President's Report
Tim Groshens
Small Talk
Almost 20 years of “weekends at the lake” my wife and I recently moved permanently to Diamond Lake. I never realized how different life would be as a full-time resident. It’s great! I can now put off those weekend projects forever.
Annual Meeting
We just completed the Annual meeting. I estimate we have fifty or sixty members attend. We elected members to the Board of Directors, and you can see the list of Board members on our Website (diamondlakeassociation.homestead.com) and elsewhere in this newsletter. Duane Anderson, our County Commissioner provided information on the County’s activities that impact Diamond Lake. He invited anyone with concerns to contact him and the other County Commissioners. They may not be able to solve your problem, but they certainly want to know anout them. Our main speaker was Dr. Dan McEwen from Limonpro, the company that we contract with to provide weed control. Dan reported on the types of weeds he has found in the lake and the treatment process used the last couple of years and for next year.
Water Quality
So far, the water clarity this year is unbelievable. But I am told that with all of the hot weather and little rain, we will end up with a think green muck on top of the water in no time at all. I don’t pretend to know all of the chemistry that causes the transition of crystal clear waters to green slime, but the Watershed District is hosting a webinar specifically for Diamond Lake residents on the 12th of July at 5:30pm offering information on water quality, conditions and trends of the lake and best management practices to improve water quality long term. The link to the webinar will be posted on the Diamond Lake Facebook page. If you have specific topics to be addressed or questions to be answered by the experts, email me at timgroshens@gmail.com and I will forward it to the presenters.
Cheerleading
While the Association is involved in many projects, there is a lot of great activity being done outside the Association. And a significant responsibility of the Lakeshore Association President is to be a cheerleader for those good works that improve life around the lake. I would like to recognize lake residents who have been involved in the following activities:
•
The Bench Project
•The Garage Sale
•Boat Parade
•The Music Event on July 3
•The Fall Music Event
•The Diamond Lake Facebook
Note that I have not mentioned anything about fireworks. That is because they are probably illegal and I don’t want to encourage illegal activities, but I love watching.
Thank you for your efforts. Together each of these events and activites make Diamond Lake a more enjoyable place to live.
As always, I welcome your feedback. Email me at timgroshens@gmail.com.
Enjoy the 4th and the rest of the Summer.
This 4th You Can Watch a Parade
from your lakeside front row seat – sorry, no elephants or firetrucks
The 6th annual Diamond Lake boat parade will be July 3rd at 1:00.
I ask that you gather south of the swimming beach. We will be going counter clock wise. We will end between Behm’s and the boat landing, so the new campers can spectate too.
I also ask that once you are in line, please keep a safe distance between boats, please stay in line for the entire parade, do not launch anything from your boats! Safety is our number one key to this parade. Please remember to be familiar with your surroundings at all times, watch for people floating by their docks and other boats in the water. This is a very family friendly event, fun for all ages!
Any questions, comments or concerns please feel free to call my cell phone at
320-295-6060. Thank you and see you on the water, Brenda Negen.
Update on Diamond Lake Fisheries/Zebra Mussel impacts
Dave Coahran, DNR Fisheries, Spicer
As of March 1, 2021, Sunfish regulations on Diamond Lake were reduced to a daily harvest limit of 5 with the possession limit remaining unchanged at 20. In addition to local support, the historical ability of Diamond Lake to produce “trophy” sized bluegill was the primary reason it was included in the statewide “Quality Sunfish Initiative”. Other area lakes included were Florida, George, Nest and Long near Hawick. Overharvest of larger Bluegill results in low quality populations. Find out more on the MNDNR website (Bluegill - sunfish | Minnesota DNR (state.mn.us). Spring or fall trapnet samples will be conducted by fisheries crews in 2021, 2023, 2026, 2029 and 2031 on Diamond Lake to monitor impacts on the Bluegill population in addition to the ongoing “Creel Survey” and a follow up Creel Survey in 7-10 years that will estimate angling pressure, catch and harvest rates by species and size-structure of the catch.
In addition, Diamond Lake is involved in another statewide study aimed at trying to learn more about potential negative impacts of Zebra Mussels on first year Walleye survival in important medium sized Walleye lakes in Minnesota to augment ongoing studies already conducted on Minnesota’s largest lakes. Because of the negative impacts abundant Zebra Mussel populations can have on phytoplankton and zooplankton populations, poor first year survival of Walleye is an ever-increasing concern. If zebra mussels get abundant enough, they can significantly filter enough phytoplankton out of the water column which not only makes the water column considerably more clear but reduces the phytoplankton dependent zooplankton populations which are a vital food source for larval Walleye. In this study on Diamond and other important medium-sized Walleye lakes across the state in the next decade, fisheries crews will conduct fall electrofishing data annually to measure young-of-the-year Walleye abundance, will conduct gillnet samples every 3 years, will determine Walleye age/growth rates and sex/age-at-maturity data, will collect monthly zooplankton samples in addition to collecting other important water quality and temperature data.
Heavily studied lakes such as Ida in the Alexandria area give us some clues on potential Diamond Lake impacts. In Ida, zebra mussels were first detected in 2014 and became heavily infested by 2019. Comparing before and after zebra mussels, phytoplankton biomass was reduced by over 50% and water clarity improved from 3.2 meters to 5.4 meters. In addition, submersed vegetation levels increased and grew to deeper depths given the increased sunlight penetration and periphyton (algae attached to rocks and plants) levels increased. Basically Zebra Mussels took the food energy from the deeper (i.e., pelagic) areas of the lake and brought that to the shallower/sediment (i.e., littoral/benthic) areas of the lake by enriching the sediment with biodeposits (i.e., feces). Aquatic insects, crayfish and other shallow bottom dwelling organisms have been shown to benefit from zebra mussels as has certain fish species that can best adapt and utilize those enriched food sources. In Ida, all fish species studied (except Tullibee) shifted to utilizing shallower food sources. This shift may also lead to increased competition between species which, over time, could alter which species are more or less abundant. Time will tell if Zebra Mussels will ever reach an impacting level in Diamond Lake and which species of fish will benefit and which will not.
BTW, Walleye Stocking – We did not have to take Walleye eggs from Diamond Lake again this year (2 years in a row), we got all we needed from Elizabeth and Koronis. We were able to stock 761,438 Walleye fry this spring.
Notes From Underground
by Corey Smith, GLSSWD Superintendent
New News
- The GLSSWD’s Director, Colleen Thompson has retired after six years with the
District.
- Corey Smith is the new Superintendent, he has worked with the District for 10 years.
- The water to electric meter project should be wrapping up soon.
What can you do?
- If you haven’t already, go to www.kpcoop.com and sign up for SmartHub. With
SmartHub you can monitor the electric usage of your grinder station and your home.
By monitoring this information, you will be able to see if there is a potential problem
with your grinder. A couple of examples that lead to excessive usage are a bad check
valve or leaks from cracked pipes, leaking toilets, and dripping sinks.
Did you know?
- Most insurance companies offer sewer backup coverage, usually it is separate coverage. This is usually a minimal cost for a piece of mind. For example, if your grinder's check valve would happen to fail and the grinder did not turn on. Sewage could potentially backup into your house.
District facts
- The wastewater treatment plant was built in 2000.
- Our service territory covers 57 square miles consisting of 3 communities (New London, Spicer, City of Kandiyohi) & 6 lakes (Green Lake, Tri-Lakes (Nest, George, Henderson), Lake Florida, and Diamond Lake.
- In 2020 we treated 188 million gallons of wastewater.
- Roughly 1100 gopher state one locates are completed each year by staff (call 811 before you dig)
- Plant is manned 24/7 days a week and holidays. One operator is on call at all times.
- Currently, there are 8 full-time employees.
Clippings
by Ben Anderson
Did you know that one bushel of fresh grass clippings can contain .1 lbs. of phosphorus? This may not sound like a lot, but that .1 lbs. can produce 30 to 50 pounds of algae if it enters a body of water. Phosphorus is one of the largest contributors to algae blooms in lakes. As owners of lakeside properties, the following are just a few simple steps that can be taken to help prevent phosphorus from entering the lake:
1. Mulch the clippings as you mow. Recycled clippings actually act as fertilizer and can provide
approximately 1 lb. of nitrogen per 1000 square feet back to your lawn throughout the season.
This helps reduce the amount of fertilizer that may be applied to the lawn.
2. If fertilizer is applied, select fertilizer that does not contain phosphorus. This is a Minnesota state law unless a soil test indicates that phosphorus is needed, or if a new lawn is being established by seed or sod.
3. If you bag clippings, consider mixing with soil, and leaves to create a compost pile that can be used for planting beds and topdressing. Another option is to bring them to a local compost site.
4. Aerate your lawn to help water and nutrients enter the soil profile which can help reduce runoff.
5. Direct the clippings away from the lake, roads, driveways, sidewalks, trails, etc. If clippings do end up on hard surfaces, sweep or blow them back into the lawn.
SAFETY PSA: This step is extremely important also for the safety of motorcycles, bicycles, and
pedestrians as clippings on hard surfaces can create very slippery and dangerous conditions. It is important to keep the roads and the new trail clear for everyone to enjoy. While there are a number of other factors that contribute to an elevated level of algae found in the lake, the lakeside property owners can help prevent phosphorus from entering due to lawn maintenance
activities.
Walk, Pedal, Paddle: A Personal Triathlon
by Mr. Sippi
Some of you may have noticed a familiar woman (familiar because she has done this before) walking around Diamond Lake. Her name is Kathy Meyer, a relatively new full time resident of Diamond Lake. Kathy took up this regimen when she learned she had a high cholesterol level and was pre-diabetic. Her doctor gave her an ultimatum: either go on meds or change her lifestyle. She chose change.
Kathy takes the 9.8 mile trek most days. If not she tries to get in her 20,000 steps one way or another. She began modestly, making 2 mile trips, but within 3 months was up to completing the full circle. After 6 months she was no longer pre-diabetic and her cholesterol level was well within bounds. After 9 months she lost 70 pounds!
The trip takes about 1 hr 50 to 2 1/2 hours which is about a 9 to15.5 minute/mile pace. Not bad. She finds the time spent a good opportunity to meditate, enjoy nature, look for the occasional fox, mink or snapping turtle laying eggs. But wait, there’s even more! She designed her own personal triathlon by combining walking, bike pedaling and paddling across Diamond in a kayak. She is inviting others to join in this challenge. She may even slow her pace to fit yours. She can be reached at mathteachkat@gmail.com. An inspiration for us all.
Missle Lane
If you would like your Grinder/Pump Station cleaned & inspected (see insert in last edition) please call Tanner Kruger at 320 444-6860. At $125 retired plumber Larry Stranberg says it’s a deal and will be done right.
Lloyd B. Hovey Memorial Golf Tournament, July at Island Pine Golf Course in Atwater. $62.50/person, $250/foursome. 18 holes, cart, gift bag, bon lunch all provided, plus win a new putter/ proceeds go to the Atwater Area Help for Seniors. Please make checks payable to AAHfS. Contact Josh at Island Pine Golf Course (1601 Wyoming Ave., Atwater, MN 56209), 320 974-8600 or jjhag@yahoo.com
.
KNOW NOs
•No motorized vehicles (of any sort) on the bike path
•No leaving grass clippings on the road or bike path
•No leaving dog dew on any property other than your own
•No overfilling garbage or recycling cans for pick up
•No using the dumpster at Community Park if not using park facilities
•No fire-cracking more than a week either side of July 4th
•No swamping fishermen, kayakers or water boarders with you high powered boat motors
•No joke-cracking without the express written consent of the Missile Lane Editor.
Still Wanted A fishing by-line writer
. You needn’t give away your secrets, but the by-line can cover just
about anything: fish caught in the past, winter vs summer fishing, boating etiquette, equipment, tall stories, short stories, new regulations, water quality, fish quality, your quality. You will be supported in this effort by our editor, as well as Peter Panfish, The Cisco Kid and his cousin The Frisco Squid, Ed Muskie (remember him?), Angler Merkle (soon to be retired), Fishing Rod Stewart, Phillip Rivers, Turhan Bey (brother to Dogfish Bay), Eddie Fisher, maybe even by mygrandpa Harry Fishman, (no sh.., I mean no kidding).
Culpepper Big Top Circus
Monday, Aug. 2. Two shows: 5:00 and 7:30. Clowns must pre-register with the Atwater Police.
Dog Waste Bags
Available at Dollar General. $3.00 for a roll of 120. Nice colors too, if you color code for some strange reason. Your dog won’t care but your neighbor will love you. I have been known to wear them on my head in winter, for warmth. Not the used ones, silly.
Mailing Note
We do get return mail with every newsletter mailing. Some of it is for snowbirds who haven’t returned yet, some from people whose address has changed and some, alas, from people who are no longer with us. The Memorial Day issue saw some 17 returns, average at about 4%. Please let us know if you have changed address. Thank you.
For Sale
100 small bales of upland grass hay . $3.00/bale. Contact Erik at 320 979-6794.
