Friday, September 30, 2016

Latest AIS Threat is only 45 miles from Long Lake


Boat propellers are getting jammed in nearby lakes by dense growths of the invasive species starry stonewort.  

Starry stonewort has recently been confirmed in the following Minnesota Lakes:
  • Big Turtle Lake ( 45 Miles N of Long Lake), 
  • Cass Lake (45 miles NE of Long Lake), 
  • Upper Red Lake (80 miles N of Long Lake)
  •  Lake Koronis (120 miles S of Long Lake).
Dredging has started in Big Turtle Lake to try and remove the dense underwater growths.  It is estimated to cost $800,000 to treat Lake Koronis. 
Video of Dredging in Big Turtle Lake: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRE1G1Mtysg

Starry stonewort is spread by physical transfer of the tendrils,  so it is now even more important to thoroughly clean all  boats entering Long Lake, even if they have only come from nearby lakes.

 If you find suspected starry stonewort in the lake, immediately call the Park Rapids DNR at
218 732 8960.

Free watercraft  decontamination is still available in Park Rapids, call 218 252 6738 for an appointment:   https://webapps15.dnr.state.mn.us/ais_decon_sites

Starry stonewart is described here:      https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=te9iF5OTdtg

Damage to Lake Recreation:               https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVZBZJ4i_a4

AIS Conference Oct 5 and 6, St Cloud  (Still time to sign up for this conference)
https://www3.thedatabank.com/dpg/529/pm.asp?id=55692&nav=1&aacwc=37456529332
0526913855692186260133

Thursday, September 1, 2016

Labor Day Weekend: Observe the Lake Survey

Since this will be the last and busiest weekend of the summer with lots of people using the lake, the Long Lake Area Association would like to ask that everyone help with an informal survey.

Please let us know what you see when you are out on the lake this weekend by sending an email to:  longlakeliving@gmail.com. (Photos welcome.)


  • Look for vegetation you have not seen before or in larger quantities than you have seen or in different location. 
  • Note how many immature loons you observe, the number adult loons, Great Blue Heron, otters, pelicans, and if you see eagles feeding on fish, for example.
  • Note anything you see that is different from other times you were on the lake.

Clean up debris that has floated in along your shoreline.  
  • Check for zebra mussels when you remove your docks, lifts and water toys. 


The article below discusses the MN DNR's treatment of the AIS called "Starry Stonewort" which was
recently discovered in Big Turtle Lake near Bemidji.  The article illustrates the importance of early
detection.
http://www.mprnews.org/story/2016/08/31/dnr-aggressive-approach-on-invasive-starry-stonewort