2023 UPDATE | AIS

AIS Aquatic Invasive Species  | Barb Dusbabek

As the end of summer approaches and we start to think about removing our boats, lifts and docks let’s remember…

 C L E A N - D R A I N - D R Y

The DNR recommends these steps for lake property owners:

  • Look on the posts, wheels and underwater support bars of docks and lifts, as well as any parts of boats, pontoons and rafts that may have been submerged in water for an extended period.

  • Hire DNR-permitted lake service provider businesses to remove boats, docks, lifts and other water-related equipment. They have been trained on Minnesota’s aquatic invasive species laws and have experience identifying and removing invasive species.

  • Contact LLPOA (lonelakepoa@gmail.com) if an invasive species is discovered. We will connect you with the appropriate county representative.  

Attached is a link to an Aquatic Invasive Species Guide for identification. 

These few extra minutes can save our lake! 

How is Lone Lake in 2023?

The good news……our lake is often utilized by DNR regional staff to test equipment and other new items because of our clarity.

Most of the summer, the Secchi disc measurement (how far down into the water it can be seen) has been just above 20’. Usually later in the summer it drops into the high teens. What makes 2023 different? Is it the lack of additional rain? Is it the efforts made by lakeshore owners to keep leaves and other phosphates out of the lake? Is it helped by the big boats working to stay in the middle of the lake so as not to turn up the bottom of the lake?

We don’t know.

But please….keep up your efforts this fall. Get those leaves out of the lake as they wash up on your shoreline. (An icky job but it could be paying back benefits.) Thanks

More good news….the grant money that was to be used on a lakeshore project in 2023 will carry forward to 2024. Consider your lakeshore…..do you need willow wattle and plants to keep your shoreline on the shore? (Of course more evident during times of high water.)

Or would you be interested in a discount on a coir log?

Use these next months to consider what your shoreline is asking for in ‘24😜

Email lonelakepoa@gmail.com with your questions.

August news around the lake

Travel on MN Highway 47 in this neck of the woods? Road reconstruction started Monday, Aug. 14 and will last until later October. Isle to Aitkin. Details found here.

True to lake history, the Secchi disc reports that lake clarity is only about 21’ in August. As we use the lake we make waves, waves stir up the lake bottom and potassium is released. Another reminder to remove as many leaves in the fall and the spring as possible. Thank you.

Are you part of the 123? Thanks! 123 lakeshore owners so far have joined LLPOA for 2023. Forgot to complete that membership form? Never too late…..become a LLPOA member to help plan for the future, enjoy the now, and know you are part of the membership to keep Lone Lake clean for years to come. Click here for the link.

Last call for anyone interested in lakeshore assistance. Please contact lonelakepoa@gmail.com by August 18. Willow wattle (more info) or coir logs (more info) could be an option to keep your lakeshore on your lakeshore. Waves challenge all of us and water levels change all the time. 

Almost September? Time to make sure Saturday, September 9 @ 9:00 a.m. is on your calendar. With winter (⛄️) not that far away, all hands needed to clean the roadsides before the snow covers the ground. Delicious coffee and rolls donated by Paulbeck’s County Market (thank you!) will greet you, meet neighbors, friends, and new friends, and assist with the clean-up. Only takes an hour, great example to your family of giving back to the community on the exact “volunteering” day in MInnesota.

Bring the family, the guests, and friends to help clean our roadsides. 

(Can’t make it that day? Please let us know which section you cleaned. Lately the public beach has had many visitors with more than desired trash left behind on the grass and sand. Check that area out on a walk and help keep it clean. Pay it forward!)

Another reminder to make sure you and all guests remember the “rules of the road” when driving a boat on the water.

Simplest is to STAY RIGHT when two boats are coming towards each other. Lone Lake has plenty of peninsulas that need to be taken on the “wider” side when you cannot see the oncoming traffic. If you cannot make that turn/curve at your current speed, slow down for the safety of all, especially when pulling a tow rope. Thanks from all boaters and the loons as well.

Hello lake friends! by Tiffany Frazier

Wagenknecht family accepting their award.

I hope you are enjoying this last bit of summer on Lone Lake!

The board welcomed myself and two new members: Barb Dusbabek (AIS team leader) and Bob Burgmeier (Director at large) and Fraz (Steve Frazier), (past president). We had an informative first meeting, including a couple of board members attending up on zoom! 

(Hint…..as we continue to look for more board members to represent all points of view, know that meetings are available online as well.)

1. Road clean up September 9th, 9am at the beach! Come help keep our lake area clean, it only takes an hour. Coffee and rolls, courtesy of Paulbeck’s, will be provided : )

2. Keep our lake clean! Any visiting guests with boats or watercraft must be looked over before putting in the lake. I was shocked to hear the staggering amount it would cost to treat the lake if we got AIS : No bueno!)

Gmach-Mann family award recipient

3. Logo Contest! Submit your entry by September 15th, for an opportunity of bragging rights and one year free membership dues! (See below in newsletter)

Looking forward to picking up trash with you next month! Wear gloves-vests and bags will be provided!

Summer Smiles,
Tiffany

PS…..above and below photos are such a fun part of the job…..delivering the July 4 trophies to the winners of the annual LLPOA boat parade and dock competition!

Best pontoon-above- Wagenknecht family

Best boat-below-Gmach/Mann family

Is Starry Stonewort coming closer?

Have a bit of time this Saturday morning? (8/19/23).

Join many Aitkin County residents and lakeshore owners to discover more information (and a hands on opportunity) about Starry Stonewort, an invasive species that spreads rapidly, creates health issues for lakes, and issues for lakeshore owners.

Check out this link, call the Aitkin County SWCD to tell them of your interest, or consider bringing a friend and helping to check out local lakes, including ours, with their shared knowledge and expertise.

Some LLPOA members have attended past events and some will attend this one at Clear Lake in the Glen, MN area……not far at all. less than 7 miles east on county road 12.

9:00 a.m., this Saturday, August, 19.

Information from the Aitkin Age

What is your Lone Lake design? Lone Lake makes me think of...

As time flies, we all appreciate exciting gear representing our favorite teams, cities, schools, states…..and LAKES!

Time now to help design the new Lone Lake gear. Get your creative juices flowing!

Some families have designed their own, others have looked on and wished for something portraying Lone Lake.

Contest is now open. Rules are simple:

  1. Create a design of your own….no plagiarism (using a design already used for another purpose)….something that incorporates Lone Lake into the design. If you would like to use the Lone Lake logo - contact us via email and we will send you the artwork.

  2. Colors are your choice.

  3. This design will be shared with all via our online store for purchase. Online shirts (adults & kid sizes), mugs, hats, wall art, magnets…..

  4. Online ordering will begin in October, right in time for that holiday season.

  5. The winner will receive a free membership for 2024 to LLPOA. (We have heard that those who are children, grandchildren, relatives and friends of all sorts who have entered a LLPOA contest have traded that free membership to the lakeshore owners they know in exchange for wonderful treats!)

  6. Contest starts now, ends at midnight, September 15, 2023

  7. Email your design to lonelakepoa@gmail.com

Winner will be determined by a vote open to all LLPOA members towards the end of September. Good luck to all!

Another LLPOA step into technology!

A new Facebook page has been created based on feedback from the last owners’ survey. It was suggested we develop a Facebook page/group where members could:

  • Share photos

  • Ask questions about recent weather, electric status, etc. around the lake

  • Ask about service providers used or recommendation on service providers

  • Share information on lost/found items

  • Etc

Below is the information for you to use on your Facebook account to find the new group. This is a private group so new users will need to request to join and be asked a question on two. It is open to Lone Lake property owners and their friends/family.  

Lone Lake Fans | Aitkin, MN | Facebook

Check it out and let us know if you have any questions or suggestions.

(FYI, it already works well —both a beautiful photo of the super moon and a lost ski and life jacket found their owner. Two different Lone Lake families shared their finds and both were returned to the owner, a guest at a cabin. Thanks to the honesty and effort of our lakeshore owners.)

Steve’s final presidential summary 😊

We had an amazing day to hold this year’s annual meeting. The weather, food, speaker and member turnout was great. It was the perfect ending to my 22 year presidency with some surprises, lots of emotion and a large cake donated by Mike Paulbeck! We honored Gloria Paulbeck and Dave Rued’s memory. Our speaker was Dave McMillan from the Long Lake Conservation Center who described the LLCC and also filled in for our other guest speaker (who fell ill), on the topic of Viewing the Northern Summer Sky.

The annual meeting was called to order and I delivered the state of the association and highlights from the past 22 years. Walt Weisser presented the Distinguished Service Award as he was the one who convinced me to become involved in the LLPOA and then to run for president. Several of the LLPOA Board gave emotional testimonials and presented a gift certificate for me to plant two apple trees that my departed wife always wanted. Yes, there were tears.   

A board recommendation to create a past president advisory position was passed and the board of directors then gave short reports on the year and the LLPOA election was held. A unanimous ballot motion was made and we elected:

  • Tiffany Frazier as President

  • Linda Szymanski as Treasurer

  • Beth-Anne Rowe as Communications Director

  • David Scott as Water Quality Team Leader

  • Barb Dusbabek as AIS Team Leader

  • Bob Burgmeier as Delegate at Large

The organizational meeting of the new board will meet August 12th to finish out this year and start planning for next year.

I personally would like to thank Paulbeck’s Country Market for our delish food at a discount and Mike for the gift of the carrot cake. Also we thank our host Dick Preiner for the use of his amazing facility. Finally, I would like to thank our incredible current and past LLPOA board members and all of you for your involvement, and in the LLPOA. I have loved being your president and look forward to where our new leaders will take us in the future.

See you on the lake!
Steve Frazier, Past President, LLPOA

New LLPOA President’s message 😃

Hello friends of Lone Lake!

I'm excited to step into the presidential role and get to know all of you! Connection is so important for our lake community, so this year’s theme is:

You're never alone on Lone Lake!

I'll be thinking up some fun events to propose to the board at our August 12th meeting. If you have an idea of something fun to do on or around the lake, feel free to email me! tiffanylynfrazier@gmail.com

Have a safe and wonderful summer!
Tiffany

Lone Lake Mid-summer news to stay in the know!

  • Lone Lake hats and Lone Lake historical review books…..see photos above and below, are still available. $5 hats (limited colors). Books are $40 (color) and $20 (B&W). 2005 printing but history hasn’t changed, just further back and more historical! Email lonelakepoa@gmail.com of your interest.

Some interested people would like to add more history to this amazing publication. Interested in joining them? Let us know with an email to lonelakepoa@gmail.com

  • Aitkin Riverboat Day are coming! August 3-5. Dump Run 5k, Saturday parade, city-wide events, lots of activities for all.

  • Have you noticed Lone Lake water clarity has diminished? That is normal for this time of the year. Secchi disc reading was “only” 20 feet. (Remember this compares to 4-6 feet in many area lakes.). Less water (see below) contains more of our pollutants. Please keep a strip of unmowed/natural vegetation next to the water. No fertilizer either. Thanks to bigger boats for staying in the middle of the lake….less turnover of lake bottom materials.

  • With rainfall this year about 5 inches below normal, Lone Lake continues to be lower than desired. 1 inch of water on an acre of land is about 27,000 gallons. With Lone Lake being 448 acres, 1 inch across the lake is over 9 million gallons. A sunny day can evaporate an inch of water as well. Easy to see another reason to worry about drought conditions. We need rain.

  • We still have the grant opportunity in 2023 for one willow wattle shoreline improvement project. Please email lonelakepoa@gmail.com by July 31 with your lot number and contact information.

Interested in a coir log for your shoreline? Coir logs are made of natural fibers, containing no chemicals or pollutants. Life span of a log can be 2-5-8 years or more. Blocking waves to reduce erosion is their purpose. Most likely you have seen them at construction sites, hillsides, and streams. “Google” coir logs for assorted videos and information. Read more here  

LLPOA is considering a bulk purchase if interest is shown. Please email lonelakepoa@gmail.com by August 5 with your name and lot number if interested. These choices; (willow wattle and coir,) will be on the board agenda, very helpful to know if Lone Lake has interested property owners.

Thinking September? Please add the annual fall road clean-up to your calendar for Saturday, September 9th. 9:00 a.m. Join your neighbors to assist with the perimeter road cleaning of Lone Lake before winter. (Date doesn’t work for you? Let us know in an email that you have/will clean a certain section.) The pandemic taught us that flexibility is the key. Thanks for your help! Delicious (donated…thanks!) Paulbeck’s bakery treats and coffee for you on September 9th..

Pictured are the traveling trophies for the LLPOA boat parade and dock decorating contests. Next year they could be proudly displayed at your cabin. Start your plan now for 2024!

Spiny water flea & water rafts

Reminders from Aitkin County…….

Some Lone Lake property owners got a surprise last week. County inspectors checked swim rafts/slides, etc. that are left on the lake overnight for their registration with the county. Those unregistered raft owners received a reminder that Aitkin County requires you to register the anchored item with them each year. $2/year, sold in 5 year blocks. More information click here

Also a reminder was given to some boat “captains” that MInnesota law requires all children under age 10 to wear the life jacket, not just have it along in the boat. Keep the kids safe!

A Sneaky Cloning Culprit…..not yet in Lone Lake but time to be aware.

We continue to be vigilant for zebra mussels, but what do you know about the spiny waterflea? Thanks to the Aitkin Age, hopefully more county residents are aware of this critter that will hitch a ride on or in your watercraft. Read this

Another reason for a hot bath after using another lake and returning to Lone Lake and our need for inspection at the landing. One such machine is located(on summer weekends) at the nearby Spirit Lake public boat landing. Please read the link above to be more aware. Another way to show you care about your lake.