07-3081-Spring newslet - Gull Chain of Lakes Association

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GCOLA SET TO USE NEW TECHNOLOGY AGAINST INVASIVE SPECIES Ron Faust, Board Member The Gull Chain of Lakes Association will be installing three new devices on Gull Lake to increase the level of protection against introduction of invasive species into the Gull Chain. New technology has been used to develop the devices, called Internet Landing Installed Device Sensors (I-LIDS). They can monitor and record each boat launch during all daylight hours all season long. They will be working when DNR watercraft interns are not on duty. Developed by a Minnesota company named Environmental Sentry Protection, (www.environmentalsentry.com) in Plymouth, the sensor devices will be mounted this spring at the three major boat launches on Gull Lake. The I-LIDS enclose video cameras and solar panels in stainless steel enclosures. When approaching vehicles are detected, the camera turns on to record short videos. In addition to boat license numbers, the video clips show whether or not plants can be spotted on the trailer or boat motor. This video is then transmitted wirelessly to a nearby high speed data access point, and then to a central monitoring area at Environmental Sentry Protection headquarters. Some video clips will also be monitored by Gull Chain of Lakes Association members on the company’s web site. The devices have been shown to be very effective on other lakes in creating an environment where boat owners are more aware of the possibility of invasive species transmission and more responsible about cleaning their boats and trailers before launch. New warning signs explaining the functioning of the video devices will also be installed. Although zebra mussels and Eurasian water-milfoil have become established in many Minnesota and Wisconsin lakes, the Gull Chain of Lakes has remained free of these infections thus far. The mussels can totally cover dock equipment and present many sharp edges that are a problem for swimmers. Eurasian water-milfoil is a submergent, rooted aquatic plant which grows in water 3 to 15 feet deep. It can become so thick that boats cannot get through it and swimming is impossible. Once established, treatment options for these problems are very expensive and have limited effectiveness. Data on Lake Minnetonka showed that introduction of I-LIDS reduced the number of boats launching weeds from 7.4% to 0.3%. The GCOLA Board of Directors is aware that most boat owners are very careful that their boats and trailers are clean before entering the water. It is hoped this monitoring system will be effective in changing the habits of those not careful enough. GCOLA AWARDED DNR INVASIVES SPECIES PREVENTION GRANT For the second year in a row, GCOLA has been awarded a $5,000 matching grant from the MN Department of Natural Resources to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. The grant will be used to hire trained college interns to conduct watercraft inspections at the three public landings on Gull Lake. Inspectors will be working on weekends and the three major summer holidays when the majority of boat launchings take place. In addition to checking for weeds on watercraft about to be launched, interns will provide educational handouts to watercraft owners. When you see the “Stop Aquatic Hitchikers” flag at a landing, you know an inspector is there. An additional $150 matching grant will be used to purchase “Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers” brochures which will be placed in the GCOLA water safety brochure boxes at the public landings, distributed to property owners and placed in bait shops and marine businesses in the Nisswa area. 6
DNR DOCK RULE REVISIONS Rosemary Goff, Board Member DNR DOCK RULE REVISIONS Rosemary Goff, Board Member In 2007, the Minnesota State Legislature required the DNR to revise its rules for the regulation of structures in public waters by 2010. This came about because there were concerns about the number of larger nonconforming platform docks that were appearing on lakes along with the number of structures in front of some properties. The structures affected by the new rules will include docks and boat lifts. The intent is to establish revised guidelines on the allowable size and number of structures placed in public waters and to define a maximum allowable aquatic impact zone based on what is reasonable. Some of the issues under discussion include the maximum allowable size of docks and platforms, the size of Aquatic Impact Zones, grandfathering of nonconforming docks, permit criteria and the issue of enforcement. The DNR has been conducting public hearings and taking comments, including an online survey. An advisory committee has been meeting throughout the first half of 2009 to provide input in determining what is reasonable use of public waters by lakeshore property owners. Many interesting comments from people around the state and summaries of advisory committee meetings can be found on the DNR website listed below. Final proposed rules will be drafted later this year and released for public comment with additional hearings possible. An Administrative Law Judge will then review the rule and determine if the DNR has demonstrated the need and reasonableness of the proposed rule and whether or not they have legal authority to adopt the rules. The rule goes into effect once it is published in the State Register. Anyone interested in receiving updates on the rule revision process can register with the DNR by going to: www.dnr.state.mn/.us/waters/watermgmt_section/pwpermits/structures_rules.html. More background on the revision process is also available on the DNR web site. Comments, suggestions or questions on the structures rules can also be sent to: structures@dnr.state.mn.us For more information you can also contact Tom Hovey at DNR Waters: 651-259-5654 or tom.hovey@dnr.state.mn.us DOCK DROP Watch for the summer newsletter to appear at your dock in early July. In an effort to expand membership we will be leaving a packet of information, along with the summer newsletter, at every dock on the Gull Chain of Lakes. Anyone interested in helping distribute the packets should call Rosemary at 218-963-3542. 7
Page 1: S p r i n g 2 0 0 9 Nisswa, Minneso
Page 5: WINTER WATER TESTING - 2009 RESULTS
Page 9 and 10: RAIN BARRELS: A WAY OF COLLECTING &
Page 11 and 12: RESERVOIR WATER LEVELS US Army Corp
Page 14 and 15: Gull Chain - Nisswa $995,000 Main G
Page 16 and 17: E-MAILS WANTED! We’re trying to c
Page 18 and 19: SAFETY AND RECREATIONAL REPORT Bob
Page 20 and 21: 2009 NEW MEMBERS AND DONATORS Welco
Page 22 and 23: MEET YOUR BOARD MEMBERS Bob Toborg
Page 24 and 25: GULL LAKE PROFILES Quarterdeck who
Page 26 and 27: GULL CHAIN OF LAKES ASSOCIATION PUB
Page 28: GULL CHAIN of LAKES ASSOCIATION Box

07-3081-Spring newslet - Gull Chain of Lakes Association

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