing trails so riders can access the
Buckboard Hills on the south end of Clearwater County”…..and eventually they would like to link the northern route which
includes a railroad grade heading into Leonard from Beltrami County with the southern routes in Beltrami, Hubbard and
Clearwater Counties. During that meeting, Commissioner Newland shared that this is a controversial idea and thinks there
would be more against it.”
The above was discussed at the Annual Meeting of the Long Lost Lake Township Board. Peter Hovde, LLLAA historian also
submitted an article to the Farmers Independent in opposition to trail expansion. Commissioner Newland indicated he will
keep our Association and Township informed of any scheduled county board discussions or plan review.
Page 6
Spring 2016 Newsletter
Winter on LLL
Ski trail through the woods—Babe
Mortenson
Photo by Becky Bergerson
Thieshafer grandchildren having fun
in the snow.
Carson Simison doing the annual Detroit
Mountain Pond skim.
Todd Simison, family and friends enjoying
the winter on LLL.
Musing’s on a Long Lost Lake Winter
By Dan Wilson
As I write this, winter still lingering, and Spring shows up every third day. There is nothing to do but use this confused state of affairs to reflect a bit while gearing up for the busy summer to come.
For starters, a Long Lost Lake winter brings with it a beauty that is incomparable to any other time of the year or any other place
for that matter. The stark whiteness accented by the bright greens of our white and red pines, with a deepest blue sky cannot but
impress even those who feel the cabin fever of indoor life. The stars seem brighter, turning night into day with the snow as a reflector. The quiet speaks through the occasional hoot of the owls, night time bark of a coyote or howl of a gray wolf.
Under the full light of day, however, it becomes clear that such serenity is only a muse for night time goings on that should be troubling to any Lutheran conscience. The brush pile that was intended for, well… piling brush, has now become a fun house, with rabbits and squirrels and woodchucks all occupying common space under conditions we can only imagine. The ever increasing numbers of each species that emerge each morning document fully that little time has been spend in quiet reflection. And the fox, who
earlier was a frequent visitor to the brush pile, rarely stops by, having learned that there is an interspecies conspiracy to avoid becoming fox food.
The ice was only a foot or so thick this winter, much to the relief of the men who were being pressured by their wives to build an
“ice carousel” (imagine a 60’ diameter circle of chain saw cut ice, turning under the power of an outboard motor to the tune of an
old fashioned carousel). Ice fishermen seemed happy with their endeavors in spite of the results. More time was spent talking
about snow removal than actually doing it, and the adherents to the philosophy ”if you wait long enough, it melts anyway” seem
to have won out. One of the chief achievements was to refine dining out skills, in preparation for fast paced Long Lost Lake summertime social life that is now part of our shared heritage.
Page 7
Long
Long Lost
Lost Lake
Lake Area
Area Association
Association
LAKE DATA - WINTER 2015
Lake Level
Temperature Extremes
Ordinary High Water Level - Standard
1605.50 ft
Highest recorded lake level 7/22/02 1617.74 ft
First recorded reading
5/28/92
1604.74 ft
Date
High
3-Dec
46
27-Dec
-2
30-Jan
40
17-Jan
-35
55
13-Feb
1-Mar
-28
5
27-Feb
This year the loons made it out before the final freeze. 29-Mar
The first snow was at the end of October.
63
Date
Low
Thank you Shirley for the info
Snow fall data in inches - Total so far 59.5 inches (most snow in one day was 7 inches)
Oct
2.5
Nov
6.0
Dec
15.0
Jan
12.5
Feb
14.0
Mar
6.5
Apr
3.0
Now starts the beginning of spring and the ice break up!!
The offical call is on April 8th or maybe April 9th.
Greg reported some more ice again in the Southeast bay.
The beginning of Ice out at the
South end of lake - Thanks Julie
Ice out at the North End of Lake Thanks Dan
People awake to a beautiful sunrise and sunset Pictures by Julie and
Penny
The loons are back - This is the repeating of the circle of life and a new
beginning for a great season.
Jane and Grace would like to thank the many people who help contribute their pictures and ideas to us. It makes this news letter a truly
community effort. Please keep them coming!!
Page 8