July 2024


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In This Issue

As you scan this issue you will see articles that relate to water safety, water quality, AIS, and educational opportunities. These are focus areas for MN COLA. Some of the news is good and some is frightening. Boating fatalities, dams breaking, wastewater leaks, and impacts from enhanced wakes are clearly in the frightening category.


We should all be supporting reasonable regulations and infrastructure improvement investments to protect the public waters of Minnesota. And we need to continue to support investments in research to stop the spread of AIS. What we are doing today is clearly not enough. MN COLA is doing this, and we hope you will too!

What's New at MN COLA?


News of interest


  • MN Boating fatalities on par with 2023
  • Dam's partial failure sent more than a century's worth of sediment downstream
  • 5.5-million-gallon coal ash wastwater leak near Grand Rapids
  • DNR cautions waterfront property owners about improper use of hydraulic jets
  • Mid-summer AIS update
  • Utah uses "dip tanks" for AIS decontamination
  • MAISRC releases 2023 Annual Report
  • THANK YOU for telling us!


Best We've Seen


  • Monster trucks of the water


Upcoming events


  • Changing water quality in Itasca County lakes - September 5
  • Being Septic Smart - September 17
  • MAISRC Showcase - September 25
  • PFAS in Water: How did they get there and why are they so challenging to address? - October 3
  • Learning from the past to manage inland lake fisheries for the future - October 8
  • Inland lake shoreline assessment and best management practices in Michigan - October 15
  • Basics of Shoreline Control-New Documents to help in design and management -October 29
  • Low and No-Salt Water Softening and Conditioning - November 7
  • 2024 Upper Midwest Invasive Species Conference - November 12-14


www.lakeadmin.org featured posts



What's New at MN COLA?

Deep summer in Minnesota is really the best of times; friends and family gather at the lake and a sense of place with sweet memories anchors us in this busy world. MN COLA has had a great summer. Here are a few highlights:


  •  We are happy to note that our quarterly 2-hour virtual meetings are getting greater attendance than our previous in-person meetings, and we plan to continue that format. Great speakers are making these meetings really valuable.


  • The June Annual Meeting was a winner with our highest registration ever. The speakers brought fresh perspectives and current information. And the business of MN COLA was accomplished with the election of Directors. Here’s a link to the meeting recap email if you missed it.


  • In late June, the Board of Directors elected Officers. Joe Shneider, Tom Nelson, and Kathy Jonrud are continuing in their roles as President, Secretary, and Treasurer, respectively. And we are excited to announce that Don Duetsch was elected Vice-President. Check out mncola.org for the full list of MN COLA leaders.


  • MN COLA’s newsletter, Current Waters, is getting mailed to nearly 500 individuals and is being re-distributed and read by thousands of people. We are delivering good content that is valued by our members and friends.


  • MN COLA membership has shown robust growth. Lake association membership has increased 20% in 2024. Click here to see if your lake or river association is a member and join if you aren’t! Individual lake and river association dues are just $50/year.



Thanks for your continued support!

News of Interest

MN Boating fatalities on par with 2023

Through the first 6 months of 2024, MN boating fatalities are the same as the first 6 months of 2023. Life jackets were not worn in any of these 5 fatalities and weren’t on-board nor accessible in 3 of the fatalities.


These statistics are very sad and put an exclamation point on the need for MN’s new mandatory boater education and licensing that will begin in 2025. Be safe and protect yourself and your loved ones. Life jackets are very cheap insurance.


Read on for the DNR’s report with year over-year comparisons as well as the details on many of the accidents. 

Dam's partial failure sent more than a century’s

worth of sediment downstream|

Photo: Jackson Forderer for MPR News

Minnesota Public Radio reported that the late June partial failure of Blue Earth River’s Rapidan Dam sent an estimated 11.6 million cubic yards of sediment downstream.


The sediment was high in phosphorus and nitrogen because of nearby agricultural runoff, said MN DNR ecologist Neil Haugerud. “When you release that kind of sediment in that big of an event, you can fill up downstream pools, you can cover up critical habitat for fish and macroinvertebrates,” Haugerud said. “It has an effect on the ecosystem downstream, and how that effect will go on into the future will be yet to be seen.”


Read the full MPR News article

5.5-million-gallon coal ash wastewater leak

near Grand Rapids

MPR News reported that a coal ash wastewater leak at a northern Minnesota power plant in mid-July released about 5.5 million gallons into a creek that flows into Blackwater Lake, an impoundment on the Mississippi River.


Preliminary modeling shows increased levels of sulfate and boron in the area where the wastewater entered the creek. The sulfate levels are below the federal drinking water standard of 250 milligrams per liter, but above Minnesota’s wild rice standard, which limits sulfate to 10 milligrams per liter to protect the culturally important plant. On a positive note, the sampling did not detect mercury, arsenic nor selenium.


Read the full MPR News article

DNR cautions waterfront property owners about

improper use of hydraulic jets

In a May press release, the MN DNR reiterated their concerns for waterfront property owners who want to blast away muck and aquatic plants from around their swimming areas and docks. MN COLA supports the DNR’s warning as improper use of these devices can disturb the bottom of a waterbody or uproots plants and impact water quality.


Shane McBride, a DNR aquatic plant management consultant noted that “plants are important to lakes and rivers because they help maintain water clarity, prevent erosion, stabilize the bottom of the waterbody, and provide habitat for fish and wildlife. Aquatic plants are protected under state law.”


Read the MN DNR press release for more information on ‘hydraulic jets”, their proper usage, and permitting needs.

Mid-summer AIS update

As of July 22, 11 new infestations of the big 4 aquatic invasive species have been identified in Minnesota. As most infestations are identified later in the summer and into the fall, the low number of 11 at mid-summer doesn’t reveal too much about 2024.


  • Zebra mussels added 8 new infestations to the 610 found through the end of 2023


  • Starry stonewort added 2 new infestations to the previous 2023 total of 28. The starry stonewort additions are troubling as they represent almost 10% growth in 2024.


  • Only 1 new infestation of Eurasian watermilfoil has been identified in 2024


  • There have been no new infestations recorded for spiny waterfleas in 2024.


And as you heard from Dr. John Rodgers in our June Annual meeting, hydrilla will come to Minnesota; it is only a matter of time. We want to do everything we can to stop the introduction of that very nasty AIS. If you missed that presentation or the interesting Q&A on hydrilla, just click on these links.

Utah uses “dip tanks” for AIS decontamination

Utah implemented the first-of-its-kind boat decontamination dip tank at Lake Powell in May 2021 to aid in the fight against invasive quagga mussels. As of July 2024, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources have installed a second dip tank at Lake Powell, as well as dip tanks at Utah Lake State Park, Sand Hollow State Park, and Willard Bay Reservoir. The focus in Utah is on the quagga mussel, but it can be used just as effectively for zebra mussels.


MN COLA is excited to see better approaches being implemented to decontaminate watercraft for zebra and quagga mussels. In 2016, creative Minnesotans proposed this idea to address the challenges of decontaminating watercraft from starry stonewort just after the infestation at Lake Sylvia was discovered. Unfortunately, the proposed solution couldn’t satisfy the MN DNR and it went no further.


Here's a Salt Lake City newscast about the newest dip tank at Willard Bay Reservoir.


More information

MAISRC releases 2023 Annual Report

The Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC) released their 2023 Annual Report in late May. This comprehensive report highlights key achievements, research advancements, and the impactful work MAISRC carried out over the past year.


Minnesota is so privileged to have MAISRC and their staff in our backyard. They are doing groundbreaking work with short, medium and long-term impacts. MN COLA is a proud supporter of MAISRC and is pleased to have been named a Partner of the Year by MAISRC in 2023.


Read the report online or download it here.

THANK YOU for telling us!

Many of you met Hilarie Sorensen at our Annual meeting in June. Hilarie is MN Sea Grant’s new Water Resources Extension Educator, and she can be a valuable resource to help lake and river stewards. Here is a link to her biography and her presentation to MN COLA if you missed it..


MN COLA sent out a survey in July to all of you to help Hilarie better identify our needs as lake and river stewards as she develops educational programming for all of us. Many of you responded and we thank you for telling us what you need. This will really help Hilarie and as an added benefit, it will help MN COLA too.


Here’s what you told us:



  • AIS remains a top concern, with wake surfing impact a strong 2nd


  • Favorite method to receive information is by articles, fact sheets, or infographics.


For more insight into our survey responses click the link below.


More information

Monster trucks of the water

Fox6 News in Milwaukee had a very good news story about the wake surfing controversy. It’s worth watching and sharing!

Upcoming events

Changing Water Quality in Itasca County Lakes

- September 5

The September session of Itasca Waters’ Water Wisdom focuses on “Changing water quality in Itasca County lakes.” The webinar is from noon – 1 CT on September 5.


The northeast region of Minnesota, and Minnesota overall, are well-known for iconic, high-quality waters. Some people have reported seeing decreases in water quality and unwelcome changes in algae and plants in lakes. 

 

This presentation explores these concerns and the data that help understand how lakes might be changing. An exploration of the factors that might lead to changes in our lakes is also discussed. 


The webinar is free, but registration is required.

Being Septic Smart – September 17

Septic systems are a key element to keeping our lakes and rivers healthy. Waterfront property owners need to be aware of maintenance needs of septic systems and the University of Minnesota’s Onsite Sewage Treatment Program has your back.


As part of the EPA’s SepticSmart Week (September 16-20) the Onsite Sewage Treatment Program is offering a free online training opportunity on ‘Being Septic Smart’ on Tuesday, September 17, from 7 to 9 p.m.


The ‘Being Septic Smart’ webinar teaches property owners the basics about how their septic systems work, including how to care for and maintain a septic system so it can function during or beyond its design lifetime. The webinar is free, but you need to register. Click here for more information and registration.

MAISRC Showcase – September 25

Get your ticket now to the 2024 AIS Research and Management Showcase hosted by the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center at the University of Minnesota.


This event is in-person and gives you a great opportunity to see what’s happening at MAISRC, meet the researchers, and connect with other water stewards in Minnesota. This is in our backyard and we are privileged to have these kinds of opportunities. The event is from 8:30 to 5:30 at the St. Paul Student Center.


Click here for more information and registration.

PFAS in Water: How did they get there and why are

they so challenging to address? – October 3

The October session of Itasca Waters’ Water Wisdom focuses on “PFAS in Water: How did they get there and why are they so challenging to address?” The webinar is from noon – 1 CT on October 3.


PFAS, often referred to as "forever chemicals," are unlike any other harmful environmental contaminants that we have faced before. Once they enter the environment they don't fully degrade, and they spread quickly through water and air. This has allowed them to contaminate pristine waters in remote regions, including the middle of Lake Superior. And to add to the challenge, PFAS are more than just PFOS and PFOA - there are thousands of PFAS, including "precursors" that can transform into PFOS or PFOA once they enter the environment. 

 

This presentation will highlight recent work evaluating PFAS in Lake Superior, challenges and emerging solutions for PFAS monitoring and treatment, and a perspective on what people and agencies can do to help address the problem.


The webinar is free, but registration is required. Click here for further information and registration.

Learning from the past to manage inland lake

fisheries for the future – October 8

This free webinar is on October 8 at 1pm CT. It is put on by the Midwest Glacial Lakes Partnership (MGLP). Registration is required.


The seminar will highlight research that has used data from a collaborative project digitizing over a century of historical lake survey records from the Michigan DNR Institute for Fisheries Research. We are using these records to examine changes in fish growth and abundance, and the timing of mass mortality events. The presenter will show examples that empirically test several predicted impacts of climate change across Michigan lakes.


The list of upcoming lake conservation webinars and all previous MGLP webinar recordings are available online.

Inland lake shoreline assessment and best management practices in Michigan – October 15

This free webinar is on October 15 at 1pm CT. It is put on by the Midwest Glacial Lakes Partnership (MGLP). Registration is required.


This presentation will review the Inland Lake Shoreline Energy Assessment Tool. The goal of this new tool is to educate the user on important inland lake shoreline characteristics and to provide a standardized approach for Michigan users to evaluate the erosive potential of an inland lake shoreline. Assessing an inland lake shoreline is important for selecting an appropriate shoreline protection design that minimizes impacts to inland lake resources. Some example best practices for shoreline protection will be highlighted. Although the webinar is focused on Michigan, it is just as applicable in Minnesota.


The list of upcoming lake conservation webinars and all previous MGLP webinar recordings are available online.

Basics of Shoreline Erosion Control - New Documents to help in design and management - October 29

This free webinar is on October 29 at 1pm CT. It is put on by the Midwest Glacial Lakes Partnership (MGLP). Registration is required.


Bioengineering can offer a nature-based solution on lake shorelines for controlling erosion, adding beauty, and providing habitat for fishes, birds, and other fauna. However, reference materials for professionals conducting lakeshore bioengineering projects and for homeowners seeking to have them installed are lacking. This presentation will introduce two new MGLP-produced reference documents for professionals and homeowners that help build the foundation for understanding what is happening at the shoreline and provide some basic design tips for dealing with erosion across a range of environmental conditions.


The list of upcoming lake conservation webinars and all previous MGLP webinar recordings are available online.

Low and No-Salt Water Softening and Conditioning - November 7

The November session of Itasca Waters’ Water Wisdom focuses on “Low and No-Salt Water Softening and Conditioning.” The webinar is from noon – 1 CT on November 7.


Salt pollution is an increasing concern in Minnesota, as salt use for water softening, deicing roads, and other applications can lead to increasing chloride levels in our lakes, streams, and rivers. Elevated chloride levels can be harmful to aquatic ecosystems and species like dragonflies and freshwater mussels. Research in Minnesota has identified water softening as a major source of chloride, as much of the state has very hard water and home water softening is common. There is high interest in low- and no-salt treatment alternatives to reduce chloride pollution, but there is limited research and guidance for consumers. 

 

This presentation will give an overview of alternatives to home water softening as well as some of the costs and benefits of these technologies. 


The webinar is free, but registration is required.

2024 Upper Midwest Invasive Species Conference - November 12-14

The 2024 Upper Midwest Invasive Species Conference (UMISC) addresses both aquatic and terrestrial invasive species. This will be a hybrid conference with both in-person and online attendance options. The conference will be held in Duluth. Early Bird rates apply through September 27, 2024.



The goal of conference is to strengthen management of invasive species, especially prevention, control, and containment. There have been great strides in invasive species research, prevention, and management, but much work still must be done. The conference provides numerous opportunities to network with professionals, land managers, researchers, nonprofits, and others.


Many of us have attended in the past, especially since it is in our backyard. It’s a great vehicle for getting smarter and connecting with everybody who’s anybody in AIS in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan.


Here’s the link to the conference website and here’s a link to the plenary and topical sessions.

www.lakeadmin.org

AIS * Water Quality * Administration * Regulation


Featured Posts - July 2024


MN COLA Board of Directors

Blaine Barkley

Jan Beliveau

Biz Clark

Don Deutsch

Kevin Farnum

Jeff Forester

Steve Frawley

Lynn Goodrich, Vice-President


Jim Gray

David Helgerson

Kathy Jonsrud, Treasurer

Jim Kutzner

Tom Nelson, Secretary

Ruth Schaefer

Joe Shneider, President

Tom Watson