Long Lake is now a Winter Wonderland!

November blew into December with a significant snow storm.  Hubbard County area missed the first storm, but last night we were blanketed with about 11 to 12 inches of snow.  It is amazing to see all the snow and to still have waves on an open lake. The wind was blowing most of the night and as I checked the shore this afternoon, I found many beautiful ice sculptures along the shore.  Pictures in the video below.

Message from our LLAA President: Carolynne C. White

This is the first of a series of posts from our Fall LLAA Newsletter.. if you did not get an email copy of this newsletter and would like one, please let us know.   
click here for full autumn newsletter

I realize that many of you know me as my family has lived on Long Lake since 1929.  To a few  people who remember the 1950’s, I’m the little girl who rode along with the guys that delivered ice to the cabins along Pine Haven Beach.  My grandparents ran a 4 cabin resort with a small store.  We mainly sold eggs, milk, bread, pop, candy, worms, minnows and gas. Grandpa cut  ice blocks from the lake in the winter, and stored the ice all summer in a sawdust covered “ice house”.  Then my dad and a helper delivered it to the residents all summer.  (The electric lines didn’t come down along Pine Haven Beach until about 1955.)  I have a lot of fond memories of the store, fishing, swimming, water skiing, and the many families who have maintained their friendships and ties to Long Lake over the years. 

My grandparents and my father all attended the original lake association that I believe started in the 1940s.  That organization met twice a year; first for a picnic/potluck at the Pine Haven Church Camp and then a second winter meeting in Des Moines for an ice cream social.  Their main focus was lake quality, especially related to fishing, and the amount of property taxes. When I retired from teaching in 2010, I could not wait to move home to lake.  I started to help the LLAA by working on the website with my long time friend, Linda Kooyer Johnson.  I eventually joined the board as a representative from Neighborhood 5.  This year I am pleased to be taking my turn as President of LLAA and the Foundation.

Since 2010, I have been learning so much about:

• the identification and spread of AIS
• tracking the water quality and clarity
• ways for all of us to improve our shoreline
• and how many people it takes to protect our beautiful and unique Long Lake.

 Recently I was in a meeting where we learned about a new initiative that will  focus on “Living Lake Friendly.”  I really liked this idea as it covers all the things each one of us can do to help.  My grandparents and parents left me this wonderful legacy and I want to do all I can to leave Long Lake in good condition for the next generations.  I hope that all of you will commit to help in every way you can to do the same.

Plan for Replanting at South Access

The construction company has finished their work on the south access for this year. Some of the grasses have been planted.  Several plants and trees were in the way of the construction plan, but with help of volunteers from the Lake Association the plant life will return.

Special thanks to Sam Erickson who owns the tree farm toward the southeast end of Long Lake on County 20.  Sam graciously allowed the Long Lake Area Association to transplant some of his trees (free of charge) to the south access.  Fifteen Red Pines and three Spruce trees were dug and moved this autumn.  When these hardy little trees awake from dormancy next spring in their new location, they should do just fine! 

In May 2020, when a donated tree/shrub "Restore the Shore" order arrives, volunteers will add additional plants at the south access.  Red Oaks will be sprinkled in with the Red Pines and Spruce trees.  Juneberry shrubs will also be added to help screen the picnic area from the parking lot.

We would appreciate it if you would make some time this May to help with the planting project.  Many hands make the work easier.

South Access Now Open

Good News! 
Sharon Natzel has talked with Jerry Brosdahl, Hubbard Township Supervisor, at their meeting and the South Access is now officially open.  There is additional work that is yet to be completed.  For example, there will be more paint striping done and the mat for the berm between the road and the access is currently on order and will be installed when more of it is received.  The electric company will soon hook up the light and there is still work planned for the toilet facility and potentially cement on the south ramp between the water and tar.  Planting will mostly take place next spring to give the plants the best chance of survival.

Update on the South Access

Sharon Natzel drove by the South Access on Friday and called to talk to the Hubbard County Highway Department.  She also heard from two other folks who had stopped by on Friday to talk with the contractors.  

 

The conclusion:  If there are no rain delays, it should be open for next weekend.  (September 28th or 29th)

 

We will post an update when it opens. 

 

Remember the North Access is available as usual.

This last picture (taken by Sharon) shows fall colors at the access.