Fall - Gull Chain of Lakes Association

5GCOLA BUOY PROGRAMTaylor said there’s a misconception bymany who believe buoy placement andupkeep is the responsibility of therespective county’s sheriff’s department.In fact, the Gull Chain of LakesAssociation installs and removes bothenforcement and navigational buoyseach year. The sheriff ’s departmentdirects the association where the enforcementbuoys must be placed; and a combinationof past practice and commonsense dictates where navigational buoyswill go.We’ve ComeA Long Way BabyIn the early to mid-1940s, some of theearliest known buoys in the Gull Chainof Lakes were simply tin Folgers coffeecans used to warn boaters of the rock pileon the “big lake.” Considering volunteersfrom the Gull Chain of LakesAssociation remove 23 enforcementbuoys and over 100 navigationalbuoys on any given year, it’s an understatementto say ‘we’ve come a longway, baby.’John Taylor, former GCOLA Board ofDirectors president and long time volunteerwith the Association, remembersthose formative years when the Jim andTed Dullum families would graciouslytake it upon themselves to place the coffeecans and battery-operated lights onand around the infamous rock pile. Asheaving ice pushed the rock formationbelow the water’s surface, some sort ofwarning system was critical to helpboaters locate the obstacle. Taylorrecalled assisting the Dullums from timeto time and feeling that the need wasgreat to enhance the buoy system on thisgreat Chain of Lakes.In the early years, county law enforcementhad a limited number of metalBob Toborg checking out the buoy system“closed throttle” signs fastened to polesin specified no-wake zones; and, it wasn’tuntil the early 1970s, that enforcementbuoys were supplied and installedaround the Chain. However, Taylor feltmore could, and should, be done toensure boater – and homeowner – safety.In the late 1980s, Taylor began to attendthe Gull Area Lake Association meetingsand voiced his interest in assisting to getmore buoys afloat and in service.In the early 1990s, the lake associationmade its first purchase in the amount of$1,645 for lighted buoys, according toofficial GALA Board meeting minutes.Dave Hochmayr, owner of DH Docksand Tracks in Nisswa, built and providedthe lake association with its first barge toinstall and remove buoys each season. Inthe mid-1990s, the Lake Associationpurchased a buoy barge. Since then,Nisswa Marine has also stepped up toprovide barge maintenance and muchmore.Financial support for all Gull Chainbuoys, including annual maintenanceand replacement, comes strictly fromGCOLA membership dues, along withother earmarked contributions. Familiescan also purchase memorial buoys forthe passing and honor of a loved one.For $500, individuals and businesses alsohave an opportunity to “Adopt a Buoy”for seven years. Both options allow forpersonalization of lettering on therespective buoy.Upon Taylor’s retirement, Bob Toborg,who for many years has assisted Johnwith the buoy system, has now assumedresponsibility for the buoy program.Taylor said an average of 600 hours goesinto the placement, continual maintenance,and removal of buoys during anygiven boating season.“I started doing buoys as a labor of lovefor the lake,” Taylor recalls. Now retiredfrom the GCOLA Board, he says hehopes the tradition will be passed downand carried out by new generations oflake users. “I hope its something thatcontinues. It has really been a passion.”In order for the buoy system tocontinue, donations will needto be increased in the future.Most of the buoys on the GullChain are 15+ years old and thesolar lamps are nearing the endof their life. If you would like tocontribute toward this cause,please consider making a donationto the Gull Chain of LakesAssociation and earmark yourdonation for “BuoyMaintenance.” A place is alsoavailable on membershipenvelopes to add a contributionfor this particular endeavor.

ENDOWMENT FUNDUPDATE6As we near the end of another wonderful year in thelakes area, it’s a perfect time to provide an update on ourGull Chain Preservation Endowment Fund. As you mayremember, in Dec. of 2011 GCOLA entered into a partnershipwith the Initiative Foundation to create anendowment fund that could secure long-term financialsupport for the efforts needed to maintain and preservethis amazing natural resource that we all so enjoy.Due to the generosity of many GCOLA members andothers, we have reached our first goal of raising $25,000.This has now been met by the Initiative Foundation tobring our total fund balance to over $50,000. Thanks toeach and every one of you who have made a contributionto this effort!Now we have an additional challenge before us – to raiseanother $25,000 before the end of 2013 in order toqualify for the last of the matching funds through theInitiative Foundation. This is a wonderful opportunityand we are looking to our members for their continuedsupport. Contributions made before the end of 2012 canprovide certain tax benefits.Donations in the form of stock, real estate and otherbequests can be made in addition to cash gifts. Checkscan be made payable to the Initiative Foundation, withGCOLA in the memo line and mailed to the InitiativeFoundation/GCOLA, , Little Falls, MN 56345.Remember your gift to the Gull Chain PreservationEndowment Fund is fully tax deductible. GCOLA is a501 ©3 nonprofit organization. If you need any additionalinformation, please contact Marv Meyer at218-828-9577 or mpatmeyer@msn.com or ArlaJohnson at 218-963-7954.$50,000for matching funds$40,000$30,000Currently +$25,000$20,000$10,000218-963-7700ON Gull Lake, trailer Away or We Deliver!GULL CHAIN of LAKESASSOCIATIONPontoons • Ski Boats • Wakeboard BoatsJet Skis • Fishing Boats • Travel TrailersSnowmobiles • Fish Houses4758 County Rd. 77, NisswaON Gull Lake, Trailer Away or We Deliver!4758 County Rd. 77, Nisswa

7SHERWOOD FORESTRAIN GARDENS COMPLETEDVolunteers from the Gull Chain of Lakes Association plantedtwo rain gardens below Sherwood Forest Tavern on September25th. Planning for this project started in 2011, when it wasnoticed that rainwater could drain all the way from InterlachenRoad to Lake Margaret. Plat diagrams indicated that the sitewas on a public access road just south of the Sherwood Forestcabins. The rain gardens will collect runoff into shallow pondswhich hold the water until it can soak into the ground.Decreasing storm water runoff is recommended as one of thebest ways to improve water quality in the lakes.City Administrator Teri Hastings and the Lake ShoreEnvironmental Committee had worked for 14 months to getthis project accomplished. DNR Shoreline Specialist HeatherBaird added technical expertise and selected the plant list,which included 32 species suitable for partial shade in wet anddry environments. Both finished the job by joining the volunteerplanting team. 1000 plants were planted; thirty twospecies of wild flowers and grasses were used.Ron Faust, Board MemberGCOLA and Lake Shore volunteers finish planting on two rain gardens atSherwood Forest. From left to right: Linda Naley and Ike Halliwill.Husband have too many toys?Big stuff, little stuff, or just too much stuff. We can help.John A. Taylor II, CPABox 810Nisswa, MN 56468• Units starting at $40/month• Gated keypad access & 24/7 security• Drive-up & covered access• Climate-controlled, heated& oversized units• FREE use of enclosed trailer for move-in16231 Hwy 371 Northwww.LakeRegionStorage.com Brainerd: (218) 822-3222218-963-7652Tax Returnsjohn@tayloraccounting.bizPaula & Brian FinneyO F F I C ET O L L F R E E(218) 454.DIRT (866) 829.5529dirtdevil@brainerd.netC U S T O M I Z E D C O M M E R C I A L & R E S I D E N T I A L C L E A N I N GI N S U R E D & B O N D E D S E R V I C I N G I N A 4 5 M I L E R A D I U SP. O . B O X 7 6 2 , B R A I N E R D , M N 5 6 4 0 1FREE 1 Hr Cleaning – Call For Details

FIRST GALA WAS A SUCCESS8Thanks to all who attended the Gull Chain of LakesAssociation’s first Gala Event – July 30, 2012 at Grand ViewLodge in Nisswa. The Gala drew over 350; a capacity crowdat Grand View’s largest venue.This event couldn’t have been possible without the generosityof many in our community, including many businesses andindividuals who donated items for the silent auction and purchasedtickets to the event. A special thanks goes to LakesPrinting for help with many printed items used to publicizeand run the event. Also, the Grand View Lodge staff wereindispensable in making details of the event go smoothly.Special thanks to Hoot and Mary Lynn Gibson for designingand donating the decorations. Rosemary Goff spent innumerablehours keeping track of ticketing and other financialdetails, as well as correspondence.The planning committee was initially concerned about transitioningGCOLA to a paid event from the free picnic that hadaccompanied the annual membership meeting foryears. Mission accomplished! That committee included Ronand Claire Faust, Ken and Becky Stover, Ike and SharonHalliwill, Rosemary Goff, Marv Meyer, and Hoot Gibson.“This was the first Gala, and we didn’t quite know what toexpect.” noted GCOLA Board Member Ron Faust. “Buteveryone we asked to help gladly rolled up their sleeves tomake this event happen.”Aquatic ecologist and former legislator Darby Nelson, authorof For Love of Lakes, was the featured speaker. His enthusiastictalk and slides increased awareness of a bigger picture of what’sgoing on in our lakes; his focus was not just invasive speciesthat have received so much attention in recent years.Attendees enjoyed social time, a silent auction, dinner andpresentation. Proceeds from the event will go towardGCOLA’s continuing efforts as stewards of the Gull Chain ofLakes.Initial planning for a 2013 Gala has already started; the dateis set for Monday, July 29, 2013.Ron Faust introducing guest speaker Darby Nelson.

9GULL LAKE CREEL SURVEYMarc Bacigalupi, MN DNR Brainerd Area Fisheries SupervisorLegislation recentlypassed thatincreased the costof a fishing licensefrom $17 to $22effective March2013. Thismoney constitutesa major source offunding for fisheries management activitiesby the DNR. Go to:http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/heritage/index.html for more information. But whatdoes that specifically mean to you? Weuse these funds for stocking 2.8 millionwalleye fry in the Gull Chain of Lakesannually. We conduct a fish populationsurvey on Gull every three years with2013 being the next scheduled survey.And, though they are chronically underfunded,a very important component ofevaluating whether our management isworking is through creel surveys whichdetect the amount of fishing pressureand actual fish harvest that occurs on awater body. With passage of the licenseincrease we are able to fund a creel studyfor Gull Lake in 2013. I can honestlysay that would not have occurred withoutthe increase, and I sincerely thankthose who supported it. The concurrentsurvey and creel will also serve as valuablebaseline data in our ever changingenvironment (think invasive species, climatechange, …). We want to continueto return great value for your fishinginvestment.If you have someone approach you in aboat with a DNR logo next summer,relax, it may not be a ConservationOfficer. It may be a creel clerk that willconduct a quick interview on your fishingouting. It’s a great way for us to getin-depth, quantitative knowledge ofwhat’s happening on Gull Lake.

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11ZEBRA MUSSEL REPORTThis past summer, the DNR under the Invasive Species Program in the Department ofEcological Resources began an investigation of zebra mussel densities at various sites in GullLake. The goal was to determine which sites would be suitable for long term monitoringshould funding become available. These investigations were lead by Dan Swanson, DNRinvasive species specialist in the Brainerd office.The first investigation involved the use of divers to determine the average number of zebramussels per square foot along a 250 foot transect of increasing depth. The results are shownin Table 1.Table 1. Zebra mussel count at six transect sites on Gull Lake on July 12, 2012.Transect Depth Quadrant number at increased depth Average CountLocation Range & count per sq. ft. per Sq. Ft.1 2 3 4 5Dutchman’s Bluff 7’ – 18’ 610 23 60 NA NA 231Rock Pile 9’ – 26’ 105 132 15 2 0 51Cinosam Bar 14’ – 37’ 365 170 125 107 67 161Bow Tie Bars 8’ – 24’ 790 320 446 81 3 328NW of Gull Pt. 18’ – 38’ 16 2 1 0 0 4Floan’s Point 8’ – 32’ 1,000* 79 67 3 1 230*EstimateAs can be seen, the zebra mussel densities vary widely according to location. The obvious conclusion is that the zebra musselinfestation has, so far, not affected all parts of the lake equally.The second investigation was conducted to determine the presence of zebra mussel veligers, which are larvae. Zebra musselsMaking Dreams HappenFor Over 20 Years!Start to Finish Builders & Remodelershas been building dreams – and areputation for giving our clients thegreatest value for their building dollar –for over 20 years. We focus on qualitycraftsmanship and attention to detail.Our clients appreciate the stress-freeStart To Finish construction processthat takes you from idea to completedproject on budget and on time.If you are ready to build a new homeor have a remodeling project, choosethe Lakes Area!s award-winning builder– Start to Finish!Start to Finish Builders & Remodelers17025 Commercial Park Rd. Suite #4Brainerd, Mn 564011-218-828-0585MN Contractor License #20637395starttofinishbuilders.com

ZEBRA MUSSEL REPORT12reproduce by releasing eggs and sperm into the water. The fertilized egg develops into a free-floating larva called a veliger. Sinceveligers cannot swim, water currents disperse them. In one to five weeks, the growing veliger develops a “foot” and begins tosettle out of the water column. The veliger crawls about on the bottom using their “foot” searching for a suitable place to attachto. Once attached, they develop into adults.Three of the four areas chosen to sample were the same as in the first investigation. Since the size of a veliger is about that of apencil dot, a plankton net was used to collect a sample, which was then preserved and sent to St. Paul for microscopic analysis.Based on the August samples (see Table 2), the specialist in St. Paul concluded that this was a good reproduction year. TheSeptember samples indicate that reproduction was over for the year and that settlement of veligers was almost complete (see table2).Table 2. Veliger counts at four areas on Gull Lake.Sample Area Maximum Depth Number of Veligers onAug. 6 Sept. 24 Aug. 6 Sept. 24Rock Pile 25’ 22’ 835 9Bow Tie Bar 21’ 24’ 2,154 121NW of Gull Pt. 18’ 25’ 2,070 20Steamboat Bay, 22’ 35’ 210 1E of Cragun’s ResortAs GCOLA removed buoys this fall, the equipment was checked for zebra mussels. Nozebra mussels were found on any buoys, including anchors and chains, in any of theother lakes in the chain. Sadly, in late October, Bradow Dock reported finding an adultzebra mussel on a dock on the east end of Roy Lake. That is the first zebra mussel theyhave found north of the Highway 77 bridge by Zorbaz’s.Plankton net used to sample forzebra mussel veligers on Gull Lake.RELAX. REJUVENATE. UNWIND.ASK ABOUTOUR FREEMEMBERS CLUB.MASSAGESBODY TREATMENTSHYDROTHERAPYFACIALSMANICURES/PEDICURESON GULL LAKE • NISSWA218.963.8700GRANDVIEWLODGE.COM

13IT WAS THE SUMMER OF 2012Rob Johnson, Board Member, Gull NarrowsAfter speaking to a number of folks, theconsensus was the summer of 2012 overallwas a great one on the Gull LakeChain. The weather, although morehumid than usual, was warm and invitedboth lakeshore owners and guests tospend more time up north at the lake.Unfortunately, one major negative wasthe increasing presence of zebra musselsthroughout much of our beloved watersbut GCOLA has worked diligently tostem the growth of this menace.We have continued to place interns, viaa cost sharing agreement with the DNR,to manually inspect boats coming in andout of the Lake. The inspectors were insearch of damaging invasive species suchas Eurasian milfoil, curlyleaf pondweed,hydrilla and zebra mussels. Throughelectronic sensors at each public landingand the afore-mentioned “hands-on”deterrents, most boaters did pay closerattention to their boats & trailers; butcitations were still issued.During the past year, the LakeAssociation, through your dues, installedand removed nearly 120 navigationalbuoys – the majority with solar lighting- throughout the Chain. We have alsosupplemented our water testing andmonitoring programs along with kids &water safety programs. The list of programsGCOLA funds and supports ismuch too long for this limited space.Your continued financial support isgreatly appreciated, but we also needyour time and talents. We do have anopening on our volunteer Board, it doesrequire one monthly meeting per monthand the use of your expertise. Bothretired and very much employed individualson our Board; although we’re allvery busy in our day-to-day lives; andmany of us are not year-round residents.The future of the Gull Chain is at stake.Isn’t it worth a little of your spare time toensure the beauty of our Lake will still behere for your kids and grandkids?Please consider joining our Board or atleast attending a meeting. Have questions?Feel free to give me a call and let’stalk. I promise you won’t get a hard sell.Lost Lake LodgeThe Lost Lake Lodge on Gull Lake has the best food in thearea. Service and atmosphere is matched by no other. Weoffer an extensive wine and beer list and serve it all to youin a resort style dining experience. We are open from midMay to mid October. Come by car or boat to the North endof Gull Lake to visit our restaurant/resort. Call forreservations 218-963-2681. For a sample of our menu go towww.lostlake.com7965 Lost Lake Road • Lake Shore, MN 56468P: 218.963.2681 • F: 218.963.0509vacation@lostlake.com

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15MEET YOUR BOARD MEMBERSU L D I S B I R Z N I E C K SUldis Birznieks isthe newest memberof the GullChain of LakesAssociation Boardstarting his threeyear term inAugust 2012.Uldis was born inGermany andimmigrated to theUnited States as a4 year old with his Latvian parents and younger brother. Theysettled in the small town of Webster in northeastern SouthDakota. Webster was the hub of the Glacial Lakes region ofSouth Dakota so as a youth Uldis enjoyed summers at EnemySwim Lake and surrounding lakes for swimming, boating, fishingand water skiing.Uldis received his BS and MS degrees in Electrical Engineeringfrom South Dakota State University. But the best thing thathappened at SDSU was that it was there that met his futurewife, Patricia. After college, Uldis and Pat spent seven years inthe San Francisco Bay Area in Silicon Valley. Uldis served fourof those years as an officer in the US Air Force at the SatelliteTest Center in Sunnyvale, CA. They wanted to raise their childrenin a Midwest environment so they moved to Minnesotaand settled in Burnsville.Uldis enjoyed 36 years at Control Data and General Dynamicsin the Twin Cities in engineering and program management,business development and executive management. As aBusiness Area Director, he led businesses that developed highperformance computing systems, data storage systems andpayload integration systems for the Department of Defenseand international customers.Uldis and Pat first visited the Brained Lakes at Cragun’s resortin 1982 where their oldest daughter learned how to water skion Gull Lake. They loved the “Up North” feel of the CentralLakes region and purchased a cabin on Woman Lake. Whenthey started looking for a place to retire, Pat urged them tomove to Gull Lake. They found their home on Birch Island inSteamboat Bay. They said that when they first crossed thecauseway out to Birch Island to look at their future home, theywere “hooked.” They have lived on Birch Island for 8 yearsand love every minute of it.Uldis and Pat have three daughters and six grandchildren, allwho love to spend time with Grandma and Grandpa at GullLake. In his spare time, Uldis enjoys golfing, walleye fishing,downhill skiing, tennis and boating the grandkids around GullLake tubing and water skiing.Uldis says, “The GCOLA Board is a pleasure to work with. Itis a very dedicated team. We have significant challenges on theGull chain both today and in the future. I am firmly convincedthat the lake property owners on the Gull Chain feelthey are stewards of the lake and with an organization such asGCOLA, we will be able to meet those challenges and protectthis beautiful lake for generations to come.”M E E T M O R EGCOLA BOARD MEMBERSby attending our regularly scheduled monthly meetings.See page 22 for more information.

GCOLA BOARD MEMBERRECEIVES LAKE FRIENDLY AWARD16Gull Chain of Lakes Association Board member Ron Faust andhis wife Claire were recently awarded the annual LakescapingAward for work they have done on their shoreline as well asbeing “citizen activists for shoreline restoration and role modelsfor the entire Gull Lake community”. The Fausts were honoredas homeowners who used native vegetation and naturalmaterials to landscape their riparian property.The Lake-Friendly Development awards began in 2003 whenenvironmental organizations, along with the MinnesotaDepartment of Natural Resources, combined efforts to publiclyrecognize homeowners, contractors and local units of governmentthat have chosen to develop or redevelop theirlakeshore or riverfront properties in full compliance withshoreland zoning ordinances and ecologically sustainable andsensitive principles. It is hoped that through these awards, ecologicallysensitive development along lakeshore and river shorewill become the fashionable trend.The award consisted of a framed Jerry Raedeke’s print andthree reference books on shoreline restoration. In addition tohis environmental work through the Gull Chain of LakesAssociation Board, Ron is also Chair of the City of Lake ShoreEnvironmental Committee. Congratulations Ron and Claire!Ron and Claire Faust receiving their lakescaping awardO V E R 5 0 Y E A R S E X P E R I E N C EACCOUNTING:Personal & Business Financial StatementsAUDITING:Small Business, Gambling & Other Non-ProfitBOOKKEEPING:Payroll & Other Data ProcessingCONSULTING:Management & Computer Advisory ServicesFINANCIAL PLANNING:Personal & Business Financial PlanningINVESTMENT COUNSELING:Personal & Business InvestmentsDesigned for YouB. Johnson & Assoc., Ltd.CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTSTAX SERVICES:Personal, Business, Estates & Gift Tax ReturnsMulti Station App Parties • Rent-A-ChefHigh End Pig Roasts • In Home BrunchesDemonstration DinnersCall Today • 218.824.644415115 Edgewood Drive • Baxter, MN 56401www.prairiebay.comB r u c e J o h n s o n , C PA • C h r i s Fo r d , C PAM a r k G e r b e r, C PA , • To m Te a s c k , C PA218-829-3501Business Hwy 371 S11610 Andrew St.Brainerd, MN 56401218-963-3424Nisswa OfficeKurilla Building #2Nisswa, MNwww.brainerdsCPAs.com

17CITY OF LAKE SHORE TRAIL 77The City of Lake Shore and the Trail 77 Team announced thata grant application for Phase One of the trail was submitted tothe and Trails Legacy Grant Program in September. Phase Oneof the trail will be located on the south side of CSAH 77 andwill start at Sandy Beach Road and continue as far as grantfunding allows, the goal being to reach Sherwood Forest inPhase One. The planned location of the trail is along theCSAH 77 corridor. Maps of the corridor are posted at CityHall and on the City website (www.cityoflakeshore.com).The mission of the Trail 77 Team is:To establish a multi-use recreational trail system along the77 corridor, providing a safe environment within the Cityof that may save lives and prevent serious injuries. We willwork with property owners to determine the best trail routing,while preserving and enhancing the scenic and economicenvironment in .The Lake Shore City Council tasked the Trail 77 Team to workon achieving a trail in 2011. The Trail 77 Team formation wasthe culmination of several previous City trail efforts includingthe goal of establishing a recreation trail system as set out in the2006 City Comprehensive Plan, a 2007 Community Survey inwhich 77% of respondents favored establishment of a trail,and a 2010 Cooperative Agreement with Cass County, CrowWing County, Fairview Township, and the City of East GullLake committing to coordinate trail-wide administration.The Trail 77 Team has been working on the project since 2011and has sought public input throughout the project. The publicis invited to all Trail 77 Team meetings which areannounced in the paper and on the website. Public meetingswere held in May and August of 2012. In addition to themeetings, the team has worked to keep the public informedthrough the website, newspaper articles, and through door-todoorefforts. All recommendations made by the Trail 77 Teamare taken to the City Council for review and approval prior toproceeding with any work.The City of Lake Shore has not expended any funds on thetrail as of the writing of this article. Trail efforts to date havebeen funded through grants from Cass County Fund 73($20,000) and The Initiative Foundation ($3,000). Thesegrants allowed the City to hire SEH (Short, Elliott,Hendrickson, Inc.), an engineering firm based in with anBRAINERD PROPELLER, INC.LAKES AREA WELDINGWE ARE NATIONALLY CERTIFIED IN PROPELLER REPAIRWE REPAIR - STAINLESS STEEL, NIBRAL, ALUMINUM- Skeg Repair- Propeller sales,new & used- Dockside Service- Pontoon Leak Testing- Propshaft straightening- Insurance claims- General welding& repairBRAINERDPROPS.COM218-824-000018185 State Hwy 371NBrainerd, MN 56401Nothing warms a room like a cozy cabinet.17753 State Hwy 371, Brainerd, MN • 218-828-0620 • www.CrowWingCabinets.comProudly Serving America’s Heartland Since 1955!Brainerd/BaxterHwy. 371 NorthSee our complete selection of Marine,Fishing and Outdoor Gear!Shop online, anytime, anywhere at fleetfarm.comStore Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8am-9pm • Sat. 8am-8pm • Sun. 8am-6pmAuto Center Hours: 8am-6pm everyday

CITY OF LAKE SHORE TRAIL 7718office in Brainerd, to help with the preliminary work and grantwriting that has enabled the City to prepare and submit theand Trails Legacy Grant Program grant application. It is theintent of the City to fund the great majority of the cost of thetrail through grants. In addition, a Trail 77 Team sub-committeehas been formed to work on fund-raising from privatesources such as family and corporate foundations. To date privatein-kind donations have been received to support Trail 77Team logo development, t-shirt, bumper stickers, and otherdesign work, and hundreds of volunteer hours have been contributed.Since the construction schedule of the trail will largely be dictatedby the availability of funding, the project has been brokeninto three phases. The goal is to begin Phase 1 constructionsometime in 2013. Subsequent phases will follow asfunds become available and this will be a multi-year project.While increasing safety along CSAH 77 is a major goal of thetrail, preserving and enhancing the natural beauty of CSAH 77and the City of Lake Shore is also in the forefront of goals forthe trail. During the design phase, the engineering firm will bedirected to preserve as many of the trees and natural featuresalong the trail as possible.The long-term goal, as outlined in the 2010 CooperativeAgreement, is the realization of a trail around the entirety ofwith connections to the Paul Bunyan State Trail. is not currentlyworking on a trail, however, the City of has a trail inplanning that will connect with the City of Lake Shore boundaryon CSAH 77. The Trail 77 project began as a vision ofgovernment and citizens. strongly promotes this project as acommunity effort and wants citizens to become and stayinvolved. To get started, contact the people listed below.The Trail 77 Team and the City Council and staff, as well asthe City’s consultant, SEH, can help you:City Administrator: ..................Teri Hastings, 218.963.2148Police Chief: ........................Steve Sundstrom, 218.963.2148SEH Consultant:..................Matt Reid, SEH, 218.855.1714Open Wednesday–Saturday at 5 PM“ Early Bird” Specials from 5 –7 PM“ Happy Hour” in Martini Bar from 5– 7 PMRecipient of Wine Spectator Award from 2003–2011Catering Available at Your Place or in Our Lakeview RoomTables/ChairsTents/CanopiesGrills • LinensWedding SuppliesGames • DecoratingDJ in a Box218-829-6300www.PartyTimeRentalMN.comThis Coupon is Good for $10 Off Your Food Bill.(NOT Valid with other Specials or Promotions)EXPIRES 1 2 –31–2012Thank You from Iven’s!19090 Hwy 371 N. Brainerd, MN 56401 / 218.829.9872

19PREPARING SEASONAL SEPTIC SYSTEMSAND CABINS FOR WINTERClosing a septic system for the winter is a vital task for seasonalhomeowners to prolong the life of the system and to keep itoperating at peak performance. Precautions taken in the fallcan help prevent a frozen system.WINTERIZING THE PIPES IN THE CABIN- Do not add automotive antifreeze, salts or any other additivesto your plumbing.- If you leave the water on for the winter, be very sure thereare no leaks or drips. This constant, low flowof water can cause septic system freezing. This is commonwith high efficiency furnaces.- Even if the heat is left on, it is a good idea to drain watersupply lines. Shut off the water where it enters the house anddrain all lines. Drain the pump and then run a couple of secondsto be sure all water is out of the lines. Drain the systemby opening all the faucets, leave faucets open. Completelydrain the pressure tank. Flush toilets and add RV antifreeze tothe tanks at the recommended dilution ratio. Check flexiblehoses in sinks and bathtubs to be sure they are drained completely.Remove and drain inlet hoses for the dishwasher andclothes washer. Clear the water valve by starting the machinefor a few seconds, then drain the tub. Remove the drain hoses,drain completely. Disconnect the electrical supply to thepump, water heater, softener, washer and dishwasher. Drainthe water heater and water softener with a hose after the poweris disconnected. RV antifreeze can be added to traps in thesink, bathtub and shower drains, washtubs, floor drains andsump pumps. In the spring, re-connect all hoses and flush thelines out before using again.- For those using the cabin periodically throughout the winter,set the thermostat to 50 degrees and open the doors of cabinetsthat have pipes in them so heat can get in. Pipes can alsobe insulated, or wrapped with heat tape.FURNACEIf you have a high efficiency furnace that is left on for the winter,be sure there is no water drip into your system. Freezingcan result. Re-route the drip water to a floor drain, bucket orother source that does not enter the septic system at all, orenters in larger amounts. This water does not harm the septicsystem, but entering in very small amounts causes a trickle ofwater, which can freeze more easily. If shutting off the furnace,drain all water from forced hot water and steam systems unlessthe system contains antifreeze. If that is the case, call aplumber for assistance. If leaving the furnace on, it is a wiseidea to conserve energy by installing a low-heat thermostat thatwill maintain the cabin at 40 degrees.SEPTIC SYSTEM MAINTENANCE- Consider pumping the tank if closing the cabin for the winter,or if it will only be used a few times during the winter. Ifyou live in an area with a high water table, you should onlypump out the tank if the tank was designed for high watertable conditions. If a tank is left full but the system is not usedfor the winter months, the sewage will get very cold, and caneven freeze. If the cabin is opened before temperatures in thesoil start to rise, the effluent leaving the tank will be cold,which is not desirable in the soil treatment area.- To help prevent septic systems from freezing, spread a layerof straw or leaves over the system to provide insulation.- Do not plow snow off the area or store plowed snow overthe drainfield.SEALING WINDOWS AND AIR LEAKSGoing through the cabin and sealing windows and air leakswill help conserve energy and save dollars for those who heat acabin year-round. While you check for air leaks you may alsowant to have some steel wool on hand to plug any holes largeenough to invite critters into the cabin while you are away.Mothballs or dryer sheets around the cabin also keep unwantedpests out.Sources:University of Wisconsin Extension;MN Pollution Control Agency

G U L L L A K E P R O F I L E SRAINBOW BAY RESORTThis is an ongoing column focusing on local businesses and community leaders in the Gull Chain of Lakes area.20Rainbow Bay Resortwas established in the1940’s and sits on thenorthwest side of LakeMargaret. After goingthrough several owners,Roger and HelenReynolds purchased itin 1960 from JohnPalmer. The Reynoldslived in Davenport,Iowa, and decided to purchase a resort and move to Minnesotafor medical reasons. The young couple had never worked innor owned a resort and walked into a full resort the openingday of fishing, May 15, 1960. Their first few days were spenttrying to hire cleaning crews and figuring out what running aresort was all about. The original resort had five cabins and atavern. The Reynolds remodeled the tavern into their home.Fifteen years later they purchased the adjoining resort, Hallett’sHideway, which consisted of six cabins, a club house and summerhome. They were often asked, “How do you like owninga resort and being in the hospitality business?” Their answerwas always “The best mistake we ever made.”In order to supplement their income (or as Roger said “inorder to eat”) he went to work for Freeman and Kummet as a“pretty good country accountant”. After 30 years with the firmhe retired at age 75. In addition to his many years as a memberof GCOLA, Roger currently serves as treasurer of the LakeMargaret Conservation Association. He has also been involvedwith the Methodist Church in Brainerd for 52 years as atrustee and corporate treasurer. Over the years has served aspresident of the Nisswa Lions, the Nisswa Chamber ofCommerce and Paul Bunyan Vacationland Association. AsPresident of the Lions he was instrumental in establishing theNisswa Community Center and managing their charitablegambling program which paid for the building.Several years ago, the Reynolds sold all but three of the cabinsto their neighbor. At the time, Roger decided that operating aresort of three cabins was more than enough at age 80. (Hisneighbor likes to tell the story that when Roger was 80 yearsyoung, he took out a 30 year mortgage.) Helen subsequentlydied in 2011. They had been married 65 years.Roger now sees second and third generations coming backeach summer. When he purchased Rainbow Bay Resort therewere nine resorts on Lake Margaret. Now there is one. Whenasked where he goes on vacation he replies “Why do I want togo away when this is my Eden.” This year for his 90 th birthday,he gave himself a brand new pontoon boat, the first pontoonhe’s ever owned.E X P E R I E N C Ethe Difference• Money Management• 1031 Real Estate ExchangeCall...829-5862 or 888-335-5862For a Unique ExperienceSecurities offered through Pacific West Securities, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC,Investment Advisory services through Pacific West Financial Consultants, Inc.,A registered Investment Advisor.

21John & Cathie Foster, RoyGregg & Julie Getchell, GullBill Sironen, GullKathy Zurek, GullWELCOME2012 NEW MEMBERSPLEASE JOIN THE GULL CHAIN OF LAKES ASSOCIATIONDues for the lake association are $50 per year. They are payable anytime from January 1 – December 31. We are a501(c)3 nonprofit corporation which means that all money donated by you over and above the $50 dues amountis tax deductible. If you have not sent in your dues for this year, now is a great time to do so. Contributions abovethe $50 dues are greatly appreciated. You can get membership forms on our website at: gcola.org. Renewalnotices for 2013 will be mailed in January.Dues can be sent to Box 102, Nisswa, MN 56468GULL CHAIN of LAKESASSOCIATIONGULL CHAIN OF LAKES ASSOCIATION2012 MEMBERSHIP DUES STATEMENTDues for the lake association are $50 per year. They are payable anytime from January 1 – December 31. We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporationwhich means that all money donated by you over and above the $50 dues amount is tax deductible. If you have not sent in yourdues for this year (Since January 1, 2011), now is a great time to do so. Contributions above the $50 dues are greatly appreciated.PLEASE USE THIS FORM: Please provide the information requested below and send with your 2012 dues to the address indicated. Wehave also provided a space for any additional contributions that you would like to make to the Invasive Species Fund. Thank you!!!Name: ____________________________________________________________________________________Mailing address: __________________________________ Lake address: ______________________________________________________________________________________Home Phone:__________________________________________________________________________________Lake Phone: ________________________________________Email address: ______________________________ Cell Phone: ________________________________________2012dues: $50.00+ Invasive Species Fund ________ + Endowment Fund ________ + Buoy Fund ________= Total Contribution: ________

GULL CHAIN OF LAKES ASSOCIATIONPUBLIC MISSION STATEMENT22The Gull Chain of Lakes Association is an alliance ofwatershed property interests within the Gull Chain of Lakesin Cass and Crow Wing Counties. The Association is devotedto the restoration and continued preservation of the highestwater quality and environmental standards achievable,promotion of the responsible use of land and water resourcesand recreational safety on the Gull Chain of Lakes.The Gull Chain of Lakes Association is dedicated torepresenting the interests of lake property owners without biastoward either seasonal or full time residents. The Association’sprimary responsibilities include educating members aboutbest management practices to conserve water quality, watersafety, and controversial lake issues.LAKES PRINTING CONFIDENTIALITY POLICYLakes Printing in Brainerd is the only business that is allowed access to our Association member list and only for the purposeof mailing our newsletter. They have issued the following confidentiality policy.We have a strict policy of confidentiality. We will not sell, trade, swap or in any other way use your list for anythingexcept mailing your newsletter. We understand fully that you are the owner of the list and we simply have an electroniccopy on our system for your use. This policy is not just for the Gull Chain of Lakes Association, it is applied to all customers.PLEASE CHECK OUT YOUR NEWSLETTER ON OUR WEBSITE:W W W. G U L L C H A I N O F L A K E S A S S O C I AT I O N.ORG OR W W W. G C O L A.ORGALL ARE WELCOME TO OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGSYou are all welcome to join us at our monthly Board of Directors’ meetings.The 2013 meetings will be held on January 5, February 16, March 16, April 20, May 18, June 15,July 20, August 17, September 21, October 19, November 16, and December 21.We meet at Grand View Lodge at 8:30 a.m. and usually adjourn around 10:00 a.m.The annual meeting is scheduled for July 29, 2013. Come see what we do.121 4th Street NEStaples, MN 56479218.894.5480toll free 866.894.54557870 Excelsior RoadBaxter, MN 56425218.828.9545toll free 877.338.3937“our focus is on you”Dr. Jackie McCall • Dr. Anna Malikowski9-5 M,W, F • 9-6 T & Th • 9-12 Sat.midwestfamilyeyecenter.com

Claudia Allene – Associate BrokerCell: 218-820-9354Fax: 218-825-3636E-Mail: sunshine@uslink.netwww.ClaudiaAllene.com“Whether you are selling a home full of memories,or in search of one to fill, I would love to help.”Newgas pumpsare user friendlyand available24-7Take your child or grandchild on aboat ride for ice cream!12 different ice cream treats availableOr, take the boat to pick up:Fresh coffee & cappuccino, snacks, bait,tackle, meat, eggs, milk, bread, ice,s’mores fixin’s, health needs, sun lotions...soup to nutsSERVING THE CHAIN FOR OVER 30 YEARS!No Mosquitoes.No Ticks. No Bites.No Kidding.Trust Mosquito Squad to help protect yourfamily and pets from the nuisance and dangermosquitoes and ticks can bring. We’ll visityour home every 21 days during mosquitoseason to stop them dead in their tracks.Ask about our “TICK TUBES”.The Mosquito EliminatorSPRING SPECIAL$49 Trial Spray1/2 ACRE OR LESSestimates available for larger propertiesCall 218-829-9342or visit MosquitoSquad.comFirst time customers only. Limit one coupon per property.Not valid with other offers. Offer expires April 15, 2013.

GULL CHAIN of LAKESASSOCIATIONBox 102Nisswa, Minnesota56468218-963-2229218-963-3542PRSRTFIRST CLASS MAILU.S. POSTAGEPAIDBrainerd, MNPermit No. 471PLEASE CHECK OUT YOUR NEWSLETTER ON OUR WEBSITE:W W W. G U L L C H A I N O F L A K E S A S S O C I AT I O N.ORG ORW W W. G C O L A.ORG