The Long Lake Loop: A Journey Through Time and Terrain

 by Fritz Viner: (who grew up at Long Lake.  He and his family are long time bicyclists.)



The boundaries of the Long Lake Area Association are the paved roads that circle our Long Lake.  Since I live on Chippewa Loop, I will start my “boundary” at the south end of this sand road as it comes onto County road 6.  If you go north on 6, to 169th Av that goes by Hafner’s  Greenhouse, take a right at the second stop sign which is 107th that takes you by the north access and Hwy 34.  This looms up with campers, trucks and cars wanting to pass.  A short haul here to Co road 20 allows easier breathing and a trip down the east side of the lake.  Next is Hwy 87 to Hubbard and then back to Co road 6 and the south entrance to Chippewa Loop.  This is the “around the lake” course and besides defining our organization geographically, makes for an excellent bicycle time trial course.  Individual time trial races have been have been around since the days of the High Wheeled Bikes and puts the rider in a race against the clock - in French: Contreras la montre (against the watch).  It has been called “the race of truth” and can be a measure of endurance and fitness when look at an individual’s times over the years.  I have been doing this course for over 50 years, socially, seriously, but always with the idea of purpose and time.  The course is ideal - no turn arounds, slightly rolling, always turning right with traffic, minimal stop signs.  If starting at the asphalt from Chippewa north and ending at the right turn lane sign, it is exactly 25 kilometers (I say to the inch).  Up till the 1990s, there was no asphalt on the should of 34 so you had to ride in the traveled lane.  A call to the Minnesota Department of Transportation had it fixed very soon(they were going to do it anyway I suspect).  The wind is a time factor since prevailing breezes come from the south and are very noticeable on the open prairie so early mornings are best.  I would like to say my times continue to improve (they don’t) but have enjoyed the trips anyway- what have fallen off vehicles on their way to the dump, the flowers at Hafners, the waves on Mud Lake to see what is up for the east side head winds, the birds of the prairie and swans of the pot holes.  The coming summer with construction of 87 (and part of last summer) will leave some empty spaces in my log but will eventually make this a better course.

Your Turn to Ride
I encourage all Long Lake residents to take on the loop. Whether for fitness, relaxation, or simply as a way to connect with our community, this route has something to offer everyone. No fancy gear is needed—just a watch and the spirit to ride. Keep track of your times and create your own log, not for competition but as a way to measure personal growth and enjoy the journey.

Remember, improvement is great, but the true value lies in the ride itself. After all, the only time you stop improving is when you stop pedaling. Happy cycling!

LLAA Foundation's supplemental walleye stocking completed for 2024

The Long Lake Area Association Fisheries Committee has been working over the last year to coordinate and enhance the DNR's stocking of fish in Long Lake. 

The LLAA Foundation's supplemental walleye stocking of 240 lbs of walleye fingerlings was approved by the DNR Fisheries, along with 50 lbs of perch.  This fish stocking has been completed with fish from Bosek Fisheries; 87 lbs walleye on 10-19-2024 at the Chippewa Loop Norway (SW) access and 153 lbs walleye on 11-15-2024 at the south access at Hubbard.  The 50 lbs of perch were stocked at the south access on 11-23-2024.

This is from Video from 11-15-24 and was taken by Charlie Garr, LLAA Fisheries Committee

 

 

The  video below is part of the perch being stocked & was taken by Sharon Natzel, LLAA Fisheries Committee.

 

 

 

Support Long Lake: Your Donations to the Long Lake Area Association Foundation Matter

 by Jim Seifert, LLAA Foundation Board Member. 

Since being formed in the early 1900s from five small lakes dotting the Hubbard Prairie, Long Lake has been one of the premier recreation lakes in north central Minnesota. Over the past 125 years, since the first cabins and fishing camps were established, Long Lake’s beautiful and vibrant ecosystem is  increasingly under pressure from the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS), recreational use, expanded home ownership, and a higher number of visitors. Long Lake Area Association’s mission is to keep Long Lake healthy and thriving. The Long Lake Area Association Foundation (LLAAF) is central to that mission. The Foundation works tirelessly to protect and preserve the lake’s natural resources through the generosity of the LLAA member donors —like you! By supporting the LLAAF, you play a crucial role in safeguarding the lake for future generations to enjoy. Being a member of the LLAA (the Association) is important, thank you! However, your donation to the LLAAF (the Foundation) is crucial in continuing responsible, proactive stewardship of the lake that we love. Here’s why your donations are essential.

 #1 Ensuring Rigorous AIS Inspections 

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) such as zebra mussels and starry stonewort have been found in Long Lake.They along with other invasive species can wreak havoc on the health of Long Lake. They disrupt native ecosystems, reduce water quality, and make it challenging for recreational activities. According to our recent survey of members, preventing AIS from entering Long Lake should be THE top priority of the LLAAF, and thorough inspections at lake accesses are a critical first line of defense. For the past two years, LLAAF has contributed $25,000 annually to supplement and extend the coverage by 1000 hours for the watercraft inspection program funded through the State AIS Prevention Aid, administered by Hubbard County. For 2025, the cost per hour has increased $1 to $26/hour so LLAAF will pay $26,000 for the same number of supplemental hours. Without supplemental funding, Long Lake watercraft inspections would be limited currently to 642 State-funded hours which is 80 days split between the two accesses. This would work out to be 8-hour shifts on Sat, Sun, and Holidays for the summer from opening of walleye fishing through the weekend after Labor Day.  

 #2 Combating AIS 

When AIS prevention efforts fall short (boat inspections, clean-drain-dry, etc.), direct action is needed to mitigate and manage the invasive species that have already entered the ecosystem. You may remember from the LLAA’s communications that Long Lake has been actively engaged in fighting an infestation of Starry Stonewort at the south boat launch area since August 2023, which has continued through this fall. The LLAAF employs various techniques to control invasive species. LLAA member volunteers work hand-in-hand with the Minnesota DNR to combat invasive species. The LLAAF contracts AIS mitigation firms to safely and under permit combat AIS proliferation in Long Lake. This work is expensive but unavoidable. Your generous donation to fund these critical projects is reducing the impact of AIS on Long Lake. 

 #3 Lake Water Quality Monitoring 

Water quality monitoring is essential for tracking the lake’s health. LLAAF regularly tests for contaminants, pollutants, and changes in pH levels that impact the lake’s ecosystem and water safety. Ongoing monitoring also enables the LLAAF to detect and address issues early, before they become larger problems. These tests require significant financial resources for equipment, lab analysis, and expert staff to interpret results. Your donation is critical to sustain these efforts to maintain and improve Long Lake’s water quality. 

 #4 Preserving Game Fish Populations 

 Long Lake is home to diverse fish populations, including walleye, bass, and northern pike, which are vital to the lake’s ecology and draw anglers to the area. However, game fish populations in Long Lake are vulnerable to habitat degradation, shoreline erosion, pollution, and competition from AIS. Global warming and increased recreational activities are putting more pressure on naturally reproducing fishing stock. In response, using donated funds to the LLAAF, we actively support fish stocking efforts, looking into possible habitat restoration projects, and engage in research to maintain healthy fish populations. Your donation helps ensure that Long Lake remains a thriving habitat for fish and a premier destination for anglers.

Your Role in Protecting Long Lake 

The work of the LLAAF is only possible through our donors’ generosity. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps fund AIS inspections and mitigation, water quality monitoring, and fish habitat preservation. By donating to the LLAAF, you are investing in the future health of Long Lake, supporting biodiversity, and preserving a cherished natural space for all to enjoy. Long Lake is a treasure that so many families have loved for generations. Almost everyone that lives on the lake has a story of how they came to be here. Whether it was grandparents, parents, or a vacation at a resort that caused you to fall in love with the lake, the generational love we have of the lake is the constant thread that connects us. Together, we can ensure that Long Lake remains a beautiful, healthy, and thriving environment for years to come. Please donate to the LLAAF today to engage in this vital conservation effort—thank you! 

Jim Seifert is a third generation resident of Long Lake. Jim and his family consider themselves stewards of the family home and the lakeshore that has been a part of their family’s lives for almost 100 years.

LLAA October Newsletter:

 

Long Laker’s Encourage Membership in LLAA

By Deanna Frazier

Long Lake is home to hundreds of summer and permanent residents, who not only enjoy “lake life” but also share a a commitment to preserve the lake environment for the future. From short-timers to long-timers to everyone in between, membership in our Long Lake Area Association (LLAA) is paramount to the organization’s conservation efforts, especially educating lake residents about Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) and ways to minimize their effect on Long Lake.


“I appreciate the work being done on aquatic vegetation, lake conservation, and combating invasive species to keep our lake beautiful for future generations,” explained JoAnn Manlove, who is not only a 53-year resident on Long Lake, but a third-generation family to the lake as well.


Ken Retzer, a Long Laker since 2007, echoed Manlove’s sentiment. The LLAA’s conservation and education efforts are key, Retzer said, “to ensure Long Lake is healthy for decades to come and for future generations.”


Though they are very new to Long Lake and the Association (June, 2024), Steve and Anne Skoe agree the LLAA makes a vital contribution to life on Long Lake. Feeling it was the least they could do to join the Association, they joined immediately upon receiving the LLAA packet to encourage those who are helping the lake. The more people that can volunteer to help, the less work for each person in the group, they explained, adding, “It takes a village to keep a lake healthy.”


And a healthy lake makes it possible for family memories to be made on Long Lake, explained Manlove, like beautiful sunsets on the dock, boat rides, and the Fourth of July Flotilla. She also described how relaxing it is to just be around the water, watching all the birds and animals, especially the bears, “as long as I’m in my house,” she chided.

Making memories shapes life on Long Lake for Retzer as well. “All the family gatherings that have made many happy memories,” are what he remembers most about life on Long Lake. The Skoe’s may be new to the lake, but they are not new to the area. Steve grew up in Park Rapids during the 1960s, his family owning the old Park Drug, where Walgreen’s stands today. They look forward to getting to know their new neighbors and participating in LLAA activities next summer. 


In a parting word, Manlove encouraged Long Lake residents to join LLAA. “If they want their families to enjoy lake life into the future,” Manlove explained, “they need to support the organization which has their backing!”


Click here to join the LLAA:  If you have questions about joining LLAA, email office@longlakeliving.org
 

If you did not receive our latest monthly newsletter, check your spam folder. If its not there, let us know you would like to be added to our email list.  office@longlakeliving.org

Our Starry Stonewort mitigation journey continues

These first pictures were taken by Jeff Martin on August 13th during the latest chemical treatment application to tackle the starry stonewort that has been found at the south access. PLM Lake and Land Management Corp. used a lake safe chemical for treating the area that starry stonewort was found. The underwater photo was taken by Sharon Natzel.

More details will be in our newsletter coming out later this week. 

Thank you to the Long Lake Area Association Foundation's fund raising efforts. These efforts allowed us to quickly pay for the needed expertise and tools to "fight this battle". 

photo of burlap covering starry stonewort taken by Sharon Natzel