FLLA 2012 Year End Summary Report

FLLA 2012  Year End Summary Report

Signage: Keep Lake Ice Clean
In December, signs and trash cans were posted at all lake public accesses to encourage lake users to keep the lake clean.

Storm Water Runoff Sites Identified(February)
Members were surveyed and identified 17 sites where storm water(untreated) ran directly into the lake. A Watershed District (WSD) study of Forest Lake indicated that storm water runoff contributes 2100 lbs of phosphorus/year to the lake and is  the number one contributor of  lake pollution. Each pound of phosphorus can support 500 lbs of algae growth! This was the beginning of a program to work with the WSD and the City to address this serious lake issue.

6th Annual Ice Clean Up (March )
Sudden , early and unseasonably hot weather created unsafe  ice conditions and this event had to be cancelled.

Annual Meeting & Educational Speakers (April 24th)
Over100  people attended the meeting.
Educational guest speakers:

“Understanding  and Controlling Forest Lake Invasive Species” by Steve McComas, Pres. Of Bluewater Science Inc…discussed Curly Leaf Pondweed and Zebra Mussels

“Storm Water Runoff 2012 Management Programs” by Doug Thomas, Administrator, Comfort Lake- Forest Lake Watershed District.

Wine Tasting Social/ Fundraiser ( June 3rd)
3rd annual wine tasting fundraiser was held at Vanneli’s  restaurant  to support our 2012 lake improvement programs.

Curly Leaf Pondweed(CLP) Management Program (late April)
155 acres of CLP was successfully treated on May  as follows:  Lake 1(85 acres)…Lake 2 ( 37 acres)…..Lake 3( 33 acres). By preventing the rampant  growth of this invasive species weed  we were able :

1. Avoid the mat like weed mass at the surface which restricts recreational lake use.
2. Avoid the problem of 155 acres of CLP of dieing off and floating to shore in early July.
3. Prevent the release of an estimated 550 pounds of phosphorus from the decaying CLP which normally contributes to the summer algae bloom.

The treatment cost was $33,200. But a DNR grant of $22,500 obtained by the CL-FL Watershed District reduced the cost to  $10,700  covered by $7300 from the city and $3,400 from the FLLA.

Weed Harvesting Program
The weed harvester is used primarily to keep channels open between the lakes, provide bay and public access to deeper lake water. This part of the season went well. However, an early, extremely hot spring and low water levels resulted in heavy growth of wild celery and other shallow rooted weeds.

Later in August /September when the harvester is normally removed, these shallow rooted weeds broke loose and created floating “weed bogs”. Some of the bogs were 30ft wide and 300ft long.They restricted docked boats from navigating to deeper water. A number of volunteers worked a total of 135 hours and removed 45 dump truck loads that the City recycled. The City estimated that 405 tons of weeds were removed. We owe a special thanks to the volunteers and the city for resolving this unusual problem.

Zebra Mussel Prevention Program
The FLLA contributed $1500 and the Watershed District contributed $4500 and applied for  and won a boat  launch inspection matching grant from the DNR. The grant should have provided 880 hours of boat launch  inspections/education at the Forest Lake public launches to help reduce the risk of spreading invasive species such as zebra mussels and milfoil. However, high grant demand forced the DNR to an allocation program and Forest Lake only received 256 DNR sponsored inspection hours. Your FLLA jumped into action and formally petitioned the City to contribute $7500  to the additional $3500 from the FLLA. The request was quickly approved by the City Council resulting in a total of 1200 inspection hours for the 2012 season.

In addition, the CL-FL Watershed District hired a consultant who conducted a study of Forest Lake to determine  how susceptible Forest Lake is to the spread /growth of zebra mussels if and when they should enter the lake. This report will be available in Feb of 2013.

Boat Tie Up Social(August 20)
This normally great social event was cancelled due to rain/inclement weather.

Lake Monitoring
The DNR relies on volunteers to monitor lake water quality. This requires taking water samples and measuring water clarity 2x/mo from mid April to early October. This year, through additional volunteers from the Association, monitoring was expanded to lakes two and three. Better data on all three lakes will allow us to compete for more lake related grants. A special thanks to the following lake monitoring volunteers;

		Primary	Backup
	Lake 1	Steve Schmaltz	Jack Beckman
	Lake 2	Jim Hannon	Doug  Joens
	Lake 3	Jim Spetzman	Curt Sparks

Member Alerts on Public Lake Topics

• Marina proposal/public hearings: during the year we kept our members updated on public hearings and status of this proposal
• Lake repositions of FL political candidates: we surveyed and sent to our members the lake positions of all candidates running for a FL political position during the fall elections.

Building Support Relationships

During the past year we continued to maintain and build favorable relationships with the following organizations: City of Forest Lake, Watershed District, Mn Waters and the DNR.

We wish everyone the very best in the coming year!

FLLA Board of Directors
Steve Schmaltz,President

Final Report on the 2012 Weed Harvesting Program

Dear Friends of the Lake,

 Final Report on the 2012 Weed Harvesting Program

The 2012 lake season was marred by the worst floating weed situation we have had in a number of years.

Normally, the weed harvesting program requires a small group of volunteers to accomplish the following program objectives:

1. Keep open an access to deep water for bay entrances, public launches (especially on Lake 3) and for large group docks for lake home owner or condo owner associations that belong to the FLLA as a group.

2. Keep open the lake channels connecting the lakes.

The early, extremely hot spring combined with low water levels resulted in heavy weed growth in bays, bay entrances and lake channels. To handle the extra work, especially in certain bays, we had to recruit more volunteers. This was accomplished by requiring the volunteers to come from the bays needing the extra harvesting man hours. We now have a well trained core group if a similar situation develops in the future.

Later in the summer (August/September) certain shorelines became clogged with floating weeds that created floating “weed bogs”, some as large as 30 ft wide and 300 ft long. These weed bogs restricted docked boatsfrom navigating to deeper water.

After examining the situation, with the technical help of the Comfort Lake-Forest Lake Watershed District, it was determined that low water levels and early warm water temperatures allowed specific weed species with shallow root systems( wild celery, coontail, Canada waterweed(elodea)) to grow more prolifically than normal. The early, hot spring also caused these weeds to weaken and release earlier than normal, soboat traffic and winds more easily up rooted these plants creating the floating weed bogs.

To address the challenge in a timely manner we recruited and trained volunteers from the specific shorelines affected ( eg.,south and north shores of lake 3, etc.). These volunteers worked 8 hour shifts in order to address the issue.

In total, for the entire season, 45 harvesting loads were collected and unloaded into city dump trucks where the weeds were recycled to composting. The city estimates that 405 tons of weeds were removed.

This year a total of 135 man hours of harvesting was invested in the program.

A special thanks to all the volunteers andespecially to Blake Dalbec who not only organized and trained the volunteers and managed the program but also put in a lot of hours on the harvester during this difficult year.

FLLA Board of Directors

Marina Update

Dear Friends of the Lake,

Below is a listing of meeting dates and times for the finalization of details on the Marina. Please attend or contact Aaron Parish, City Administrator if you have input.

FLLA Board of Directors
Steve Schmaltz,President

Marina

Monday, November 12, 2012 11:37 AM
From: 
"Aaron Parrish" <Aaron.Parrish@ci.forest-lake.mn.us>

To: 
"'Steve Schmaltz'" <swschmaltz@yahoo.com>
Cc: 
"Renae Reedy" <Renae.Reedy@ci.forest-lake.mn.us>, "Doug Borglund" <Doug.Borglund@ci.forest-lake.mn.us>, "Luke Kujawa (Luke@YourBoatClub.net)" <Luke@YourBoatClub.net>, "Chantal Doriott" <Chantal.Doriott@ci.forest-lake.mn.us>

Steve,

Good morning!  As you recall, the Park Board and City Council directed staff to negotiate an agreement with Your Boat Club to construct and operate a marina at Lakeside Park.  We are still working on a few minor edits, but the following is the proposed schedule for considering items relative to the proposed marina at Lakeside Park:

Park Board Meeting- November 20th at 7:00 pm to consider the lease agreement.
City Council Meeting- November 26th at 7:00 pm to consider the lease agreement (if approved by the Park Board).

Planning Commission Meeting- December 12th at 7:00 pm to consider the Conditional Use Permit (if lease agreement is approved).
City Council Meeting- December 18th, 2012. City Council considers Planning Commission recommendation on Conditional Use Permit (if lease agreement is approved).
 
Can you email the members of the Lake Association letting them know about these meetings?  It would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks! 
 

Aaron Parrish, City Administrator
651-209-9750

FL Candidate lake Positions

Dear Friends of the Lake,

To assist you in understanding the Mayorial and City Council candidate positions on the lake, your Board of Directors have asked the candidates three questions about lake issues/needs. Below are their answers, listed by candidate in alphabetical order.
The position of your Board of Directors is to educate our members on lake issues and not to promote any specific candidate.


Bruce Anderson…..Candidate for Mayor


Oct 10, 2012

Candidate Questions:

1. Forest Lake is an important community natural recreational resource that attracts many people from outside the area into our city  and  brings in money for local businesses.  What role do you believe the city should play in maintaining and protecting this natural resource?

Our lake is the “crowning jewel” of our city.  The city should maintain and protect our lake to the highest extent, no matter the cost.  Forest Lake should be an example to the state in how to keep a lake clean, have weeds under total control, and protect against the foreign invaders that are ruining so many lakes.  I find it interesting that the incumbents running for office now proclaim that the city should do more, but WHILE IN OFFICE DID NOT DO MORE.   The FLLA should still be a great watchdog for the lake and hold the city accountable and do the other great work that it currently does.

2. If elected to city council would you vote to reduce, maintain, or increase the City's current lake weed control budget of $40,500 for Forest Lake and $5,000 for Clear lake and why?

INCREASE the budget to what ever it takes to make our lake the best lake in the state.  As I stated, the current city officials have not done the job and our lake has suffered.  Thanks to the FLLA for organizing and doing the great job.  Forest Lake is the name of our city, the lake as I stated is our “crowing jewel”.

3. What role do you believe the city should take in protecting the lake from invasive species?

            A. Controlling the spread of Curly Leaf Pondweed (which is currently in 
                  Forest Lake).

            B. Preventing milfoil entry and infestation.

            C. Preventing zebra mussels entry and infestation (spreading rapidly
                  In many neighboring lakes).

The city should control all lake access points and monitor all boats going into and out of Forest Lake.  The city should be a leader in scientific research to combat these enemies.  The city should work closer with the DNR, and even the US Government to find answers to these problems.

4. Phosphorus from storm water runoff is the major contributor to pollution and  algae blooms in Forest Lake. The city has a legal obligation to address this issue (Metropolitan Council). How aggressive should the city be in addressing this water quality issue with storm water abatement projects?

Phosphorus is essential to life.  The problem is too much phosphorus is harmful to our lake.  Forest Lake should be very aggressive with storm water abatement projects.  Yes, this is costly.  But what kind of lake do we want to leave to our children and grandchildren?  As I have stated many times, if this city was fiscally sound, we would have a plan for the abatement costs.  While some want a $22,000,000 new city hall, I would prefer to protect our lake.  We need to have stiff fines for any phosphorus fertilizer use, and educate the public on this issue.  There are many ways individual homeowners can reduce the pollution going into our lake.  Also, let’s learn from other cities.  This issue is being discussed and projects started throughout the United States. 

Bruce  Anderson 

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Jim  Dufour….City Council Incumbant

Candidate Questions:

1. Forest Lake is an important community natural recreational resource that attracts many people from outside the area into our city and brings in money for local businesses.  What role do you believe the city should play in maintaining and protecting this natural resource?

The city should be very pro-active in protecting all of our natural resources. Being involved with the lake associations, watershed districts, DNR and all other sources. I'm very grateful for all the lake associations have done to help the lakes.


2. If elected to city council would you vote to reduce, maintain, or increase the City's current lake weed control budget of $40,500 for Forest Lake and $5,000 for Clear lake and why?

I would like to increase the lakes budget if we can. Also get more people involvement into the lake associations. Protecting our natural resources is very important to its preservation.


3. What role do you believe the city should take in protecting the lake from invasive species?


The curly leaf pond weed has been dramatically reduced due to the aggressive chemical treatments. We should keep treating the maximum acres allowable. Milfoil is much harder to eradicate, I think education to the public is key to prevention of this invasive species. Zebra mussels are a huge threat as well. Again, education and early detection are our best ways to stop the spread of all these species.

        A. Controlling the spread of Curly Leaf Pondweed (which is currently in Forest Lake).

        B. Preventing milfoil entry and infestation.

        C. Preventing zebra mussels entry and infestation (spreading rapidly In many           neighboring lakes).

4. Phosphorus from storm water runoff is the major contributor to pollution and algae blooms in Forest Lake. The city has a legal obligation to address this issue (Metropolitan Council). How aggressive should the city be in addressing this water quality issue with storm water abatement projects?

The city has started working diligently on storm water pounding and filtration. We must get and stay on top of this. I do know that if we move forward with the Northland mall site there will be a huge benefit to the runoff that flows into Clear Lk from the mall site itself and areas to the north and east that currently is not filtered at all. Also again, education is a huge part of stopping phosphates from entering our waters. I see people mowing their grass clippings into the streets, and rite to the edge of the water. That doesn't help the inflow at all.

Together we can and will preserve our waters.

Thank you. Jim Dufour

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Ed Eigner….City Council Candidate

 
Oct 10, 2012

Candidate Questions:

1. Forest Lake is an important community natural recreational resource that attracts many people from outside the area into our city  and  brings in money for local businesses.  What role do you believe the city should play in maintaining and protecting this natural resource?
I believe it is part of the mission statement of the city council to maintain and protect the city’s assets. What greater assets do we have than our name sake Forest Lake and Clear Lake. One might say they are the largest parks in our city but they receive far less in the way of up keep. The city should not only provide  financial assistance but should work closely with State and local agencies in order to gain support for our lakes.



2. If elected to city council would you vote to reduce, maintain, or increase the City's current lake weed control budget of $40,500 for Forest Lake and $5,000 for Clear lake and why?
I would vote to increase it for both Lakes. I would base it on a percentage of the added tax revenue generated by the Lake Homes. If the lake quality declines so will the property values and taxes are tied to property values.


3. What role do you believe the city should take in protecting the lake from invasive species?

            A. Controlling the spread of Curly Leaf Pondweed (which is currently in 
              Forest Lake).

            B. Preventing milfoil entry and infestation.

            C. Preventing zebra mussels entry and infestation (spreading rapidly
              In many neighboring lakes).

I believe the city can only cooperate with the enforcement agencies that have jurisdiction over the lakes. However the city can partner with the U of M to try and have our lakes become test studies for dealing with these issues.

4. Phosphorus from storm water runoff is the major contributor to pollution and  algae blooms in Forest Lake. The city has a legal obligation to address this issue (Metropolitan Council). How aggressive should the city be in addressing this water quality issue with storm water abatement projects?
The city should do everything in their power to limit the amount of phosphorus and pollution entering our lakes. It is very important that the city work with the Met Council in order to reduce this amount and separate some of the larger areas of run off and divert them to holding ponds where the pollutants can be filtered out before the water returns to the lakes.

  Ed Eigner

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Brian Hile.....Candidate for Mayor

No input received at time of mailing ..will send out when received

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Chris Johnson.....Incumbant Mayor

Oct 10, 2012

Candidate Questions:

1. Forest Lake is an important community natural recreational resource that attracts many people from outside the area into our city and brings in money for local businesses.  What role do you believe the city should play in maintaining and protecting this natural resource?

I believe the partnerships between the City, the Lake Association, the Watershed Districts and the DNR, which all work together as members of the Forest Lake Lakes Committee, is the correct model to coordinate our efforts on the Lakes.  The City’s role in that group is to execute many of the directives of the Committee, such as funding the chemical treatments, assisting with the weed harvester, coordinating and funding landing inspections and now increasingly funding projects for filtration of phosphorus from storm water runoff.


2. If elected to city council would you vote to reduce, maintain, or increase the City's current lake weed control budget of $40,500 for Forest Lake and $5,000 for Clear lake and why?

We are currently chemically treating the maximum area of each lake that is allowed by the DNR, so we can’t further fund weed control by chemical treatments.  I support continuing to do the maximum allowable chemical treatments and the current weed harvester program.  The place that I support more funding for weed control is in the filtration of phosphorus from the storm water runoff.  In 2012, we have funded two projects at a total cost of just over $55,000.  Both projects will provide very good phosphorus removal from Forest Lake.  By next year, the Comfort Lake Forest Lake Watershed District will have completed its study of storm water runoff identifying the primary funnel-points of storm water runoff to the lake.  With that study, going forward, we can take a more scientific approach to identifying and prioritizing our future projects.  With all that said, when considering the two storm water filtration projects, the City has more than doubled is funding of weed control for Forest Lake in 2012.


3. What role do you believe the city should take in protecting the lake from invasive species?

            A. Controlling the spread of Curly Leaf Pondweed (which is currently in 
              Forest Lake).

As stated above, we are currently treating the maximum area allowed to reduce Curly Leaf Pondweed.  I believe the City’s role of funding that treatment is proper and should continue.

            B. Preventing milfoil entry and infestation.

I understand the primary defense is inspections at entry points.  We do fund a large number of man hours by DNR inspectors at our landings.  As the DNR has experienced greater demand for their services from other lakes that are now coming late to the issue, we are finding them less available even if we have funds to pay them.  I think the City should consider alternative staffing for those inspections to insure that they are taking place.

            C. Preventing zebra mussels entry and infestation (spreading rapidly
               In many neighboring lakes).

My comments in response to B above apply to this question as well.

4. Phosphorus from storm water runoff is the major contributor to pollution and  algae blooms in Forest Lake. The city has a legal obligation to address this issue (Metropolitan Council). How aggressive should the city be in addressing this water quality issue with storm water abatement projects?

As I mentioned above, I believe this is the next frontier for the City as it works to improve its lakes.  We have already begun by doing two projects in 2012.  I hope to continue to do projects every year.  Each project builds on the previous.  In not too many years, we will have significantly reduced phosphorus loading of our lakes and in doing so, significantly increased the water clarity and quality.  In addition to the City’s projects, the City can raise awareness of the issue so that private property owners will join in the effort by implementing similar techniques on their properties, both shoreline properties and others that may not even know that the water on their land is reaching the lakes.

I understand that these questions are being asked primarily to assist Lake Association members in deciding which candidates will be best for the lake.  I believe that it is important to note that the Council’s vote on the most-recently-approved water-enhancement project was not unanimous.  Many of the Council’s decisions are close 3-2 votes.  This election is important as it could swing the balance of the Council.  Jim Dufour and I are both members of the Forest Lake Association and Jim lives on Forest Lake.  Jim and I have consistently been strong advocates for our lakes and we both voted in favor of both water-enhancement projects this year for Forest Lake.   

Chris Johnson

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Jeff Klein……City Council  Candidate


Oct 10, 2012



Candidate Questions:

1. Forest Lake is an important community natural recreational resource that attracts many people from outside the area into our city and brings in money for local businesses.  What role do you believe the city should play in maintaining and protecting this natural resource?

The city should take a very active role.  The city is named after a lake after all.  I like the public / private partnership currently in place but believe the city can do much more for their part since the lakes are public property.


2.  If elected to city council would you vote to reduce, maintain, or increase the City's current lake weed control budget of $40,500 for Forest Lake and $5,000 for Clear lake and why?

I would increase it to at least get it back to funding levels from years ago.   This is needed to help get ahead of the problems that we have been seeing this year and perhaps set aside money to be spent during difficult years like this one.


3. What role do you believe the city should take in protecting the lake from invasive species?

            A. Controlling the spread of Curly Leaf Pondweed (which is currently in 
              Forest Lake).

            B. Preventing milfoil entry and infestation.

            C. Preventing zebra mussels entry and infestation (spreading rapidly
              In many neighboring lakes).

We need to work closely with the DNR and other government entities to control and prevent the three things mentioned above as well as other threats.  However, it is up to the city to be a leader in this effort and champion the cause because, after all, it is our lake but there are over 10,000 other ones in the state as well all competing for help from government entities.  And, ultimately, these are our city lakes.
On the ground we need to continue both harvesting and chemically treating and looking for new ways to address these problems if the old ways aren’t cutting it.

3.  Phosphorus from storm water runoff is the major contributor to pollution and algae blooms in Forest Lake. The city has a legal obligation to address this issue (Metropolitan Council). How aggressive should the city be in addressing this water quality issue with storm water abatement projects?

This is key.  I believe there are currently projects in the works as it is apparent that untreated runoff is the major contributor to the proliferation of weeds and algae blooms.  But much more needs to be done.  We can’t have storm runoff just going directly from pipes into the lake like it currently does in spots.  Through ponding and other measures, phosphorous runoff would be greatly reduced.  I believe getting more storm water abatement projects going would be the prevention we need to start getting ahead of the weeds instead of just reacting to them.  

Thank you for asking my opinion,

Jeff Klein

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Ben  Winnick ….City Council Candidate


Oct 10, 2012

Candidate Questions:

1. Forest Lake is an important community natural recreational resource that attracts many people from outside the area into our city  and  brings in money for local businesses.  What role do you believe the city should play in maintaining and protecting this natural resource?

Yes, the lake does bring in people to the city, and some money to local businesses, but the lakes bring in lots of extra taxes (thank you), and for this, the council needs to be very receptive to those people living around the lake. the council needs to have a strong relationship with the lake association to identify and address the needs of the lake.


2. If elected to city council would you vote to reduce, maintain, or increase the City's current lake weed control budget of $40,500 for Forest Lake and $5,000 for Clear lake and why?

I don’t know how much money is appropriate for the lake, just like the old Fram oil commercial “you can pay me now, or you can pay me later” I think that the council and the lake association need to look at a long term approach to the quality of the lake, and with expert input, develop the most cost effective approach. Specifically, I would not look to reduce spending.


3. What role do you believe the city should take in protecting the lake from invasive species?

            A. Controlling the spread of Curly Leaf Pondweed (which is currently in 
              Forest Lake).

            B. Preventing milfoil entry and infestation.

            C. Preventing zebra mussels entry and infestation (spreading rapidly
               In many neighboring lakes).

Honestly, currently the city can’t even care of the roads, and I don’t think that increased city involvement directly in the lake will produce any benefit, except for lots of our tax money being wasted.  What the city council can do is be the lakes advocate with the appropriate federal, state, and county agencies, using the knowledge and concern of the lake association as its lead

4. Phosphorus from storm water runoff is the major contributor to pollution and  algae blooms in Forest Lake. The city has a legal obligation to address this issue (Metropolitan Council). How aggressive should the city be in addressing this water quality issue with storm water abatement projects?

I know the city currently has begun to address this issue, and going beyond just talking about it, but actually doing something about it by installing a storm water infiltration/ phosphorus filter at North shore drive and Hayward ave.   Indentifying the worst of these areas as well as estimating costs to fix them is the next step, then the city will have something solid to put together a budget and timetable for these projects  

Ben Winnick

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This concludes the candiate positions on the subject lake issues.We hope this will be helpful in determinig your overall voting position.


Board Of Directors, Forest Lake Lake Association

Weeds/Harvester Update

Dear Friends of the Lake,

2012 is a year we all would like to forget with regards to floating weeds and algae blooms.

Immediate Problem

There are currently large "floatillas" of weeds on many parts of all three lakes, but especially Lake 3. The floating weeds are so thick that they:

    1.Restrict many docked boats from navigating to deeper water

    2.Pose a threat to further aggrevate the severe algae situation. If the weather stays warm and the weeds decay over the next two weeks, they will release phosphorus into the water.(confirmed with Doug Thomas of the local Watershed District).

Action Plan

To address the floating weeds the Board of Directors has approved the following  plan:

1.Request that the city keep the harvester in the lake for another two weeks. The city has agreed. Normally, the harvester is removed in early August.

2.Pay up to two volunteers to work as often and as long as possible to clear as many of the floating weeds during the short harvester time remaining.

3. This will cost the association $1500-$2500 in unforecasted expenses.  This cost would be more than covered if  the 103 members who have not paid their $40 dues would do so. We will be electronically invoicing these delinquent members, so please make every effort to send in your dues. If we cannot recover these unpaid dues, we will go into 2013 in a much weaked financial position.

Patience Please!

The high priority floating weed areas have been identified by a lake survey. These priority areas will drive the harvesting plan.We cannot remove all the floating weeds from all 900+ lakeshore properties...so please do not call to request custom treatment.

What Happened?

The factors driving our "bad" weed year are as follows:unseasonably early/hot spring,unseasonably hot July,low water levels, a high population of shallow root weed species and wind.

CLP Successfully Treated

We started the year with  treatment of 155 acres of the invasive weed species Curly Leaf Pondweed on May 9th. Two weeks later,  Steve McComas, a lake consultant , conducted a  survey of the treated areas and confirmed the successful control of CLP in the treated areas. By restricting the aggressive growth of CLP on those 155 acres we eliminated the early July die off this large mass of weeds which normally would have released an estimated 500 lbs of phosphorus into the lake.

Floating Weed Problem

A major problem appeared in August: tons of floating weeds...everywhere. A number of factors contributed to this situation:

1.  Early and continued unseasonably hot weather allowed prolific growth of all types of weeds.

2.   Forest Lake has a good popualtion of shallow rooted weed species Wild Celery,Coontail and Canada Waterweed( elodea). These weeds are easily dislodged by wind and boat traffic, especially in low water conditions. Floating Wild Celery has been especially prevelant this year.Wild Celery has grass like leaves with curly , string like strands that stick out above the water and easily entangle in boat props.

3.  In addition, Steve McComas , the Watershed District consultant, feels that the early hot spring has caused these weeds to start to die and release earlier than their normal life cycle.He has especially seen this early release phenomena with Wild Celery in other lakes.

Algae Blooms

Early and sustained hot weather, more than normal dying weeds ( during hot weather), and two  3+ inch rains have contributed to severe algae blooms for most of the summer. We feel the #1 culprit here is stormwater runnoff, especially during high downpours, because the water flushes organic residues/debris (phophorus) into the lake and directly feeds algae blooms. We continue to work with the city to accelerate meaningful stormwater remediation programs.

Harvester

The demand for the harvester has been so great that we had to recruit and train additional volunteers to cover specific bays and shorelines where severe vegetation congestion occured. Blake Dalbec , our Board member in charge of the harvesting program, has put in countless hours in both training and personaly running the harvester. Blake deserves our gratitude and a special thanks!

A complete report on harvester volunteer hours and tons of weeds removed will be sent out after the harvesting season is over.

Conclusion

This has been a very unusual and difficult year.Everyone has been impacted by the weed situation. The harvesting policy of the Association, defined in part by the DNR liscensing protocol, restricts our harvesting efforts to  maintaining navigable waters only. this includes  lake channels, entrances to bays,public launch access to deeper water,etc. You cannot harvest native weed species except in the above situations.

Weeds within 150 ft of shore are technically speaking the resposibility of property owners. The floating weeds have been so bad this year that navigation in many parts of the lake has been restricted. We have done as much as we could with the volunteer resources we have to address the primary problem areas. There were many, many properties that we didn't  and couldn't help.  Most of us this year experienced this feeling of frustration. But a bad weed year makes one realize that weeds, on or in front of your shoreline, often come with living on the lake. You either deal with the issue yourself, hire someone or wait for the natural winter cycle to resolve the problem.

Thanks for your understanding of this unusual and difficult situation,

FLLA board of Directors
Steve Schmaltz,President

Annual Boat Tie-up

FOREST LAKE LAKE ASSOCIATION'S
ANNUAL BOAT TIE-UP!


   
Please join us!
When: Saturday, August 25th, 3:00 pm
Where:  Northeast side of 3rd Lake (Shadyland Point)

Join your fellow Lake Association members for a fun social gathering!  This will be a great opportunity to visit with other lake property owners, discuss lake issues, purchase Lake Association flags and other lake related items.

We will be collecting non-perishable food items at this event for the local food shelves!

Please invite your friends and neighbors that are not yet Lake Association members.  Questions, please contact Blake Roberts at 651-755-6400 or broberts@forstlakefloral.com

Hope to see you there!
Forest Lake Lake Association

Marina Public Hearings

Dear Friends of the Lake,

Below is the schedule of public hearings for the proposed FL marina. If you have questions/concerns/opinions please eithe rattend one of the meetings or send an email to our City Administrator, Aaron Parrish (Aaron.Parrish@ci.forest-lake.mn.us)

FLLA Board of Directors

Proposed Marina

Dear Friends of the Lake,


There is a 24 boat marina proposed for Lakeside Park. The City is having a meeting at 5:30 pm on August 13 to collect public input. If you have concerns or other  opinoins please attend the meeting or send an mail to Aaaron Prrish, Ciy Adminisrator(aaron.parish@ci.forest-lake.mn.us)

Below is a note from the City on the marina:

Good morning!  The Forest Lake Economic Development Authority will be receiving public comment on the marina proposals for Lakeside Park on August 13, 2012.  Their meeting begins at 5:30 pm.  The proposals are currently being reviewed, but contemplate the construction of a 24 slip marina facility that would be owned and operated by a private partner.  Attached is the conceptual layout of the docking.  Also, for anyone that cannot attend I can compile any written or e-mail feedback that they would like forwarded to the EDA.
  

Aaron Parrish, City Administrator
City of Forest Lake
220 Lake Street North 
Forest Lake, MN 55025
Ph: 651-209-9750
Fax: 651-464-4968

Harvester In / Working

Dear Friends of the Lake,

The harvester was put in early this week and is working!

The City experienced some technical  delays in getting the harvester running corrrectly, so we appologize for the delay. The Harvester has already worked 8.5 hours clearing access to the back bay on Lake 1  as well as clearing vegetation within the bay. Clearing a channel to the bay entrance on Lake 2 was also started. One and a half truck loads of weeds have already been harvested.

It is important that everyone recognize the guidelines the DNR imposes on our permit to harvest vegetation and how the harvesting program fits into the total program to control invasive weed species and to maintain safe and navigable waters.

1. The major strategy for controlling invasive weed species( eg. Curly Leaf Pondweed) is herbicide treatment. The The City-FLLA -WSD program currently successfuly treats/controls 150-170 acres/season. This program is for "open water " control...ie water 150 ft or greater from shore.

2. The area from the shoreline to 150 ft out is the responsibility of the shoreline owner. Control of invasive or natural vegetation is allowed but requires a DNR permit  or the use of a DNR authorized applicator who would obtain the permit for you( eg Lake Management, Inc.). This includes limited control of natural vegetation for recreational use  and deep water boating access.

3.The harvesting program is focused on controlling vegetation( including natural vegetation) to maintain safe and navigable waters. The harvester will be used to keep channels connecting the lakes open, to maintain deeper water access at back bay entrances ( and within the bays as needed as water depth allows), and  to maintain deep water access for public launches. The harvester will not be used to clear /control vegetation within 150 ft of  private residences.See point # 2 above.


If you have vegetation issues that meet the above guidelines for the harvester, please let us know so we can address the issue.

We still have over 100 members who have not paid their 2012 $40 dues. We will be re-invoicing these members to remind them about the importance of their support. So if you receive a reminder please respond promptly.


Thanks for your support!

The FLLA Board of Directors

Adopt a Pond

Dear Friends of the Lake,
   
Please consider participating in the City's "Adopt a Pond"  program designed to keep our local waters clean and attractive. This program would be a great project for an individual household or a local group such as Scouts, Church/youth groups, etc.

The following is a more detailed program description and contact information:


Adopt-A-Pond Program

Are you looking for a way to make a difference in your neighborhoods while protecting water quality? Gather a group of friends, neighbors, or family members and participate in the City of Forest Lake’s “Adopt-A-Pond” program! There are over 100 public storm water management ponds in Forest Lake that can be adopted by interested groups, businesses, and individuals. These volunteers assist in cleaning up around the ponds and make observations of pond conditions and reported developing problems to Public Works. Please consider joining them in the effort to keep Forest Lake’s water resources clean.

Interested volunteers should contact Mark Peterson (mark.peterson@ci.forest-lake.mn.us or 651-209-9729) to inquire about adoptable locations. The City will provide aerial photos of each site, trash bags, a sign to recognize your efforts, and recognition on the storm water website. Participants will be responsible for collecting litter at least 3 times each year and reporting their pond’s conditions to the Public Works Department.

Storm water ponds are designed and constructed to hold and clean storm water runoff. These ponds provide numerous benefits including:

• Control of storm water discharge rates
• Treatment of storm water pollutants through natural processes
• Reduction of flooding
• Prevention of downstream erosion
• Creation of wildlife habitat

Let me know if you would like further information.

Thanks for the interest.

Mark Peterson

Engineering Technician

Public Works Dept.

City of Forest Lake

Herbicide Treatment Update and Weed "Outlook"

Dear Friends of the Lake,

On May 9th, Lake Management, Inc.chemically treated 155 acres of the invasive species Curly Leaf Pondweed(CLP). The treatment,materials and process was done under DNR approval and protocol. A map of the treated areas on Lakes 1,2 and 3 follows:

The treated areas were selected based on  a vegetation survey conducted by the consultant Steve McComas on April 10, 2012. The Goal was  to identify the CLP beds that represented the largest potential growth. As a result of the survey, treatment was shifted from some  areas previously treated for three years(and now controlled) to new CLP beds that had never been treated. New areas treated were on the south side of Lake 3 and some new areas on the west shore of Lake 1. Steve McComas was hired by the CL-FL Watershed District, Doug Thomas, Administrator, to improve the effectiveness of the CLP treatment/control program.


WHY?
Curly Leaf Pondweed (CLP) is a nuisance invasive weed  species in Forest Lake. It grows rapidly in less than 15 ft of water to form a mat like structure near the surface.  This formation restricts boating, water skiing, swimming and jet skiing. It chokes out native weed species. It dies in early July and floats to shore just in time for your 4th of July parties! The dead CLP  releases  phosphorus that supports summer algae blooms. Its turions( seeds) can germinate up to three years later.

WEED OUTLOOK

With an early ice out and early hot weather, the weed growth will be heavy this year. Treating 155 acres of CLP is not going to solve the problem of  weeds floating onto shorelines...although it does eliminate what would have been tons of weeds from  those 155 acres! There are a number of reasons why we will still see weeds floating to shore:

1. FL has 2300 acres of water. 1500 acres are less than 15 ft deep and can support vegetation growth. The City and FLLA treated 155 acres of invasive species CLP which is only 10% of the possible vegetation.There are other untreated beds of CLP that will die and float to shore in late June including CLP that is within 150ft of shore.Our treatment program is only authorized for "open water"( ie., 150ft or farther from shore).

2.Watercraft traffic (propellers cut weeds) and fisherman( anchors dislodge weeds) can send a lot of weeds to shore on a busy weekend.
3. Two native vegetation species common to FL are Coontail and Canada Waterweed(Elodea). Both have shallow root structures and are easily dislodged by boat traffic and/or storms /wind. These species can be the source of floating weeds....especially later in the summer.

SUMMARY

Tha City and the FLLA   treat 155-170 acres of CLP each year and this eliminates tons of weeds from floating to shore in time for your July 4th party. We  also eliminate 600 lbs of phosphorus from entering the lake from the decomposed CLP. However, their are 1500 acres ( out of 2300 total)  that are less than 15ft deep and can support vegetation growth. We are not allowed nor do we want to treat/kill native vegetation. So as a result of boat traffic, storm levels, fishing activity, and shallow rooted weed species  etc.,and the direction of the prevailing summer winds, everyone will have beach weeds sometime during the summer.

We  know this doesn't solve your problem but we hope it provides some perspective on the "weed" situation.

THANKS

Special thanks to Doug Thomas and the CLFL Watershed District Board for their support of our lake improvement efforts and to the City for partnering with us to maintain this valuable community asset.  None of the programs, however, could be implemented without the financial backing of you our Lake Association members. Thank you for your continuing support.
 
The FLLA Board
Steve Schmaltz, President

Watercraft Inspector Summer Jobs

Dear Friends of the Lake,

The City and your FLLA have combined funds to hire 2-3 summer employees to inspect boats and educate watercraft owners at the three public launches on invasive species such as Zebra Mussels and Milfoil. This investment will add over 800 inspection hours to the 286 hours provided by a DNR  matching grant  won by the CL-FL Watershed District and the FLLA.

The positions will pay $11.30/hr. The maximum time will be 35 hrs/week. The work hours will be primarily on high lake usage days: Friday afternoons, Saturdays and Sundays and  Holidays, fishing tournaments and some week days. Each employee will have a preset work schedule, so work days will be identified for the entire summer. Training will be done by the DNR.

Below is a position description. If you or someone you know is interested, please obtain a copy of the city  employee application form at the city website:http://www.ci.forest-lake.mn.us/index.asp?Type=B_JOB&SEC={2C26342D-F000-4747-A0F0-6C18F801D685} .    Select the form at the bottom of the web page,

POSITION TITLE:             Watercraft Inspector

DEPARTMENT:                 Public Works

POSITION STATUS:          Seasonal – up to 35 hours per week
                                                
JOB OBJECTIVE 

● To inform and educate the public on the threats of ecologically harmful aquatic invasive species.  The Watercraft Inspector works at public water access sites educating the public by providing information to watercraft users and conducting a brief survey while inspecting watercraft for invasive species.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

● Supervision provided by the Forest Lake Lake Association in conjunction with the City of Forest Lake Engineering Technician. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

● Educate the public on aquatic invasive species program and issues
● Distribute written information to watercraft users
● Inspect watercraft for invasive species
● Conduct a verbal survey and inspection inventory
● Document and record research activities
● Compile and submit a year end report
● Work in partnership with the DNR Aquatic Invasive Species Program
● Other duties as assigned

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

The Watercraft Inspector is expected to work weekends, evenings and some holidays between May and September.  Inspector will be responsible for work schedule upon supervisor approval.  Personal transportation and personal cell phone is required.  Scheduling can be flexible to work around adverse weather conditions.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Education and experience

a. Graduation from high school or equivalent
b. Currently pursuing, or completed, a college degree program in areas including, but not limited to Biology, Natural Resources, Fisheries & Wildlife, Law Enforcement, Communications, Recreation Resource Management, Recreation, Park & Leisure, Ecology, Environmental Science, Forestry, Geology, Sociology, Sociology of Law, Criminology & Deviance, or Urban & Community Forestry.
c. Valid Drivers License or the ability to make alternative travel arrangements to fulfill the duties of the job.
d. Computer/word processing skills.

2. Knowledge, skills and abilities

a. Excellent verbal communication skills.
b. Sound understanding of customer relations.
c. Ability to coordinate multiple tasks within a professional setting.
d. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
e. Sense of humor.
f. Demonstrated interest in environmental work through education, volunteer work, or hobbies.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Car, computer, telephone, calculator, copy machine, facsimile, survey recorder

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to reach with hands and arms; stand; walk; sit; talk or hear and use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls.  The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop; kneel or crouch.

The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works at public water accesses.  The employee can expect to work in a variety of weather conditions.  No work will be performed during conditions of severe weather.

Moderate noise levels such as running vehicles and boat motors can be expected.

GENERAL STATEMENT

Applicants for appointment to this position will be required to submit a formal application and may be subject to rating of education and experience, oral interview or reference check.  Job related tests may be required of any applicant.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.