Can You Help Bring Back the Hubbard Prairie Sleigh Festival?

The Hubbard Sleigh Festival used to be an annual event, but has not been held for several years now.  Association member, Joanne Torfin, has passed along this announcement for all winter residents.

A new group is building on past festivals and incorporating such “pioneers” as Dick Schauer from The Working Horse, Marie from Hilltop Inn, etc.   Conversations over the past few months have indicated a strong interest in renewing the festival.

Hubbard Prairie Sleigh Festival - (first organizational meeting)
Monday, Jan. 2, 2012, 7PM
Hubbard Community Center
Bring recollections, ideas, and desire for fun!
All are welcome.  Call Jim at 413-464-1057 for more information.

Event is scheduled for Sun. Feb. 26

Please Take Notice

We have added a new page to our website.  It is called:  Plant Survey 2011. 

Check it out.  It tells you all about the results of the plant survey taken this summer by Freshwater Scientific Services.  It is really good news for Long Lake. 

Do remember to check out the LLAA Foundation's new website.  (Find in "Quick Links" box.)  I hear that we are doing well at donating the money necessary to help protect Long Lake.  Think we can reach our goal soon?

Merry Christmas Long Lake

Just a couple of items to keep in mind this week.
 
Minnesota Waters has its December newsletter posted on their web site (or will shortly).  There is a quick link to it on the right.

We now have a dusting of snow so it looks more like Christmas around here.

The lake has ice on it.. There are ice houses at the south end.  (If anyone knows of other ice houses, let us know)   But the weather has been cold, warm, cold, and warm again all month.  So as to the thicknesses of the ice: who knows?   be careful this week.  We had reports of the lake being iced over on Dec 7th, but then it thawed.  Now we have a report from  Donna Neumann, "the ice finally closed up just this past Sunday evening, December 18" in her part of the lake.   Really hard to get a firm date on Ice In.

Last item:  If a family member has a good "story" about Long Lake adventures or you find good pictures,  send them to us.  Look at the history page.  It has been reworked and I will be posting more of Gerry Budgett's history during the week to come.

AIS Legislative Summit in DL

Our Hubbard County COLA is one of the sponsors of an upcoming Aquatic Invasive Species Legislative Summit.  It is open to the public and free of charge.

When:  Saturday, January 14th 2012

Where:  M-State Conference Center in Detroit Lakes

Time:  8AM - exhibits and continental breakfast, 9AM to Noon - Summit

Invitation:  AIS Summit 2012

Press Release_Information:  AIS Legislative Summit 2012

2012 Update: Mandatory Actions for Lake Service Providers

The following email from Minnesota Waters was forwarded to us as a reminder for everyone about the permits required by our lake service providers.  We posted about this with extensive information back in August and some of the information there may be clearer.  This is the link to that post:  Your Lake Service Provider Needs a Permit.

New Post on History page

Steve Kinney has shared some photos and comments from his family's memories of Long Lake.  The link has been added to the bottom of the history page.  Always remember to scroll to the bottom to find new additions to the history page.

Long Lake Ladies Christmas dinner

The Long Lake Ladies who meet once a month for lunch and a good time, invited husbands to celebrate the season at North Point Lodge on Tuesday night.  About 30 people from all parts of the lake shared wonderful appetizers and drinks plus a wonderful dinner from the menu.  Nancy Baer was there with her camera.  She created this collage of the holiday fun.

Lake Frozen on December 6, 2011 (Updated)

Nearly everyone agreed yesterday that the lake was completely frozen over, which would put our "ice-in" date on December 6th this year; the result of one long night of sub-zero temperatures.  However, we have since learned of an open spot near Cedar Shores Resort, so we will announce a later "ice-in" date when we get word from people living up that way.  These pictures were taken this morning (December 7, 2011) on the West side of the lake.  The ice looks very smooth; if anyone is an ice skater, this may be their year.

Six photos of the newly formed ice:

Attention Fishing Fans

LLAA has a discussion scheduled with Doug Kingsley to help us better understand the opportunities and information found in the Long Lake 2011 Fisheries Lake Management Plan.  The discussion will be held on Monday, December 26th, at 3PM in the DNR Fisheries Office.

You can review the "DNR Fisheries Plan for Long Lake" by following the link on our "Protect Our Lake" page.  The address for the DNR Fisheries Office is also found there.  If you would like to attend the meeting or provide input to be considered, please email Sharon Natzel at sorgwweh@aol.com.

Long Lake a Stopover for Geese and Swans

This week we saw hundreds of geese, some ducks and a few swans who decided that Long Lake made a good stopping over place on their way South.   All week we have heard the sounds of honking especially around Breezy Point.  The flock was on the north side on days the wind was from the south and on the south side when the wind was from the north.  The best of all possible worlds for them.

If you want to hear the noise of all these geese click here:  Link to short video

Reminders

 Long Lake Zorbaz Night is this coming Saturday night, December 3rd, at 6 pm

    *****************************************************************************************

The Long Lake Ladies Luncheon Group 3rd Annual Christmas Dinner is Tuesday Evening, December 6, 2011.

                5:00 Social           6:00 Dinner

                            Northpoint Lodge

                 We'll be ordering off the menu.

Please RSVP by (today) Wednesday, November 30th, by replying to Barb Roberts at 732-0118.

Foundation Announcement

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and is not too worn out from shopping. 

When you get time, check out the latest link in the "Quick Links" box on the right sidebar of this page.

This link will take you to the Long Lake Area Association's Foundation website.  It is the non profit group that was formed to help keep Long Lake free of invasive species.   You will find all the information you need on this site and how to donate to the Foundation.   It just might be easier than fighting the crowds to find a very worthwhile gift for your family.  A lake free of invasive species is a treasure to be preserved.

Lake Ice Forming

Ice Forming by L.L. Kooyer

Ice is beginning to slowly form along the shorelines. The ice in this photo is along the west side of the lake, but it appeared there may have been a little more ice over on the east side.

During this past week groups of mallards, hooded mergansers,  trumpeter swans, and canadian geese graced Long Lake (apparently taking time out from traveling to wherever it is they go) but they were quite uncooperative about having their pictures taken.

Link: "Ice-in and ice-out" charts 1987-2009

Hamilton Island Information on the History Page

The first blast of winter is hitting Long Lake this week.. Snow.. and cold temperatures. 

So it is a good time to post some wonderful pictures and an interview that we got from Jim Cashman. Jim sent us 11 pictures dating from the 1930s on Hamilton Island at the north end of the lake. He also included a transcript of an interview that Dr. Scott did with Mr. Hedstrom, one of the owners of Pine Island Resort as the island was once called.

Go the History Page and scroll down towards the bottom. There you will see the slide show running and below that a link to the interview.

It is so much fun to get an email with this kind of information and to share it with everyone. Please look through your pictures and search your memories over the holidays.  Send me some more "stuff" to post. 

Veteran's Day, 11/11/11

We hope you will pause today in honor and remembrance of all those who have served or are serving now in our military.  We are thankful for their courage, commitment and sacrifice.

Link:  The History of Veteran's Day

Conservation Magazine's "Extraordinary Stewards"

The November/December 2011 issue of the Minnesota Conservation Volunteer Magazine has an informative article on Melvin and Elaine Hooker's Long Lake lakeside forest which has 2800 feet of lakeshore and contains red pine, white spruce, white pine, plus a mix of jackpine and aspen in the 167 acres they manage with the help of a DNR private forest management specialist.  The forest provides a home for ruffed grouse, wild turkeys, and deer.  Over the years the family has also seen skunks, foxes, martens, fishers, bobcats, bears and wolves.
Submitted by Sharon Natzel

"Extraordinary Stewards" article

Weekend Web Links

Have you heard?  Hubbard County has a new park.  It's the La Salle Lake State Recreation Area located eight miles north of Itasca State Park.  The following link will take you to information about it from the DNR:

La Salle Lake State Recreation Area

Yesterday there seemed to be a sea of orange everywhere - in traffic, in hunting camps near the roadways, in stores, restaurants and gas stations.  The Minnesota firearms opener for the 2011 deer hunting season was this morning and the DNR, of course, has a web page that covers pretty much any question you may have about it.

DNR Deer Hunting Page

"Up Close" by L.L.Kooyer

Hunters are easy to spot in their blaze orange, but it's difficult to distinguish the deer from their surroundings.

"Six" by L.L.Kooyer

"Alert" by L.L.Kooyer

Check out the History Page!

I have started to add sections of the Long Lake History that Gerry Budgett and company worked on.  Sorry it has taken so long to figure out how to divide the document into manageable bits to upload to google documents.

Use the tab marked "History" at the top to navigate to the history page.  Then scroll down to see the list of documents that have been linked.  I will keep adding more pages as I get them uploaded.

I hope to be able to add more stories over the winter months, as people send them to me.  You can put things on the wiki if you wish, email me the memories or mail them to me.  I will do the scanning etc. to upload them and then link them to this page.

Remember this is your page... your contributions are needed.   

CC White, Long Lake Association Historian.

LLAA(HC) Foundation Progress Report

Earlier this year, the Long Lake Area Association (Hubbard County), Inc. formed the Long Lake Area Association (Hubbard County) Foundation, a separate 501(c)(3) tax exempt, nonprofit organization.  You may have received an email about this in late August.  The foundation is raising funds from tax deductible donations to be used for the prevention of AIS and to protect the ecosystem of Long Lake.  Specifically, the hope is to implement a comprehensive inspection/education program mid-May through mid-September at the two main Long Lake accesses.  This will require hiring two or three dedicated, full time Long Lake watercraft inspectors, so the goal was set to raise $25,000 toward this purpose by the end of 2011.

View the August letter from the Foundation's Board here:
LLAA Foundation Letter, 8/26/2011

Message From the LLAA(HC) Foundation Board:

Thank you to the 37 Families that helped us reach the $9700 mark!  We have 10 weeks  to meet our goal of $25,000.  Let’s all pull together - - Remember the FOUNDATION fund drive is for dedicated watercraft inspectors for a comprehensive watercraft inspection/education program at both primary Long Lake public launches mid-May through mid-September 2012 and preserving the quality of the environment and habitat of Long Lake.  We want to do as much as we possibly can to keep Long Lake Healthy and Free of aquatic invasive species (AIS). We need the help of all of the families that utilize Long Lake!  Please make your tax deductible donation (as allowed by law) now. We know we can count on you to help us meet the goal!


Make your check payable to LLAA Foundation and mail to:
Long Lake Area Association Foundation
PO Box 808
Park Rapids, MN 56470

Loon Migration

Long Lake Loon by L.L. Kooyer

The Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center is continuing it's Common Loon Migration Study.  You may have seen the chart of the current migration.  [Common Loon Migration Chart]  It's been a popular link shared by Facebook friends.  However, there is much more to this site than just the chart tracking the location of the loons as they migrate.  Here are a few more of their page links to get you started:

1.  U.S. Geological Survey News Release on Tracked Loons - interesting information on the study and loons in general.

2.  Common Loon Migration Study Home Page - if the first "box" of links doesn't work, scroll down to try the second "box" of links.

3.  Loon Study - Frequently Asked Questions - in which you will find that Minnesota has the largest Common Loon population in the continental U.S.

4.  More About the Current Loon Study - they use "Geolocator tags" attached by leg bands on the loons to record daily location, temperature, and water-pressure data.

MN DNR News Release, October 11, 2011

The DNR released a news statement today indicating that zebra mussels are moving closer to our part of the state.  Populations of the species have been found in Douglas and Ottertail counties.  They suspect in one of the cases that the species was transported on a boat lift moved from an infested lake.  So far the new infestation is limited to a small area and they plan to treat it with copper sulfate, used to treat snails that cause swimmers itch.  The full article can be found here:  MN DNR News release, October 11, 2011

Eagles spotted

These pictures were taken October 10th on County 6 near Chippewa Loop.  The eagles had found dinner and were not disturbed by cars passing by.   Pictures take by LuAnne White.  Thanks Lui for sharing with us. 

Protect Our Shoreline Page

I hope everyone viewed the information that Dave Anderson put together about protecting our shoreline.  It is easy to keep the run off from our property out of the lake; we just need to be intentional about how we use fertilizer, what plants we put close to the lake and how we mow.

I've taken down the page with this information for the winter to make space to bring back the history page.  In the spring we will put up some of the shoreline information again.

In the mean time, please start collecting your long lake stories, pictures, etc.   If we are to have an updated book about our lake, I will need your help.  I am looking forward to seeing any and all material you may have to contribute.
(C.C. White)

Here Comes the Sun...

7:12AM by Lou Schultz

7:12AM by L.L. Kooyer

It turns out that more than one of us here on the west side of the lake were enjoying our view of this morning's sunrise.

A surprising bit of information about these two photos is that according to the Exif data embedded by the cameras they were taken just 54 seconds apart.

(All photos can be viewed in a larger format when you click on them.)

Fall 2011 Issue of The Confluence

If you would like to read the most recent issue of the newsletter put out by Minnesota Waters (the Fall 2011 issue of "The Confluence") it can be found on their publications page:  MinnesotaWaters.Org/publications

In Case You Missed It...

Sunrise - September 27, 2011

This photo of another beautiful Long Lake sunrise was taken today at 7:22 AM.  We are to have 12 hours of visible (sun) light today and the true "Length of Day" is 11 hours and 54 minutes.  Tomorrow will be shorter by 3 minutes and 19 seconds.

Don't miss this coming Saturday's activities with your Long Lake neighbors.  Fall Roadside Clean-up will be from 1 to 3pm along County 20, then later on (6pm) come to our Zorbaz Night informal gathering just north of Dorset.  It will be a good time for eating, relaxing and visiting with Long Lake friends.

Details for both events can be found by going to our "Calendar" page and clicking on the two October 1st entries:  "Fall Roadside Clean Up" and "Zorbaz Night."  Hope to see you there.

Legacy Weekend in Park Rapids

Back of 2010 Ride t-shirt

This weekend, September 23-25, 2011, Park Rapids will be showcasing cultural and outdoor events including the 31st annual Headwaters 100 Bike Ride, the 2011 Art Leap, the 4th Annual Autumn Harvest Festival, a production by Northern Light Opera Company and more.

You can find a list of all events with their locations and times here: 
http://www.parkrapids.com/pdf/legacydestination.pdf

This link is the schedule for Art Leap 2011, with a list of artists and a map:
http://www.parkrapids.com/pdf/artleap.pdf

U of M Shoreland Education Link

We've added another link in the "Quick Links" box on the right.  It takes you to the University of Minnesota's Shoreland Education page.  Be sure to check out their Newsletter titled "From Shore to Shore."

Remember:

Are these dates marked on your calendar?
 (Click on each for details)

1. Zebra Mussel Control Presentation, 9/13/11, at 4PM
2. Tree Orders are due 9/19/11
3. Healthy Lakes Forum, 9/23/11, 2-5PM

Zebra Mussel Control Presentation

Minnesota Waters has extended an invitation to us (all member groups) to attend a presentation on a promising method of Zebra Mussel control.

The Whitefish Area Property Owners Association (WAPOA) is hosting this presentation given by Dr. Daniel Molloy.  Dr. Molloy is the inventor of a biological control method now being commercialized under the product name Zequanox™.  It is a biopesticide that is offering hope for environmentally safe control of zebra/quagga mussels.

The presentation will be Tuesday, September 13, 4:00 PM at the Ideal Town Hall, Pequot Lakes.

You will find more information about Dr. Molloy, his research, and his upcoming presentation on this WAPOA webpage:
http://www.minnesotawaters.org/group/whitefish/zebra-mussel-control-experiments

Dock & Lift Reminder

Remember to check your docks and lifts and other hard surfaces for zebra mussels when you remove equipment from the lake this Fall.

Helpful Links:
  - How to Monitor Zebra Mussels
  - List of Certified Lake Service Providers

Healthy Lakes Forum

Minnesota Waters and the Pine River Watershed Alliance invite you to a free event:

Healthy Lakes Legislative Forum

Friday, September 23, 2-5 pm
Northern Lights Casino Convention Center

Mark your calendars for the fourth annual Healthy Lakes Legislative Forum, sponsored by Minnesota Waters and the Pine River Watershed Alliance.

The goal of the Forum is to provide legislators with examples of the effective, vital, citizen-led lake/stream protection work in Minnesota and to highlight how legislators can support these efforts at the Capitol in the coming legislative session.

This year’s Forum will incorporate a statewide focus on citizen-led efforts for:

• aquatic invasive species prevention and management;
• shoreland rules and protection;
• water quality monitoring;
• successful citizen-state partnerships that can lead to greater resource protection.

Presenters will be discussing a number of premiere citizen-led projects and successes from across the state. 

Key legislators in attendance will include Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee Chair, Bill Ingebrigtsen, and House Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Policy and Finance Committee Chair, Denny McNamara.  Governor Dayton and agency Commissioners have been invited and several regional legislators plan to attend. 

The Forum will last approximately two hours and will be followed by a reception for informal discussion and networking. The entire event is open to the public and admission is free.  The Forum is being hosted by the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe.  Please contact Carrie Maurer-Ackerman at carriea@minnesotawaters.org or 218-587-2980 if you have any questions.

Link to event PDF:  2011 Healthy Lakes Legislative Forum PDF

DNR Fisheries Plan for Long Lake

Doug Kingsley gave us his permission to post the Minnesota DNR 2011 Fisheries Long Lake Management Plan (see link below.)   His contact information is listed to enable you to contact him directly if you have any questions.

The Long Lake Area Association Board will be discussing this plan in depth with Doug Kingsley this winter.  Please contact your Neighborhood Board Members if you are interested in participating in the winter discussion (in person or via conference call).

This link can also be found on the "Protect Our Lake" page.

- MN DNR 2011 Fisheries Management Plan for Long Lake

Doug Kingsley
MN DNR Fisheries
301 S Grove Ave
Park Rapids, MN  56470
(218) 732-4153
doug.kingsley@state.mn.us
><((({">   ><((({">

Lake Shore clean up results from Saturday

These are the "unusual" items from the lake shore cleanup - home made minnow bucket, bobber, assorted cans / bottle tops / wrappers, balloon, leech/worm container, teddy bear, rope, carpet, broken step from  ladder, etc.....  

 

The mini Sponge Bob surfboard was adopted at 1:45 PM Sat by a boy from Hubbard for reuse.  Thanks to all who helped clean up the public accesses and the shoreline on Saturday!! 

 

Sharon N.   

PS:  The lunch was great too.  Thanks to all who brought dishes to share and the brats cooks.

 

Update from Dave Anderson on shore line project

We have the first flower from the July planting, a Ox Eye Sunflower. Several other varieties will be blooming soon. It has taken lots of attention with daily watering, but will be worth the efforts. 

PS:  you still have time to order trees and bushes from the Association at discount prices.  Look on the "Protect Your Shore Land" tab at the top of this blog. (under the picture of Long Lake) 

 

Ox Eye Sunflower planted in July

 

Long Lake Neighborhood #1 Gathering

Neighborhood # 1 will get together on Saturday morning, September 10th, 10:30 – 12 noon. at the Bears Den (Timberlane Lodge).

Refreshments will be provided. 

Neighborhood 1 begins at the Public Access on the north end by Hwy 34 and goes east across the north end of Long Lake down the east side to 160th Street.

A Reminder: Tree order

Remember to get your tree order to Dave Anderson by September 19th.   The information is posted on the "Protect Your Lake Shore" page.  Use the page tab above to find the details.

The kiosk is up!

With many thanks to Stu Hamilton and Bob Hereen, the kiosk was put in the ground this morning.  (8/17/2011)

Placing the kiosk

Located by the public access at the south end of the lake, it's impressive - big, sturdy and ready for brochures and information.

Bob and Stu deserve our thanks, particularly Bob, who invested many hours in the sign construction.  Also, a special thanks to Northland Lumber for a significant discount on the materials.  Several of Bob's neighbors helped with the installation, including the owner of the tractor used to lower it into the hole.

(Remember you can enlarge pictures by clicking on them once and then clicking again for the largest view.)

Stu Hamilton and Bob Hereen

Assembling the kiosk

Saturday, Aug. 27 - Long Lake Lakeshore Clean Up 10AM Followed by Pot Luck Picnic

10AM:  Wade, paddle or troll the shoreline and clean up any items that have blown off docks, boats, or floated in over the summer.  Include the Public Accesses in your neighborhood too.

11:30AM - 2PM:   Pot Luck Picnic to celebrate the lake shore clean up at Hubbard Community Center.

• Awards for the most unusual items found.
• Bratwurst, Buns, Chips, Beverages and Eating Utensils will be provided.

Pot Luck:
Last Name starts with "A - M":   please bring a dessert to serve six people.
Last Name starts with "N - Z":   please bring a salad for six.

Everyone on Long Lake is welcome to participate and attend - so please Invite your neighbors!  Members and Non-Members are welcome.

Your Lake Service Provider Needs a Permit

Part of a new Minnesota law that was signed by the governor on May 27th, 2011 makes it mandatory for LSP's (Lake Service Providers) to obtain a permit from the DNR before providing any services.  "Service Providers" are individuals or businesses hired to install or remove water-related equipment or structures (our docks, boats, and lifts) from waters of the state.

Each LSP must have the permit in possession while providing services.  To get a permit the LSP has to complete invasive species training and pass a test.  The permits are valid for 3 years.  Every LSP has to attend an AIS Seminar this year in order to receive the new certification even if they have attended one in the past.

Minnesota Waters has announced its partnership with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to host the new, mandatory Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) seminars for Lake Service Providers.  The seminars will be hosted at multiple locations throughout the state beginning August 15, 2011 and will provide all participants with DNR certification on best management practices to prevent the spread of AIS.

You may want to help out your LSP by checking to see if they are aware of the important seminar to be offered in Park Rapids on Monday, August 15, 2011 from 9 to 11 AM at the Northwoods Bank Conference Room.  It is the most conveniently located opportunity for a Park Rapids area LSP to acquire certification.

Free Shoreland Expo: Saturday, August 27, 2011

The Shoreland Expo is sponsored by the UMN Extension office, Cass Co. SWCD and Hubbard Co. SWCD. (Soil & Water Conservation District: http://www.hubbardswcd.org)
COLA (Hubbard County Coalition of Lake Associations) has been working with the Extension Office to provide this seminar as part of COLA’s Education Initiative.

Excellent current topics will be presented:
·         Shoreland Buffer Zone
·         Rain Gardens and Rain Barrels
·         Creating a Natural Shoreline
·         Financial Grant Opportunities

A bus tour of three Lakeshore Restoration Sites will be included.

There is no cost to attend the EXPO.

August 23rd: Rescheduled Biology Survey Presentation

This will give us a chance to see what information could be available from a county biological survey.
Becky Marty, DNR Ecologist, has re-scheduled the "A FRESH LOOK" presentation of the Biological Survey recently completed in Becker County for Tuesday, August 23 at the MN State Community College (C101) in Detroit Lakes at 7 PM.  A refreshment social at the door begins at 6:30 PM.  This is the presentation that unfortunately could not occur last month because of the State shutdown.

History page

The History Page is taking a rest during the tree sale.  But if you have pictures, stories etc.  you can use the link on the right side to go directly to the history wiki to post them.

OR  you can email ccwhite14388@gmail.com with those pictures and stories.  

We need our members help to write up our memories before they are lost.  

New Page: Protect Your Lake Shore

From now until the end of September, there is a new page on Long Lake Living.  It is called "Protect Your Lake Shore."  Dave Anderson provided us with the information and is coordinating efforts to buy trees/shrubs to keep our shoreline.  Click on the page tab above.

Mark September 19th on your calendar; the date that all tree orders must be in to Dave.

There is also information from Dave on what he did with his shoreline property to protect the lake from run off and enhance wildlife habitat.

Shoreland Transition Zone Expo: 8/13/11

SHORELAND TRANSITION ZONE EXPO on Saturday, August 13, 2011, at DEEP PORTAGE LEARNING CENTER. (Located off Highway 46 east of Hackensack)

UPDATE ON INVASIVE SPECIES

“HOW-TO-DO-IT” WORKSHOPS

***   Creating a new transition zone  ***

***   Maintaining an existing transition zone  ***

***   Selecting plants for difficult shore land sites  ***

***   Rain drops as a valuable resource  ***

***   Native flora planting techniques for best results  ***

PLUS

 ***  Free native plant seed packets  ***   (while supplies last)

***  Self-guided tour of shore land restoration sites  ***

SIGN-IN BEGINS AT 8:30 a.m. -  PROGRAM BEGINS AT 9:00
**************************************************************************
PRE- REGISTRATION is over but

You can call KATHY at Deep Portage (218-682-2325) daytime or JACK (218-682-2941) evenings to see if there are still slots open.

Fee of $15/person or $25/couple (includes lunch!), payable at check-in.

For More Information call Jack Fitzgerald (218-682-2941) any time.

EXPO Co-Sponsored by the Cass County Chapter, Izaak Walton League of America, Deep Portage Learning Center, Cass County ESD and the Leech Lake Area Watershed Foundation. Partially funded by a grant from the Cass County Soil and Water Conservation District.

Lee Bedsted

We are saddened by the death of our friend and neighbor, Lee Bedsted.  The Bedsted's have had a cabin on Long Lake since 1960 and Lee helped to build several cabins during summers on Chippewa Loop.  He died Monday, August 1st.

Link to:   Lee Bedsted's Obituary

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Neighborhood 3 Gathering

Attention Neighborhood 3:
A 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.)

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.

* Workshop Information

"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.

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. ☺

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.

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:

July 4th, 2011 - Flotilla.    

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

Flotilla slide show

July 4th, 2011, Flotilla

Long Lake's Annual Flotilla

Details for Flotilla & Dock Decoration Festivities 

to be held on Monday, July 4th:

Please have your Docks & Boats decorated from 9:30 AM until 1 PM with phone number displayed prominently for the judges.  Flotilla participants gather by 9:50 AM at Wooters Point on the East Side of the lake.  At 10 AM the Flotilla departs in 2 groups from Wooters Point and then returns on the West side of the lake across from Wooters Point where boats will disperse.

The North group leader/dock judge will lead the boats to the north end of the lake where judging will take place.  The South group leader/dock judge will lead the boats toward the south end of the lake, crossing over to the west side prior to the stumps for judging.  Display your phone number in large, BOLD print for the judges.

If there is inclement weather (high winds, rain, thunderstorms) at 9 AM, Monday, July 4th, the Flotilla & Dock Decorating Festivities will be cancelled.

If you have any questions about the festivities, where Wooters Point is on the lake or how to help with Flotilla judging for the north & south Flotilla routes, please contact Sharon Natzel at 763-355-7908.

You can review the information in the Spring Newsletter online under Board Communications.

Keep an eye open for Pirates!

Fun things to do over the 4th

The city of Park Rapids will host the 33rd Annual Park Rapids Professional Bull Ride, Friday through Sunday, July 1-3, with an all-star cast of the greatest bull riders and bucking bulls in the world! There will also be kids' sheep riding, nightly dances, freestyle cowboy poker, and a freestyle Moto X halftime show. And while in Park Rapids, enjoy 4th of July events on the 4th, including a parade, community band concert with patriotic music and marches at Red Bridge Park, and fireworks at dusk over the Fishhook River. 1-800-247-0054; link to local events

The city of Bemidji will host their 67th Annual Jaycee’s 4th of July Water Carnival on Monday, the 4th of July, along the Lake Bemidji waterfront. Featured will be midway rides and games, live music, contests, a craft fair, Kiddie and Grande parades, kids' fun run, Bald Eagle Water Ski Show, great food, and fireworks over Lake Bemidji! 1-877-250-5959; http://www.visitbemidji.com

The city of Menahga will hold their annual Midsummer Celebration, Friday through Sunday, July 8-10, with a kids' fishing derby, Little Miss Pageant, the St. Urho 5K run & walk, children's events & games, a parade, pancake breakfast, blueberry ice cream social, beer gardens, live music by numerous local acts, and more. 1-800-247-0054; http://www.menahga.com

Dock Signs

DOCK  E-911 SIGNS

Several years ago, Lou Schultz, former Long Lake Area Association Board member, developed a plan for lake residents to obtain signage for their docks which would show their Emergency-911 number on the lake.  If you have ever tried to locate an address from the lake, you know how difficult that can be.

LLAA sponsors the dock sign program because it is a safety issue for boaters and residents on the lake, but the association does not profit from it.  Dock signs help people, especially emergency responders, find addresses on the lake.  There was an incident of someone needing help and the sheriff's boat was on the lake but couldn't identify where to go.  If someone calls for help, the water patrol has no way (without dock signs) to identify which area is needing help. 

"Next Innovations" in Walker, MN made our original signs and the Lake Association placed bulk orders when there were sufficient numbers to reach the minimum required order.  A suggestion was made that it would be helpful if the signs were slightly larger and the color more reflective.  As a result, we now have a design which measures 5.75” X 11.75”  The color scheme has remained the same, but is enhanced to make the numbers more visible. The powder coated enamel is on heavy gauge metal, slotted for screws.  Below is a sample of the new sign along with the previous design.

The new signs are available for $20.00 each.  Again, we must meet a minimum order number.  Please send your check to:  Long Lake Area Association, P.O. Box 808, Park Rapids, MN  56470.  Be sure to write “dock sign” on your check and specify the E-911 number you want on your sign and the number of signs ordering.  These signs are also good for placement on your house or other outbuildings.

If you have any questions about the signs, please call Larry Roberts at:  218-732-0118 or email:lrobertsmn@gmail.com.

Dock Signs, Old and New

Submitted by Larry Roberts

PDF of Annual Meeting Power Points

This is a link to all the notes in a Portable Document Format (PDF) so that everyone can view the information from the annual meeting.  Let your neighbors who could not be at the meeting know of this link:

Annual Meeting Notes

This is 39 pages long so it may take a while to load.