Linda Kics, Secretary
Interested in LLPOA Board Meeting details?
This year has been full of challenges and learning how to do just about everything differently. As secretary for the LLPOA I am tasked with keeping notes for the board meetings as well as the annual meeting usually held in July.
This year due to COVID-19 we were unable to hold our annual meeting, however, if you're feeling nostalgic and would like to "revisit" past meetings the minutes are available on the LLPOA website: www.lonelake.org/reports.
Thank you,
Linda Kics
Zint Kics, Director
Lone Lake was “leveled” many years ago
Information shared by Zint Kics
Lone Lake has an overflow at the east end of the lake that was hand dug in the 1920's to keep the water at a natural average level.
The Minnesota DNR has jurisdiction to determine the overflow from the lake near Township Road 1031 (Tower Hill road) and has given the LLPOA the responsibility to maintain it. This entails removal of any debris that causes blockage and the lake level to increase. Blockage occurs when logs, branches, lake weeds etc. get tangled or lodged in the overflow or culvert screen. Beavers will occasionally dam up the overflow which causes our lake level to rise over the natural level.
There is a team of LLPOA members that check the overflow daily and remove any obstructions that cause blockage in order to maintain the optimal lake
A favorite Lone Lake pastime—-fishing
More “fish stories” from Zint Kics
As noted in a previous article, due to the Covid-19 pandemic the DNR did not stock Lone Lake with walleye fry this year. The Minnesota DNR does assessments/surveys by netting of fish every few years to determine quantity and size of fish species found in that particular body of water. This determines the quantity and size of fish, (only walleye for Lone Lake) that are needed for restocking.
The next scheduled assessment/survey for Lone Lake is scheduled for 2022 but because no walleye fry were restocked in 2020 the lake survey may be postponed.
Information on how and why the Minnesota DNR Section of Fisheries does lake surveys can be found on the following Minnesota DNR website: www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/surveys.html
Steve Frazier, President/Water Use Director
Surface Water Use
When you have over 160 properties on a 433-acre lake, a difference of opinions about water use are bound to happen.
We have had very few complaints this year and no reports from the sheriff. The three concerns we have heard about concern personal water crafts (PWC) and water sports late in the day, boats cruising too close to shore, and boat wave action on the shoreline/water quality.
PWC’s can operate from 9:30 a.m. until one-half hour before sunset (sunset changes daily). Water skiing, tubing, and wake boarding are prohibited from a half-hour after sunset to sunrise under state law. So, let’s be good neighbors!
Secondly, boat cruising too close to shore is not prohibited by law but the LLPOA recommends staying out to a depth of 15 feet to protect the lake bottom and water clarity of the lake. Check out the DNR Lone Lake depth map here.
The third concern is about boat wave action and deep wake boat wakes’ effects on the shoreline and water quality. There are no laws restricting deep wake boats on Lone Lake. Currently, the U of M is researching boat wave action on shorelines and water quality, and the LLPOA will be following the results of that research and reporting to members. We appreciate the wake boat drivers who use the middle of the lake for their activities to lessen their wave effect on shorelines.
On a very positive note, the two baby loons survived the summer and will be migrating sometime in October.
Dave Scott, Water Quality
Water, water, water!
The water level has been lower than the previous years over most of 2020. We have not received any rain events of over three inches. In general it has been a dry summer.
The water clarity has been slightly better than the previous years. Possibly a result of lower water level preventing erosion of the shoreline. Next year I would like to look at the clarity on Fridays vs Mondays on busy weekends to see if boating stirs up the lake water or erodes the shoreline.
Linda Szymanski, Aquatic Invasive Species Team Leader
COVID has impacted Lone Lake and our inspection program like all other areas of our lives in 2020. The LLPOA Board was able to secure a grant again this year to cover the weekend AIS inspections on the lake. The inspections came to a close Labor Day weekend and we are awaiting on the county to provide a year end report. Below are a few highlights from the inspections:
While 25 inspectors are ideal to cover the participating lakes on weekends and holidays, the county was only able to hire 14 inspectors to cover this year for a variety of reasons.
Due to the limited numbers of inspectors, the coverage was moved around to various lakes to get the best coverage possible.
Education remains the key to stopping and/or slowing the spread of aquatic invasives.
Farm Island was confirmed to have Zebra Mussels this year. Diligence in inspecting all watercraft recently on this lake will be a key factor in preventing additional spreading.
At this time, we are not aware if the county or state will have the funds to offer an inspection program in 2021. If funds are available, the LLPOA will apply for an inspection grant. If not, we will need to dust off the volunteer inspections conducted by lake owners on the key holiday weekends.
Looking for a place to demonstrate to your family and friends the gains the world receives from those who volunteer? Please email LLPOA at lonelakepoa@gmail.com to let us know you would be willing to help with boat inspections for 2021 if necessary. Training would be provided. Many hands make light work and keep our lake healthy. Thanks.
Karen Frazier, Treasurer
Treasurer’s Report
The Lone Lake Property Owners Association is in stable financial condition. Although the membership is down due to the pandemic, we currently have 77 dues paying members. We currently have $5,468.98 in savings and $9,554.13 in checking to cover expenses and pay for our matching portion of the county AIS Inspection Program.
We also have dedicated funds set aside to help fight AIS if Lone Lake becomes infested.
Donations by the LLPOA this year were to:
ACLARA = $25
Conservation MN = $150
Aitkin County 1st Responders = $100
U of M/St. Anthony Falls Research Lab = $200
If you would like further details please contact me at kfrazier@usjet.net.
Steve Frazier
Planning and Zoning for Lone Lake properties
The LLPOA created and distributed new owner packers to new lake residents this year. Included in the packet is the Aitkin County Shoreland Homeowner’s Guide to Lake Stewardship. The guide gives new owners guidance in best practices on their lake property and actions needing permits from the county and/or the DNR.
The only two issues we advised members about this year were vacation property rentals and road access by adverse possession. Our role as an association is to educate members when zoning issues arise and to be a link to the Aitkin County Planning & Zoning/Environmental Services.
