From the President's Chair
A big welcome to all new and returning residents of Diamond Lake. Sherrie and I have returned from 5 months in Mercedes, Texas. We had a very warm and pleasant time there. We got home in time to see one small batch of white stuff that was gone the next day. Our park has a new $4,000,000 event center and we were treated to great entertainment throughout the season. Tribute groups Beach Boys, Eagles, and the real Oak Ridge Boys performed.
I would like to thank all of you who have paid your dues. A list of paid members is included in this issue. All added comments when dues are paid are greatly appreciated. Following is a summary of the items that were added to your returned dues letter.
1.
The weed project is now under way with the DNR inspecting the lake for curlyleaf pond weed locations that can be treated. The DNR informed us that there was only 1 plot of 15 acres on the northeast bay and one 5 acre plot on the point we can treat. These areas were to be treated May 15th. Cost to treat the lake will be shared by all lake residents. DLARA has applied and obtained a $5,000 grant from AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species) committee in Kandiyohi County to help cover some of this cost.
2.The project to move county road 4 to the west side of the lake is tentatively set to begin next year if funds are available. The project will include a walking path on the west side of the lake. County Commissioner Harlan Madsen will be at the annual meeting on June 17th at 9:30 at the upper shelter house to answer questions.
3.Diamond Lake is a public lake and boats and jet skis can travel and are not restricted to any area on the lake. Jet skis are to travel 150 feet from shore unless docking or landing. The DNR has no set distances for boats in Kandiyohi County. If you are having a major issue, contact the DNR office in Spicer. 320-796-2161
4.The first part of the tri lakes project, sponsored by Ducks Unlimited to draw down Hubbard, Schultz and Wheeler lakes is done and in place. Margaret, from the watershed district will be at the annual on the 17th to explain the next step and the time line to finish the project.
5.DLARA annual meeting will be held Saturday June 17TH at 9:30 at the county park at the lower shelter house. Coffee, donuts, speakers, and election of directors will take place. Everyone is invited to attend, but only paid up members are allowed to vote on items that need approving by the group.
6.Directories are available on line on the lake web site. If don’t have access to internet stop at 14249 Breezy Pt. Rd. to pick one up. www.diamondlakemn.com
7.DLARA does not sponsor the 4th of July parade because of liability issues. If someone wants to organize one it would be up that person or persons to organize it.
8.A question was raised about the fish population in the lake. We will have a DNR rep. at the annual meeting on June 17th to answer questions.
9.Board minutes are posted on the lake web site for all to see. www.diamondlakemn.com
10.The lake level is controlled by a dam on the east side of the lake. This dam is owned and regulated by the county.
11.A question was asked about the effect the Hubbard Lakes Project will have on the pelicans and cormorants populations. Was worried about amount of fish they consume. Hopefully the DNR can answer this question on the 17th.
12.Weeds can be treated around you dock area, but a permit is needed from the DNR.
13.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.
Harlan Meints, President Diamond Lake Area Recreational Association
14249 Breezy Point Road 507-220-5195
Lake Resort on Diamond Lake (not counting Community Park_
by Bob Schimerowski
My name is Bob Schimerowski. I have purchased North Breeze Resort from Laura and Gordy Bloomquist. They were great to work with and I’m sure they’ll be missed around the lake and the lake association. I have renamed the resort Diamond Lake Resort and will be open year round offering family reunion cabins, boat rentals, and ice house rentals. I have been modifying the cabins to update them and make them more comfortable for larger groups. I have a two, three, four, five, and six bedroom cabin available and still have prime openings available for this summer. I have 12 years’ experience as a resort owner in the area and look forward to building Diamond Lake Resort to its full potential.
FROM THE ANNALS OF THE MIDDLE FORK CROW RIVER WATERSHED DISTRICT BOARD OF MANAGERS MEETING, April 4, 2017
Diamond Lake TMDL Implementation, Hubbard, Schultz and Wheeler – Implementation Activity CIP #13-02 M. Johnson stated that this is a good time to document the shallow lake area success prior to project implementation. Wenck Engineering could perform a fly over (4 times = $4800 bid) with a drone or we could purchase our own drone for under $3000. This would allow us to document the before, during and after of the project. D. Erickson stated the cost could range from $1500 - $3000 from the DJI Company. The hobby grade would allow for video and photos. This could be used for the building of a 3D modeling of Meeker County Ditch #47. B. Wing asked what the range of the drone; D. Erickson stated 5 kilometers and about 11 minutes of time. A second battery was discussed to increase the flying time. J. Morales stated the drone would be good for begetative questions. M. Johnson did check with J Kolb and the FAA regulations. Our insurance does cover drones. Drones would require a specific permit. General funds could cover the cost with reimbursement coming from the Hubbard, Schultz, Sheeler, Capitol Improvement Project fund. A motion made by R. Schaefer, seconded by J. Flanders to approve up to $1500 for the drone and a backup battery for purchase. The motion passed 4-0.
Become an Aquatic Invasive Species Volunteer!
Interested in informing the public about aquatic invasive species and how to slow their spread? Lake Associations, do you want to train a group of volunteers for access coverage when the county’s AIS inspectors can’t be there?
Join us at the Prairie Woods Environment Learning Center from Noon-4pm on Saturday, June 3. There is no cost to attend and lunch will be served starting at 11:30am. AIS volunteer training will cover aquatic invasive species identification, watercraft inspection, current laws, and requirements of the DNR's volunteer program.
Contact Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force Coordinator, Stephanie Felt, at 320-214-6730 or Stephanie.felt@kcmn.us to reserve your spot by Friday, May 26.
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/ais_volunteer.html
A DNR volunteer agreement form and background check are required of all AIS volunteers.
From the MFCRWD Board meeting, April 4, 2017
Diamond Lake TMDL Implementation, Hubbard, Schultz, and Wheeler–Implementation Activity CIP #13-02 M. Johnson stated that this is a good time to document the shallow lake area success prior to project implementation. Wenck Engineering could perform a fly over (4 times = $4800 bid) with a drone or we could purchase our own drone for under $3000 from the DJI Company. The hobby grade would allow for video and photos. This could be used for the building of a 3D modeling of Meeker County Ditch #47. B. Wing asked what the range of the drone; D. Erickson stated 5 kilometers and about 11 minutes of time. A second battery was discussed to increase the flying time. J. Morales stated the drone would be good for vegetative questions. M. Johnson did check with J. Kolb and the FAA regulations. Our insurance does cover drones. Drones would require a specific permit. General funds could cover the cost with reimbursement coming from the Hubbard, Schultz, Wheeler Capitol Improvement Project fund. A motion made by R. Schaefer, seconded by J. Flanders to approve up to $1500 for the drone and a backup battery for purchase. The motion passed 4-0.
HEY, YOU!
Hey, you! Yeah you. I’m talkin’ to you. Whadaya youse think, I was talkin to your dog Dookie? I wanna know, have ya paid your dues yet? I’m not talkin’ no metaphors here. I’m talkin ‘bout the 25 dollars you owe me, the Diamond Lake Area Recreational Association. Two hundred thirty three of your talented neighbors have paid, now it’s your turn to support the only group of free people whose sole purpose is to support the health and welfare of the lake you enjoy so much. So how ‘bout it? A sawbuck and a finnif will take care of it. Just send your simoleons, shekels, scratch, dough to:
Diane Dalton-Rivard, Treas.
Diamond Lake Area Rec. Assn.
14259 Breezy Pt. Rd.
Atwater, MN 56209
And just for you, because I’m a nice guy, I’m enclosing an addressed envelope to make it easy, implesay, for ya. Oh, yeah, I fawgot to stamp it. Stop by and I’ll stamp it for ya (haha).
Rip Rap, the Longshoreman
P.S. The honor role of paid-up dues-ees is shown in this esteemed newsletter. Ya don’ wanna be left outa the picture, right? We’ll publish the names of the additional members in a later edition. Know what I’m sayin’?
