Newsletter: Issue 46
Lots of information to report!
Google the article from the Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates newsletter dated 8/2/2022 titled, “MLR Bids Farewell to Senate Champions – Work begins to educate candidates on the importance of lake issues.” This article is critical to Minnesota waters and the environment in general. mnlakesandrivers.org
+ For detailed information on actions being taken on BML in conjunction with PLM, our contracted licensed herbicide applicator, see summaries by Mike Blehert on the BMLA website in “Resources/ FAQ-AIS/ What was the year by year herbicide treatment of BML?”
Also, note the actual 2022 EWM treatment maps in this same FAQ.
+ As for 2022 EWM treatment results:
Good news. On August 22, the BMLA surveyed the areas (5.18 acres total of EWM) that PLM treated on August 5, a majority of the much larger acreage that was treated in 2021. There was a good amount of standing native Northern Milfoil and other native vegetation, three small polygons of EWM, and a few scattered EWM plants. All three of the patches of EWM located and treated were in areas treated in 2021. The three patches had a combined total of an acre or less. Locations were: In the Bullrushes treated in 2021 in the east bay and on the north side of the channel (Girl Scout Camp shoreline) leading to the east bay in the 6.5 acre area treated in 2021. Overall, the August, 2022 treatment appeared to be very effective. When the check was done, underwater visibility was very good. Numerous rake loads were also taken. Some limp brown decomposing EWM lying flat on the bottom in some portions of the areas treated in 2022 was found. Hopefully, it will disintegrate and not generate rootlets.
+ Another source for some good information on aquatic invasive species is the 7/6/2022 “Summer 2022 Updates” from Angie Hong of the East Metro Lakes Network. You can subscribe to her newsletters. www.mnwcd.org/emwrep
+ A hybrid cattail research project is being done by MAISRC (Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center) on BML. Several BMLA Board members attended a presentation on the project on August 31. Some details on this project are on the BMLA website “Resources/FAQ-AIS/ What is the MAISRC” narrow leaf cattail project all about?”
Also, see the report on the Sept. 21, 2022 on-line MAISRC Seminar in the BMLA website MAISRC section under “Resources/FAQ-AIS/What are key organizations working on AIS and other lake issues?” for more about the cattail project and details of other MAISRC work.
For additional information refer to the MAISRC website. www.maisrc.umn.edu/cattails
+ The story from the President of the Comfort Lake Lake Association for that lake is a good example of how fortunate BML lakeshore property owners need to realize they are. Comfort Lake is only 220 acres with a maximum depth of 50 feet. BML is about 1600 acres. 2022 is the third year the CLLA has been working with the DNR on EWM. In 2021, the EWM situation was very bad, so in 2022 a whole-lake treatment was done with Fluoridone. The application is hoped to be good for 3 years and cost somewhere between $52000 and $59000. The expense was aided by $25000 from the DNR and $15000 from the watershed district. CLLA has 105 LPO’s, 65 members, and annual dues of $100. BML 2022 treatment by PLM of EWM was about 5 acres at a cost of about $13000.
+ Watercraft Inspection: Check the BMLA website “Resources/FAQ-AIS/What are the summaries of watercraft inspections by the WCD?” for an example of the inspection schedule for summer, 2022 by the Washington Conservation District.
Membership
Membership donations should be sent to –
BMLA
12636 - 182nd St. N.
Marine, MN 55047.
Minimum suggested donation is $50.00.
Thanks to everyone who has already donated for 2022. Many people who donated in 2020 and 2021 have not donated as yet in 2022. Please check your records to confirm you have paid for 2022. And, please make your donation to BMLA if you have not already done so. Note that a higher % of lake property owner newcomers show interest in BML and the BMLA than long-time LPO’s. Also, more and more people who do not own BML lakeshore property have joined the BMLA each year. They and the new lakeshore property owners feel that if they use the lake they should be concerned about it, recognizing that the lake is a jewel of a resource that needs everyone’s help to maintain and protect.
BML All-Lake Gathering
Our first annual event on June 10 at the Vet’s Camp was a huge success.
Thank you so much to: The VC for hosting the event and providing and serving the great tacos; to Shaun and Steve Collier and Linda Marotzke for organizing and working at the event; and to everyone (all 60) who came. Special thanks to County Commissioner Fran Miron for attending and for his comments.
An attendee said he can’t understand how people can live on BML and not love it. Meaning – Why were there not even more people at the gathering, and why doesn’t every BML resident join the BMLA?
BMLA WEBSITE
Website: bigmarinelakeassociation.org
The website is a source for past newsletters, BMLA Board Meeting minutes, notes on AIS-related conferences, AIS descriptions, AIS news articles, and more. Many additions and changes were made to the website just recently. Specifically, a number of new entries were made in the FAQ section.
Anyone interested in knowing more about the BMLA and BML issues should be able to find more than they ever wanted to know on the BMLA website.
E-mail: contactus@bigmarinelakeassociation.org