More Progress for Milfoil Controllmassociation.net/pdfs/SEP-LMAnews_Smr07.pdf · Commerce and also enjoys ballet dancing, spending time on the lake, and reading. Katrina is excited

www.LMAssociation.org PAGE 1 SUMMER 2007

Following the success ofthe 2006 milfoildemonstration project,the Lake MinnetonkaAssociation and the LakeMinnetonkaConservation District

have begun the process of developing aLake Vegetation Management Plan, orLVMP. This is the next necessary stepprior to implementing larger-scalemilfoil control efforts. While we havebeen frustrated at the sometimes slowprogress for more milfoil control efforts,especially following the successful 2006demonstration project, the initiation ofthe LVMP is a positive step.

The LVMP will be focused specificallyon three bays in Lake Minnetonka –Carman’s, Gray’s and Phelp’s.

The LVMP will contain three keyelements. The first element is a physicalinventory of the plants in the three bays.The Army Corps of Engineers,recognized nationally for their expertisein aquatic plant management, haveagreed to conduct the plant inventory atno cost to the local agencies. Thesecond element is a stakeholderanalysis. Here, a cross section ofstakeholders will be involved by givinginput regarding what they see asproblematic about milfoil or otherplants, helping to define appropriatemanagement goals and objectives andsupporting future control programs.

The third element is developing a planthat meets the needs of the stakeholders.

Lake Minnetonka Associationmembers must play a critical

role by participating in and supporting the LVMP.

At this time, I anticipate the planningprocess will be completed in time forimplementation in 2008.

One of the reasons we could notconsider developing a plan for the entirelake is a lack of funding. Successfullycompleting the LVMP for the three bayswill put the Lake MinnetonkaAssociation in a strong position tocontinue this effort for other bays. Ourmembers can also help pave the way bypushing our elected leaders andcontributing financial support.

Please check our Web site or blog fordetails and progress.

Dick Osgood

More Progress for Milfoil ControlBy Dick Osgood, LMA Executive Director

SUMMER 2007

Support Our Work through the Exotic Species Fund

The Lake Minnetonka Association serves as your voice in matters such asmilfoil management. Our efforts in advocating for aggressive milfoil controland zebra mussel prevention have paid off. We are in a position to makesignificant and real advances. Now, we need the help of our members. Pleasemake your tax-deductible contribution to the Exotic Species Fund to supportour ongoing success.

The Mission of the LMA is –

The Lake Minnetonka Association,through volunteers, lakeshore ownersand the Lake Minnetonka community,works to promote lake preservation andthe reasonable use of Lake Minnetonka.

Serving as an information resource andadvocate for the lakeshore owners, theLake Minnetonka Association focuseson the areas of lake preservation andprotection that are appropriate for theentire lake community.

Also, the Lake Minnetonka Associationpromotes social interaction amongmembers through association events. By forming a lasting relationship withmembers of the lake community, theLMA creates a kinship of lakeshoreowners involved in the protection ofLake Minnetonka.

Katrina Francis is an area realtor at SKYSotheby’s International Realty along with herbrother, Stuart Francis. Previously, Katrina was asales agent at RE/MAX Results in Wayzata and,along with her brother, was a top producingagent. She was raised in Wayzata and hasextensive knowledge of the area. Katrina spenther childhood years boating, skiing and fishing on LakeMinnetonka and many of her current clients are LakeMinnetonka homeowners. Katrina attended the University ofIowa and graduated with a business degree in marketing.After returning to the Twin Cities area to work in real estate,Katrina dedicates herself to providing a high level of service tothe community as well as protecting the environment.

Katrina finds enjoyment in serving her community byparticipating in various volunteer activities and mentors at-risk youth. She is a member of the Wayzata Chamber ofCommerce and also enjoys ballet dancing, spending time onthe lake, and reading.

Katrina is excited for the opportunity to serve on the LakeMinnetonka Association board and to bring new insight onhow to expand the association through various marketing andsponsorship efforts as well as continuing to influence thelake’s conservation goals.

Jay Humphreys has been appointed so recently, his pictureand bio will appear in the next issue. Jay lives on Phelps Bay.

David Lawrence is the founder/owner ofParadise Charter Cruises of Lake Minnetonkaand the Mississippi River for 23 years. Davidresides on St. Albans Bay with his wife Denise,and 2 daughters. He is a past South Lake-Excelsior Chamber of Commerce president, andis currently involved with the Upper MississippiRiver Task Force, providing ideas and action in therestructuring of the River front. The quality and beauty ofLake Minnetonka is a vital avenue to the success of hisbusiness, and for the enjoyment of his family. David and hisfamily are active recreational boaters and lake users as well,and “live for the lake” year-round.

Board TransitionsWayne Nelson, long-time board member, past president andunflinching support of the Lake Minnetonka Association hasstepped down from the board. Wayne has been a wonderfulasset to the mission of the Lake Minnetonka Association andwill be missed. Wayne will be assisting from time-to-time.Thanks for your service.

Welcome Katrina Francis and David Lawrence

Eurasian watermilfoil hasbeen in Lake Minnetonkasince 1987. The LMCDowns and operates a fleet of harvesters, whichcut and haul milfoil

from critical areas of the lake. The harvesting program has justbegun its 19th year.

The Lake Minnetonka Association andthe LMCD jointly conducted the MilfoilDemonstration Project last year. In thatproject, herbicide treatments in smallareas of three bays were evaluated todemonstrate their effectiveness incontrolling milfoil while protectingnative plants. The results were positive,up to 99% milfoil control, andconsistent with many cases throughoutthe United States.

So, how might harvesting and herbicidecontrols be used in the future? First,“control” should be defined. Controlrefers to controlling the spread or

impact of milfoil, as opposed to“management,” which refers tomanaging the impacts.

According to the LMCD, theharvesting program’s objectives are:

“The LMCD has two main managementobjectives in its annual MilfoilHarvesting Program. These objectivesinclude:

1. Providing access to usable water toriparian owners and the generalpublic through areas of mattedmilfoil, and

2. Preventing the unintended transportof milfoil from the lake on traileredwatercraft to other bodies of water.”

With respect to the first objective, theharvesting program is indeed effectiveand managing the impact of milfoil byfacilitating access in critical areas.Review of recent records shows that theharvesting program has cut andremoved milfoil from 437 acres perseason (2003 – 2005 average).

However, the harvesting operation is nota control program. There are up to4,395 acres of milfoil in LakeMinnetonka. This excludes watersdeeper than 15-feet and those bayswhere milfoil has not been problematic.Thus, this area represents the possiblearea where milfoil control could occur –which is 10-times the area of harvesting.

Clearly, this is not a strict apples-to-apples comparison. Harvesting targetsareas with matted milfoil that are aparticular impediment to recreationalaccess. Because the harvesting seasonruns from mid-June through mid-August, some areas are harvested later.

Herbicide use, as demonstrated in 2006, would appear to offer addedbenefits for Lake Minnetonka.Herbicides can be applied early and to larger areas, thereby controllingmilfoil for multiple seasons in largeareas of the lake. The selectiveherbicides have the added benefit of

Harvesting and its Role in Controlling Milfoil

KatrinaFrancis

DavidLawrence

(continued on page 5)

www.LMAssociation.org PAGE 4 SUMMER 2007

NONPROFITORGU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 108Excelsior, MN

P.O. Box 248Excelsior, MN 55331

The VOICE for Lake MinnetonkaLakeshore Owners and Businesses

The 6th Annual Lake Minnetonka Clean Up was once again awonderful event. About 65 divers and several shorelandvolunteers met at Bayside Grille on a beautiful Saturdaymorning to collect trash and treasures from Lake Minnetonka.This year, the shore clean up occurred on Boy Scout Island. Thevolunteers collected the usual array of mobile phones,sunglasses, cans and bottles. Among the more interesting itemsthis year was a bicycle – still with air in the tires.

Most importantly, this event highlights the need for all to make efforts to keep our lake and lakeshore clean. Thanks to the volunteers, sponsors and others who helped make the event wonderful.

Event SponsorsMarine Max, Bayside Grille, Waste Management,Linnihan-Foy, Doug Jones, Minnetonka PowerSquadron.

Door Prize ContributorsAir Down There Scuba, Scuba Daddy’sDive Shop, SeaYa Diving, Blue Wave Scuba,Smith Diving, Underwater Schools of America and Waste Management.

A Beautiful Day for the 6th Annual Clean Up Event

Michael Mason, President (Phelp’s Bay)Amanda Walsh, Vice President (West Arm)Michael Huddy, Treasurer (North Arm Bay)Michael Bosanko, Secretary (Crystal Bay)Katrina Francis (Wayzata Bay)Justin Hickman (Wayzata Bay)Jay Humphreys (Phelps Bay)David Lawrence (St. Alban’s Bay)Candi Stabeck (Lafayette Bay)Scott Stabeck (West Arm Bay)Gedney Tuttle (Brown’s Bay)

THANK YOU,CONTRIBUTORS SINCELAST NEWSLETTER!CAPTAIN ($500 - $999)

Abigail Rose & Michael BlumRonald & Sandy HaberkornGreg & Lori McMillan $500.00David & Ellen RaisbeckTom & Tina VerburgtRosita (Zita) WrightSUSTAINING ($200 - $499)

Win & Barb AdamsJames & Lynn BlakewayPeter BraskTim & Holly CashinPatsy ClouserJudy & Tom EssJohn & Martha GabbertSamuel HeinsBernice HutchinsonWilliam KottemannMikael & Karen KramerGeorge McClintockDavid McCuskeyTom & Kathy MillerGerald & Marilyn MitchellMark MorrisCharles & Candice NadlerTom & Tracy SheehanWilliam & Judith TrubekDennis & Amanda WalshJames & Kathlyn WymanAlan & Bonnie ZiskinRene' & Rick ZonaBASIC (UP TO $199)

John AhernJohn & Patty BaileyMarty BaskervilleJim & Peggy BeardsleyRandy & Pat BoydJudd BrackettTom & Barb BurkeRon CaldwellCollins & Barbara CavenderDave & Carol ColeHarold & Phyllis ConradJohn & Jill Davis

Frank DochertyMark & Cheryl FeinbergGerald & Catherine FischerJohn & Priscilla FolinJohn & Catherine FosterRosemary FruehlingRob and Ann FurstRon & Jennifer GroatRick HansonRalph HatchTom HenkeMike & Bonnie HuntleyJohn & Barb KimballDarwin & Joan KlockersBarry & Julia KnightKenneth & Nancy KoehnenDana & Doug KraayTim & Bonnie LaneRichard & Thelma LareauMatthew & Sharon LevittMorris & Dorthy LevyAllan & Janet LiebrenzDavid LundquistHarold & Cynthia LymanJohn MassieRichard MastJim & Marie Briden McBrideRichard McConnellJames McEachranRoss & Martie McGlassonDan & Deb McGlynnSteve & Patty MillerDouglas MolumbyBill & Stephanie Naeglele

Kent & Lois NorbyDick & Marlys OgleEd & Charty OliverKen & Katie OlsonGeorge C. OwenJohn & Karen PackardDavid ParupskyDavid & Cindy PrattChuck & Carol PriceIvan & Tina RafowitzHelen SchmidtHenry SeeClinton & Lois ShawDale & Marilyn SimmonsCharles & Roseanne SimpsonDouglas & Roban SmithJohn & Arlene SorannoKeith & Val StuessiMark & Joan SyeingasGary & Kay ThompsonJim ToyeBrian & Lise WallerPeter WattsonGary & Pam WesterbergRobert WhiteHelen & J. Kimball WhitneyJon & Robin WilkieRon & Rita ZebeckBUSINESS ($250)

Paradise ChartersLisa Erickson. RealtorRobert A. Schneider Agency

THANK YOU,CONTRIBUTORS TO THEEXOTIC SPECIES FUND!$1,000+

James & Sharon Nystrom$100+

Win & Barb Adams

THANK YOU,CONTRIBUTORS TO THE FIREWORKS FUND!$500+

Ronald & Sandy Haberkorn$100+

Edward & Sherry Ann DaytonDaniel DurdaJames & Kitty HartzellDavid LundquistRobert W. MacDonaldDan & Deb McGlynnDennis G. NelsonGeorge & Sally PillsburyDavid & Ellen RaisbeckGary & Susan RappaportJay & Sharon WeinSheldon & Jean WertUP TO $100

Richard & Kathleen AdamsBrock & Jane AustinRobert and Lynne BatzliCollins & Barbara CavenderDave & Carol Cole

John & Jill DavisWard and Donna EdwardsPaul & Laura EkholmRobert & Judy EvansScott HansonMarti & Art HorwitzRichard & Georgianna KnappCurt & Carol LarsenWalter & Connie LinderRoger & Beverly LindholmMichael & Linda MakiJudy ManuelDr & Mrs Elmer J MartinsonJim & Marie Briden McBrideRoss & Martie McGlassonTom & Toni McGlynnBurton & Rosalyn McGlynnKent & Lois NorbyEd & Charty OliverDave & Kay OwenJohn & Karen PackardFrank PrecopioJohn & Mary ReidheadDale & Marilyn SimmonsRichard & Judith SpiegelDennis & Nancy StangaBud & Karen StannardKeith & Val StuessiJohn ThomasGary & Kay ThompsonAllen & Ellen WadeTom & Barbara WarnerPeter WattsonHelen & J. Kimball Whitney

JOIN OR RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP TODAY! We appreciate new or renewing members using this form–thanks!Please complete this form and mail it with your tax-deductible contribution to the Lake Minnetonka Association, P.O. Box 248,Excelsior, MN 55331. Make your check payable to the “LMA.” Thanks!

Name(s): __________________________________________________________________________ E-mail: __________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip: ____________________________________________________________________ Phone: ____________________________

1. I want to support the LMA at the following membership level:Basic $50 - $199 Sustaining $200 - $499 Captain $500 - $999 Commodore $1000+ Business $350

2. I want to support the “LMA Exotic Species Fund” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ _______________________3. Other or additional contribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ _______________________

The LMA is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

BECOME A LAKE MINNETONKA ASSOCIATION MEMBER TODAY OR SEND A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTION. YOUR SUPPORT MAKES THE LMA STRONG.

Al & Alma’s Supper ClubAltstatt Financial Strategies, Inc.Blue Lagoon MarineCarish, Inc.Counselor Realty-Joel HentgesThe Danberry Co.Edina Realty-WayzataExcel Boat ClubLisa Erickson, Realtor

Greenwood MarineHowards Point MarineColdwell Banker BurnetJR Jones Fixture Co.Monica Kennard, DentistLafayette ClubLake Restoration, Inc.LakeShoreDreams.comLakeshore Interiors

Thank you to LMA members who have joined or renewed their membership. Your dues help support the important work of the LMA. WE NEED MORE LAKESHORE OWNERS AS MEMBERS. Without a solid base of

support, the LMA cannot continue to provide a voice for the betterment of our beautiful lake.

LMA BUSINESS MEMBERSPlease support the following lake-area businesses that contribute to the LMA:

Lakeshore Weekly NewsLindbo Landing MarinaLight Pro’s Inc.Mahogany BayMarineMax MinnesotaMaynard’s RestaurantWilliam Nunn PaintingOsgood ConsultingParadise Charter Cruises

Carrie D. Parente, MDPrairie Restorations Inc.Bob & Mary Ritter, RealtorsRobert A. Schneider AgencyCandi Stabeck, RealtorDon Stodola Well Drilling Co., Inc.Dave Taylor Construction Co.Wells Fargo Lake Minnetonka

Half Marathon

www.LMAssociation.org PAGE 3 SUMMER 2007

www.LMAssociation.org PAGE 5 SUMMER 2007

By Dick Osgood, Executive Director

Unfortunately, exotic species now alsoincludes viruses – technically a ‘non-species’ – but still a serious threat. ViralHemorrhagic Septicemia, or simplyVHS, kills fish and is easily transported.To protect our lake, it is no longeradequate to have the outsides of boatsand trailers visibly free of hitchhikingexotic plants and animal. Boats andtrailers, to be safe, must be completelydry inside and out. This is a tall orderand we do not have the systems in placeto even attempt this.

The State of Wisconsin has taken thethreat of VHS so seriously, they haveadopted emergency rules “that prohibitanglers, boaters and other recreationalusers from moving live fish, includingbait minnows, and water from the LakeWinnebago watershed, Great Lakes,Mississippi River, and those waters'tributaries up to the first dam impassibleby fish. The rules also require thatpeople fishing in those waters useminnows purchased only fromWisconsin licensed dealers.”

Also, quagga mussels, another exoticmussel that is as bad or perhaps worse

than zebra mussel, is in the Duluth-Superior Harbor. This mussel has beenfound in Lake Mead, the lakeimpounded by the Hoover Dam. Nevadaand Federal agencies are recommendingall boaters completely drain water fromboats, flush cooling systems with bleach,wash their boats and trailers and air drytheir boats and trailers for at least fivedays before launching into anotherwaterway. The State of California, isnow inspecting all boats and trailersentering the state to make sure theirstate’s water supplies are safe.

Hydrilla, an exotic plant moreaggressive the Eurasian watermilfoil, isin one lake in Indiana. The State ofIndiana has taken this so seriously, theyhave closed the lake and will treat it forat least three years at a cost of 1.5million dollars – comparable to the Stateof Minnesota’s entire aquatic speciesbudget!

These are three immediate examples.There are dozens more exotic plants andanimals moving our way.

MINNESOTA MUST DO MOREOur lakes, especially Minnetonka, arehighly exposed. As you know, we have

struggled on Lake Minnetonka toimplement a partial protection program.We must do better with that. The Stateof Minnesota must also do much better.The state’s prevention program istoothless and ineffective.

Unlike other states that take thesethreats seriously, Minnesota relies oneducation, awareness and voluntaryaction. We cannot fault this approach asan element of a protection plan, but wealso cannot rely on this alone to protectour waters.

On Lake Minnetonka:• There are no required inspections at

fishing tournaments• Out-of-state license plates are

commonly observed at the publicaccesses

• Inspectors of entering boats provide‘educational’ inspections only

In Minnesota:• There is practically zero enforcement

of aquatic invasive species laws• There is zero inspection of boats and

trailers entering the state• There are no inspections of boats

leaving the Duluth-Superior Harbor

Let’s get serious.

Minnesota is Not Doing Enough

Curlyleaf Pondweedin Lake MinnetonkaCurlyleaf pondweed is the ‘other’ exoticweed in Lake Minnetonka. Curlyleafpondweed has been in Minnesota forabout 100 years, and probably in LakeMinnetonka for that long. This weedcan also become a nuisance, but in LakeMinnetonka is more oftenovershadowed by milfoil. By the timeyou read this, curlyleaf pondweed willhave died back naturally.

Curlyleaf pondweed has been in thenews recently because several area lakeshave problems with it and areattempting to control it. In LakeMinnetonka, as milfoil control becomesmore comprehensive, we will need to becareful to also pay attention to curlyleaf

pondweed. The Lake VegetationManagement Plan, now underdevelopment, will address this potentialnuisance.

protecting native plants that are goodfor fish habitat and water quality.

So what is the delay? Of courseherbicides are not a silver bullet. Weneed more specific information on therange of milfoil growth in the lake anda comprehensive plan to be strategicand protective. The Lake MinnetonkaAssociation supports the preparation ofa Lake Vegetation Management Plan asthe logical next step in controllingmilfoil in Lake Minnetonka.

Controlling Milfoil(continued from page 4)

We have a new logo and a new Web site – but ourcommitment to new thinking and advocacy on the threeM’s (milfoil, mussels and motorboats) remains unchanged.

The Lake Minnetonka Association, as the voice of Lake Minnetonkalakeshore owners and businesses, has put a new face on our leadership incritical areas confronting our lake. Through our ongoing advocacy, we are infact moving the ball forward in all of these areas. Your support has made thispossible.

The Lake Minnetonka Association is also becoming even more vocal on yourbehalf. Dick Osgood, our Executive Director, now has monthly GuestEditorials in the Lakeshore Weekly News. These editorials are intended toinform, educate and catalyze positive action by our local leaders that areentrusted to protect and conserve our lake. Dick brings a wealth of authority,credibility and experience to this task. Dick is incoming President of theNorth American Lake Management Society, an officer and the chair of thePublic Policy Committee of Minnesota Waters and has vast scientificexpertise in lakes.

Lake Minnetonka has many challenges and the Lake Minnetonka Associationhas proven we are up to confronting thesechallenges and making a positive difference.Please continue your support, because thatwhy we do all of this.

Enjoy a safe summer on the lake.

“From The Helm”by Mike Mason, LMA Board President

“ON THE LAKE”is a quarterly publication of the Lake Minnetonka Association,

P.O. Box 248, Excelsior, MN 55331ISSUE 2007:3 • JULY 2007

HOW TO CONTACT THE LMAPhone Number: (952) 470-4449E-Mail: [email protected]

Web Site: www.LMAssociation.org

Mike Mason

Are You a Member? Look at Your Mail Label.As a reminder to our members and supporters, we have added the month

of your membership renewal to the address label on this newsletter. What if there is no month? This means we have not yet had the pleasure of

receiving your support for the LMA. If this is the case, we hope you do become a member and support our advocacy on your behalf.

Cool LogoMerchandise Now AvailableOK, so we want our cool new logo ‘outthere’ and you want to support theLake Minnetonka Association. Here ishow we both get what we want – go towww.CafePress.com/LMAssociation -from there you can purchase all kindsof clothing, mugs, etc. For every itemyou order, the Lake MinnetonkaAssociation receives a small rebate andyou receive the envy of your family,friends and neighbors.

1st Annual Charity Golf ClassicThe 1st Annual Lake MinnetonkaAssociation Charity Golf Classic will be held at the Minnetonka Country Club on August 27, 2007. The golf event is being organized tohelp support the programs of the LakeMinnetonka Association. Sponsorshipand participation information areavailable on the Lake MinnetonkaAssociation Web site. This is a fun way to support our good work.

LMA Blog Into the 21st CenturyOK, this is new to me. However, after investing about five minutes ofresearch and ten minutes getting anaccount set up and a final five minutesposting cool stuff, we present the newLMA Blog. It is easy, and moreimportantly, it will allow us to be incloser contact with our members,friends and anyone who has an interestin what we do and think.

Check it out:www.LMAssociation.blogspot.com

Annual SponsorshipLevels Now AvailableAn annual sponsorship program hasbeen established for the LakeMinnetonka Association. Several levels,each with benefit for businesses, areavailable. Prominent ad placement, highprofiles at events and other benefits areavailable depending on the level ofsponsorship. This is a great way forbusinesses to reach a coveted marketsegment and help the Lake MinnetonkaAssociation protect our beautiful lake.

Contact the Lake MinnetonkaAssociation for more details.

Members’ MeetingThe Lake Minnetonka Associationmembership meeting will be held onSeptember 13th from 6 to 7 p.m. atDeephaven City Hall located at 20225 Cottagewood Road. The LakeMinnetonka Association Board ofDirectors will give an annual update onAssociation activities, report on emergingissues and will recommend adoption ofminor bylaws changes. Proposed bylawschanges will be posted on our Web siteabout a month prior to the meeting.

All Lake Minnetonka Associationmembers, lakeshore residents and lakearea business are welcome to attend.

www.LMAssociation.org PAGE 2 SUMMER 2007