2022 Update | Water Quality

Great Lone Lake facts for you

by Dave Scott

LLPOA wouldn’t exist without water.

Lake Levels facts

• Fall 2021— 13” below Spring 2021 level

• May 2022— 4.5” below Spring 2021 (snow & precipitation brought the lake up 8.5”)

• June 2022— 2” above Spring 2021 (a rainy spring)

• August 2022– 2” below Spring 2021 (lost 4” over the summer)

Lake level summary……Lake levels go up and down, fall of 2022 is down, not as badly as 2021, but we will hope for good fall and winter precipitation amounts.

Water Clarity

• June 8, 2022. Deepest Secchi disc reading 30.5’

• August 25, 2022. 23.5’ Secchi disc

Please continue your efforts to haul out dead leaves, maintain a 6’ strip of natural land near the shoreline, and keep chemicals away from the lake.

(The Secchi disc is black and white. Lowered into the water, we watch it carefully until the water makes it too cloudy to see. Nothing techie. A true snapshot of clarity in Lone Lake.)

Veligers

(A precursor to zebra mussels)

Lone Lake is tested as we are an “uninfested” lake.

No signs of them as of August.

Let’s keep it that way.

Shoreline Stabilization Program

Only one participant this year for the two year grant to expire 10/23.

With our lakeshore volunteers, we were able to complete our part of the grant with volunteer hours of in-kind labor.

Consider applying for assistance for your lakeshore in 2023. Email now if possibly interested. lonelakepoa@gmail.com

Check your lakeshore for stability this fall.

2022 Update | Treasurer's report

Treasurer’s recap by Linda Kics, LLPOA board member

LLPOA is in good financial standing. Our records indicate 121 paid memberships. If we missed you on this year’s membership drive you can still pay your dues online or by sending a check to:

LLPOA
PO Box 10
Aitkin, MN 56531

A special thank you to those that included extra funds for AIS (aquatic invasive species) education, inspections and to fund future eradicator if required.

LLPOA made donations to the following organizations:

• ACLARA $25

• Aitkin First Responders $100

• Rivers and Lakes Fair $200

• Conservation Minnesota $150

• U of M St. Anthony Falls Research $200

If you would like a more detailed accounting of our financial standing please contact me at lonelakepoa@gmail.com

Taking over the remaining term of treasurer this year after the passing of Karen Frazier has been quite an education. If anyone with a bookkeeping or accounting background (or just good with numbers!) is interested in serving on the board please us know.

Thank you,

Linda Kics

2022 Update | AIS

by Linda Szymanski, LLPOA Board member

Lone Lake participated in the county AIS inspection program this year. We are waiting for the final recap from the county on the results of the inspections. These inspectors do such a great job preventing the spread of AIS between lakes.

Starry stonewort

This summer a vigilant inspector prevented the spread of Starry Stonewort into Lake Superior. See the article below for more information. Lake Superior is a very used waterway. The DNR has tracked the spread of AIS down the 35W corridor and across the state from 35W. We are very grateful for the work the inspectors do to keep our lake safe.

Starry stonewort introduction to Lake Superior prevented by watercraft inspectors.

Watch next year for information on how we can keep our own shorelines safe from AIS and how to inspect the vegetation for early identification of AIS.

2022 Update | Fish & Wildlife

by LLPOA board member Zint Kics

My focus this summer was with problems that often occur with the use of lead fishing tackle.

Did you know:

• 1 out of 5 loons die of lead poisoning from fishing tackle.

• Fishing tackle in fish eaten by loons as well as lead shot from hunting gets picked up and eaten when mixed with gravel from lake bottoms. (Gravel aids in a loons digestion)

• At least 20 eagles die of lead poisoning each year in Minnesota

• Approximately 80% of all eagles tested have elevated levels of lead in their system. This is caused by eating fish or game that have lead fishing tackle or lead shot in them.

• Other animals that eat fish or game animals which may contain lead can die from lead poisoning. Otters, foxes, swans, racoons etc.
  

Where to get lead free tackle:

We had a lead-free tackle display at this year's LLPOA picnic with a box members could drop off lead tackle and another box with free samples of tackle that did not contain lead.

Minnesota Pollution Control Agencies Get The Lead Out program website has listings of where to find lead free tackle. List of retailers from MPCA. Online retailer Amazon and some local retailers carry lead free tackle or you can check with your local dealer

Recycle lead tackle:

Many scrap metal recycling facilities such as Milaca Iron and Metal will accept lead tackle and lead debris, drop off at no charge.

According to the Aitkin County Environmental Services Director next year people can drop off lead tackle and other lead debris at the Aitkin recycling centers annual Hazardous Waste Day program in May

Lone Lake fish stocking assessment:

Due to walleye not reproducing successfully on their own in Lone Lake, walleye need to be stocked by the MN DNR.

Due to COVID, no walleye fry was stocked in Lone Lake in 2020, consequently no assessment was performed in 2022, two years after stocking. Next assessment to determine the need and quantity of fry required for stocking will be in 2024

Lone Lake Overflow

A group of LLPOA members continue to monitor the overflow at the west end of the lake which maintains the water level to the DNR's required level. Occasional blockage occurs which must be removed to maintain this optimal level.

2022 Is wrapping up

With the changing seasons comes the end of our LLPOA Summer 2022 on Lone Lake.

Mother Nature challenged us with our spring Road Cleanup as it was very cold and only 7 members participated but they got the job done.

The AIS Inspections Program ran throughout the summer with no Eurasian Milfoil or Zebra Mussels detected.

Then on the 4th of July the Lone Lake Triathlon surged ahead only to finish in a deluge of rain. The threatening storms and lightning caused the cancellation of the popular Lone Lake Independence Day Boat Parade.

The LLPOA’s Annual Meeting and lunch was well attended on July 15th by 55 members and guests. They were treated to Stan Tekiela’s Back Yard Birds presentation and great foods and desserts.

On July 30th a lakeshore restoration project was completed by 18 members working on the Prell’s lakeshore.

We ended our summer with a great turnout of 21 members for the Fall Road Clean-up!

The LLPOA Board of Directors met throughout the summer and held their final meeting to complete this year’s work and plan for the 2023.

To help complete next year’s planning a short member survey will be sent out in November to help in determining how to plan for a midweek 4th of July and how to best communicate with members.

Many changes lie ahead for LLPOA leadership as I will end my term as president after 22 years at the 2023 Annual Meeting. A nominations committee has been set up to find candidates for president, treasurer, and other board positions. So far board member Mark Sauerbrey has announced his candidacy for president and board member Linda Szymanski for treasurer.

The committee will be looking to find candidates for Team Leaders for AIS, Water Surface Use, and two Directors at Large.

Bev Napurski is completing work on our LLPOA Membership Roster which will be sent electronically to paid members. Watch for it in the coming weeks.

So, thank you for your membership and support of the LLPOA as we had 121 join the association this year. We all will continue to work to preserve and protect the beauty of Lone Lake for the future.

We will see you on the lake and around town.

Steve Frazier, LLPOA President

Summer/Fall LLPOA calendar & fall reminders

Saturday, August 20

Starry Stonewort area workshop. Come learn about the next AIS plant that has been found in Aitkin County. Click Starry-trek for more information and to register soon. Farm Island boat landing.

Saturday, September 10. 9:00 am

Annual fall road clean-up. Please come join your neighbors to clean area roads for the long winter ahead. Start with some coffee and rolls provided by Paulbeck’s Market. Less than an hour later you will have joined others in cleaning a section of road surrounding Lone Lake.

Oot of town that weekend? Let us know and you can help by cleaning a section earlier or later than the scheduled date. The more the merrier. (Lonelakepoa@gmail.com)

Fall reminders

…..help avoid Lone Lake becoming a new member of the AIS club.

• Select professional help with your lake items from companies that clean their equipment before entering a new lake. Here’s a source for DNR permitted service providers

• Dry equipment 7-10-15 days before putting it in Lone Lake or moving it into another lake.

• Reduce runoff that contains nutrients, eroded soil sediments, bacteria, etc. by allowing water to flow over green space before entering the lake.

• Maintain that buffer zone near the lake. Native plants and natural vegetation will help now and in the spring. Long roots keep the soil more stable. (Grass has short roots!)

• Continue to travel at no wake speeds when near shore or at a depth of less than 15’.

• Check your own water equipment as it comes out of the lake. Anything “stuck” to it? See the zebra mussels images below for better identification.

Tidbits from Lone Lake

Observers report one loon chick and family living at each end of the lake…..east and west. Thoughts are that both chicks are now able to dive but please continue to slow down for the loon families.

Secchi disc reading remains at 24’ for the second week in a row. (30’ is the common springtime reading.) Other lakes have reported clearer than usual water for this time of year. Enjoy it while it lasts!

Reports of a bear and possibly two cubs have been shared from the southeastern side of Lone Lake and towards Elm Island Lake. (Garbage can issues, feces, and sightings.) While the bear(s) seem to cover quite a bit of territory, make sure you are not inviting them near your property.

Photo by Patrick Napurski

Now you see it, then you won’t

Neighbors and Lone Lake friends gathered Saturday morning, July 30 to install willow wattle and native, lakeside plantings on the shore of the Prell cabin (lot 19). (Look carefully to see the vertical wooden stakes which hold in the "mesh" of willow saplings that were gathered, tied together, and brought to the lake edge.)

Why? With our changing water levels and changes in use of the lake, more and continued effort is needed to keep our lake from regressing any further on the “declining” list of Aitkin County lakes.

During the past two plus years, the overall Secchi disc numbers are trending down. While we have better water quality than many other area lakes, looking at numbers, you will be “seeing” less of the lake bottom as time goes on.

That lake bottom needs to be undisturbed as much as possible. With various equipment now available for fun, the closer you are to the bottom of the lake, the more the items lying there (including lost fishing rods, anchors, and the like) move around. (Research now suggests keeping 25' under a boat, deeper than the previously suggested 17'.)

The movement near the bottom releases the phosphorus that comes with decaying leaves and other dead materials. All of this clouds up the beautifully clear waters of Lone Lake. (Some of this is just nature, we can’t prevent all leaves from falling in the lake.)

What can you do?

• Keep your shore on the shore.

• Maintain a minimum 6 foot natural barrier of native plant growth next to the water’s edge. (Weeds count!)

• Use willow wattle, coir logs, rocks, downed trees or other natural items to hold back the lakeshore from the waves created by wind and boats.

• When boating, keep bigger boats to the middle of the lake, even small boats need to lower their speed when near the shore.

• Grass clippings or leaf collection near the shoreline need to be taken away from the lake as far as you can. (Ask your lawn maintenance people if that is happening for your property.) Thanks to the residents who have made that effort this year.

Do your part. Every little bit counts.

charts that were available at annual meeting

Paper copies of the chart above were available at the annual meeting in July. Please take the time to look at both photos (2 sided form) to learn more about lakes in the area and understand why your property is especially valued. Lone Lake continues to have the best Secchi disc reading even with a decline. Help us change the trend... Incline the decline!

Joint Statement from Steven’s Point Association and the LLPOA

To: LLPOA Members

From: Steve Frazier, LLPOA Pres. and Gino Perrozzi, Steven’s Lone Lake Association President

Re: Use of the Buoyed Swimming Beach off of Steven’s Point Date: June 24, 2022

Gino Perrozzi, President of the Steven’s Lone Lake Association (SLLA), and Steve Frazier (LLPOA President) met on Sunday, June 12th to discuss the complaint relating to the use of sandbar and swimming beach that is buoyed off as a shallow water and swim area.

President Perrozzi was well aware of the situation having read Steve’s letter on behalf of the LLPOA.

Gino and Steve agreed at the outset that property rights end at the water’s edge but understand that all lakeshore owners feel protective of their beach, swim and dock areas. Gino and Steve also agreed that this issue (as in all issues) has more than one side and those mitigating circumstances can lead to frustration and conflict as in the case on Steven’s Point.

Gino, speaking on behalf of his association members, recounted a number of examples of abuses his association members have had to put up with over the years that has caused a “some of his members” to become intolerant with outside people coming to use the point swimming area . Their association also requires an adult/parent to accompany their children while at the swimming area. So then, here are some of the abuses SLLA members have had to endure from abusers:

1. Trespassing onto the associations sand beach and shoreline.

2. Leaving litter on the SLLA’s’s beach and in the water.

3. Defecating on the beach.

4. Parents dropping-off their children to swim while they cruise the lake leaving their children unattended.

5. People going up to SLLA member’s cabins and asking to use their bathrooms.

6. Theft and damage to SLLA property.

7. Trespassing on SLLA member’s properties to access the swimming area.

8. Boaters and jet skiers cutting through the swimmer area.

9. People bringing their pets and allowing them to run free on SLLA property.

Gino explained that they have reported the more blatant offenses to the Sheriff’s Office for enforcement but it is still frustrating to his association members. Gino and Steve agreed that there is not an easy solution to this situation. Lone Lake’s water usage is open to the public. They both agreed to approach our members and urge them to be respectful, thoughtful and not disruptive to other lake owner’s property, docks and swim areas.

Gino recommended that there would be less conflict if:

1. Use the Lone Lake Public Beach and swimming area

2. Anchor boats off from the buoyed swim area so not to interfere with boat traffic or blocking SLLA member’s access to their docks and/or swimming beach.

3. Not bring in lawn chairs and other water sports equipment into the swimming area.

4. Stay off of the sandy beach above the water line as this is private property.

5. Have parent supervision of children using the swimming area.

Gino met with the Aitkin County Sheriff on June 17th to discuss solutions to the problem. This is the plan developed with the Sheriff:

Steven’s Lone Lake Association (SLLA) will develop a swimming area following state law, at the point, with no boats nor other water craft allowed. The SLLA will place white markers following state guidelines defining the swimming area adjacent to the point for swimming only. The swimming area shall not exceed 2500 square feet and remains public waters. The SLLA will set up temporary markers until permanent markers can be purchased and installed. The sheriff department will come out and verify all the work completed meets requirements for the swimming area.

Both presidents agreed to share these thoughts with the two associations and understand that cooperation is the best tool in resolving these types of issue on Lone Lake.

DNR advice to Help keep your lake AIS Free

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed a report of zebra mussels in Clear Lake, near Jenkins in Crow Wing County. (Near Pequot Lakes, 40 miles from Lone.) As fall heads our way, moving equipment from lake to lake is often part of the plan.

Whether or not a lake has any invasive species, Minnesota law requires people to:

• Clean watercraft, trailers and equipment to remove aquatic plants and prohibited invasive species.

• Drain all water and leave drain plugs out during transport.

• Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.

• Never release bait, plants or aquarium pets into Minnesota waters.

• Dry docks, lifts and rafts for 21 days before moving them from one water body to another.

These additional steps reduce the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species:

• Decontaminate watercraft and equipment – find free stations on the courtesy decontamination page of the DNR website

• Spray with high-pressure water or rinse with very hot water (120 degrees for at least two minutes or 140 degrees for at least 10 seconds).

• Dry watercraft and equipment for at least five days before using in another water body.

Zebra mussels can compete with native species for food and habitat, cut the feet of swimmers, reduce the performance of boat motors, and cause expensive damage to water intake pipes.

People should contact a Minnesota DNR aquatic invasive species specialist if they think they have found zebra mussels or any other invasive species.

More information is available on the Aquatic Invasive Species page of the DNR website.

Save these reminders for use at anytime during the year. Your neighbors thank you.