Dear Friends of the Lake,
Lake Information-- Chiggers have been reported
to be heavy at the beach on First Lake. There has also been a
report of minor chiggers on other parts of First Lake. It is likely that
the shoreline of all three lakes are/will be experiencing chiggers at this
time.
Thank you,
Forest Lake Lake Association
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Fish Kill
DearFriends
of the Lake,
.
During the past week you may have noticed a fish kill in Forest Lake. Small crappies and sunfish were floating to the windward shoreline. We checked with the East Metro office of the DNR and described the situation. They indicated that the fish were dying from a common bacteria called "columnaris". This occurs when fish are stresssed and vulnerable to bacteria. This was probably caused by late spawning and a sudden increase in the water temperature due to the recent hot weather. The DNR advised that this is normal and will not adversely affect the fish population. Live crappies/sunnies are safe to eat.
During the past week you may have noticed a fish kill in Forest Lake. Small crappies and sunfish were floating to the windward shoreline. We checked with the East Metro office of the DNR and described the situation. They indicated that the fish were dying from a common bacteria called "columnaris". This occurs when fish are stresssed and vulnerable to bacteria. This was probably caused by late spawning and a sudden increase in the water temperature due to the recent hot weather. The DNR advised that this is normal and will not adversely affect the fish population. Live crappies/sunnies are safe to eat.
See below
the write up from the DNR website for more information.
FLLA Board
of Directors Steve Schmaltz
Dead fish in
your lake?
COLUMNARIS DISEASE
The most common disease occurring in lakes is caused by the bacterium Flavobacterium columnare. This pathogen causes large kills of sunfish, crappies, and bullheads in late spring and early summer. Infections in metro area lakes usually start around Memorial Day weekend and persist until early July.
The bacterium exists naturally in fish populations and expresses itself when stressful conditions exist. The infection is brought on most commonly when water temperatures increase rapidly. The increase in water temperature often brings an increase in spawning activity, which coupled with stress caused by temperature changes, make the fish more susceptible to the infection.
Fish infected with Chondroccus columnaris are characterized by eroded gill tissues, with a grey-white to yellowish slime on the skin, gills or fins. These kills occur on most metro area lakes, and may involve several thousand fish in some years. In most cases, the numbers lost are small in relation to the total population, and no change in angler success can be attributed to columnaris disease.
Live fish infected with this infection are edible. Fish caught with columnaris should be skinned and prepared as desired. Fish should be cooked to a temperature of 140 degrees F. for at least five minutes before eating.
Chondroccus columnaris infected fish sometimes suffer a secondary infection caused by the fungus Saprolegnia. This fungus appears as a white, cottony growth on the body of the fish. This furry or hairy appearance disappears when the fish is removed from the water.
This fungus can kill fish by completely covering it. There is no danger to humans, but a bad taste may develop as a result of the infection. Fish infected with Saprolegnia should be skinned with the infected areas cut out, then prepared as usual.
The most common disease occurring in lakes is caused by the bacterium Flavobacterium columnare. This pathogen causes large kills of sunfish, crappies, and bullheads in late spring and early summer. Infections in metro area lakes usually start around Memorial Day weekend and persist until early July.
The bacterium exists naturally in fish populations and expresses itself when stressful conditions exist. The infection is brought on most commonly when water temperatures increase rapidly. The increase in water temperature often brings an increase in spawning activity, which coupled with stress caused by temperature changes, make the fish more susceptible to the infection.
Fish infected with Chondroccus columnaris are characterized by eroded gill tissues, with a grey-white to yellowish slime on the skin, gills or fins. These kills occur on most metro area lakes, and may involve several thousand fish in some years. In most cases, the numbers lost are small in relation to the total population, and no change in angler success can be attributed to columnaris disease.
Live fish infected with this infection are edible. Fish caught with columnaris should be skinned and prepared as desired. Fish should be cooked to a temperature of 140 degrees F. for at least five minutes before eating.
Chondroccus columnaris infected fish sometimes suffer a secondary infection caused by the fungus Saprolegnia. This fungus appears as a white, cottony growth on the body of the fish. This furry or hairy appearance disappears when the fish is removed from the water.
This fungus can kill fish by completely covering it. There is no danger to humans, but a bad taste may develop as a result of the infection. Fish infected with Saprolegnia should be skinned with the infected areas cut out, then prepared as usual.
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Wine Tasting & New Facebook site
Dear Friends of the Lake,
Please mark your calendar for the FLLA Annual Wine Tasting event. This is the only and largest fundraiser for our Lake Association. The date is June 21st at 6:30pm. Event site is Vannelli's by the Lake. You can purchase tickets online at www.ourforestlake.com via paypal or at any of the location listed on the flyer below.
A large part of our fund raising are silent auction items, such as Wine, Sport tickets, theme baskets etc..... Items can be dropped off with Chance Norby at his office - Guaranteed Rate. The address is 855 West Broadway Avenue, Forest Lake, MN 55025. Chance's phone number is 651-464-9094.
Please checkout our new Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Forest-Lake-Lake-Association/554743704547068?fref=ts
Please mark your calendar for the FLLA Annual Wine Tasting event. This is the only and largest fundraiser for our Lake Association. The date is June 21st at 6:30pm. Event site is Vannelli's by the Lake. You can purchase tickets online at www.ourforestlake.com via paypal or at any of the location listed on the flyer below.
A large part of our fund raising are silent auction items, such as Wine, Sport tickets, theme baskets etc..... Items can be dropped off with Chance Norby at his office - Guaranteed Rate. The address is 855 West Broadway Avenue, Forest Lake, MN 55025. Chance's phone number is 651-464-9094.
Please checkout our new Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Forest-Lake-Lake-Association/554743704547068?fref=ts
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Annual Meeting is April 23rd @7pm
Dear Friends of the Lake,
Mark your calender for this can't miss, informative and educational event , on Tuesday, April 23 at 7PM at Vannelli's restaurant, 55 S Lake St, FL, Mn.
In addition to reviewing this years programs, we have two educational speakers. One is a leading lake expert who will dicuss the results of two new studies on the vulnerability of Forest Lake to zebra mussels and milfoil. Our second speaker will cover the important issue of storm water runoff. See details below.
We need new members! Only 1/3 of the 950 lake homes belong. Bring in a new member and pick your REWARD:
1. Free FLLA flag( $20 value) OR
2 Receive $10 off your dues and the new member would also receive a discount of $10( pay $30 vs $40). If you have already paid your 2013 dues we will give you $10 back!
Monday, April 15, 2013
Earn $20 Dues Discount/Refund
Dear Friends
of the Lake,
Bring a neighbor to the FLLA annual meeting:
Tuesday, April 23rd, 7pm @Vannilli's on the Lake
and if they join as a new member, you will receive your choice of a FLLA Flag ($20 value) or $10 refund on your asociation dues.The new member will receive a $10 discount on their dues. Only 30% of lake families are Association members.
It's easy! Just print out, and give to your non member neighbors, the attached 3 sheets which include a sign up sheet and an explaination of the value of joining.
Thanks for your support!
FLLA Board of Directors
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Forest Lake Lake Association Overview (2013)
MISSION: Founded in 2007 as a non-profit organization [501c(3)], the mission of the Forest Lake Lake Association is to build an expanding, sustainable entity of caring individuals toPromote, Protect, Improve, and Conserve the natural resource that is Forest Lake for future generations.
Key Lake Issues /Threats:
1. Curly Leaf Pondweed(CLP). This invasive plant species grows rapidly to form a dense mat- like structure at the surface that chokes out desirable native plant species and restricts recreational boating and swimming. CLP dies at the end of June/early July and floats to shore causing disposal problems. The decaying CLP releases 2-5 pounds of phosphorus/acre, thus supporting severe algae blooms and low water clarity.
2. Zebra Mussels. This invasive species rapidly propagates taking over lakes, killing other mollusks, and attaching to boat motors/bottoms, docks, lifts and any hard surface in or near the water. Frequent removal of the ZMs is required to maintain equipment functionality. The razor sharp shells of dead ZMs eventually cover the bottom and prevent swimming/wadding without adequate foot protection. Because the thin dead shells can be blown by wind and storms, they can collect in heaps and piles, which could block not only the shallow channels connecting our three lakes but also entrances to bays/channels.
3. Phosphorus Contamination from Storm Water Runoff. Untreated storm water runoff (yards, streets, storm sewers, ditches, culverts, etc) deposits 2100 lbs of phosphorus /year into Forest Lake. This is NOT fertilizer phosphorus. The phosphorus comes from decayed grass/leaves/vegetation and sediment. It can come miles from the lake and needs to be controlled by shoreline plants, rain gardens, settling ponds and 4-5 other techniques depending on the situation/location where it flows into the lake. This phosphorus and phosphorus build up supports algae blooms/low water clarity. One pound of phosphorus can support 500 lbs of algae! This is why Forest Lake is categorized as “eutrophic” and rated as “impaired” in about half of our open water months.
4. Invasive Species NEW to Forest Lake: Purple Loosestrife and Flowering Rush.
WE NEED YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO CONTINUE MAKING AN IMPACT ON LAKE ISSUES!
Membership: Membership dues fund projects, programs and help us communicate with our members and the community regarding lake issues. Anyone interested in the lake is welcome to join. Membership dues are: $40 Standard, and $150 Corporate.
To become a member or renew your membership, complete the bottom portion of this page or register at www.ourforestlake.com.
[Cut here]-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[Cut here]
New Member Membership Renewal (2013)
Name: First:____________________ Last:_____________________________ Phone: ____________
Address: Street:___________________________________ City:________________State:______ Zip_
Email Address: ______________________________________ (Communications are done ONLY by email)
Mail checks payable to: Forest Lake Lake Association, P.O. Box 61, Forest Lake, MN 55025
The FLLA is a 501c(3) organization so dues are tax deductible.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
Bring a neighbor to the FLLA annual meeting:
Tuesday, April 23rd, 7pm @Vannilli's on the Lake
and if they join as a new member, you will receive your choice of a FLLA Flag ($20 value) or $10 refund on your asociation dues.The new member will receive a $10 discount on their dues. Only 30% of lake families are Association members.
It's easy! Just print out, and give to your non member neighbors, the attached 3 sheets which include a sign up sheet and an explaination of the value of joining.
Thanks for your support!
FLLA Board of Directors
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Forest Lake Lake Association Overview (2013)
MISSION: Founded in 2007 as a non-profit organization [501c(3)], the mission of the Forest Lake Lake Association is to build an expanding, sustainable entity of caring individuals toPromote, Protect, Improve, and Conserve the natural resource that is Forest Lake for future generations.
Key Lake Issues /Threats:
1. Curly Leaf Pondweed(CLP). This invasive plant species grows rapidly to form a dense mat- like structure at the surface that chokes out desirable native plant species and restricts recreational boating and swimming. CLP dies at the end of June/early July and floats to shore causing disposal problems. The decaying CLP releases 2-5 pounds of phosphorus/acre, thus supporting severe algae blooms and low water clarity.
2. Zebra Mussels. This invasive species rapidly propagates taking over lakes, killing other mollusks, and attaching to boat motors/bottoms, docks, lifts and any hard surface in or near the water. Frequent removal of the ZMs is required to maintain equipment functionality. The razor sharp shells of dead ZMs eventually cover the bottom and prevent swimming/wadding without adequate foot protection. Because the thin dead shells can be blown by wind and storms, they can collect in heaps and piles, which could block not only the shallow channels connecting our three lakes but also entrances to bays/channels.
3. Phosphorus Contamination from Storm Water Runoff. Untreated storm water runoff (yards, streets, storm sewers, ditches, culverts, etc) deposits 2100 lbs of phosphorus /year into Forest Lake. This is NOT fertilizer phosphorus. The phosphorus comes from decayed grass/leaves/vegetation and sediment. It can come miles from the lake and needs to be controlled by shoreline plants, rain gardens, settling ponds and 4-5 other techniques depending on the situation/location where it flows into the lake. This phosphorus and phosphorus build up supports algae blooms/low water clarity. One pound of phosphorus can support 500 lbs of algae! This is why Forest Lake is categorized as “eutrophic” and rated as “impaired” in about half of our open water months.
4. Invasive Species NEW to Forest Lake: Purple Loosestrife and Flowering Rush.
WE NEED YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO CONTINUE MAKING AN IMPACT ON LAKE ISSUES!
Membership: Membership dues fund projects, programs and help us communicate with our members and the community regarding lake issues. Anyone interested in the lake is welcome to join. Membership dues are: $40 Standard, and $150 Corporate.
To become a member or renew your membership, complete the bottom portion of this page or register at www.ourforestlake.com.
[Cut here]-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[Cut here]
New Member Membership Renewal (2013)
Name: First:____________________ Last:_____________________________ Phone: ____________
Address: Street:___________________________________ City:________________State:______ Zip_
Email Address: ______________________________________ (Communications are done ONLY by email)
Mail checks payable to: Forest Lake Lake Association, P.O. Box 61, Forest Lake, MN 55025
The FLLA is a 501c(3) organization so dues are tax deductible.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 in 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.
- Avoid
the problem of 155 acres of CLP of dieing off and floating to shore in
early July.
- Prevent
the release of an estimated 550 pounds of phosphorus from the decaying CLP
which normally contributes to the summer algae bloom.
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;
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Ice Clean up April 6th at 2pm
Dear
Friends of the Lake,
The lake clean up will be this Saturday,April 6 @2pm. Please note the assembly time is 2pm NOT 1pm as in past years.
Volunteers can meet at the downtown boat launch.We are in need of ATV's,trailers,and tools to chip items from the ice, but they are not required to help clean up. Kevin and Shawn Marios with team Dewall,Keller Williams Premier Realty will be giving $100 to the volunteer who finds the piece of trash with their business card attached!
After the clean up, all volunteers will be provided a complimentary meal by the Vannelli family at Vannelli's by the Lake. The Robert's family of Forest Lake Floral will be offering a free glass of wine, beer or soda as well.
Thanks for your support!
FLLA Board of Directors
The lake clean up will be this Saturday,April 6 @2pm. Please note the assembly time is 2pm NOT 1pm as in past years.
Volunteers can meet at the downtown boat launch.We are in need of ATV's,trailers,and tools to chip items from the ice, but they are not required to help clean up. Kevin and Shawn Marios with team Dewall,Keller Williams Premier Realty will be giving $100 to the volunteer who finds the piece of trash with their business card attached!
After the clean up, all volunteers will be provided a complimentary meal by the Vannelli family at Vannelli's by the Lake. The Robert's family of Forest Lake Floral will be offering a free glass of wine, beer or soda as well.
Thanks for your support!
FLLA Board of Directors
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Need FLLA Board Members
Dear Friends of the Lake,
Starting in April, 2013 your FLLA will have several openings for new Board members.
The Association doesn't run on autopilot. We need participation and support from our members.We are a working Board. There are over 10 committee areas where your interests and talents may fit(see list below).
Please consider sharing some of your time and experience with this worthy endeavor. Contact Steve Schmaltz(swschmaltz@yahoo.com or 651- 777-5277) to learn more about how you can take an active role in your FLLA either as a Board member or volunteer .
Starting in April, 2013 your FLLA will have several openings for new Board members.
The Association doesn't run on autopilot. We need participation and support from our members.We are a working Board. There are over 10 committee areas where your interests and talents may fit(see list below).
Please consider sharing some of your time and experience with this worthy endeavor. Contact Steve Schmaltz(swschmaltz@yahoo.com or 651- 777-5277) to learn more about how you can take an active role in your FLLA either as a Board member or volunteer .
Board
Member Responsibilities/Requirements
1.Be a FLLA Member
2.Attend 3-4 Board meetings/year. (normally 1 1/2 hours per meeting)
3. Serve for a 3 year term
4.Take responsibility for and/or be an active contributor in one or more of the
following Committee areas.(Depending on the area,requires 1-3 hours/month)
A. Lake issue management
(1) Herbicide control of of invasive weed species(Curly leaf pondweed)
(2) Weed harvesting program
(3) Monitoring/prevention of AIS( Aquatic Invasive Species like Zebra
(Mussels, Milfoil,etc.)
(4) Increase abatement projects for stormwater runoff into the lake
(5) Lake level management
B. Maintain membership lists/data
C. Bookkeeping
D. Website maintenance/improvement
E. Legal consultation
F.Communications (sending email newsletters to members,developing
support materials, PR, etc.)
G. Fundraising (eg. Wine Tasting event)
H. Membership development
I. Organizaton Liasion (Represent FLLA at one or more related organizations
such as local Watershed District, City, Mn Waters, DNR,etc.)
J.Board Officer: President, VP, Secretary, Treasurer.
K. Others
Thanks for seriously considering our need for help.
1.Be a FLLA Member
2.Attend 3-4 Board meetings/year. (normally 1 1/2 hours per meeting)
3. Serve for a 3 year term
4.Take responsibility for and/or be an active contributor in one or more of the
following Committee areas.(Depending on the area,requires 1-3 hours/month)
A. Lake issue management
(1) Herbicide control of of invasive weed species(Curly leaf pondweed)
(2) Weed harvesting program
(3) Monitoring/prevention of AIS( Aquatic Invasive Species like Zebra
(Mussels, Milfoil,etc.)
(4) Increase abatement projects for stormwater runoff into the lake
(5) Lake level management
B. Maintain membership lists/data
C. Bookkeeping
D. Website maintenance/improvement
E. Legal consultation
F.Communications (sending email newsletters to members,developing
support materials, PR, etc.)
G. Fundraising (eg. Wine Tasting event)
H. Membership development
I. Organizaton Liasion (Represent FLLA at one or more related organizations
such as local Watershed District, City, Mn Waters, DNR,etc.)
J.Board Officer: President, VP, Secretary, Treasurer.
K. Others
Thanks for seriously considering our need for help.
FLLA Board of Directors
Steve Schmaltz, President
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