President's Report
Tim Groshens, President, DLARA
Welcome to the Summer of 2022! Let’s hope for a peaceful summer at the lake with great weather,
The DLARA Board has been busy during the off season. Over the winter, we spent extended meetings with Scott Henderson of the Watershed District office, with Dan McEwen of Limnopro, and with representatives of the Glacial Lakes Sanitary Sewer District.
In January, the Board spent over two hours meeting with Scott Henderson, the new administrator of the Middle Fork Crow River Watershed District. Scott brings his impressive background to work for Diamond Lake and the rest of the watershed. One project we discussed with Scott is the Wheeler/Schultz/Hubbard project which is designed to significantly reduce the amount of phosphorous
coming into Diamond Lake. I believe somewhere between seventy and eighty percent of the phosphorus coming into the lake comes in through those smaller lakes. The project is over a million-dollar project and involved a partnership of several entities. The initial results of the project have not been as good as
expected, but everyone still has high hopes for the project. DLARA Board appointed Jeff Gertgen and Mark Kragenbring to serve on advisory team working on the project.
In February the Board held an extended meeting with Dan McEwen of Limnopro, the company we have used for the last couple of years to treat curly pond leaf. Once an invasive species like Curly Pond Leaf gets established in a lake, it is almost impossible to eliminate it with current treatments. Control of it
requires annual treatments. We spend between $50,000 and $70,000 a year treating Curly Pond Leaf and will need to do so for the foreseeable future. We are limited by DNR regulations to treating 15% of the lake. Each year in the early spring both Limnopro and the DNR do studies to see where curly pond
leaf is growing and we treat those areas. We cannot treat areas where native plants are growing. I will try to get a map of the areas where curly pond leaf was found this Spring posted on Facebook. Please remember, many of the weeds you see are native and protected.
Without a doubt, the most frequent complaints from members are about water quality. We talked with Dan not only about curly pond leaf, but also about other invasive species and the dreaded “green muck.” There is no short-term solution to the “green muck” which is algae on steroids. The primary cause is an excess of phosphorous. We continue to work with the Watershed District to reduce the
amount of phosphorus flowing into the lake and looking for ways to lock up the phosphorus currently in the lake.
Thanks to Tom Hayden and Mark Kragenbring and all the other volunteers who cleaned up the lake after the fish houses were removed. Until all of us learn to clean up after ourselves, it will be essential to rely on the few who go beyond the call of duty. Thanks to everyone to helps keep the lake clean.
Over the past year we have had several new residents around the lake. While we have some concerns that you may land the trophy walleye that we have been seeking for years, we welcome you and invite you to join in our efforts to build a solid lake community and protect the quality of the lake.
Tim Groshens, President, DLARA
Atwater Festival Days
Atwater loves to celebrate and they have been doing it since Atwater was established. The Atwater Community Clun promoted Atwater by holding celebrations, such as Christmas time they encouraged businesses and residents of the town to decorate for Christmas. This was so popular that Atwater became known as "The Christmas Village". In the 1930's, Watermelon Days were a summer festival with parades, a carnival and a queen contest with contestants from all the towns around Atwater. This tradition was short-lived though, the 1037 Watermelon Queen died after contracting polio shortly after the coronation and Atwater was almost put in Quarantine. 1958 found Atwater celebrating Minnesota's Centennial winning the Sate's $1000 grand prize with everyone dressing in the fashions of 1858 and enjoying a community dinner and street dance. The Atwater Community Club changed to the Atwater Chamber of Commerce in 1976; they sponsored Atwater Festival Days each spring with a Medallion Hunt, Kiddie Parade, Kiddie Pedal Pull, Grand Parade, crowning Miss Atwater and Junior Royalty and announcing the "Good Neighbor" at the community supper and street dance. 1983 brought "Dodecahedra Day" to the streets of Atwater with 12 different competitions for the people of the area. 1988 Atwater's Festival was known as "New Sweden Days", celebrating the 350th anniversary of the first Swedish Colony in America. Atwater has continued to expand the Atwater Festival to what it is today.
Atwater Festival Days are now planned by the newly formed non-profit organization, Atwater Festival Committee. This energetic group of volunteers no plans 3 celebrations for the community: Festival Days, Oktoberfest, and Passport to Christmas. Each celebration offers numerous ways to enjoy Atwater with activities for all ages. This committee is made-up of local citizens who have brought b ack many successful past activities into these celebrations.
ATWATER FESTIVAL DAYS 2022
June 14-19, 2022
• Tuesday June 14
o Fire Department Night: BBQ’s, Pinewood Derby, Kids Fire Challenge, Bingo
• Wednesday, June 15
o Dodecahedra Events: 12 events to compete in, one location and one night this year
• Thursday, June 16
o City Wide Garage Sales start
o Medallion Hunt
o Jog/Run/Walk
o Horse Races
• Friday, June 17
o Car Wash
o Craft Vendors and Food Booths
o Petting Zoo
o Kiddie Parade
o Kids Pedal Pull
o Fire Department Waterball
o Chuckers Baseball
o DJ at the Handle Bar
• Saturday, June 18
o Sand Volleyball Tournament
o 3 x 3 Basketball Tournament
o Turtle Races
o Crafts and Vendors
o Threshers Hay Ride
o Pork Chop Community Dinner
o Car Show
o Food booths
o Kids color run/walk
o Bean Bag Tournament
o Grand Day Parade
o Family Escape Room
o Axe Throwing
o Disc Golf Tournament
o Street Dance- Thrillbillies
• Sunday, June 19
o 3-Person Golf Scramble
Watch your mailboxes for our full detailed flyer.
Your Wish (for information) Is Our Command
This report is written by Board Member Eric Hohman
AIS Report
In the Labor Day 2021 Diamond Lake newsletter we reported that your lake association spent $63,500 to apply an aquatic herbicide to curb the growth of Curly Leaf Pondweed (CLP). The treatment area covered 40.4 acres and was primarily located in the northern portion of Diamond Lake. The major source of funding was a $55,000 county real estate assessment. Originally the Diamond Lake Area Recreation Association (DLARA) had planned to treat approximately 80 acres, but we were restricted by a lake survey by the DNR in the spring of 2021 that showed there were native plant species present in a portion of our proposed treatment area.
The application process for 2022 began last summer in June when the DLARA hired Limnopro Aquatic Science, Inc. to produce a sonar map plant survey to determine where lake weeds were present. At that time they also conducted an intensive search for aquatic invasive species over a 20,000 square foot area around the boat launch at the County Park. Based on this information, plus survey data from a rake density survey conducted in 2019, the 2022 project work plan was submitted to the Middle Fork Crow River Watershed District (MFCRWD). In the fall of 2021 the Kandiyohi County reviewed the plan and approved a tax assessment on Diamond Lake real estate owners totaling $60,000.
The 2022 work plan called for the application of aquatic herbicide to areas totaling between 50 and 75 acres. We attempted to cover a larger area of the lake with a focus on shallower water where the CLP reaches the surface and is most troublesome for boaters. On May 5, 2022 the formal permit application to the DNR was submitted on our behalf from Limnopro. The DNR conducted a rake survey on May 16th in and around the proposed treatment areas identified in permit application. Below is the “Diamond CLP with depth” map of the DNR survey and a portion of the comments made by the DNR:
“Attached are two maps from a survey that my intern and I completed today (5/16). The map titled “Diamond CLP with depth” displays depth at each point where we threw a rake. My observation was that curly-leaf is growing from about 7.5 feet of water out to 12.5 feet or deeper. Most of the proposed treatment areas are in water shallower than this, where substrate is primarily sand, gravel and small rock. Also on the maps are two areas outlined in pink. These are bull rush beds. I mapped the north bed last year and we mapped the small area in the south bay today. I am required to place a 50 foot buffer around emergent vegetation when issuing permits so that is something to consider going forward. The area on the east shore near the point also contains a bull rush bed though I have not mapped it yet. I plan to map all emergent vegetation on Diamond Lake at some point this summer when the plants are taller.
In the south bay, I only observed CLP at two points. The rest of the points were dense coon tail and northern watermilfoil (both native plants). My guess is that this area is proposed for treatment to provide access to the main lake for the homes in the bay. I suggest speaking with Durel Carstensen (aquatic plant management specialist) about obtaining a permit for this area. I’ve copied him here. There are too many native plants and not enough invasive plants for me to issue a permit is this area.”
It is important to note that our proposed treatment area is based on the presence of CLP that we found growing in the lake last summer. Conditions change over the winter and the plants emerge in different areas and at different rates as the temperature of the water rises each spring. The DNR’s testing of our proposed area (which was based on facts collected six months earlier) is prudent and we do not contest their findings. The DNR and DLARA’s goal is the same: a healthy lake.
As an association, do we want to get rid of CLP? Certainly, but that is not possible without killing all of the plants in the lake. Native plants are vital to a healthy lake ecosystem so I guess the easiest way to put it is, “We are not willing to throw the baby out with the bathwater.” Your association will continue to be persistent in its fight to manage aquatic invasive species, but we will work within the rules and spend your dollars prudently. This is a map of the FINAL and APPROVED treatment plan for 2022. It is not perfect. We will still encounter mats of CLP this summer. But for the resources (money) at our disposal and the rules we need to follow, it is the best we can do. –EH
Missile Lane
ANNUAL MEETING: 
Saturday, June 18, 9am at the Community Park Shelter. Speakers are being lined up [but not against a wall], including those addressing the curly leaf pondweed problem, sewer pump clean out, high water level and more.
Those who have gone out on the bike path will have noticed WORMS, hundreds of worms, thousands of worms, on the asphalt, many in the 5 inch range, but some a lot longer. Good pickins’ for fisher folk, or kids who want to sell worms to the fisher people. But they had better get out there before the birds and turtles. Those of us who walk or bike along the path do our best to hop over them but we sometimes get absorbed in thoughts and conversations, then carry worm guts on our shoes back into the house. I have eaten fried grasshoppers but I draw the line at worms, even though my mother’s maiden name was Fishman.
There is a comprehensive article about Atwater Festival Days elsewhere in this newsletter, but there is also a Kandi is Dandy Days celebration the weekend before Atwater’s, also detailed elsewhere in the newsletter.
This award winning newsletter - OK, we are still searching for the award -- is looking forsomeone to do a fishing report. This is your chance to see your name in lights. If interested just contact the editor/publisher, robm@harvestbankmn.com. As the unauthorized State Grammarian,endorsed by no party, he will gladly clean up any gross infelicities of the English language.
Please consider paying up for the Annual Dues, still just $25 (it should be twice that). We are the only organization dedicated to the lake as a whole. You can send your payment via Venmo (select Diamond Lake Area Assn., then Pay). It will ask for your name, payment method, card number and payment amount. There is a section for notes. Please add your lake address (and mailing address if different), phone number (optional) and a “Speak Up/Sound Off” section so we know your concerns. You can also mail a check with the same information to DLARA, PO Box 307, Atwater 56209. We will publish a list of paid up members in the July 4th issue. Thanking you in advance....
Kandi is Dandy Days Schedule
Friday, June 10, 2022
5 pm Kandiyo-Highlighter Fundraiser Dinner in the Civic Center
Free-will Donation
6:30 pm Kiddie Parade (down Atlantic Ave. in front of Civic Center)
Sponsored by Palmer Bus Service
6:30 pm Fire Department Waterball Fight
Registration at 6 pm – Double Elimination at Atlantic Ave. in front
of post office
6:45 pm “Open Mic” in Bell Park
If anyone would like to participate, please contact Tom Gustafson, 212-9163.
7:30 pm Button Drawing, Citizen of the Year, Kandiyohi Men’s Club Scholarship in Bell Park
Dusk Family Movie Night (on the hill by the Civic Center) - “Ghostbusters: Afterlife”
Saturday, June 11, 2022
7-10 am Pancake Breakfast at the Civic Center
Sponsored by Ebenezer/Tripolis LYO
9-11 am Inflatables, Games on the Hill & Face Painting (west side of Civic Center)
9:30 am Business Assoc. Button Drawing & Kandiyohi Area Business Scholarship
11:30 am Grand Parade
– North from MN Charm then West on McLaughlin and South to Ebenezer Church
After ParadeBoy Scouts Food Stand (on the hill by the Civic Center)
Boy Scout Troop 221
12:30 pm Button Drawings by Civic Center & Free Watermelon
1 pm Tractor Pull
1 pm Bean Bag Toss (N of Fire Hall) - $10/Team of 2
Pre-register Chuck 295-3113 or Jeff 894-8045
5-7 pm Smoked Pork Chop Appreciation Supper at the Fire Hall
Sponsored by Kandiyohi Business Association Age 13 & Over - $5; Age 12 & Under - $3
5-8:30 pm Live Music by Ryan VanSlooten in the Fire Hall
6 pm Business Assoc. Button Drawings & James L Strouth Memorial Scholarship
9pm–12am Street Dance “Steer Clear” (next to the Fire Hall)
No Cover Charge – sponsored by Kandiyohi
Men’s Club; The Handle Bar serving Beer & Wine Coolers
Fire Explorers will be serving food
10 pmKandiyohi Men’s Club Raffle Drawing
Sunday, June 12, 2022
6 pm Community Worship Service at Bell Park
Sewer Sides
Thomas Ehlinger
This endorsement provides coverage for accidental direct phusical loss to property described in Coverage A - Dwelling and Coverage B - Personal Property from:
Sewer Back-up, defined as direct loss to covered property in a dwelling, caused by effluent that backs up through sewers or drains that are part of the described Coverage A - Dwelling.
Sump Pump Overflow, defined as direct loss to covered property in a dwelling, caused by watewr that overflows or accidentally discharges from within a sump pump, sump pump well, sump pump well discharge system or other type system designed to remove subsurface water that is drained from the foundation area.
* A $1,000 deductible applies. The deductible and limit for this coverage are shown in the Declarations. Limits of $5,000, $10,000, and $20,000, $30,000, $40,000 and $50,000 are available.
* This coverage is excess over any insurance available to the insured from a valid clain under a flood policy or flood endorsement.
Editor's Note: at a recent meeting with the Green Lake Sewer District staff it was strongly encouraged to add this coverage to your homeowners or lake cabin insurance policy. Tom Ehlinger happens to by my person lines insurance agent but you can contact your own agent for the endorsement.
