From the President's Chair
by Harlan Meints, President DLARA
Sherrie and I have returned to the lake after spending five months at the tip of Texas. (Mercedes). Winter there was cooler than normal (but no freezing temps or snow) and was the third wettest winter on record. We were glad to return without seeing any snow like we have previous years. Will try to catch everyone up on lake activities:
1.
The weed project is proceeding with the informational meeting being held on May 16th in Atwater. The next step is coming this fall when the North Fork Crow River Watershed District will hold an open meeting for their board vote to approve the project or not. If approved, all property owners around the lake will help pay for the treatment of invasive species. The DNR will determine what, where and when we can treat. Some years no treatment may be needed. Cost will vary from year to year.
2.This year DLARA is paying for treatment of 21.4 acres by the point on the North West side. DLARA has applied for a grant from the AIS committee in Kandiyohi County to pay for half the cost of this treatment. The rest of the money to pay for this treatment is coming from those dues paid by members of DLARA, thanks for this.
3.The tri lakes project by Ducks Unlimited to draw down Hubbard, Schultz and Wheeler lakes was stalled for a while but is now moving forward. This project will cost over one million dollars and will help regulate the amount of phosphorus entering the lake. There is to be an open meeting by The DNR this fall to go over the project with the public.
4.DLARA ANNUAL MEETING will be held Saturday JUNE 13th @ 9:30 at the county park at the upper shelter house. Coffee, donuts, speakers, and election of directors will take place. Only paid up member are allowed to vote on items that need approving by the group.
5.Membership is very good on our lake, over 60% which is a lot better that other lakes in the area. 2015 membership list is included in this newsletter. Haven’t paid dues yet? Not too late, just $25 to improve the quality of Diamond Lake life.
6.Directories are available on line on the web site. If don’t have access to internet stop at 14249 Breezy Pt. Rd. to pick one up.
Have a great summer on the lake and be safe. Drain and clean you boat to prevent spread of invasive species. Reminder Green Lake has Zebra mussels. Inspectors will be at area lakes this summer to inspect boats to try to prevent the spread of the organism.
Understanding AIS and AIS Prevention
1) AIS can be stopped; waterfowl do not spread zebra or quagga mussels.
The spread of AIS follows the highways not the flyways. A study completed a number of years ago dispelled the myth that waterfowl transport AIS. The MD AIS Advisory Committee also dispelled this myth in their 2013 Annual report. There is no evidence or reliable reserch to support the idea that water in the bill of a pelican or cormorant spreads AIS. There are no known infestations discovered that are attributed to this vector.
2) Inspections Lower the Risk of AIS Transfer.
Everyone is responsible to "do what it takes" to protect our water resources. Inconvenience does not trump being a responsible boater and state AIS laws prohibit reckless use of the State's lakes.
3) Minnows do need to be thrown away between launches.
State law does not require minnows to be thrown away, but it is illegal to transport lake or river waters. Anglers can bring nonlake water for minnows and change out the water in their bait bucket before leaving the water access.
4) Introducing a new invasive to a water way only compounds issues.
There are many other aquatic invasive species that are on their way to Minnesota that can be more devastating that zebra mussels. Quagga mussels, for instance, can out-compete zebra mussels for food and live at much deeper depths. Hydrila is like milfoil on steroids. In addition, the impact of individual AIS becomes more complex with each invasive in a water body. Once a water body has one invasive and has become compromised, it becomes more important to keep other AIS out.
5) Inspectors are looking for AIS, not other violations.
Inspectors are usually not law enforecement officers and they are looking for AIS only. If conservattion officers or other law enforcement officers perform the inspections they will be required to deal with any violations of state law that they come across even though their primary focus will be AIS.
6) Inspections are necessary between launches, even in nonimfested waters.
Because it is impossible to know which lakes may already be infested, we must assume all water bodies may be infested. It may take 23 years after an infestation to discover a colony of mussels. Adult and juvenile mussels can live up to 30 days out of water in MN depending on temperatures and humidity, that's why it is important to have a boat professionally decontaminated.
7) Veligers can survive when transported by boats from lake to lake and adults can detach and move about.
Research highlights that veligers are fairly durable. Researchers found viable zebra mussel veligers even after significant overland transport in watercraft engines and ballast tanks. Mussles also survive in commercial water intake pipes with a very high PSI. Adult and juvenile mussels can detach from a surgace and reattach to boats and trailers. Weeds with adult and juvenile mussels attached can also be caught on the trailer or boat.
8) Decontaiminating is worth the time.
On average, ballast tank decontamination with a trained decontaminator will take about 30 minutes. The outdrive (lower unit) of an enine will take about 10 minutes. Decontaminating an average boat without any tanks or live wells could take less than 30 minutes. More complicated boats can average an hour.
9) Mussels can damage marine engines and tanks creating costly repairs.
Marinas across Minnesota and elsewhere have reported zebra mussels growing inside engine compartments and causing damage. Engines require a lot of lake water in order for the components to cool. This water may contain microscopic veligers 1/2 the diameter of a human hair. As the veligers grow they have the potential to burn out an engine and tank y blocking the cool water intake. Research determined veligers can live up to 27 days in a tiny amount of water. The best way to protect your engine and reduce risk of AIS transport are to lower the outdrive and drain it and then have a trained decontaminator flush the engine compartments.
10) Decontamination is complex and should only be performed by a trained decontaminator.
Self certification has not proven to be effective. Decontamination should only be performed by trained decontaminators who use the correct equipment and attachments, use the corect water temperatures necessary for a 100% kill, know where mussels can hide,and use correct techniques to decontaminate all types of watercraft and engine/cooling systems. Boat owners who perform decontamination on their own may inadvertently miss the targeted AIS or damage their equipment.
11) Car washes do not have adequate equipment, power or temperatures to decontaminate.
Car washes do not reach the temperatures needed for a 100% effective kill. Car wash equipment is not sophisticated enough and does not provide the proper attachments or temperature to decontaminate for AIS. If mussels enter the car wash drain systems complications can develop and cause exxpensive repairs for both the car wash and municipalities. Soap will not kill quagga or zebra mussels.
12) All Minnesotans should be concerned about AIS, not just those who swim, boat or fish.
Aquatic invaasive species cost people money even if they do not use a lake for recreation. A recent study estimated that invasive species already cost the average US family over $1000 a year in increased public expenses. Every Minnesotan has an obligation to protect our "Land of 10,000 Lakes".
13) Invasive mussels are harmful despite making the water appear "clearer".
A single mussel can filter about a liter of water a day. They remove all the good nutrients and leave the toxins like blue green algae that can be toxic to humans and anumals. When the water becomes clearer it allows more sunlight to great depths, which produces more weed growth, significantly altering ecosystem balance.
14) Stopping the AIS spread in Minnesota can be done, we do not have too many lakes.
Minnesota has a very valuable asset to protect - our lakes - and protecting this resource will impact anyone using lakes and rivers as well as all taxpayers. Depending on geography, demographics and local needs it may ne necessary to have inspections at every access or at regional inspection areas which also have been found to be successful.
Answered to Questions Submitted with Returned Dues (2015)
By Harlan Meints
Each year when we receive returned dues letters some people include comments and concerns pertaining to the lake. The directors do appreciate all of your good comments about the job the board does. We are always looking for new board members to replace retiring ones. Election of the board is done at the annual meeting at the county park on June 13th at 9:30. Interested in a job, contact a present board member whose name and such is on the back of the newsletter.
I will attempt to answer the questions that were submitted with dues payments:
If you are having problems and concerns with you septic system DLARA has no control over this. You will need to contact Green Lake Sanitary Sewer & Water District in Spicer. Phone # 320-796-4561.
Each year the board updates the lake directory and place revised edition on the Diamond Lake web site for you to download. The web site (diamondlakeassociation.homestead.com) will have the directory in 2 forms, by last name and by lake address. If you can’t access the site stop by my place for a copy (14249 Breeze Point Rd).
I believe that the township has an ordinance about pets. DLARA has nothing to do with this.
REMINDER to boaters to keep your distance along the shore form swimmers to prevent accidents.
The Fourth of July boat parade was dropped because of a few incidents that could have resulted in bodily harm to spectators. DLARA does not have insurance to cover injuries from these incidents if we were to sponsor this activity. If anyone would like to start the parade up again feel free to do so.
Weed control (curly leaf pondweed) was addressed by a May 16th meeting in Atwater. The DNR determines the location and treatment of invasive species.
If you are having problems or concerns with unsafe structures on a neighboring property YOU would need to contact the county zoning administrator at 320-231-6229. DLARA has no control over this.
DLARA has no control over farm runoff into the lake. We and the watershed district and soil and water district are working to improve the quality of the water that comes into the lake by financially encouraging the use of agricultural BMPs (Best Management Practices).
A carp tournament was started to help control the number of carp in the lake and make people aware of the problem. Carp are bottom feeders and stir up the muck at the bottom putting more nutrients in the water that acts as fertilizer to make plants grow. The carp tournament has moved to a different lake this year. FYI In the early 1960’s about 180 TONS of rough fish were removed from the lake.
If you have any additional questions or concerns contact me Harlan Meints, 14249 Breezy Pt. Rd. (507-220-5195) or contact any board member.
Thanks to those of you that have paid your dues.
Missile Lane
Atwater Help for Seniors (formerly known as the Atwater Area Living at Home Block Nurse Program) is holding its annual Golf Tournament on Saturday, July 18 at Atwater’s Island Pine Golf Course, 9am registration, 10 am start. $60 will get you 18-holes, a cart and a meal. For those who aren’t familiar with this fine program it provides in-home services for mostly seniors who could use a hand with chores, transportation, professional assistance and exercise groups, free will offering. The LAHBNP is also looking for volunteers – call Sharyl or Karen for further details (974-8737).
ANNUAL DUES for 2015 are still being accepted. We will publish a list of paid up members in the last (Labor Day) issue of this fine newsletter. Your $25 dollar dues can be sent to Diane Rivard @ 14529 Breezy Point Road, Atwater 56209. Thank you in advance. ANNUAL MEETING: Saturday, June 13, 9:30 am.
Bobby’s Believe It or Not: there are some clowns (not wearing customary red noses and floppy shoes) who sometimes boat between buoys, rafts and docks. Swimmers can get killed! If you see this please do your best to identify and report to the Sheriff (320 214-6700).
I REPEAT (from last time): gas and food items are available at County Park #3 on the west side of the lake. Ice cream and treats, as well as lakeside gas, are available on the southeast side of the lake at the North Breeze Resort. They also have a number of cabins for rent (320 974-8165) and a very nice beach as well.
For those who are pro-wolf you can see an interesting, short video on the positive effect wolves have had on Yellowstone Park. Not sure if I quite believe it all but you can view it and decide for yourselves at: http://www.yourtuve.com/watch_popup?v=ysa50BhXz-Q&feature=youtu.be. For those with anti-wolf inclincations see: Brueder Grimm, “Rotkaeppchen” or an earlier version in Charles Perrault, “Contes de ma mere l’Oye” – of course, I’m just showing off and you can find them both in English. It might make for an interesting study to compare the French, German and American (Disney) versions, and maybe earn a Master’s Degree in the process.
Role of Honor
Thank you to the following Association members who have paid their dues for 2015!
AalfsHarley & Evelyn
AndersonJeff & Joy
AndersonDonald & Arlein
AndersonGwen
AndriesKen & Ann
AngelsonGregory & Karen
BakkenJames & Maren
BeekmanKevin & Joanne Schollmeier
BehmGordon & Betty
BehmMyron & Myra
BehmVicki
BerleDavid
BerleMark & Gail
BertramBrian & Theresa
BertramJeff & Marlene
BishopDoug & Denise Stabile
BlackChris & Lori
BladGuste & Adell
BlomkerBryan & Jill
BloomquistGordon & Laura
BoeyinkScott & Jill
BoschRobert & Lavone
BreezeeClayton & Donna
BrekkeBrent & Kim
BroderiusSherri * ACGC School
BuboltzJerry & Joyce
BuboltzRoger & Patrica
BudachLaverne & Elaine
BuerReid & Jacequelyne
CarityDelrose, Gordon
CarityLee & Konnie
ChristensenDeborah
ChristensenJudy
ChristiansenEldonna
ChristiansonJanice
ChristiansonChad & Becky
ChristoffersKevin
CookMichael & Marie
CristBert & Mardelle
CronenJay & Mallory
CuchnaReed & Judy
DeanJoyce
DenisonDavid & Lynn
DeRudderJacqueline
DexterBruce & Ginger
DobbersteinMeridee & Lea
DybevikHerm & Cheryl
EbersvillerJerry & Diane
EckerDavid & Debra
EhdeTim & Jennifer
EischensGeorgia Ann
ElamGene & Janice
EngstromRichard & Joyce
EntsminsgerSue
EricksonMichael/Linda & Karen Holmquist
EvansBarry & Sandra
FagerlieRick & Darla
FrommJim & Lorene
GansonSteve & Jennifer
GarmanJerry & Karen
GarnerRon & Kathy
GeorgeJim & Sandra
GillPhillip & Phlaynet
GilmerJonathan & Diane
GisvoldDave & Vangie
GlaeserCynthia
GroshensTim
GuggisbergGary & Kris
GundersonRoger
GustafsonDwane & Cheryl
GustafsonDarlene
GutzwillerKen & Jeanette
HaenMark & Kathy
HageRobert & Steve
HagenRon & Julie
Hanscom Rebecca
HansonJon & Odetta
HartmanDennis & Jan
HartogDaniel & Michelle
Haugen Jane
HaydenTerry & Kathleen
HaydenTom & Suzanne
HedlundJill
HeiningFrank & Barb
HessConnie
HoehneChad & Sally
HoffbeckFloyd & Joyce
HohmanEric & Mona
HolienJanell
HollanCurtis & Julie
HolmJohn & Sharon
IkierPaul & Cheryl
JankeArlyn & Eileen
JansBrad & Janet
JanssenGreg & Barb
JohnsonDan & Pam
JohnsonWarren & Diane
JohnsonTim & Karen
JohnsonRussell & Sharon
JohnsonLaverne
JohnsonWayne & Cathie
KahoutAngela
KelmBarb & Nancy Schmidt
KieckerScott & Lori
KiekerStephwn & lisa
KilleenMichael & Elizabeth
KodetJames & Nancy
KohoutDennis
KnokeBrian & Gloria
KragenbringKevin & Cindy
KrommingaJohn & Tami
KubeshAlton & Sandra
KulhanekJoe & Renee'
KunkelBruce & Kim
LangArnold & Carol
LangeStan & Carol
LeeGary & Marcia
LeitherJames & Doree
LindKevin & Lucinda
LinsmeierGreg & Kay
LogeLyle & Karen
LudoweseJoe & Kim
Ludowese Nick & Kathy
LundRobert & Susan
LundMark & Sonya
LuttekeCathy & Amy Kohler
MadsenMichael & Diane
MalecekSharon
MammenJames & Amy
MarguthTerry & Linda
MarksDoug & Natalie
MarquardtArdell & Jan
McCoyEileen
MeadCorey & Brook
MeintsHarlan & Sherrie
MelliesJodie & Dennis
MeyerMarv & Kathy
MeyerSteve & Mary
MeyersonBob & Suzanne
MillerDoug & Holly
MillerPhilip & Larry
MittelstadtDoug & Sharon
MoeBruce & Theresa
MonsonBruce
MoorseMark & Sandra
MunnekeAlvina
NelsonJoan
NelsonStan & Corrine
NissenJames & Jane
NordbyJohn & Mary
NordinScott & Rhonda
O'BrienDan & Chris
O'BrienPatrick & Yvonne
OdensMel & Michele
O'LearyBrian & Colleen
OlmonJohn & Diane
OlsonLarry & Barb
Olson Tom & Debra
OstendorfErvin & Marian
PassmoreVern & Gerry
PaulyKen & Barb
PerkinsRick & Mary
PetersonJim & Jean
PfefferJohn & Lauri
PhillipsRichard & Jerilyn Jean
PlattGene & Marlene
PolifkaCory & Jody
PrescottGary & Diane
PrescottDarin
RadtkeRollie & Gloria
RasmussenPaul & Angela
RedepenningLarry & Mary
ReitsmaDouglas & Marilyn
RichardsBob, Sue, Jane
RicklefsDeWayne & Becky
RivardSteve & Diane
RodebergMarc & Lynn
RosenauDennis & Deb
RosendalhlAlan & Vicky
RosenquistFrans & Debbie
RothsteinDennis & Debra
RyanJohn & Pat
SandmanMike & Judy
SandvenSteve & Vickie
ScalzoSteve & Rose
SchimschockJeff & Mary
Schmitt Mark
SchmittMike & Traci
SchneiderDean & Lori
SchnobrichRonald
SchreinerAlfred & Ethelyn
SchultzJoan
SchuttlerDan & Diane
SchultzShannon & Sue
SchweissLeo & Cindy
SerbusBrian & Russell
SigurdsonRichard & Terri
SimonsenPaul & Janet
SingJustin & Stacy
SkovbrotenTammy & Tony
SlindenLarry & Beverly
SmithClayton & Mary Ann
SolbrackDavid & Ardella
SoltisDonald & Karen
SorensenBeverly
SpenceRobert
SteinkeRoger & Sue
StreedMark & Janelle
StocklandVeda & Linda Pearson
StradtmannMark & Kris
StranbergLarry & Sheryl
SwensonMike
TeschendorfJim & JoAnn
TholkesTodd & Susan
ThompsonTerry & Audrey
TrelstadJohn & Carol
TrombleyJohn & Nancy
TurtleWilliam Trust
UlrichLester & Edith
VolkDean & Andrea
WalshMac & Diane
WeardaJulie & John
WeinandtPaul & Desiree
WeistBrian & Lynn
WelleBob
WellmanKyle
WernerBill & Juanita
WesemanBrian & Jerolyn
WillemsJerry & Elaine
WillisChad & Kristin
WindschitlScott & Lisa
WinklemanDaryl & Arlys
WrightThomas & Beverly
WulfSteve & Suzanne
ZeidlerCarl & Sandy
