2021 LLPOA Membership Drive

Another change that COVID brought to Lone Lake was the lack of the personal touch, door-to-door visits from the LLPOA membership committee members to welcome you to spring on the lake.

We plan to adapt to a form of that in 2021. While maintaining social distancing makes it a challenge, we want all residents to know that you are part of a larger, important group on the lake. We all want the cleanest water, good fishing, safe boating, and a place to relax.

One of the best ways to make this happen is to join the LLPOA. This group works many hours to keep our lake capable of supporting all the goals listed above. There are lakeshore building regulations, communication with members, health of the lake guidelines, community volunteer activities, and as always, the Fourth of July festivities and the annual meeting.

We are always looking for additional hands, brains,and bodies to help inform, clean, monitor, etc. our important lake. Please consider volunteering your services or at the minimum, joining LLPOA with the $25 contribution which allows us to donate to other local organizations and events, such as the Rivers and Lakes fair, local first responders (who are always there for you), U of M research on maintaining water clarity, and of course, boat inspection funds for when county funding not available. Additional donations for boat inspections appreciated.

Ready to volunteer? Please email lonelakepoa@gmail.com The more the merrier!

How to join?

Click here to access the LLPOA membership page.

Use Paypal or print the membership page and send your check via the mail or....

Visit with a neighbor coming by sometime soon.

Anglers can prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species

Clean, drain, dispose every time —how everyone can assist to keep Lone Lake clean

Larry & Michael’s fishing expedition on Lone

The approaching fishing season comes with a reminder from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to always follow state laws to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.

It’s also important for boat owners to take a few minutes for invasive species prevention every time a boat comes out of the water.

Maj. Shane Kirlin, DNR operations manager, said that’s true whether or not an enforcement officer or watercraft inspector is present.

“All anglers and boaters in Minnesota are required to take three simple steps: clean, drain, dispose,” Kirlin said. “It’s not only the best way to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, but it’s also the law in Minnesota.”

People must clean aquatic plants and debris from watercraft, drain lake or river water and keep drain plugs out during transport, and dispose of unwanted bait in the trash, not in the water.

In addition to these required steps, the DNR also recommends that anglers:

• Spray boat and trailer with high-pressure water;

• Rinse boat and trailer with very hot water (120° for two minutes; or 140° for 10 seconds); or

• Dry boat and equipment for at least five days.

More information is available at www.mndnr.gov/AIS

First of the spring - LLPOA news you can use. We need your help!

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Hi Lone Lakers!

Welcome to another summer on Lone Lake. The LLPOA Board of Directors held its first meeting of the year in-person on May 1 and yes, we were all vaccinated, masked, and socially distanced. We look forward to a more normal (new normal) year in 2021. The Board affirmed the 2021 program calendar (click here) and will strive for in-person activities and events and urge participants be vaccinated (16 and over), masked, and socially distanced while in group gatherings.

A large quantity of leaves has again drifted into the public beach. We need volunteers THIS FRIDAY, May 7, 2021 and SATURDAY, May 8, 2021 starting at 10 AM each day, to come with waders, gloves, pitchforks or rakes. Call David Scott at 218-927-2967 to sign up. Of course, spur-of-the-moment participants appreciated as well. This is a great service as it improves our lake water quality (removing a large amount of phosphorus filled leaves) and appreciated by all swimmers. We strongly urge all property owners to do the same on their own lakeshore.

• The annual Road Clean-up is Saturday, May 15 at 9 AM, meeting at the public beach. We will have coffee and rolls as the cleaning teams are set up. (If the timing doesn't work for you, please feel free to clean a section of the perimeter lake roads and send a note about the section and participants to lonelakepoa@gmail.com.)

• The annual Membership Drive will be in-person starting now or by Memorial Day weekend....or online anytime. We still need helpers for four areas (lots 59-69, 70-81, 136-142, 147-155), Directions and packets provided. Please email Steve Frazier asap if this would work for you. sfrazierllpoa@gmail.com. Another good way to meet and make new friends.

We have received a grant for the county AIS inspection program. Super news! Inspectors will be at the public access most of the summer weekends and longer around a holiday. This year we have been granted 420 hours of inspections to help prevent the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) into Lone Lake. On this same note, hours may disappear as paid inspectors are needed. If interested, contact Aitkin County for more information.

On another note, we have also been receiving many concerns and complaints from lake members.

• Be sure to check your Aitkin County Shoreland Guide to Lake Stewardship, (click here for online book) or contact Aitkin County Environmental Services/Aitkin County Zoning and Planning Office (click here) to receive permits BEFORE building, tree removal. sewer modifications, or changes to property drainage to the lake. When dealing with lake growth (bulrush, cattails, etc.), check the above booklet for DNR rules and regulations. Several parties on the lake have been fined and/or required to remove structures or property modification without permits or not following their permitted use.

• We are receiving complaints about high intensity security lighting that stays on from dusk to dawn. Light pollution is something we can correct. Please set your security light on motion detection and be a good neighbor as we all come to the lake to get out of the city noise and light and be able to see the beautiful night sky.

• We have also received many concerns about deep wake boats and fears that they will ruin our water quality and lakeshore. Again, let's be good lake neighbors and conduct wake-boating in the middle of the two bays as deep water is better for wakeboarding and the resulting waves. We can all be considerate to our lake neighbors' shorelines. The LLPOA has no enforcement powers but what we do have is a lake community where we are all respectful of each other's enjoyment and quality of life on Lone Lake.

Have a great start to the summer on Lone Lake and watch for updates in the coming weeks. As always, thank you for your LLPOA membership to help preserve and protect Lone Lake for the future.

Steve Frazier

LLPOA President

Spring Photo Contest ~ 2021

Trillium is a sure sign of spring

Spring Returns to Lone Lake. Look around! Spring is popping up all over!

Here on Lone Lake it’s time to share your stunning view of spring 2021 with others. The LLPOA spring photo contest begins now, April 8 through Sunday, May 31.

As spring is time for the annual LLPOA membership drive, the winning photo chosen by an outside judge will receive a 2021 membership to our Lone Lake Property Owners Association.

Only two basic rules for the contest.
1. Photos must be takenbetween April 8, 2021 and May 31, 2021 on and around Lone Lake.
2. Participants may enter up to two photos.

Please submit your entry by emailing the spring photo to:
lonelakepoa@gmail.com

Take those photos of spring around you and share them with us. We all want to be ready for a closer to normal summer!

Ice out was declared April 6, 2021

2021 LLPOA Winter Photo Contest

It’s winter on Lone Lake!

Full of energy.....or.....quiet,....solemn...or....playful.....with beauty in many corners. Now is the time to snap that stunning winter photo to share your view with other Lone Lake residents.

The winter photo contest will be judged by an outside judge with a 2021 LLPOA membership award for the winning photographer. Look for your photo in an upcoming Lone Lake newsletter!

Please review these rules:
1. Make sure your photo is a 2021 Lone Lake winter scene.
2. Enter (see below) by February 28, 2021.
3. Please limit your entries to two per member.

How to enter—(please note, this has changed).
For the winter photo contest, photos should be emailed to:
lonelakepoa@gmail.com

Thank you! Everyone looks forward to your view of Winter 2021 on Lone Lake. Enjoy your winter scene and stay healthy.

2020-2021 Lone Lake Photo Contest

Help us share your views of our lake. Each of us sees unique, inspiring aspects on our lake and we want to share more of them.

Starting right now, find an aspect of fall on Lone Lake that others would appreciate as well. Please post to Facebook by December 1, 2020.

Not only will others be able to enjoy what you see and value, we can also share them with everyone in future news briefs. An outside judge (not a lake resident) will select a photo for a gift certificate to our new store for Lone Lake apparel.

Please review your photos carefully and limit your entries to two photos per member.

Thank you for sharing Lone Lake with others. Fall colors, activities, landscapes, nature, animals.......what is part of your Lone Lake view?

Committee end of year reports

Reports from:
Steve Frazier, President
Linda Kics, Secretary
Karen Frazier, Treasurer
Zint Kics, Director
Steve Frazier, Water Surface Director
Dave Scott, Water Quality Team Leader
Linda Szymanski, Aquatic Invasive Species Team Leader
Steve Frazier, Planning & Zoning

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Linda Kics, Secretary

Interested in LLPOA Board Meeting details?

This year has been full of challenges and learning how to do just about everything differently. As secretary for the LLPOA I am tasked with keeping notes for the board meetings as well as the annual meeting usually held in July.

This year due to COVID-19 we were unable to hold our annual meeting, however, if you're feeling nostalgic and would like to "revisit" past meetings the minutes are available on the LLPOA website: www.lonelake.org/reports.

Thank you,
Linda Kics

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Zint Kics, Director

Lone Lake was “leveled” many years ago

Information shared by Zint Kics

Lone Lake has an overflow at the east end of the lake that was hand dug in the 1920's to keep the water at a natural average level.

The Minnesota DNR has jurisdiction to determine the overflow from the lake near Township Road 1031 (Tower Hill road) and has given the LLPOA the responsibility to maintain it. This entails removal of any debris that causes blockage and the lake level to increase. Blockage occurs when logs, branches, lake weeds etc. get tangled or lodged in the overflow or culvert screen. Beavers will occasionally dam up the overflow which causes our lake level to rise over the natural level.

There is a team of LLPOA members that check the overflow daily and remove any obstructions that cause blockage in order to maintain the optimal lake

A favorite Lone Lake pastime—-fishing

More “fish stories” from Zint Kics

As noted in a previous article, due to the Covid-19 pandemic the DNR did not stock Lone Lake with walleye fry this year. The Minnesota DNR does assessments/surveys by netting of fish every few years to determine quantity and size of fish species found in that particular body of water. This determines the quantity and size of fish, (only walleye for Lone Lake) that are needed for restocking.

The next scheduled assessment/survey for Lone Lake is scheduled for 2022 but because no walleye fry were restocked in 2020 the lake survey may be postponed.

Information on how and why the Minnesota DNR Section of Fisheries does lake surveys can be found on the following Minnesota DNR website: www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/surveys.html

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Steve Frazier, President/Water Use Director

Surface Water Use

When you have over 160 properties on a 433-acre lake, a difference of opinions about water use are bound to happen.

We have had very few complaints this year and no reports from the sheriff. The three concerns we have heard about concern personal water crafts (PWC) and water sports late in the day, boats cruising too close to shore, and boat wave action on the shoreline/water quality.

PWC’s can operate from 9:30 a.m. until one-half hour before sunset (sunset changes daily). Water skiing, tubing, and wake boarding are prohibited from a half-hour after sunset to sunrise under state law. So, let’s be good neighbors!

Secondly, boat cruising too close to shore is not prohibited by law but the LLPOA recommends staying out to a depth of 15 feet to protect the lake bottom and water clarity of the lake. Check out the DNR Lone Lake depth map here.

The third concern is about boat wave action and deep wake boat wakes’ effects on the shoreline and water quality. There are no laws restricting deep wake boats on Lone Lake. Currently, the U of M is researching boat wave action on shorelines and water quality, and the LLPOA will be following the results of that research and reporting to members. We appreciate the wake boat drivers who use the middle of the lake for their activities to lessen their wave effect on shorelines.

On a very positive note, the two baby loons survived the summer and will be migrating sometime in October.

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Dave Scott, Water Quality

Water, water, water!

The water level has been lower than the previous years over most of 2020. We have not received any rain events of over three inches. In general it has been a dry summer.

The water clarity has been slightly better than the previous years. Possibly a result of lower water level preventing erosion of the shoreline. Next year I would like to look at the clarity on Fridays vs Mondays on busy weekends to see if boating stirs up the lake water or erodes the shoreline.

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Linda Szymanski, Aquatic Invasive Species Team Leader

COVID has impacted Lone Lake and our inspection program like all other areas of our lives in 2020. The LLPOA Board was able to secure a grant again this year to cover the weekend AIS inspections on the lake. The inspections came to a close Labor Day weekend and we are awaiting on the county to provide a year end report. Below are a few highlights from the inspections:

• While 25 inspectors are ideal to cover the participating lakes on weekends and holidays, the county was only able to hire 14 inspectors to cover this year for a variety of reasons.

• Due to the limited numbers of inspectors, the coverage was moved around to various lakes to get the best coverage possible.

• Education remains the key to stopping and/or slowing the spread of aquatic invasives.

• Farm Island was confirmed to have Zebra Mussels this year. Diligence in inspecting all watercraft recently on this lake will be a key factor in preventing additional spreading.

At this time, we are not aware if the county or state will have the funds to offer an inspection program in 2021. If funds are available, the LLPOA will apply for an inspection grant. If not, we will need to dust off the volunteer inspections conducted by lake owners on the key holiday weekends.

Looking for a place to demonstrate to your family and friends the gains the world receives from those who volunteer? Please email LLPOA at lonelakepoa@gmail.com to let us know you would be willing to help with boat inspections for 2021 if necessary. Training would be provided. Many hands make light work and keep our lake healthy. Thanks.

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Karen Frazier, Treasurer

Treasurer’s Report

The Lone Lake Property Owners Association is in stable financial condition. Although the membership is down due to the pandemic, we currently have 77 dues paying members. We currently have $5,468.98 in savings and $9,554.13 in checking to cover expenses and pay for our matching portion of the county AIS Inspection Program.

We also have dedicated funds set aside to help fight AIS if Lone Lake becomes infested.
Donations by the LLPOA this year were to:

• ACLARA = $25

• Conservation MN = $150

• Aitkin County 1st Responders = $100

• U of M/St. Anthony Falls Research Lab = $200

If you would like further details please contact me at kfrazier@usjet.net.

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Steve Frazier

Planning and Zoning for Lone Lake properties

The LLPOA created and distributed new owner packers to new lake residents this year. Included in the packet is the Aitkin County Shoreland Homeowner’s Guide to Lake Stewardship. The guide gives new owners guidance in best practices on their lake property and actions needing permits from the county and/or the DNR.

The only two issues we advised members about this year were vacation property rentals and road access by adverse possession. Our role as an association is to educate members when zoning issues arise and to be a link to the Aitkin County Planning & Zoning/Environmental Services.

President Steve Frazier’s report

To end this year’s lake season the LLPOA’s Board of Directors are each giving highlights of the year relating to their area of responsibility within our association. Despite the pandemic, the work of the LLPOA has gone on and we were able to carry on all programs and activities except the Annual Picnic and Meeting.

The Spring and Fall Road Clean-ups were done by individual members on their own. Our Membership Drive was handled by emails and news brief notices with no door to door visits using Pay Pal or check. We were able to have the Lone Lake Triathlon and the 4th of July boat parade which were both a great success. AIS Inspections took place on all the major holidays and throughout the summer weekends.

The Board of Directors met monthly from May through September by Zoom to conduct the business of the association. At the final meeting of the Board of Directors, we set the LLPOA 2021 Program Calendar in the expectation of normalcy in the coming year. Use the link for next year’s calendar at www.lonelake.org/calendar along with other association information.

One change that our 2020 online year has already made for LLPOA is the online membership and registration. For 2021, we will begin our membership campaign in January, 2021. Watch for LLPOA news as the new year begins.

Lastly, we have just heard of the death of long time member and resident, Bill Sauerbrey. Having been on the lake since 1991, Bill was a good neighbor to all. For more details, click here for the Sandberg Funeral Home in North St. Paul.

Thank you for your support of the LLPOA and we look forward to seeing in person next year!
Steve Frazier

Why do you go up north?

Why do you travel to or are lucky enough to live on Lone Lake?

Why did you invest in lakeshore property?

Here is some food for thought as we enjoy our last weeks of a summer without a state fair, to take us into the unknown of fall 2020.

Stress, concern about the unknown future, and the overall change in daily life all contribute to the uncertainty that is our 'new normal'.

What can you do to mitigate these concerns and keep your normal more normal?

Make sure your days and weeks have enough "Blue Mind" time.

Over the past few years, scientists have found how "being near, in, on, or underwater can make you happier, healthier, more connected, and better at what you do."

By taking some time to read, listen to, or enjoy an online summary of the book Blue Mind by Wallace J. Nichols, Ph.D., you will discover the need for cabin time can be even more justified in your monthly plans.

"Mindfulness", a state of being that is even more recognized now as having widespread benefits, can start many ways. Perhaps it begins with something as simple as the meditative feel you achieve once the car is packed and you are driving towards Lone Lake, or when you pull away in the boat from the dock or finally sitting with a view of the lake.

There is an overall sense of happiness, calm, and serenity. As with the T-shirt company we all know, the "Life is Good" logo encompasses our thoughts.

That "Blue Mind" time can come from a lake, river, or ocean; smelling it, seeing, feeling, or hearing it; creating memories to carry with you. (List for yourself those Lone Lake highlights......loon calls, loon sightings, waves lapping on your beach, a morning swim when you saw an eagle overhead and a bit of fog hovering over a bay, the boat cruise around the lake, dangling your feet in the water off the dock, etc.)

Why?

The inspiration from water and the associated properties, even beginning with the color blue, takes advantage of years of neurological connections in our brains to help us sense peacefulness.

A scientific study concluded that even a picture, photo, or other visual that includes water is selected far more often when people choose their favorite scene.

Perhaps over the upcoming winter, you will choose to read the book Blue Mind and it's forward by the granddaughter of Jacques Cousteau, Celine Cousteau. Fascinating research proving what most of us already know.

Always keep in mind, that your desire to be on the lake, in the lake or lakeside is not just something you think makes you a happier person. It is a fact that "Blue Mind" time is necessary to be a happy person and that happiness spreads to others from you when you are happy.

Good to know Lone Lake news

2020 LLPOA fall road clean-up APART, not TOGETHER.

With the terrific response from many Lone Lake residents in the spring, we will plan our annual fall road clean-up as an individual family event.

Health and safety first.

Please use an upcoming September day and time that work for you to walk the ditches of CR28(Ditch Bank Road/290th), CR 81 (380th), or CR 39 (Oak Avenue).

1. Bring bags for the assortment of items you may discover. Disposal of trash is by family as well for this fall.

2. Remember to wear bright-colored clothing to stand out to all traffic.

Thank you for your time and work to give our lake area cleanliness before the snow flies.

Photo from fall 2019

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Lone Lake water quality update for August 2020

The Secchi disc reading this August showed a level of 24 feet. That is a bit better than July. (19’).

Water temperature has started it's downward trend with a warm 80.3 degrees F at the surface mid-July and August 6 was ‘only’ 76 degrees. enjoy it! No time like the present for a summer swim.

More water facts--- The lake outlet on the NW side has had some TLC this past week with volunteers removing refuse and debris from the waterway and hauling it away. Thanks to all workers. Let us know if this volunteer activity is of interest to you as many hands make light work.

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Saving your pennies, and dollars, board members due to receive a small stipend at this time of the year for their efforts all chose to decline the offer again and save the dollars for lake needs. Thanks to all.

Continuing with the money focus, huge thanks to two LLPOA members, both retired from Medtronic, who chose to have the Medtronic retired volunteer funding of $500 come to the LLPOA for our use.

Perhaps you or your family member have a similar opportunity with a company connection? Firms that recognize volunteer hours and reward with donations to a non-profit organization are common throughout Minnesota. Please check with your company and, if possible, select LLPOA as an organization to receive your volunteer dollars. Maintaining a clean lake is the focus for all of us.

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We continue to accept 2020 membership forms from all lakeshore owners. Have you sent in yours? Click here for the membership form.

Why now?

A clean lake is one that you have .....and.....you want to maintain. We need to support research to keep our waters clean and our shorelines healthy. The current pandemic was not in anyone's forecast.......same with AIS invasive species of any kind for our lake. While we hope that is true, being prepared with knowledge, research, and strategies are vital. Join your neighbors to keep our lake one of the best.

PS....some of you normally renew at the annual meeting. We missed you. Another casualty of COVID. Please send it in and enjoy lunch with a lake view on your dock.

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AIS boating inspectors continue to be in short supply and have not been at our landing as often as in past years. Due to fewer employees for the county program and many lakes wanting inspectors, we need to be even more vigilant with our own boats, those of friends and relatives, and all boats on our lake. Cleaning off the boat and motor before entering any new lake needs to be part of your routine. Everyone thanks you for that effort as we all benefit.