Friday, July 29, 2011

Lake Discovery Program a Hit

Below are photos featuring LLAA's first-ever Lake Discovery program which was lead by Jon Sams (a.k.a. "Sam-I-Am").  After describing the wonders of what we might see in this adventure, Sam-I-Am demonstrated ways to collect samples of aquatic life.  With buckets, nets, and other means we all enjoyed the process of collecting what the shoreline waters had for us, then coming back together to identify, count and learn about what we had found.


2011 Summer Lake Discovery Program Slideshow


Thursday, July 28, 2011

Aquatic Vegetation Survey Completed


Rake used for taking samples.
Aquatic vegetation sample from rake.
James A. Johnson, Aquatic Ecologist, from Freshwater Scientific Services, LLC, completed our baseline aquatic vegetation survey on Tuesday evening (July 26, 2011) at sunset.  He worked from sunrise to sunset on Monday and Tuesday to complete the survey before the forecasted Wednesday rain.  You may have spotted him casting his rake.  He said we have a beautiful lake and that we need to be very diligent in protecting it.
The most common plants in the lake were Chara, Flat-stem Pondweed, Fries' Pondweed and Slender Naiad.  The maximum depth of vegetation growth is around 20 feet.  James noted there were a few small patches of wild rice.  He found no invasive plants in the aquatic vegetation survey.  We will post the survey documentation in December of 2011 when we receive it.
(Photos by James A. Johnson) 
 Information submitted by Sharon Natzel
Chara
Flat-stemmed pondweed

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

AIS Power Point Presentation from 2011 Annual Meeting


At the 2011 LLAA Annual Meeting Jeff Bjorkman presented an Aquatic Invasive Species report complete with a Power Point Presentation which included very enlightening pictures of the Zebra Mussels invading our Minnesota lakes.  He gathered information from many sites and used part of a slide show from a workshop given by Dick Sternberg.  Jeff, along with Ken Grob, modified and summarized this workshop for our meeting.   Jeff was given permission by Mr. Sternberg to share his Power Point Presentation online for those who would like to see it again and those who were not able to be at the meeting.  Check it out on the "Protect Our Lakes" page.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Long Lake Purple Martin Webcam

Did you know that Long Lake is home to the largest purple martin colony in Minnesota?  It was created and is maintained by Don Wilkins who started it in 1987 when he moved here.  There were 9 pairs that first year.  It didn’t take long to get to 90 pairs, but then disaster struck in 1992 with a week of bad weather at the worst time for the birds.  The colony was essentially wiped out and Don started over. Most of the upper Midwest states suffered the same disaster.  This year there are 120 nesting pairs which is normal as there are usually over 100 nesting pairs.  Carol Henderson (head of MN DNR non-game division) shows the colony in his book “Woodworking for Wildlife” and now, thanks to Don, you can view his martin colony, because he is sharing it via webcam with the public.  The link is in our newly placed "Webcams" box on the right.

Monday, July 25, 2011

Aquatic Vegetation Survey

Our Long Lake Aquatic Vegetation Survey is being conducted beginning today, Monday, July 25th.  James A. Johnson, the Aquatic Ecologist of Freshwater Scientific Services, LLC is conducting the survey and expects it to take 2 to 3 full days.  The Aquatic Vegetation Survey is our baseline for tracking and evaluating changes in the plant community,  including increased nuisance growth, decreased fish habitat, or invasion by exotic plant species.  The sampling and data analysis based on MN DNR Protocol enables meeting requirements for special permits (controlling invasive plants, etc.) and invasive aquatic plant grant programs in the future if it becomes necessary.
 

The Long Lake Area Association is paying for this aquatic vegetation survey with a matching grant from the Northwest Minnesota Foundation as explained at our Annual Meeting in June.  Our survey results will be available here on the LLAA website in December.

To learn more about the Freshwater Scientific Services aquatic vegetation surveys, check out their website here:  FixMyLake.com

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Lake Discover Field Trip for children

Thurs July 28 – 9:30 to 11 AM – accompanied by a parent or grandparent. The guided “Lake Discover” lead by Jon Sams & other volunteers includes a Biotic Index exercise collecting “things” in the lake and identifying them (clams, invertebrates, leeches, snails, etc.) then discovering how they can tell us our lake water is good, beginning to be not-so-good, or becoming polluted. Time permitting, the group may also identify trees, and other plants near and in the lake that are beneficial.

If it is raining, the makeup day is Friday, July 29th, same time. (Hopefully the weather will cooperate this time)

Meet at Jon Sam’s at 14322 Chippewa Loop.   Bring your own life jacket.  Boat parking available on Breezy Point – Jon’s cabin is 3rd from the point heading South.  If you want to sign up, please email CC White at ccwhite14388@gmail.com or call her at 732-9819.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Neighborhood 3 Gathering

Attention Neighborhood 3:
Summer Saturday Morning Break will be held July 23 from 8AM to 10:30AM at the Hubbard Community Center.  We will have a complimentary breakfast bar!!  Bring photos to share your lake history.  Tell your neighbors.  Bring your cabin guests along.  Everyone is welcome!  Come for as long as your schedule allows.
Call Sharon at 763-355-7908 if you have any questions.

(Not sure which neighborhood you are in?  You can find that information on the "Neighborhoods" page.)

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Citizen AIS Monitoring Workshop: Saturday, July 16th

We have 3 people going but there are more slots.  (See link below for more information.)

There are still some openings for the Citizen AIS Monitoring Workshop on Saturday July, 16.  The workshop starts at 9:00AM with coffee/treats at 8:30AM.
Location:  Northwoods Bank, Park Rapids, MN. 

This a critical program for AIS prevention.  We had a very successful workshop on June 15 with over 30 attendees.  Many lakes are sending additional individuals to the July 16 sessions.  We still have some openings.

- PLEASE CONSIDER SIGNING UP.
- CALL OR EMAIL KEN GROB TO SIGN UP.


Wednesday, July 13, 2011

"Explore the Forest" on Friday

Due to a questionable Thursday weather forecast the "Explore the Forest" program has been moved to Friday morning at 9:30AM.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Connecting on Facebook

If you have visited our Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/LongLakeLiving, but are not seeing updates in your own fb News Feed it is because you have to click the "Like" button on Long Lake Living's fb page.  We hope you will join us there and post to our wall.  We love seeing your photos and comments.

Friday, July 8, 2011

Explore the Forest

Thursday, July 14th, from 9:30 to 11AM -  accompanied by a parent or grandparent.  If demand exceeds the limit of 12 to 15 children, we will have a second session that day from 1 to 2:30PM.  If it is raining, the makeup day is Friday, July 15th, same time.  Meet at the White’s -14388 Chippewa Loop.  Bring your own bug spray, binoculars, or even a bird book if desired.  The guided ecology type field trip led by the White Family and Jon Sams is designed for children to help them understand the importance for the lake of the surrounding area.  The children will discover and discuss the plant, animal, and landforms that surround Long Lake.  The wooded acres help protect our lake.  If you decide to sign up, please email CC White at ccwhite14388@gmail.com or call her at 732-9819.

If you signed up at the meeting and cannot come, please email or call so the group does not wait for you.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Winners

The winners of the Flotilla and Dock 4th-of-July Event are:

Docks:
  • Dean & Ardis Christen & Family
  • The Lehmann's
  • The O'Malley's
  • Stuart & Linda Ruehle
Boats & Pontoons:
  • The Brunsdale's
  • Gus's Barge with the Gustafson Clan
  • Hoffman's Hippies
  • Joanne Torfin & Jim Johnson's Rodeo Team w. Hubbard Hubbub
  • Jodi Wishart Anderson & Pirate Crew
  • Jon Notch & Team
  • The Wissink's
  • Ted & Mary Lorentzen & Crew
Thank you to all who participated!

More pictures have been posted in the slideshow.  You can also view the Flotilla and Dock Event photos directly from our album:

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Well Water Testing

There will be a free Nitrate Testing Clinic at the Hubbard County Fairgrounds in the Environmental Education Building this Friday, July 8th, from noon to 7PM and on Saturday, July 9th, from 9AM to 3PM.  For more details check these links:

Well Water Testing for Nitrates

Minnesota Department of Agriculture