Fall 2008 Newsletter
AROUND OUR LAKE
Invasive Species informational spotlight: Used Marine Equipment
.....
.....
/.....
.....
Take special care if you bring into the
lake any type of marine equipment that has been used in some other body
of water whether coming from lakes, streams, rivers or even wetland areas.
In addition, special consideration should be given to any equipment that
might have been located in or around Great Lakes area. Equipment means
boat lifts, docks or dock equipment, swimming platforms, fishing gear,
watercraft of any type, trailers – anything that might be placed in the
water or along the shore. Any of this equipment could introduce invasives
into our lake.
Make sure you inspect the equipment personally
before it is put in the lake. Never let a contractor or business put it
directly in the lake for you. Do a careful inspection of the equipment.
Don’t forget to look inside engine and bilge compartments, underneath in
hard to reach areas and inside any part of the equipment that is hollow
or has an outside opening. One infested hollow support leg for a dock could
kill our lake. Make sure you look for both animals an plants.
A real hidden exposure originates from
zebra mussels. See pictures above. Zebras attach on to anything. They are
small to tiny. Don’t think a two to four inch clam size; think diminutive
– smaller than a most coins. Young ones can hardly be seen, as in the little
spots on the rock picture above.
Zebra mussels are already in our area.
We know of two instances where zebra mussels were found on used boat lifts
on lakes around us. One was on Pelican Lake, the other on Ossawinnamakee.
The Pelican one was caught in time. The Ossawinnamakee one was not.
Invasive Species informational spotlight: Hydrilla (hydrilla verticillata)
This invasive is not in any lakes immediately around us or in Lake Hubert. I have heard but not verified that it has made it into some Wisconsin lakes and it is in most of the southeast and middle Atlantic states as well as Maine, Idaho and Washington state. It is native to Africa, Australia and some parts of Asia. It was introduced into the US in the late 1950s through the dumping of aquarium water into a lake in Florida. It invades in the same general way that Eurasian Milfoil does by forming large mats on the surface and clogging out other plants. This one is noted for its aggressiveness. It is more temperature and light tolerant than most of its competitors. It will out-compete even Eurasian Milfoil if introduced into the same lake. That probably says enough about it right there. It can be treated with chemicals but because of its aggressiveness it is even harder to contain this way than its competitors. States that have significant infestations spend millions of dollars annually on its control and attempted eradication. Its likely way of spreading is through boat or trailer transportation. We don’t even want to think about this one getting into our area lakes!
Shoreland Rules Update
Project:
Remember the recent activity around new
dock regulations? Remember reading or hearing about all the recent activity
on shoreland management practices? Well, those two things are just one
part of a much bigger project. That bigger project will be with us for
a while. Its formal name is the Shoreland Rules Update Project. It’s a
state wide project being run by the DNR.
The main web page for all the information
and updates is: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/watermgmt_section/shoreland/shoreland_rules_update_project.html#fact_sheets
Just a few of the areas being looked at
are water quality, habitat, surface-water use, and administration.
You can get the history of this effort
as well as detail on everything that is in the scope of the project at
this web page.
Geothermal heating and
cooling systems:
Energy exchangers and geothermal systems
can provide very efficient ways to heat and cool your home. If you’re thinking
of installing one, take a look at this page first: http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/publications/waters/geothermal_systems.pdf.
Due to the proximity of our homes to lake water resources, there are some
considerations you should be aware of. In rare cases, due to a possible
negative impact to the lake based upon certain types of installations,
a permit may be required from the DNR.
LHCA NEWSLETTER AND WEB
PAGE SURVEY
At the annual meeting, our membership
was asked to complete a short survey regarding our newsletter and our web
page. Your cooperation on this survey was most appreciated and many good
suggestions were received. Specifically, survey results included these
ideas and comments:
1. Most of you are now receiving the newsletter
via e-mail. This, of course, is great for our Association as it significantly
saves on postage and production costs.
2. The vast majority of respondents indicated
that they read the entire newsletter and are satisfied with the format
and content.
3. Most respondents check the web page
for updates a couple of times a month.
4. Regarding ideas for future newsletter
and web page content, these suggestions were made:
a. Provide web links to “Green Products”
that are friendly to the lake.
b. Provide information or links to native
plants for erosion prevention and also for “lake friendly” weed control.
Include a story on shore restoration if someone on our lake is currently
in this process.
c. Include updates on the Camps.
d. Include Board of Director meeting results
and actions.
e. Feature stories on both new and old
Lake Hubert residents.
f. Feature stories on Lake Hubert history.
As upcoming newsletters are planned, we
will attempt to incorporate many of these excellent suggestions in our
publication and on our web site. In the meantime, please remember to check
the web site for almost weekly updates at www.lakehubert.org.
If you have newsworthy items, please contact
John Holbrook at (218) 963-4407 or via e-mail: jmholbrook@charter.net.
Thanks!
DNR FISH SURVEY ON LAKE HUBERT
A brief summary
No problems were cited. Nothing definitive
on bass populations that might change the current fishing restrictions
was noted.
Black crappie and bluegill were present
in average numbers. Both largemouth and smallmouth bass populations appear
to be in good shape. The northern pike and walleye populations were average
for similar type lakes, although it appears the northern population is
in somewhat of a decline from fishing sampling.
You can get the complete report on the
Lake Hubert at the Minnesota DNR website at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/showreport.html?downum=18037500
LHCA AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER
BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
Highlights of the August and September
LHCA board meeting include:
August
• Noted a record number of participants
(125) at the annual membership meeting on June 28th.
• Discussed the issue of membership dues
NOT covering annual LHCA regular yearly expenses.
• Reviewed the current annual budget to
see if any potential savings were apparent. It was noted that the annual
budget is very conservative and involves only minimal business spending.
• Moved Certificate of Deposit funds from
the General Fund into the Environmental Fund.
• Received a report that 20 acres of Lake
Hubert watershed are now in Conservation Easements. Several other property
owners are now considering new easements that would involve 10 additional
acres of watershed land.
• Reviewed the results of the very successful
T-shirt promotion. All proceeds from this sale have been dedicated to the
Environmental Fund. Next year’s promotion will probably involve more hat
sales.
• Heard a very positive water quality
and fishing report. Low phosphorous levels were recorded this spring and
summer. Bass fishing has been excellent due to the DNR restrictions started
four years ago. It was observed that perch numbers seem to be increasing
while Northern Pike numbers have diminished. Crappie fishing has generally
been poor this summer but the crappie population is considered to be sufficient.
The DNR still has not sent the LHCA a final report on last year’s fish
survey. (This has come in – see article in this newsletter.)
• Received a report on the Newsletter
and Web Site survey. Complete results of this survey are included in this
newsletter.
• Discussed the need to prepare and implement
a long range financial plan to prepare for an environmental emergency.
The discussion included the possibility of recruiting a speaker or consultant
who could offer advice and assistance for this plan at the next annual
meeting. It was agreed that further discussion will be needed on this topic.
September
• President Chuck Corchran reported that
Lake Hubert received less than half inch of rain during the month of August.
The lake level has dropped over seven inches since mid-July. He also noted
that the ETOC corporation (also owns the two camps on Lake Hubert) has
asked for a re-zoning change for property mostly on Little Lake Hubert
from “commercial” to “lake shore residential” that would result in nine
single family 150’ lots on Little Lake Hubert. The lots would be located
on East Lake Hubert Drive. This change in zoning is not being contested
by either Lake Hubert Association.
• Treasurer, Frank Lorenzo, reviewed financial
information and stated that any excess general fund revenues would be transferred
to the “Environmental Fund.” The Board accepted this recommendation and
also discussed the need to complete a strategic financial plan in preparation
for an eventual environmental emergency (exotic species infestation, etc.).
• The Waters Resources report indicted
that lake clarity had dropped during the summer from 17’ to 12’ but is
now improving once again with the cooler fall weather and with diminishing
summer algae. This is a normal seasonal event on most area lakes.
• LHCA Board representatives reported
on a Lake Edward Township meeting where they requested that the Township
adopt the same “Bed and Breakfast” definitions and restrictions as the
city of Nisswa. This request was approved by the Township and will be sent
to Crow Wing County zoning for approval.
• Approval was given to remove two non-native
trees that are restricting the view of the Lake Hubert Depot sign. The
trees will be replaced with native shrubbery that will not block the signage.
• Discussed speakers for the 2009 annual
meeting. Two ideas were considered including a county zoning officer who
would talk about new lakeshore building regulations and also to invite
a representative from the Camps to talk about their 100 year anniversary.
• Discussed the possibility of a contest
as part of the July 4th boat parade. Also, discussed the possibility of
hosting a social event in July sponsored by the LHCA.
• Donated $350 to the Lutheran Church
of the Cross as a thank you for use of their facilities during the past
year.
LAKE HUBERT HISTORY COLLECTION
Did you that Lake Hubert has its own history collection at the Crow Wing County Historical Society? Indeed, this collection was organized and cataloged by Ellie Ellingson a few years ago and additions are now made every year to the collection. The file goes back several decades and includes old newsletters and articles, pictures, lake maps as far back as the early 40’s, LHCA meeting summaries, and more recently, computer files from the Lake Hubert web site.
Anyone can gain access to the Lake Hubert collection simply by visiting the museum that is located at 320 Laurel Street in Brainerd next to the courthouse. Museum hours can vary so it is a good idea to call ahead at (218) 829-3268. You can also check the LHCA website at http://www.lakehubert.org/index3.html for more information.
LAKE HUBERT WILDLIFE
THE MUSKRAT (SECOND OF
A SERIES)
One of the more common critters frequenting
Lake Hubert is the muskrat. This fur-bearing animal is very prevalent in
Minnesota and can be found in nearly every marsh, lake, stream, and wetland.
Historically, and even now, the muskrat is a major item in the fur trade
and its raw pelts generate as much as $30 million a year.
Sometimes, at a distance, the muskrat can
be confused with its much larger cousin, the beaver. Muskrats usually grow
only to a length of about 14” (not including the tail) and have a thick,
dark brownish fur. The beaver has a much larger head and a huge flat tail
that will be slapped against the water when annoyed or frightened. The
beaver can also grow to a considerable size. Indeed, beaver specimens up
to 50 pounds are not uncommon while muskrats rarely exceed five pounds
in weight.
Muskrats build a cone-shaped lodge in shallow protected bays and backwaters (Clark Lake has active muskrat lodges not too far from the Clark Lake outlet). The lodge is normally about five feet in diameter and three to four feet high with an underwater entrance. Muskrats will produce a litter of five to seven young twice a year in northern climates. The muskrat is an important link in the food chain and serves as a food source for bobcats, coyotes, wolves, fox, and other predators. Humans have also been consumers of muskrats and the meat is said to resemble rabbit or duck in taste. Indeed, in the archdiocese of Detroit, muskrat meat is allowed as an alternative to fish during the Lenten season (Lukowski, 2007, “Muskrat Love?”).
