Lake
News
Are Our Lakes Healthy?
Six years of water monitoring data from Child, Woman, Broadwater and Girl Lake reveal an emerging trend — phosphorus and chlorophyll levels are rising while water clarity declines. New Healthy Lakes chair Bob Hankey explains what it means for our beloved chain of lakes.
This Issue
Published by CGWLPOA · PO Box 335, Longville MN 56655 · womanlakechain.org
Are Our Lakes Healthy?
Did you know that our lake association volunteers have been monitoring water in Child, Woman, Broadwater and Girl Lake as part of its Healthy Lakes program for the past six years? President Kruse reports that John Lange recently stepped down after coordinating the program since it began. New chair Bob Hankey would like you to know how the program works.
During the summer, volunteers take water samples at each lake twice in June and once in July, August and September. They are picked up the following morning in Longville by RMB Environmental Laboratories in Detroit Lakes — the same lab that provides the sampling equipment. Samples are analyzed for phosphorus and chlorophyll levels, which vary from month to month and year to year.
Why Phosphorus & Chlorophyll Matter
Phosphorus is a nutrient that enters lakes through runoff from farms, fertilizers (including lawn products) and from leaking septic systems. Phosphorus promotes plant growth — which is why chlorophyll is also measured. Chlorophyll-a is the pigment that makes plants and algae green, and its level measures the amount of algae in the water.
When phosphorus increases, more food becomes available for algae — algae increases, and the water becomes less transparent. Volunteers measure transparency with a standardized Secchi disk, lowering it into the water until it disappears.
Meet a Neighbor: Jim & Kathryn Martin
Jim Martin's memories of Woman Lake go back more than 86 years, to when he was a young lad of only four. His grandfather, Sam Carlson, immigrated from Sweden and bought a 35-foot lot on Woman Lake around 1920. "My first experience on Woman Lake was when we went to visit grandfather's cabin," said Jim.
"The land had been harvested by loggers and sold several times. Sam Carlson bought it when they offered a train ride up to Hackensack for prospective buyers. The road in from Hackensack went only as far as Spain's North Star Camp, a fishing resort and farm. Grandpa Carlson had a cabin built by a guy named Vick Holmberg and his boys — it cost only a few hundred bucks." Today that cabin is owned by Jim's cousin.
Jim remembers good times as a little boy swimming until his lips were blue, walking with friends to the Woman Lake Store for ice cream or a soda. "Back then the Woman Lake Lodge was run by two brothers, the Fayes. We also hiked up an old logging trail and played with lots of children in cabins on that bay."
Krusin' with Don
As I sit here writing this column I recall how late spring was last year. It is now May 1st and Hunters Bay is still full of ice, but I do think it will be out before fishing opener this year. Everyone tells me that this past winter was one of the coldest ones in memory. Perhaps we will get some of that global warming from May to September. We can always hope!
AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species) is still one of our main concerns. If you have guests who bring a boat to our chain of lakes please be sure you know where they came from. There are many infested lakes in the area and we would definitely like to keep our lake chain free of Zebra Mussels. It is our responsibility — yours and mine — to help keep our lakes free of these invaders.
Leadership Changes
I want to thank John Lange who has been on the board for 20 years and has served as Healthy Lakes chairperson for the past ten. John has contributed greatly to our association and we wish him the best. Taking his place will be Bob Hankey. Bob and his wife, Cindy, recently moved to Woman Lake permanently from Nebraska. Welcome, Bob!
At one time we had a co-chairperson team, Mark and Carole Houghton, chairing the membership committee. Then Myles Wagner took over working alone. Now with Cindy Hankey joining him, we are back to a co-chairperson team. Welcome, Cindy!
Annual Meeting
Our Annual Meeting for 2014 has been set for August 2 at the Woodrow Town Hall, 10:00 a.m. Please mark your calendar. We'd love to see you there!
Our Tree Program, now in its second year, has been received enthusiastically by members. Because of that we will offer it again next year. Look for details in the Fall newsletter.
Tree Program Distributes
550 Trees & Shrubs in May
Last year, the first year of our tree program, 51 members ordered 375 trees and shrubs. This year 35 members ordered 550 trees and shrubs, including a large order of 255 trees and shrubs.
The tree program was very well received. Members said: "So convenient to pick up!" and "This tree distribution program is such a wonderful idea!"
distributed 2014
orders
Because our association is required to order in bundles of 25, we ended up with "extras" which sold well at $1 per item to those who stopped by to pick up an order.
What Members Picked Up
Dave Waterhouse picked up two serviceberry and five highbush cranberry plants. Where was he going to plant them? "My wife will decide," he joked. Jim Lewis, the Tree program chair, assisted with packing.
Carol Fox and her daughter Terri Meagher picked up several bushes including Dogwood, Serviceberry, Highbush Cranberry, False Indigo and Chokeberry.
Connie Larson picked up five Birch and four White Pine trees. "Great program! And so convenient!" she said.
Did you know? Trees and shrubs along the shoreline create natural buffers that reduce nutrient runoff into the lake, support wildlife habitat, and help maintain water quality. Every plant counts!
Lake Association Membership
Reaches All-Time High
members
As of end of April 2014 — the largest membership roster we have ever had. Part of the reason: invitations were sent to cabin owners on several additional nearby lakes: Barrow, Heffron, IXL, Pancake, Pick, Widow, and the Boy River.
If every eligible owner joined our association we would have 1,287 members. Are your neighbors CGWLPOA members? If not, please encourage them to join!
New Membership Software
Membership Chair Myles Wagner says there have been significant changes in how dues are recorded and how membership information is accessed — quickly determining who has paid, sorting by lake or zip code, and emailing Lake News to members with ease.
"Our members have been extremely patient during our transition and that has been greatly appreciated," says Wagner.
2014 Directory Distribution
Members who chose electronic correspondence will receive the directory via e-mail by mid-May as a PDF. Those who prefer a paper copy should contact Myles Wagner within the next week or two: 218-682-3793. Only a limited number will be printed.
Welcome, Cindy Hankey!
New Membership co-chair Cindy Hankey extends her greetings: "It's been a pleasure working with Myles on the Membership Committee this year. He has patiently walked me through the new computer program, which really is wonderful. I've been awed by how streamlined the membership process is while, at the same time, astounded by the sheer volume of computer entries, letters, reminders, checks, and details! Learning the computer program will definitely be a long journey — but I am happy to be on my way!"
Proposed Oil Pipeline Would Cross
Minnesota Lake Country
The Enbridge Energy Company has submitted a plan to build a pipeline all the way from the Bakken oil fields in western North Dakota through Minnesota to a Superior, Wisconsin oil terminal. The planned pipeline would traverse 299 miles across northern Minnesota — approximately half the total length of the pipeline.
Enbridge's preferred route for what is being called the Sandpiper Pipeline would initially carry 225,000 barrels of oil per day into a Clearbrook, Minnesota terminal and 375,000 barrels of oil per day from there to Superior, Wisconsin through a 30-inch line.
Two Proposed Routes
Northern route: From just south of Bemidji past the south end of Cass Lake and past Grand Rapids — north of the Woman Lake area.
Southern route: From just south of Park Rapids, continuing just north of Pine River and south of Ponto Lake.
Both routes attempt to avoid national forests and tribal lands, but the pipeline would still cross 8 state forests, 3 state wildlife management areas, the North Country Trail and 13 trout streams, most in Carlton County. About 45 miles of wetlands lie along the southern route.
Several endangered or threatened species are believed to live in the vicinity of the proposed Sandpiper line, including the Henslow's sparrow, Blanding's turtle and the Dakota Skipper butterfly, according to the company's environmental report.
The proposal has received a strong negative reaction from environmental and Native American groups, partially because the company has a spotty record with respect to leaky pipelines. Construction could begin as early as 2016 with a completion date planned for late 2017.
Enbridge is currently seeking approval from the Public Service Commissions in North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Information gleaned from: Minneapolis Tribune and Bismarck Tribune articles.
Meet a Neighbor, continued
Jim also remembered a one-room school house on Woman Lake just south of Spain's fishing resort and farm. "My cousins Bobby and Sammy, whose mother owned a cabin nearby, stayed up at the lake late in the year a couple of times and started the school year in that school."
"A guy by the name of Gabert from over by Deep Portage delivered milk and eggs. I remember riding in the back of his truck and when we went over the bumpy road into Sleepy Hollow, I fell off backwards, turned a somersault and lit on my tail. Gabert never let us ride on his truck again — nor did I want to."
Education & Service
Jim grew up in Minneapolis and entered the University of Minnesota where he joined the Navy's ROTC program. Instead of a four-year engineering course, he received a commission and went on active duty, assigned to a 110-foot sub chaser that served in New Guinea. After the war he returned to Minnesota and the U of M, graduating in aeronautical engineering.
A Happy Ending on a Frozen Lake
One winter vacation Jim decided to go wolf hunting up north with a friend who had a small airplane. They stopped at a friend's house on Rainy Lake. When their visit was over, the airplane engine refused to start, so they had to leave the plane and return to the university.
Later, after several trips back and forth, the ice was going out on the lake, so the plane had to be disassembled and taken to Minneapolis for an overhaul. But the story had a happy ending: while on the trip, Jim became acquainted with a sister of his friend. That friendship continued back in the Twin Cities where Kathryn was attending Macalester College. A short time later Jim married Kathryn, and they will soon celebrate their 67th wedding anniversary!
Life in Buffalo, New York
They lived for many years in Buffalo, New York, where Jim worked at the Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory Wind Tunnel. While living there Jim and Kathryn had four boys. When their youngest son started school, Kathryn continued her college education at Buffalo State University where she earned a Master's Degree, then taught home economics in Buffalo for ten years.
Back to the Lake
When Jim was transferred to a new position in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, she continued teaching there. While they were living in Oak Ridge they bought the cabin next door to Grandpa Carlson. Kathryn (or "Kat" as Jim calls her) and the boys spent their summers at the lake and Jim would frequently fly up to join them for a long weekend.
When Jim retired in 1983 they moved back to Edina and Woman Lake. Their sons and their families live in different parts of the country but they continue to enjoy family reunions there.
"Our boys always loved going to the lake," said Kathryn. "And they still do now that they're grown up. Our cabin here on Woman Lake has become the place we all get together as a family. We really enjoy our time together here."
The Original Cabin
The original cabin purchased by Grandpa Carlson is now owned by Jim's cousin. That cabin suffered considerable damage from a storm when two large white pines broke off and one went through the roof. When the cabin was repaired, a second floor was added. "It was something that Grandpa Carlson had always wanted to do," commented Jim.
Six years before his retirement, Jim and Kathryn bought their own lot and cabin on Woman Lake, next door to Grandpa Carlson's original lot, just east of the old public launching ramp.
Life Today
For fun Jim enjoys sailing and writes poetry on occasion while Kathryn, who grew up in a florist family in International Falls, raises geraniums and enjoys beautiful views of the lake from their boat house.
Healthy Lakes, continued
Why is it important to monitor these parameters? Because nutrient input (phosphorus) can cause lakes to become more productive in terms of plant and algae growth — and subsequent declines in water clarity.
How Are Our Lakes Classified?
There are three general classifications used to categorize bodies of water based on productivity:
- Oligotrophic — very clear water, low productivity (TSI under 30)
- Mesotrophic — moderate water clarity and productivity (TSI 30–50)
- Eutrophic — low water clarity, high productivity (TSI 50–70). Can only support warm water fish; not conducive to walleye, northern pike or tulibee.
Our chain of lakes is classified as mesotrophic, with a trophic state index (TSI) ranging from 41–43. RMB recommends 8 to 10 years of monitoring before a long-term trend can be determined with confidence.
⚠ After six years of testing: the trend for our chain indicates that both phosphorus and chlorophyll are on the increase and water clarity is declining.
Visit RMB's website at www.rmbel.info for further information and details.
Please do all you can to help protect our waters from fertilizers, excessive runoff and leaking septic systems. Healthy lake water supports a wider diversity of fish and wildlife as well as all forms of recreational activities.
Lake News is in need of a volunteer who could develop an occasional feature article. Contact editor John Gundale: 651-770-8057 or johngundale@tds.net
DNR Gill Net Survey Reveals
Several Strong Walleye Growth Years
Fall 2013 Gill Net Survey
- Walleye capture rate was good at 7.6 per net, down 20% from 2012 (9.67 per net — highest since 1996)
- Mean weight of walleye captured: 1.33 lbs
- Walleyes ranged from 8–28 inches, averaging 15 inches
- Strong year classes: 2006 (age 8), 2010 (age 4), 2011 (age 3)
- Northern pike capture increased for the second consecutive year; ranged 9–33 inches, averaged 21 inches
- Yellow perch catch declined 43% from 2012; ranged 4.6–12.4 inches, averaged 7.4 inches
Fall 2013 Electro-Fishing Survey
- YOY (Young of Year) walleye capture rate strong at 91 per hour; past four years have produced highest rates since 2005: 2010 (153), 2011 (136), 2012 (164)
- YOY walleye ≥ 5.5 inches comprised 65% of those captured
- Mean length of fall YOY walleye: 5.6 inches — a good sign since larger YOY survive their first winter better
2014 Boy River Trap Operation
- Trap operated April 22 – May 3 (12 days)
- Total captured: 2,344 males and 800 females — all released
- 684 females stripped; 404.5 quarts of eggs collected and fertilized (52,980,652 eggs)
Walleye Fry Stocking — 2014
- Total stocking of 700,000 chemically marked fry planned for Woman Lake this spring
- The Fry Stocking Study by MN DNR is in its 7th year, concluding in 2015
Good fishing to everyone and have a safe season out on the Lakes!
One on One with Vic Rinke
Vic is the chair of our Lake Association's Conservation Stewardship committee. We discussed the topic with him recently. This is what he had to say.
Conservation/Stewardship is the wise use of natural resources such as land, water, air and what lives on it. Biodiversity in nature is the dependency of each and every element, critter and living thing. If we destroy or eliminate one aspect of this we disrupt the balance as well.
Lake shore owners understanding and knowing the history of their property is very valuable. I feel that generational owners respect and care more for the lake as a resource and how it will be used in the future. In my 20 years on Woman Lake I have witnessed people burning sofas, carpeting, asphalt shingles, trash and washing paint stripper off pine boards into the lake. A citation was written in one of the cases. Campfire circles by the lakeside are for pleasure and not for destruction of our treasured lake environment.
Our biggest danger is undoubtedly the advancing of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). When mats of invasive vegetation cover our lakes so boating is impossible and mussels have sucked the life out of our lake bottom, we will be buying wetsuits and boots for our grandchildren so they can safely swim without being cut up by razor-sharp mussels. We may then have our public accesses closed.
Developing shoreline buffers for reducing runoff and a place for more critters to live — adding a foot or two each year is a good start! Encourage your neighbors to use their fire circles responsibly. No waste or trash burning. Burn clean, dry wood. No one wants their cabin full of choking nasty smoke.
State support for the battle against AIS. Rewarding boaters who don't move their boats from lake to lake. We also need to help develop an understanding that natural lake weed vegetation and rushes are a protective barrier of our lake environments.
Welcome to These New Members!
Just for Fun...
CGWLPOA Considering Contribution
to Cass County AIS Inspection Efforts
contribution
SWCD match
supported
Your lake association is considering a contribution of $500 to the Cass County AIS Plan, matched dollar-for-dollar by the Cass County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). At $14.40 per hour, the $1,000 will support 69.45 hours of inspections on Woman Lake at the County Rd. 5 access. Every additional $100 contributed would add 13.88 inspection hours.
The SWCD has also identified the purchase of a decontamination station as a high priority and will pursue matching funds to accomplish that goal.
Background: Cass County Plan
The effort grew from a series of meetings bringing together DNR representatives, legislative leaders (Senator Tom Saxhaug and Representatives John Persell, Roger Erickson and Mark Uglem), lake associations, and business leaders. An advisory committee developed a formal four-element plan: prevention; early detection/rapid response; management; and leadership/coordination.
In November, the Cass County Board of Commissioners unanimously endorsed the plan, delegating implementation to the SWCD. Two matching $5,000 grants from MN DNR have both been matched locally. Other lakes, including Woman, Ten Mile and Birch, will have inspections. All inspectors are DNR trained Level 1 inspectors with authority to prevent non-compliant watercraft from launching.
Additional Lakes Added to "Infested" Category
The MN DNR has added 47 new infested waters statewide. In Cass County: Bass Lake and the Long Prairie River are newly listed for zebra mussels. In Crow Wing County: Arrowhead, Bertha, Big Pine, Big Trout, Boom, Clamshell, Cross, Daggett, Island, Little Pine, Loon, Lower Hay, Pig, Rush-Hen, Upper Hay, and Whitefish lakes. In Itasca County: Birds Eye, Little Sand, Portage, Rice, and Sand lakes plus the Bowstring River.
Child, Girl & Woman Lake Association
Leadership Team
| Officers | |||
| President | Don Kruse | krusedj@arvig.net | 363-2580 |
| Vice-President | Ken Kostial | kkostial@tds.net | 682-3532 |
| Secretary | Joyce Humphreys | joyjac@tds.net | 682-2607 |
| Treasurer | Tom Jansen | trjansen@tds.net | 682-2306 |
| Directors at Large | |||
| Child Lake | Scott Fjellman | scott.fjellman@gmail.com | 714-742-6557 |
| Girl Lake | Dean Berntsen | edbern@arvig.net | 363-2613 |
| Woman Lake | Gary Knox | gary@minneteepee.com | 682-2485 |
| Woman Lake | Jim Limburg | jlimburg@luthersem.com | 363-2589 |
| Woman Lake | Dave Brown | sjblake2@tds.net | 682-2309 |
| Standing Committees | |||
| Membership | Myles Wagner | silverfox1050@msn.com | 682-3793 |
| Membership | Cindy Hankey | cahankey@gmail.com | 682-2370 |
| Road Signs | Dave Brown | sjblake2@tds.net | 682-2309 |
| Catch & Release | Jim Lewis | jimlewis@tds.net | 682-2499 |
| AIS | Rich Hess | rhess48@arvig.net | 363-2282 |
| Fisheries | Rich Hess | rhess48@arvig.net | 363-2282 |
| Water Patrol | Ted Sigtenhorst | tsigtenhorst@arvig.net | 363-3634 |
| Healthy Lakes | Bob Hankey | bhankey104@gmail.com | 682-2370 |
| Cons. Stewardship | Vic Rinke | vicrinke@gmail.com | 682-2866 |
| Newsletter | John Gundale | johngundale@tds.net | 682-2093 |
| Task Team Committees | |||
| Adopt-A-Highway | Ken Hanson | klhanson03@gmail.com | 682-2045 |
| Nav. Safety | Dwayne Waldera | noisytoys@hotmail.com | 363-2030 |
| Lake Representatives | |||
| Zone 1 | Andrew Benjamin | 682-2153 | |
| Zone 2 | Vacant Position | ||
| Zone 3 | Jim Limburg | 363-2589 | |
| Zone 4 | Dave Brown | 682-2309 | |
| Zone 5 | John Lange | 682-3119 | |
| Zone 6 | Vacant Position | ||
| Zone 7 | Kenneth Hanson | 682-2045 | |
| Zone 8 | Scott Fjellman | 714-742-6557 | |
| Zone 9 | Peter Zenk | 363-3445 | |
| Zone 10 | Dean Berntsen | 363-2613 | |
CGWLPOA · PO Box 335, Longville MN 56655
www.womanlakechain.org · info@womanlakechain.org · waterpatrol@womanlakechain.org