ANOTHER SPRAYING FOR FLOWERING RUSH
Sometime next week (Aug 3-7) there will be another spraying for Flowering Rush on selected areas of our Lakes. Probably Monday, but the exact day still unknown, partly because spraying requires limited wind conditions. If questions, check with Brenda Moses, Pelican River Watershed District, 218-846-0436 – Brenda.moses@arvig.net.
That is all we know at this point. You might want to turn off your automatic sprinkling system this week. Watch for posted signs on beaches being sprayed.
LAKE SALLIE TRAM – Cty Commissioner’s Mtg
On Tuesday, 21 July, during the Becker County Commissioner’s Meeting the issue of the reopening of the Lake Sallie – Muskrat Lake Tram was again addressed. During the Open Forum several Lake Sallie residents spoke in support of opening the Tram. Once again as on 7 July at the previous meeting there was a very large turnout of Sallie supporters. There was a smaller contingent from Detroit Lakes with two individuals who spoke in opposition. There were also two letters read in opposition, one from the VP of the Lake Detroiters and one from the President of the Bad Medicine Lake Association. A letter stating concern was read by the VP of the Becker County Coalition of Lakes Association.
Peter Meade, head of the Becker County Soil and Water Conservation District where the AIS Coordinator is located presented a paper that was apparently prepared last year that laid out a series of options for opening the Tram and mitigating the effects of possible AIS contamination. The Commissioners decided that it was too late this season to realistically do anything, and directed Mr. Mead to work with the two Associations, the appropriate County personnel, and the DNR to see if there is a possible working solution that would satisfy people’s concerns and could be presented next Spring to the Commissioners.
I stated formally at the meeting that the Lakes Melissa and Sallie Association would be very willing to participate with the group on searching for a solution. In light of that I am in the process of putting together a small committee to work this issue. If anyone has any suggestions or comments don’t hesitate to contact me. Finally, like the meeting on the 7th, our concerned Lake Sallie Members who attended did an outstanding job of presenting their positions.
– Mike Becraft, President
SPINY WATERFLEA
Many residents think that Zebra Mussels are the only invasive species to be concerned about. Now that Lake Melissa has them, they disregard other, more insidious species. Spiny waterflea has now been confirmed in Lake Vermilion in northern Minnesota.
Anglers reported suspected spiny waterfleas to Department of Natural Resources staff and supplied a specimen to the DNR fisheries office in Tower, where it was positively identified. DNR aquatic biologists surveyed portions of the lake with plankton nets and weighted lines to confirm the presence of spiny waterflea in the lake. Live specimens were located near J B and Ely islands in the east basin.
Lake Vermilion and the Vermilion River will be designated as infested waters, and signs will be posted at public water access points to alert boaters and other recreationists. Crane Lake, a downstream water, is already designated for spiny waterflea.
“DNR staff are coordinating with the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa and U.S. Forest Service to alert boaters and other recreationists of the risk of spread,” said Rich Rezanka, DNR aquatic biologist.
Spiny waterflea is a small crustacean that disrupts the food web and competes with small fish as it forages on animal plankton such as daphnia. Because of its long tail spike, the spiny waterflea is not eaten by small fish.
The species reproduces by a process called parthenogenesis. Most of the year, the species population is entirely female, which allows for rapid population growth. Microscopic spiny waterflea eggs are hardy and capable of overwintering in lakes, and their small size makes them an easy candidate for overland transfer in water or mud.
When populations are high, anglers can experience frustration with masses of spiny waterfleas clogging fishing and downrigging lines, and other water equipment.
Recreationists on these lakes should look for infested waters signs at public accesses. The signs remind people using the lakes to be aware of the finding and take additional precautions to prevent the spread to other lakes. Bait harvest for any purpose is prohibited in lakes infested with spiny waterflea.
Anglers, boaters and other recreationists are reminded to clean all aquatic plants, zebra mussels, and other prohibited invasive species from watercraft and trailers, drain water from all water equipment and drain bilges and livewells by removing the drain plug before leaving the boat landing, and dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.
More information about spiny waterfleas, how to inspect boats and other water-related equipment, and a current list of designated infested waters is available on the DNR website at www.mndnr.gov/ais.
WEED SPRAYING UPDATE – Dakotah Beach
There have been complaints about the Flowering Rush along Dakotah Beach. I talked to the Pelican River Watershed District who administers the treatment program. They have to get permits from the DNR to spray specific areas on the lake. Dakotah Beach was not scheduled for spraying this year. After talking to Brent at their office he sent two interns out to inspect the area. He said that it is too late to get permission from the DNR for this year. When he saw how bad it was he has scheduled two spray applications for next year. This treatment has helped significantly in the past. Hopefully next year’s treatment plan will help those areas.
– Ken Olson, AIS Chair
BOAT PARADE PHOTOS
If you were in the Melissa boat parade, your photo is on this web site. Check it out!
http://kenyetter.smugmug.com/Events/2015-Lake-Melissa-July-4th/. One can download any photo, print it, share it. Thanks to Ken Yetter for these great photos.
LOST SURFBOARD – Lake Sallie
This is Gail Jordan from Woodland Beach. Our Ronix surfboard blew out of our boat and we haven’t been able to find it. Would you be able to send out a mass email to the association to see if anyone has found it, or give me the email addresses so that I might try? My # is 218-849-0268.
MelSal Note: We typically don’t do special mailings for things like this. It is simply a lot of work on top of all the other work we volunteers do. But, because we are already sending out this newsletter, we were able to add this notice.
Lakes Melissa Sallie Improvement Association
Mike Becraft, President
Offices
Mailing address for MelSal: PO Box 1003, Detroit Lakes MN 56502
– – – – send email address and other contact info changes directly to: tronnes@consultant.com
Summer Hours: Saturdays and Sundays: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Important Meetings: Annual – 3rd Saturday in June
Beach Captains’ – 2nd Saturday in June
COLA – 2nd Thursday monthly
Lake View Township – 2nd Mondaymonthly
Web Site: www.melissasallie.com
Facebook — Tons of information and photos. Log on and “like” us:
Lakes-Melissa-Sallie-Improvement-Association
From Hans Tronnes