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SPRING EDITION 2015
BIG SAUK LAKE ASSOCIATION
INFORMERBOARD OF DIRECTORS
PresidentBob Bjork (320)351-2513
Vice PresidentTim Weir (320)352-3318
(Lake Watch North Half)SecretaryWayne Yokiel (763)560-8615
TreasurerRick Jennissen (320)352-6905
Vern Beckerman(Lake Watch S. 1/2) (320)352-3732
Mike Blenkush (320)290-2496(Membership)
Jerry Beuning (320)352-3921Kevin Baartman (763)413-0943Jeff
Mayer (320)352-0055
I believe that attendance at this meeting was eye-opening for
me. Published minutes of that meeting, revealed that action was
takento address drainage from the Fairy Lake area into Sauk Lake.
Moresignificantly was that a Congressional bill to clean up Sauk
Lake hadadvanced through the House and Senate and was now on
PresidentReagan's desk for his signature. I learned later that it
had a pricetag of a whopping $8M . There were two other speakers
presentfrom the ACE. They discussed a plant control project that
hadalready begun It was a 50%-50% cost sharing project. A
"problemassessment" had been completed which was 100% Federally
costfunded. They also described a cost-benefit analysis
concerningproperty values and compared them to similar lakes in the
vicinitywhich were weed free. Using 7.2 miles of lake property,
theimprovement would be $166,000 per year. If both recreation
andproperty values were improved, the total benefit was estimated
at$700,000 per year!
Apparently there was more than one attempt to create a
viablelake association. Members were generally citizens living
within theCity Limits. The official Big Sauk Lake Association was
formed by adedicated group of property owners living primarily on
the North endof the lake. They formed a Board of Directors, set up
meetingdates, obtained State Incorporation, and formulated a set of
By-Laws. One of the By-Laws, addressing the Lake, stated
"Inquireinto civic abuses and to seek reformation thereof." I
assume therewas concern about the continued degradation of the
lake. In 1994,then President, Darrell Maas said, "the water quality
was the worstI have seen in years." The following sequence is
abbreviated dueto space. In 1995, Elaine Jensen became President,
There was aproactive effort to engage the Todd County Commissioners
inupgrading compliant septic systems. Sometime in 1996, TomFischer
was elected. Major projects included successful fund-rais-ing
projects to purchase two Civil Defense Sirens. Member DonSpehn was
a major player in their acquisition. The fishing dockaccessible
from the City Park was completed. The Annual FundRaising Dinner was
begun as other fund raising projects. At thistime, a "young" SRWD
had applied for a grant to investigate/controlof point-sources of
water pollution and assist the City in the pur-
chase of equipment to conduct mechanical removal of
aquaticweeds. The original device, a weed puller, built in 1972,
was wear-ing out and obsolete for various reasons. Sometime in
2000, therewas again a change in the Presidency. I would be amiss
not to men-tion the contributions of the Directors who served
during that firstdecade. Future projects included continuation of
the fund-raisingeffort started earlier. Lake residents contributed
$11K in cash andoffered volunteer service equivalent to $10K,
totaling $21,000. TheSRWD received a grant called a CWP or a Clean
Water Partnershipgrant. Volunteers were recruited to begin
volunteer monitoring ofour lake and tributaries. We improved our
presence at our booth atthe Stearns County Fair by improving its
appearance and havingmatching games for children in lieu of winning
inexpensive gifts.Our attendance has ranged from 650-750 per year.
Earlier, a groupof volunteers including citizens and Directors met
several times withDNR Aquatic Specialist Ed Feiler to create a
VegetativeManagement Plan to specify how a Weed Harvester would
operate.Initially a 10 year Plan, it was recently updated to
reflect the newplan to control aquatic invasives.
As our calendars were adjusted for the 21st Century, lake
weedsand algae concentrations became intolerable. The mechanical
har-vester was operating daily, cutting navigation channels in the
non-lit-toral zone and also for individual property owners to
navigate out tothese channels. The BSLA decided, in early 2007, to
hireProfessional Lake Management (PLM) to conduct a 15 acre
(laterreduced to 10) test spray using Aquaqthol-K to eliminate
curly leafpondweed in the test plot. The plot was on the SW Bay of
the lakeon the western side. On May 14, 2007 the spraying was
completedfollowed by a PLM inspection report on May 29, 2007. I
quote fromtheir report: " It is estimated that over 70% of the
whole area hadbeen completely controlled with approximately 30% of
the area witha significant reduction. It should also be noted that
it may up to 21days for plants to completely fall and the survey
was performed 14days following." The report also identified the
four properties thatwere individually treated for clp, one on
Saukview Dr., one onLakeshore Drive, and two on Birch Drive.
Presidents letter continued on page 2
From the President,Greetings Fellow Members of the BSLA.
Just one year ago, this column reflected on the first days of
50's and 60's following a winter and "spring" which was etched in
our minds as rather nasty. This spring is one to rejoice in as we
have already experienced numerous days of 50's, 60's, 70's and even
a couple of days in the 80's. Now, a welcome succession of rainy
days have stimulated growth of the thirsty plants in our lawns,
flower, vegetable gardens and crop land. To me, there has been an
explosion of plant growth. Even lilacs are blooming. It will be
interesting to see the effects of the earlier spring on aquatic
plant growth. Does an earlier, wetter spring suggest a drier,
lessrainy summer? We will find out!
Quite recently I was invited to give a talk to our local Rotary
Club, with emphasis on thehistory of our organization and to touch
on our activities since its inception. I thought Iwould share with
you some of the highlights of this history and conclude by bringing
readersup to date on the present time, the spring of 2015. It is
likely that a number of our membershave had lake homes dating back
to pre -1980's. Other, more recent members may only befamiliar with
lake condition in the years of the 21st Century. I say this because
even thoughmy wife and had bought our present home in the mid 60's,
on County Rd. 24, (now Brickyard Rd.), I paid little attention to
any existing Lake Association. I'm sure we witnessed theexcessive
weed growth and algae blooms and complained incessantly about it.
However, Iread about a meeting called by the Sauk Lake Improvement
Association for 7:00 PM onOctober 20, 1986. 30 people were present
including myself. The meeting was held at theoffices of the City
Water, Power and Light Department. Two staff members of the St.
PaulOffice of the Army Corps of Engineers were present. Dave
Vandesteeg presided.
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Does the space between your dock and boat seem to get wider each
year? We
FDQ KHOS WKDW VLWXDWLRQ ZLWK$QG\V 6DIHStep. This rotomolded step
attaches to the rail on your boat lift and goes up and down as you
raise or lower your boat making for easy access. This step fits
most lifts with a 2 inch rail.
Mark Anderson, 1624 2nd St S. Sauk Centre, MN 56378
For more information call or e-mail Mark at 320-352-6933 or
[email protected]
$QG\V SAFE STEP
Bridging the Gap Between the Dock and the Boat
Many of our readers recall this event. I am repeating it once
more because of the unsubstantiated charges that BSLA has
contributed insome massive way to destroy the weed population thus
reducing thefish population. It is now 8 years later. The skeptics
must be assum-ing that Aquathol molecules are still circulating and
have replicatedthemselves (like cell DNA), to kill invasive weeds.
They are able tonavigate into the N.W. Bay even against the water
currents that flowfrom N. to S.!!
Previous newsletter have kept you informed about issues
dealingwith the SRWD's decision to stop mechanical harvesting and
shift tochemical treatment. This was followed by a Project
Agreement signedby SRWD, City of Sauk Centre and the BSLA.
Subsequently, theBSLA acquired a contractor,
Lake Restoration, to conduct a survey for clp in 2014 . The
costwas borne from the accrued fund of tax levies held by the
SRWD.Some 93.4 Acres of clp were identified in that mapping report.
Thisspring, the SRWD filed a request for a spray permit just in
case onewas needed. I signed that permit.
A second survey was carried out by a DNR crew identifying
17.8acres that could be sprayed. Finally, the DNR approved spraying
ofslightly over 12 acres.
The Association was granted up to $9460 to conduct a herbicide
application. Any grant money not used must be returned. In order to
complete the grant application, it was necessary to acquire a
vendorand a vendor number. We sent bids out to three companies
andselected CLARKE, a company located in Clearwater, MN. We
believethis company conducted its spray operation on the early
morning ofMay 15th. Next is receipt of a report and final
settlement of the cost.
One would have had to be away from Minnesota or the Nation
for
that matter not to be aware of the concerted efforts to control
AquaticInvasive Species particularly zebra mussels. Past INFORMER
articleshave attempted to keep our readers informed concerning
creation ofcomprehensive plans in both Todd and Stearns Counties to
controlintroduction of this species into our lakes. Part of the
completed plansprovides funds to hire "Water Guards" to act as
"sentinels" at our lakeaccess points.
These "guards" have been hired and will be visible at the
Northaccess (in Todd County) and the two accesses in Stearns
(Highway 71and the City Park) . We were awarded about $6400 to pay
for theGuards. We are not responsible for paying or supervising
them.Should you encounter one or more this summer, thank them for
doing this service. Don't gripe and balk when they askfor
permission to inspect your boat.
This column is concluding with a note on carp. We have agreed
toenter into a contract with Mr. Campbell to harvest up to 120,000
lbs ofcarp next winter. More on this at our Annual Meeting.
I realized that this is the 25th Anniversary of the BSLA. While
manyprojects have been completed and many hours have been
expended,Sauk Lake still is classified as having hypereutrophic
conditions in theSW Bay and eutrophic conditions in the NW Bay.
Overall, it is hyper-eutrophic. I have asked before in this column,
"What kind of a lake doyou want?" Remember its classification. Our
Annual Meeting is com-ing soon. Check out the information about it
in other parts of thenewsletter. Bring you questions and concerns
as well. Our Boardhopes to see many of you there. PLEASE CONSIDER
JOINING AS ANEW DIRECTOR.
HAVE A GREAT SUMMER.
Presidents letter continued from page 1
320-352-6933 [email protected]
On The Lighter SideEditor makes no promises about these remarks.
Other than that, Ihope you enjoy. All were from internet
sources.
HOW ABOUT SOME RELIGIOUS HUMOR -----------------Pay special
attention to the wording and spelling. The more you
know about the Bible, the more hilarious these answers are.They
are said to authentic- nothing has been retouched.
Lot's wife was a pillar of salt during the day but a ball of
fire dur-ing the night.
Samson slayed the Philistines with the AXE of the Apostles.
The first commandments was when Eve told Adam to eat
theapple.
Adam and Eve were created from an Apple Tree. Noah's wifewas
Joan of Ark. Noah built and Ark and the animals came onin
Pears.
Moses died before he ever reached Canada then Joshua ledthe
Hebrews in the Battle of Geritol.
Solomon, one of David's sons had 300 wives and 700
porcu-pines.
Jesus was born because Mary had an ImmaculateContraption.
The Epistels were the wives of the Apostles.
St. Paul cavorted to Christianity. He preached Holy
Acrimonywhich is another name for marriage.
Christians have only one Spouse. This is called Monotony.
CARE TO TEACH A RELIGION CLASS? HAVE A GREAT DAY.
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Editor's Note: Reader's will recall that THE INFORMER has
oftenincluded articles on animals and plants other than fish or
fishing.Credit is given to the Stearns County SWCD for this article
whichappeared in their Spring Publication.Joe Orr - is the Stearns
CountyPheasants Forever Biologist
Spring is upon us and soon rooster pheasants will be fighting
forcompanionship. Beginning in early March and peaking in early
May,roosters scatter from winter cover to establish territories
(3-10 acresin size ) and attract hens by crowing. On average
pheasants move 2/3of a mile between winter cover nesting habitat,
but some may moveas much as 1 1/2 miles. Each rooster will
typically breed 3-7 hens.Fierce battles between roosters are not
common, as most disputes aresettled with bluffing, but sharp spurs
and pointed beaks can be usedas sometimes deadly weapons.
After breeding, the hen will begin nesting by laying one egg a
daytypically starting in mid to late April, and will continue until
herclutch is complete (usually around 10-12 eggs). The hen alone
isresponsible for the incubating process, which lasts 23 days and
startsthe day she lays her last egg of the clutch. A complete
nesting cyclefrom laying to hatch usually takes around 37 days.
This makes mid-April to mid-June an extremely vital time for the
reproduction suc-cess of the pheasant.
The three main factors for nest failure during this period are:
nestdisturbance by haying/cutting (Flushing bars on farm equipment
cansave hens), predators (fox, raccoon and skunks), and the
weather. Awet spring can equate to low nest success. Pheasants will
have only1 brood per year, but if their nest or eggs are destroyed,
they will try,try, and try again to be successful. Nesting takes a
lot of energy, andwith each re-nest the clutch size size is
reduced. Eventually a hen'senergy reserves are exhausted or not
enough time remains during thenesting season for a hen to
successfully hatch a nest, and she willgive up. Her success
averages around 50% in areas without much
nesting cover, and more than 70% in areas where there is
goodamount of nesting cover.
Pheasant chicks are born to run, and can leave the nest and
followthe hen in search of food within hours of hatching. A
pheasantchick's main diet is insects, but to be able to get to
those insects, thepheasant chick needs good brood rearing habitat.
Good brood rear-ing habitat means good lateral, and overhead
concealment from pre-dation, since they are being hunted themselves
by most everythingwith teeth and talons. From a hatch of a dozen
chicks, six will sur-vive until the pheasant opener.
Yet broods also require openness at ground level (
approximately30%) to feed freely throughout the stand (and to
escape should trou-ble show up). This why Native Grasses and Native
WildflowerPlantings are great for pheasants. Several species of
Natives areBunch grasses (grow in clumps) which helps create that
30% groundopening that the pheasant chicks require, and the
wildflowers attractthe insects that the chick's diet requires.
CRP is a great way to put more pheasant habitat on your
proper-ty. If you have small, odd shaped, unproductive cropland on
yourproperty, maybe CRP is a way to help with the bottom line in
youroperation, and create wildlife habitat at the same time. Give
us a callat the SWCD, and let us help you.
Pheasants Forever -- Spring Time Pheasant Activities
17 1/2 x 21 1/2 Map Fully Laminated$5
26 1/2 x 34 Map Not Laminated$10
Send check or money order along with your name, address,
and phone number to:
Big Sauk Lake Association Box 282
Sauk Centre, MN 56378
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For BSLA information, notices, and lake-related links
or to contact us.
This site is courtesy of the World Wide Web Foundry, LLC.
A BIG thank you to BSLA member, Lynn Woodward.
A TALE OF CARP REMOVALEditor's Note: Many of you may have seen
this article in the Minneapolis StarTribune last March. I chose to
replicate it here because the reporter refers to the debateabout
removing too many carp. What are your thoughts on this debate?
6,000 pounds of invasive species removed from Silver Lake to
improve waterquality.
There were no catch limits on this fishing trip at Silver Lake
in the north metro,and the fisherman used a backhoe to lift and
load their haul - 6,000 pounds ofinvasive carp. When they were done
pulling more than 1,100 fish out of thewater (Wednesday), the back
of a pickup was full of squirming carp packed insnow.
The professional fisherman who hauled the invasive carp out from
under theice of the St. Anthony lake were doing so to improve water
quality. The result:The lake is now nearly rid of the invasive
fish, whose bottom-stirring pres-ence lowers water quality.
Wednesday's yield was bigger than a one-day carpcatch last year of
about 3,800 pounds.
But the methodical removals have generated some debate, because
fewer carpmean more weeds. More than a decade ago, Silver Lake,
which straddles theborder of Anoka and Ramsey counties, was
designated "impaired" by theMinnesota Pollution Control Agency
because of elevated phosphorus levels,which fuel algae blooms.
Carp eat aquatic vegetation and stir up sediment on the lake
bottom, releas-ing phosphorus in the water. The fish have found
their way into waters likeSilver Lake in minnow buckets and by
swimming up ditches and other water-ways.
Silver Lake's shoreline neighbors - the Three Rivers Park
District, the RiceCreek Watershed District, Ramsey County, the
state Department of NaturalResources and the cities of St. Anthony,
New Brighton and Columbia Heights- agreed to remove as much of the
lake's carp population as possible. It'sthought that population
peaked at 1,300 fish in 2013.
"What we are doing is looking at this carp removal as a
best-managment prac-tice,"said Tony Havranek, a senior
environmental scientist with theMinneapolis-based WSB &
Associates, who is overseeing the project. "It's nota silver
bullet, but it's one tool in a suite of tools that we are going to
applyto a water body to improvewater quality and habitat. Another
such tool, hesaid, is managing stormwaterflow.
Generally, scientists like to see 89 pounds of carp per acre of
water or less.
Author: Shannon Prather, STAR TRIBUNE
($25 per Year: Jan. 1Dec. 31, 2015)
Name:
Mailing Address:
Phone No:
E-mail Address:
Please cut out and include with your payment to:
BSLA, Box 282, Sauk Centre, MN 56378 !"#$#%
The Big Sauk Lake Association is a Minnesota nonprofit
corporation, and a tax-exempt, environmental organization under
Article 501 (c) (3) of the U. S. Internal Revenue Code.
For informationon advertising inthe INFORMER
call:Mike Blenkush at
320-290-2496 or
E-mail:
[email protected]
More On The Lighter SideRamblings of a Retired Mind------------I
was thinking about how a status symbol of today
is those cell phones that everyone has clippedonto their belt or
purse. I can't afford afford one.So, I'm wearing my garage door
opener.
You know, I spent a fortune on deodorant before Irealized that
people didn't like me anyway.
I thought about making a fitness movie for folksmy age and call
it "Pumping Rust".
I've gotten that dreaded furniture disease. That'swhen your
chest is falling into your drawers!
Did you ever notice: The Roman numerals forforty (40) are
XL.
When you are dissatisfied and would like to goback to your
youth, think about and take a refresh-er course in Algebra.
I was thinking about how people seem to read theBible a whole
lot more as they get older. Then itdawned on me. They were cramming
for theirfinals! As for me, I'm, hoping God grades on acurve.
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Below is a listing of BSLA Residential and Business members who
have paid dues for calendar year 2015 as of May 8, 2015. "#$%!for
your support of Big Sauk Lake and the Sauk Centre community!
Ann R. Mitchell, Attorney Big Sauk Resort Birchwood Resort
Boomerang Marine & Powersports, Inc Central Minnesota Federal
Credit Union Centre Graphics Centre Sports, LLC City of Sauk Centre
Country Cat, Inc Godfather's Exterminating, Inc Mainstreet Press
Minnesota National Bank Mitch's Dyno Tuning Sauk Centre
Conservation Club Sauk Centre Public Utilities Commission Stearns
Electric Association Tree Top Nursery & Landscaping Verizon -
Home Town Solutions Westside Liquor Worms Ready Mix
Alice & Jim Abraham Frank & Nancy Ademite Dennis M.
Anderson Kevin & Leisa Baartman John & Cindy Banovetz Kevin
& Mari Banz Tim & Jeni Barker Rick & Jodi Bass Daniel
& David Beck Vern & Sue Beckermann Betty Lou Berg Ron &
Ann Bergemann Jerry & Kaye Beuning Roger & Susan Beuning
Chad & Trista Beuning Marian Bielke John & Gail Bieniek
John & Jan Bieringer Big Sauk Lake Coop Bob Bjork Jim &
Bernice Blacksher Mike & Betty Blenkush Russ & Edith Blue
Jim Boyer Mark & Brenda Breitbach Andrew & Teresa Burlet
Dick & Sue Cardinal Barbara Carlson Wendell & Clara
Christensen Dennis & Kathy Christianson Jim & Barb Cooper
Ken & Sara Cornell Richard & Linda Cross Ervin &
Raeanne Danielowski Robert & Colleen Diercks Steve & Debbie
Dierkhising John & Lorna Dierks Jon & Charlotte Dockter
James Dolan Duffy - Lind Philip Ehresman Tony & Irene Felling
Mike & Judy Felling Jean & Pat Fiedler Tom & Edie
Fischer Marty & Deb Fitzgerald Kitty Fobes Robert Friedl Greg
& Darla Gilb Bonnie & Roger Grapper Gary & Lois Grave
David & Kathy Grussing Larry & Mary Gustafson Ed & Sara
Hackenmueller Benedict & Claire Haeg Jack & Karen Haley
Richard & Barbara Halvorson Heather & Tom Hamilton Kristine
Hansen Harry & Alta Hanson Rick & Cindy Haroldson Cindi
& Jerry Hefferan
Maggie Heinen Scott & Abbey Henderson Richard & Grace
Henning Larry & Debbie Herke Bill & Deb Hildebrand Mark
& Barb Hilgers Dean B. & Dawn Hilgers Jim & Liz Himanga
Paul & Shawn Hintzen Alyce Hintzen Lawrence & Barbara
Hittle Ken & Kathy Hoeschen Bob & Sue Hoffman Kris &
Chrissy Hokanson Randy & Denise Hommerding Stan & Dorothy
Hortness Tim & Mary Janish Dan Jaros James & Bernadette
Jennissen Rick & Laurie Jennissen Brenda & Patrick
Jennissen Dean & Elaine Jensen Derek & Kim Johnson Mike
& Lori Jost William Kellogg Greg & Jeanie Klasen James
& Valerie Kluver Ed and Marnie Korteum Chuck & Bev Kortuem
Mark & Gwen Kranz Marge & Bob Lackmann Bill Lanik Robert
& JoAnn Larson Brent Lavoi Larry & JoAnn Lawinger John
& Laura Lepowsky Maxine Lobejko Mike & Chris Long James
& Mary Maddox Skip & Lyn Manoski Darlene & Dave Mareck
Lucas Martin & Sara Olmanson Jeff & Carol Mayer John &
Karla McCarey Peg and Lance Mead Steve & Fran Messerli John W
Meyer Patricia Meyer J&J Miller Family Trust Jerry Moffitt
Lanny & Darlene Moyer Gary & Nancy Mueffelmann Patricia
Musenbrock Ken & Judy Nelson Ken & Mary Nelson Gerry
Newgaard Chereen Norstrud John Olson & Jeanne Lally Laurie
& Paul Overbeck Gilbert & Treonne Panitzke Herb & Alice
Peters Rod and Jeanne Pettit
Ed & Sue Pfeifer Vern & Jeanette Pfeifer Mary Ann
Polipnick Dupper Polipnick/Deb Shapro James & Shana Rachey
Roger Reinardy Joe & LuAnn Reznicek Shirley Rice Marjorie D.
Ripperton Paul & Juliana Robischon Stephen & Amy Rothstein
John Rucinski Arthur & Lorraine Schapp Kathy & Denny
Schiebold Mark & Shellie Schreier Ellie Scott Keith & Jean
Sjurseth Don & Jan Spehn Jason & Minnow Speidel Dorothy
Stadther Arnold & Joan Sticha Jeff & Kathy Stickles Warren
Stone Wanda Storie Kathy & Dale Struffert Bob & Linda
Swanson Lawrence & Dolores Terwey Vic & Lorrayne Traut
Dwayne & Judy Trisko Joe & Katie Uphus Dennis & Dorothy
VonBank Gene & Debra Walter Roy Walz Bruce & Barb Wanquist
Dwayne Weiner Brian Weinzierl Tim & Jo Weir Marcia & Chuck
Weisbrich Cathie Wendell Gary Winter Leroy Wolbeck Bill Wroge Joe
& Sharon Wyffels Wayne & Mary Jo Yokiel Dale & Jan
Zaczkowski Victor & Trisha Zeiher Jim & Mary Zilka Kevin
& Joan Zimmer Patrick Zwilling
!"!
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BI
SAUK
LAKE
Saturday, May 23, 2015 8 amBreakfast Served By Youth Group
8:30 amBusiness Meeting
First Lutheran Church, (Elm St. & Sinclair Lewis Ave.)
Please enter via southwest entrance to basement.
GUEST SPEAKER: Sabin Adams, Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist from
Todd County, will give a presentation on conservation projects such
as buffers, pollinator plantings, prairie restorations, grazing
systems and others that improve habitat for wildlife and water
quality.
SERVICE REQUESTED
TAKE A
A
S
S
f
w
Big Sauk Lake Association
Box 282
Sauk Centre, MN 56378
PRSRT STD
PERMIT NO. 15
U. S. POSTAGE PAID
Sauk Centre, MN 56378
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
TAKE
ACTION
CLEAN, DRAIN,
DRY
MOVE A
