Steve’s final presidential summary 😊

We had an amazing day to hold this year’s annual meeting. The weather, food, speaker and member turnout was great. It was the perfect ending to my 22 year presidency with some surprises, lots of emotion and a large cake donated by Mike Paulbeck! We honored Gloria Paulbeck and Dave Rued’s memory. Our speaker was Dave McMillan from the Long Lake Conservation Center who described the LLCC and also filled in for our other guest speaker (who fell ill), on the topic of Viewing the Northern Summer Sky.

The annual meeting was called to order and I delivered the state of the association and highlights from the past 22 years. Walt Weisser presented the Distinguished Service Award as he was the one who convinced me to become involved in the LLPOA and then to run for president. Several of the LLPOA Board gave emotional testimonials and presented a gift certificate for me to plant two apple trees that my departed wife always wanted. Yes, there were tears.   

A board recommendation to create a past president advisory position was passed and the board of directors then gave short reports on the year and the LLPOA election was held. A unanimous ballot motion was made and we elected:

• Tiffany Frazier as President

• Linda Szymanski as Treasurer

• Beth-Anne Rowe as Communications Director

• David Scott as Water Quality Team Leader

• Barb Dusbabek as AIS Team Leader

• Bob Burgmeier as Delegate at Large

The organizational meeting of the new board will meet August 12th to finish out this year and start planning for next year.

I personally would like to thank Paulbeck’s Country Market for our delish food at a discount and Mike for the gift of the carrot cake. Also we thank our host Dick Preiner for the use of his amazing facility. Finally, I would like to thank our incredible current and past LLPOA board members and all of you for your involvement, and in the LLPOA. I have loved being your president and look forward to where our new leaders will take us in the future.

See you on the lake!
Steve Frazier, Past President, LLPOA

New LLPOA President’s message 😃

Hello friends of Lone Lake!

I'm excited to step into the presidential role and get to know all of you! Connection is so important for our lake community, so this year’s theme is:

You're never alone on Lone Lake!

I'll be thinking up some fun events to propose to the board at our August 12th meeting. If you have an idea of something fun to do on or around the lake, feel free to email me! tiffanylynfrazier@gmail.com

Have a safe and wonderful summer!
Tiffany

Lone Lake Mid-summer news to stay in the know!

• Lone Lake hats and Lone Lake historical review books…..see photos above and below, are still available. $5 hats (limited colors). Books are $40 (color) and $20 (B&W). 2005 printing but history hasn’t changed, just further back and more historical! Email lonelakepoa@gmail.com of your interest.

Some interested people would like to add more history to this amazing publication. Interested in joining them? Let us know with an email to lonelakepoa@gmail.com

• Aitkin Riverboat Day are coming! August 3-5. Dump Run 5k, Saturday parade, city-wide events, lots of activities for all.

• Have you noticed Lone Lake water clarity has diminished? That is normal for this time of the year. Secchi disc reading was “only” 20 feet. (Remember this compares to 4-6 feet in many area lakes.). Less water (see below) contains more of our pollutants. Please keep a strip of unmowed/natural vegetation next to the water. No fertilizer either. Thanks to bigger boats for staying in the middle of the lake….less turnover of lake bottom materials.

• With rainfall this year about 5 inches below normal, Lone Lake continues to be lower than desired. 1 inch of water on an acre of land is about 27,000 gallons. With Lone Lake being 448 acres, 1 inch across the lake is over 9 million gallons. A sunny day can evaporate an inch of water as well. Easy to see another reason to worry about drought conditions. We need rain.

• We still have the grant opportunity in 2023 for one willow wattle shoreline improvement project. Please email lonelakepoa@gmail.com by July 31 with your lot number and contact information.

Interested in a coir log for your shoreline? Coir logs are made of natural fibers, containing no chemicals or pollutants. Life span of a log can be 2-5-8 years or more. Blocking waves to reduce erosion is their purpose. Most likely you have seen them at construction sites, hillsides, and streams. “Google” coir logs for assorted videos and information. Read more here  

LLPOA is considering a bulk purchase if interest is shown. Please email lonelakepoa@gmail.com by August 5 with your name and lot number if interested. These choices; (willow wattle and coir,) will be on the board agenda, very helpful to know if Lone Lake has interested property owners.

Thinking September? Please add the annual fall road clean-up to your calendar for Saturday, September 9th. 9:00 a.m. Join your neighbors to assist with the perimeter road cleaning of Lone Lake before winter. (Date doesn’t work for you? Let us know in an email that you have/will clean a certain section.) The pandemic taught us that flexibility is the key. Thanks for your help! Delicious (donated…thanks!) Paulbeck’s bakery treats and coffee for you on September 9th..

Pictured are the traveling trophies for the LLPOA boat parade and dock decorating contests. Next year they could be proudly displayed at your cabin. Start your plan now for 2024!

Spiny water flea & water rafts

Reminders from Aitkin County…….

Some Lone Lake property owners got a surprise last week. County inspectors checked swim rafts/slides, etc. that are left on the lake overnight for their registration with the county. Those unregistered raft owners received a reminder that Aitkin County requires you to register the anchored item with them each year. $2/year, sold in 5 year blocks. More information click here

Also a reminder was given to some boat “captains” that MInnesota law requires all children under age 10 to wear the life jacket, not just have it along in the boat. Keep the kids safe!

A Sneaky Cloning Culprit…..not yet in Lone Lake but time to be aware.

We continue to be vigilant for zebra mussels, but what do you know about the spiny waterflea? Thanks to the Aitkin Age, hopefully more county residents are aware of this critter that will hitch a ride on or in your watercraft. Read this

Another reason for a hot bath after using another lake and returning to Lone Lake and our need for inspection at the landing. One such machine is located(on summer weekends) at the nearby Spirit Lake public boat landing. Please read the link above to be more aware. Another way to show you care about your lake.

Safety on Lone Lake

Lone Lake facts: 

• 448 acres of water

• many bays

• the narrows

• a public landing

• a public beach

• some shallow areas

• some deep areas

All used by more than 15 types of equipment and the human body.

How do we share?

Those sunny, calm days. Your dream day from January..

Basic common sense is the most used answer. But what does that mean?

• Stay right when meeting and passing

• Dusk, dawn, night must have lights

• Floating rafts (Aitkin County law) must have reflectors and be registered

• Speed harms? How many watercraft make Lone Lake “busy” for you? An opinion but keep it in mind.

• Life jackets—can yours be seen when in the water? Sun, reflection, and time of day sometimes make certain colors tough to see when in the lake

• Required life jackets under age 10. Not a choice—-state law.

• Jet ski (PWC) hours 9:30 A.M. to 1 HOUR BEFORE sunset MN State law

• Boats, watch your speed within 100 feet of shoreline. Almost no wake. Do your part to control erosion. This is a concern from many owners.

• Watching for swimmers? 448 acres also available to swim/float/tread water

• Swimmers—common sense—if in a normal boat lane of traffic, have a boat of some sort accompany you

• Fishing?—the fish bite location varies. Make sure your watercraft is seen.

• Boats without motors have priority over boats with motors due to steering/speed issues. Motor boats please slow down when in their presence—lessen that wake for others

• Wake boats easily can swamp even pontoons, speed boats and their tuber/skier. etc. Wake boats please stay in deep water to help eliminate huge wakes on shorelines.

• Skiers—drivers should help you have a safe passage with a space cushion around you. Don’t ski through areas meant as a beach.

• Lone Lake narrows—Everyone— a good place for polite consideration of others. Practice your “tricks” out in open water, not shutting down that passage.

Why? Every so often you hear about some of the scary and horrible accidents that happen on a lake. Let’s keep Lone Lake safe for everyone.

Important Dates and Times to Know

All of June

Watch for the LLPOA membership volunteer at your door, often leaving a membership form if they have missed you. Let’s work together to keep Lone Lake clean. Click here for online membership link. Thanks

June 16-17

June 16. Rivers & Lakes Fair needs volunteers to set up at Long Lake Conservation center. Call Aitkin County SWCD @ 218-927-7284 to let them know you can help.

June 17. Rivers and Lakes Fair. 9am-2pm. Bring the family to one of the best Aitkin area outdoor events. Long Lake Conservation Center. Mushrooms, dragon flies, spiders, and loons are some of the 2023 presentations available. AIS and other topics also featured at numerous booths and displays. Free.

July 4

July 4. 8:30 a.m. Annual Lone Lake triathlon. Public beach. Swim, run, bike. Teams or individuals. All are invited to participate or cheer on the competitors.

July 4. 12 Noon. Annual LLPOA boat parade. Decorate your boat (of any type) or your dock to celebrate our freedoms. Meet at the public landing by noon to circle the lake for the dockside spectators. Bad weather cancelled the 2022 event so all are looking forward to your entry. Boats will head west (clockwise). Please add your lot number to your entry for the dock and boat competition.

July 5-8

Aitkin County Fair at the fairgrounds in Aitkin. Fun for all, give it a try.

July 15

11 a.m. Annual LLPOA meeting. Preiner’s garage (thanks) again will be the site of this lunch and presentation. Come visit with Lone Lake neighbors and make new friends. Nothing to bring.

2023 brings with it the opportunity for assistance with your shoreline renovation. Losing too much shoreline due to erosion, etc? Please contact LLPOA with your information and some assistance may be available. lonelakepoa@gmail.com

Spring Road Cleanup 2023

Our Spring Road Cleanup was a huge success with 19 members enjoying coffee and rolls compliments of Paulbeck’s Market. We treasured the help from the two young men who worked hard at collecting garbage and dogs who accompanied others! The roads and ditches around Lone Lake are now cleaned of winter debris. Even a boat cover was found and returned to its owner, thanks to our Facebook readers. Thanks to all who participated either on the planned date and those who walk often and pick up items throughout the year.

Steve Frazier showing off his lake rake for leaves

Summer President's letter

Welcome to another beautiful summer on Lone Lake. First of all we would like to thank you for your membership in the LLPOA. Memberships continue to flow in via our website, mail-ins and from our 16 volunteers making personal calls on members. And thank you also for your generous donations ranging from $25 to $450!

The LLPOA Board met on Saturday, June 3rd to finish planning summer and fall lake events. We also did some serious business getting ready for the change from my presidency to our next LLPOA President. In doing so the board passed a bylaw amendment creating a past president advisory one year position to aid in the continuity of leadership of the lake association.  

If you have been thinking about getting involved in the LLPOA this year of transition is a great year to start! Positions up for election this year are President, Treasurer, Communications, and Team Leaders for Water Quality, AIS, Land Use & Zoning and Water Surface Use as well as two at large positions. So far we have 6 announced candidates for the board. If you are interested please contact me at sfrazier@usjet.net or 612-618-4345 for details and to enter your name.

The announced candidates will in the July LLPOA Newsletter. I have loved being your president these past 22 years and look forward to helping our new leadership take our association to the next level.

Finally, members often ask “What can I personally do to protect the water quality of Lone Lake?” 

One way is to remove drifted-in leaves and vegetation from your shoreline to reduce the phosphate in the lake. I noticed a lot of drift materials on my shoreline so I bought a Lake (Landscape) Rake at the new farm store in Aitkin. Current Secchi disc reading (clarity of the water) was 28.5’. Great for the area, only “so-so” for Lone Lake. We are trending downward.

Second, let’s do our water sports in the deepest parts of our two big bays with at least 150 feet from shore for speedboats and 300 feet for wake boats to reduce wave action on our shoreline. These are best practices that we can all do. 

Thanks and have a great summer on the lake.
Steve Frazier, LLPOA President

Lone Lake need to know news

Lone Lake Jeopardy!

125.75 is the answer. What is the question?

As you hypothesize a bit, read through to the end for the fascinating answer.😉

• May 20, 9 a.m. Spring road clean-up. Planning to see many of you at the public beach for rolls & coffee, generously donated by Paulbeck’s County Market. Work off those delicious calories while doing our annual volunteer work.                        

Many hands = lighter work and get your steps counted.  

Different date work better? Please let us know what is cleaned. Thanks 

• Memorial Day weekend is LLPOA Membership drive kick-off. Best $25 investment. Please utilize the online registration with this link, LLPOA membership, mail in your check and information, or greet the volunteer at your door sometime soon. Thank you!

• June 17. 9am-2pm Rivers and Lakes Fair at the Long Lake Conservation Center Participants and volunteers both needed. Mark your calendar. More info here.

• Is the lake level up in front of your cabin? Overall, compared to Fall 2022, lake levels are currently up 8”-12”.  

Basic fact….the lake loses an inch of depth with about 10 days of sunny warm weather. How many gallons is that?

Leaves in the water in front of your place? Appreciate your effort to rake them out….far less nitrogen leaching into our clean lake.

Thanks to grant funding, AIS inspectors will again be at the Lone Lake public boat landing beginning on fishing opener and summer 2023 weekends. Please thank them for helping to keep our lake free from aquatic invasive species. (AIS)

Changes are on the way in Aitkin county for this service so your efforts, both monetary and cleaning your boat and water items will play a more important role in the coming years. Remind visiting friends of your dedication and request they also check anything going into the water.

• Many thanks to quite a few people over this past year who have stepped up with larger contributions to LLPOA and AIS.  

Several lake members have designated LLPOA to receive a contribution from current or former employer.

Perhaps your employer would recognize your contributions/volunteer efforts with a donation? Ask!

Watch for a kayaking fisherman from a (not so nearby town) who appreciates the clarity and enjoyment from Lone Lake. Tim sent a contribution for AIS education to LLPOA and wants us to know he appreciates your dedication to the lake.

• Concerned about shoreline erosion or other shoreline issues? Grant funding remains for one additional location on the lake to receive volunteer efforts and professional guidance for best maintenance along a lake with native plants. Let us know of your interest, problem and location by emailing lonelakepoa@gmail.com

Finally, the LLPOA Jeopardy answer is—-

What is the actual (Lone Lake) snowfall total for winter 2022-2023 as collected daily by LLPOA member Walt Weisser for the Aitkin County Soil and Water District. 

❄️❄️☃️Really. 125.75 inches of snow☃️❄️❄️

Walt is one of 11 Aitkin County daily collectors, measuring, melting to determine water content, and recording the precipitation right here on our lake. Thank you for your years of effort Walt!

BTW, the Lone Lake area was on the low side for Aitkin County. Usually all areas are within a couple of inches from each other. This year, the old Aitkin county record of 135.4” was smashed by 139” for this past winter.  

Nothing to add to that except sore muscles. Enjoy the summer!

May 2023 | President's letter

Hi Lone Lake Neighbors

We greet spring with glee after the long winter and things are looking great on Lone Lake. The LLPOA Board held its first meeting on Saturday, May 6th and put finishing touches on our spring, summer and fall programs and events. Our first event is coming up is on Saturday, May 20th, our spring road clean-up at 9AM at the public beach. This is a family friendly event so come join us for coffee and rolls donated by Paulbeck’s, cleaning assignments and a group photo as we work to keep the area around the lake beautiful!

There are many changes occurring on the lake: membership, cabin renovations and leadership. This is my last year as your president; having served over two decades. It has been and honor and pleasure and now it is time for new leadership to take our lake association to the next levels. If you would like to serve on the Board please contact Bev Napurski, David Scott or me. Currently we have candidates for President, Treasurer, Communications, Water Quality, and one of two At Large positions. So we need candidates for the positions of At Large, AIS, Land Use & Zoning and Water Surface Use Team Leaders. We would like to have a candidate that could bring the viewpoint of the wake boat perspective on the board. Elections will be held at the Annual Picnic and Meeting on July 15th.

Finally, thank you for your LLPOA membership and support of our lake association. You can join online at www.lonelake.org ;  by mail to LLPOA, Box 10, Aitkin, MN 56431 or starting on Memorial Weekend when one of our membership team will come calling at your door. Dues remain at $25.  

Thank you again and we’ll see you on the lake!  

Steve Frazier, LLPOA President