Sunday, December 29, 2013

Happy New Year from Long Lake!

Fishing is great from the ice houses at the South Access!


The Long Lake Area Association Board of Directors wishes you happy times and lots of enjoyment in 2014!

Please spend 30 seconds giving us your feedback on the e-mails, by going to this secure link:

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Check Out Our Ice Data Tab

Sharon Natzel, Lou Schultz and Lou's friend, Vern, have again collaborated to produce a revised "Ice In" graph.  You can find the graph and also read an explanation of how the team gathered the data on our Ice Data page.   The "official" ice in date is December 6th this year.

Please be careful going out on the ice, as conditions change.  This just means there is ice all over the lake.  It has nothing to do with depth of the ice on the lake.


Statement from Vern Campbell:  "Here is the revised chart.  As indicated, the 2011/12 date does appear to be a “special cause” or a rare occurrence.  I’m sure Lou explained, but 99.73% of all occurrences would be expected between the Upper and Lower control limits (UCL/LCL).  There is still a small chance though (0.27%) that any points outside these “limits” could be random and not necessarily abnormal or special.  So there is a small probability (0.135%) of there being a point outside the January 13th Upper Limit.  We would expect this to be a rare occurrence though if the system (Mother Nature) is stable."

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

LLAA's December Email from Arthur Howe


2013 Long Lake Watercraft Inspection Summary
  • 1039 Hours – 1468 Inspections
  • Program Period  5/11/13 to 9/29/13
  • 9.7% from infested waters
  • 6% had plug in at arrival
  • 1.6% had vegetation at arrival
  • Busiest month – JULY
  • Busiest times – 11:30 am and 4:00 pm
  • Busiest access – South
  • Most Popular out of state registration – North Dakota
  • Most Frequent origin from infested waters – Mississippi River
Types of Boats utilizing Long Lake:
  • Fishing – 54%
  • Runabout – 26%
  • Pontoon – 8%
  • Personal Watercraft – 8%
  • Other – 4%
The weekly statistics were given in the LLAA Fall Newsletter:  Fall 2013 Newsletter

There is still time to contribute to the 2014 program and deduct from your 2013 taxes.
Please send your contributions to:
LLAA Foundation
P.O. Box 808
Park Rapids, MN 56470

News brought to you by the Long Lake Area Association:
LongLakeLiving.org and LongLakeLiving.org/Protect Our Lake.

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Ice In? - 11/23/2013

The lake has frozen over - or it had this morning - from our view on Chippewa Loop.  If your bay has not frozen over, we encourage you to share your information as to "ice-in" progress from your view by posting in the comments section below.

Some phones and tablets do not support Flash.  This is a link to the photos in this slideshow for those without Flash:  LongLakeLiving.org_Picasa Web Album_11/23/2012 Ice In

Friday, November 22, 2013

Lake Ice Forming

The photos in this slideshow were taken on the morning of November 22, 2013.
 
Some phones and tablets do not support Flash.  This is a link to the photos in this slideshow for those without Flash:  LongLakeLiving.org_Picasa Web Album_Lake Ice Forming

Friday, November 15, 2013

LLAA Newsletter, Fall 2013

The LLAA Newsletter for fall 2013 was released via email to the neighborhood member distribution lists on Tuesday, November 12th, by our email coordinator, Barb Roberts.  If you are a member with an email address and did not receive your autumn newsletter in email yet, please let her (brobertsmn@gmail.com) know.
We want to learn from you.  For example, we may find a need to split up our neighborhood email distribution lists if the email is getting rejected or placed in spam because of the large distribution list.
The newsletter was printed and mailed to those members without email on Thursday, November 14th, so should arrive in mailboxes by early next week.  This link to the 'Newsletter Fall 2013' can also be found on the Board Communications page (tab above) along with links to past Newsletters:
Newsletter Fall 2013

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Rough Road to Hubbard in 1928

Barbara Curtis has been coming to Long Lake since she was a child and she has shared with us one of her stories of a rough road trip in 1928.  Check out the History Page (tab above) for a link to the full story.

Barbara will share more Long Lake memories for the LLAA History now that she is a full-time resident of Park Rapids.  She encourages each of us to share our Long Lake History.

We have 15 stories and pictures so far that people have shared, so it's time to dig out those old albums.  A picture is a great way to start to share.  Does anyone have some good stories about a trip in 1950's, 1960's or 70's?  What were the roads like then?  Where did you stop along the way?  I bet you had a favorite restaurant or two.

Recent photo of 1928 Dodge

Saturday, November 9, 2013

Survey Says ...

Long Lake residents had an opportunity to take part in an online survey about environmental issues and our lake.  The results are in and you can read about it here:  Lake Management Page

Saturday, November 2, 2013

LLAA's November Email from Arthur Howe

Nice Christmas Gifts for our Lake

What a great gift – a clean lake for our kids, grandkids and even great grandkids!

Many of you have already given to the Foundation Fund Drive this year, but here’s an opportunity for members of your extended family to also help with a gift.  If your relatives exchange Christmas gifts among themselves, what about having people request that their gift be a check to the Foundation.  What could be better than a gift to keep the lake clean for our youngsters?

For the Christmas gift, request that the donor mail a check to LLAA Foundation, PO Box 808, Park Rapids, MN 56470, and include in the check memo “(Your Family) Xmas Gifts”.   All of “(Your Family) Xmas Gifts” will be combined, based on the check memo notations.  The total of “(Your Family) Xmas Gifts” will be recognized on the Foundation website:  http://llaafoundation.blogspot.com/2011/11/purpose-long-lake-area-association.html
Each contributor will receive a receipt for their tax deductible gift.  This is the second year one family has done this and it works well.

Your Xmas gifts will help us reach the 2013 Fund Drive goal of $20,000, primarily to pay for watercraft inspections and education in 2014.  As of 10/30/13, $17,735 has been received:  http://llaafoundation.blogspot.com/

News brought to you by the Long Lake Area Association:
LongLakeLiving.org and LongLakeLiving.org/Protect Our Lake.

Saturday, October 5, 2013

DNR urges people to watch for aquatic invasive species during ‘cabin close-up’

(DNR news release, October 2, 2013)
With winter just around the corner many Minnesotans are pulling in their boats and closing up cabins for the season. It’s the time of year when the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) asks every cabin and lakeshore owner to watch for aquatic invasive species (AIS) when removing docks, boat lifts, swim rafts and other equipment from the water.

“The end of the season offers an important opportunity to monitor for AIS,” said Ann Pierce, DNR invasive species unit supervisor. “Carefully inspect everything you remove from the water to see if there are invasive species attached. Your observations will provide invaluable information to the DNR in tracking the distribution of AIS – and give us a chance to rapidly respond if new infestations are found.”

 - Continue reading the article to learn about where to look, what to watch for and what you should do if you suspect an infestation here:  http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/2013/10/02/dnr-urges-people-to-watch-for-aquatic-invasive-species-during-cabin-close-up/#more-13238

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

LLAA's October Email from Arthur Howe:

Tests show NO zebra mussel larvae in Long Lake

Do you know that LLAA volunteers like Al Kiecker, pictured below, have been been testing for zebra mussel veligers (larvae) for the past two years?  Any veligers are contained by the extremely fine mesh net and the samples are analyzed at a cost of $90, paid for from your annual membership dues.  NO zebra mussel veligers have been found in our Long Lake samples.


Female zebra mussels can produce up to 1 million eggs per year.  Fertilized eggs develop into microscopic, free-living larvae (called veligers) after about 3 to 5 days and disperse by free-swimming for up to a month.

Al Kiecker and other members of the LLAA Water Quality Monitoring Team have been trained by RMB Environmental Laboratories, coordinated by the Hubbard County Soil and Water Conservation District.  LLAA has purchased the plankton net, which is very fine mesh (64-micron).  The composite sample from 3 specific locations is preserved with 91% Isopropyl Alcohol, and sent to RMB for analysis.

Because zebra mussel veligers are microscopic and are not visible to the naked eye, they can inadvertently be transported in bilge or bait water from an infested lake, thus the Minnesota law against the transport of water in boats.  Drying for at least 5 days, or immersion in very hot water, kills the veligers and any adult zebra mussels.

News brought to you by the Long Lake Area Association: LongLakeLiving.org and LongLakeLiving.org/Protect Our Lake page.

Friday, September 20, 2013

Guide to Minnesota's Fall Colors

Color Progress Updates Map
MN DNR
If you love seeing the beautiful colors of fall, the three links listed here are for you.

1. Click on the fall "Color Progress Map" to the left for statewide color progress updates and information from individual state parks.

2. Follow this link for a detailed color report from Itasca State Park: Itasca State Park Fall Color Updates and more

3. For information on what causes fall colors, click on the graphic below:
Typical Best Travel Times for Peak Color
MN DNR

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

LLAA's September Email from Arthur Howe:

Provider Permits will help Long Lake stay Uninfested

Do you know that in 2011 Minnesota passed a law for service providers, so that AIS, such as Zebra mussels, shown here, are not transported from one waterway to another?
Zebra Mussels
According to the law, service providers are individuals or businesses hired to install or remove water-related equipment, such as boats, docks, boat lifts or structures, from waters of the state.  They are now required to obtain a permit from the DNR before providing any of those services.  Permits are granted after the principal person in the company has attended and passed a 3 hour training course relating to AIS issues, and a $50 fee has been paid.  All employees must take an online AIS course.  Vehicle stickers and wallet cards are then issued.
See: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lsp/index.html
Provider Permit Sticker
To confirm your provider is permitted, visit: Permitted Lake Service Providers.  Look under Hubbard County, or if the provider is further away, check Clearwater, Beltrami, Cass, Wadena, Becker or Otter Tail counties.

News brought to you by the Long Lake Area Association: LongLakeLiving.org and LongLakeLiving.org/Protect Our Lake page. The latest watercraft inspection statistics, as of 8/16/2013, are here: Long Lake Watercraft Inspection Report

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Tree Farms Protect our Lake


Sam Erickson and his forest continue to help Long Lake even though Sam now lives in the town of Park Rapids.  See Sam's history entry for Long Lake.  (Click on the History page tab above to see Sam's history and other contributions to our history page.)

Did you know that Sam's 80 acre pine forest protects Long Lake?  In addition to filtering and purifying water, forests naturally regulate the timing and amount of water flow, which helps lessen flooding during heavy rainstorms.  Forests also help curb erosion and prevent excess nutrients from fertilizers from entering nearby bodies of water.

Privately owned woodlands around Long Lake like the White's, the Hooker's, and Sam Erickson's are very helpful in providing clean water and air, wildlife habitat, recreational activities, and producing wood for the paper products we all need, too.  To learn more about sustainable forestry go to the American Tree Farm System at http://www.treefarmsystem.org.

Monday, August 19, 2013

Endangered, Threatened, Special Concern Species List Updated

Long Lake Snapping Turtle - June 20, 2013
photos by LLKooyer
The Minnesota DNR has updated it's endangered species list for the first time since 1996.  Bald eagles, wolves, and snapping turtles have been removed from the list while other species have been added.
This link is to the (August 19, 2013) DNR news release:  MN DNR Endangered Species List Updated

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Monthly Email from LLAA

Arthur Howe has sent out the first of what are to become monthly emails to the people on LLAA's emailing list that is maintained by Barb Roberts.  If you would like to be added to the list, just contact Barb.  (brobertsmn@gmail.com)  You are invited to share the emails by forwarding them to your family and friends who may be interested in lake related subjects.  Likewise, if you are on the emailing list and wish to be removed, you can contact Barb.

Arthur's topic this month is "Long Lake Watercraft Inspections" and this is a copy of his email:
——————— start
Sent: Tuesday, August 13, 2013 10:53 PM
Subject: Long Lake Watercraft Inspections

Earl (with clipboard) inspects another boat at the Hubbard boat ramp.

There have been 638 inspections at the north and south entrances of Long Lake as of July 7th. 54 boats came from lakes known to have invasive species. 6 of those lakes are infested with zebra mussels. 40 boats arrived with their drain plugs in, and there were 17 boats which had water in recesses in the boats. The educational process continues with each boat inspection.

News brought to you by the Long Lake Area Association:
LongLakeLiving.org and LongLakeLiving.org/Protect Our Lake page *

This e-mail is being sent to our membership list. We invite you to forward this e-mail to your family and friends.
——————— end
*On the Protect Our Lake page, at the bottom of the article about 2012's Inspection Program Statistics, is a link to the chart showing 2013's mid-year watercraft inspection statistics.

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Update on Shore Management page

A new link to the order form for trees and shrubs has been posted on the Shore Management Page (tab).   Please click on that tab at the top of this page to view the information.  The Shore Management Page also has all the information that David Anderson put together about creating a buffer zone.  With the high water this Spring, boat wakes and storms many owners are noticing lake shore erosion.  Now is a good time to make your plans to preserve the lake shore and Long Lake water quality.  Keeping our clear water quality requires all of us to help.

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

The LLAA Kayak/Canoe Outing

The LLAA Kayak / Canoe Outing is Sat 8/3 at 1:30 PM at the North Access of Long Lake.  We will paddle around a few bays on the north end for fun!!  Hopefully any wind will be in our favor!

 In case of inclement weather, Sat 8/24 at 8 AM is the "Rain" Date for our North Access Kayak / Canoe Outing.

We will put any reschedule on the website no later than 12:30 PM on Sat 8/3.  Hope to see you at the North Access on Sat afternoon!

Please call Sharon Natzel at 763-355-7908 if you have questions.


Saturday, July 27, 2013

Missing a Waterski?

Internet Photo
A waterski was found around the middle of July on the west side of Long Lake about midway between the north and south accesses.  (It does not look like the ski pictured here.)  It floated to shore and the people that found it kept it out on their dock for awhile to see if the owner would come by, but no one has claimed it.  If it's your ski or you know whose it might be, please call: 218-732-5749.

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Two Alerts for Long Lake

There are a couple of lake related problems that we would like you to be aware of:

1.  We have been told by several Long Lake residents that swimmer's itch is a problem right now, specifically in the more shallow areas. The following link has swimmer's itch information from Minnesota's DNR:  http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/swimming/swimmersitch.html

2.  Unfortunately, we also have to report that there have been some gas thefts on the lake.  Gas has been siphoned from docked boats.  This has happened twice in the Crystal Bay area and we are unsure whether or not the problem is more widespread.

Monday, July 8, 2013

Photos from the 2013 Flotilla

This slideshow is a compilation of photos from three different photographers that captured images of the flotilla group that went south.  If you have (or anyone you know has) photos of the boats that went north, we would like to add those photos to the show.  Contact us using the email found at the bottom of the right sidebar on this page.  Thank you to all who participated!  This year's entries were fabulous.


Some phones and tablets do not support Flash.  This is a link to the photos in this slideshow for those without Flash:  LongLakeLiving.org_Picasa Web Album_2013 Flotilla

Monday, July 1, 2013

The Long Lake Area Association Annual Meeting → Saturday, July 6th

The LLAA Annual Meeting will be held on Saturday, July 6th at the Hubbard Community Center in Hubbard. 
  • 9:30 AM .............. Registration and Social Time
  • 10 AM ................. Meeting Begins
The program will include Steve Hall of Shoreline Creations in Nevis presenting information on shoreline restorations and buffer zones.

The 2012 Annual Meeting Minutes can be viewed online in preparation for approving the minutes during the meeting.  Please click here to see the draft minutes.

Remind your neighbors and bring your friends.  All are welcome to attend.

New "Information" Kiosk

Just in time for July lake traffic - our north public access kiosk is now in place (with pertinent materials) in the spot designated by the DNR. At the LLAA Annual Meeting in 2012 three volunteers stepped forward to build the kiosk in order to improve communication with those who enter the lake at this access point.  Thank you to Dick Longtine, Bill Cowman and Jeff Bjorkman! We also appreciate Northland Lumber's great pricing for the materials used to build the kiosk.

Dick Longtine assembled the kiosk in 50 hours this (2013) Spring.  Bill Cowman did the priming and painting in 10 hours.  Dick, Bill, and Jeff Bjorkman, with a little help from Jeff's green tractor, installed the kiosk in a group total of 14 hours. Long Lake will definitely benefit from this new communication tool - thanks again to our volunteers.

This is the link to our photo album of the kiosk construction:  LongLakeLiving.org_Web Album_North Kiosk.  The individual pictures enlarge when you click on them.

Friday, June 28, 2013

Come on out and Show your Long Lake patriotic Spirit!


The Annual Long Lake July 4th Flotilla will be held on Thursday, July 4th.  

Just for the fun of it, decorate your boats and meet at 9:50am in front of the New Frontier Resort on the west side of the lake.  We will depart at 10:00 a.m. in two groups, one north and one south.

If there is bad weather such as high winds, rain or thunderstorms at 9:00am - the event will be cancelled.  Participants agree to allow boats to be photographed and published on the longlakeliving.org website.

Don't forget the Long Lake Area Association Annual Meeting on Saturday, July 6th, 9:30 a.m., at the Hubbard Community Center.

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Wildflower Landscaping Presentation

Lake association members are invited to attend a seminar sponsored by the Kabekona Lake Association on Tuesday, June 18th, from 9:00am-11:30am at the Laporte School community room.

Part 1 of the Wildflower Seminar will be on the requirements for planting and maintaining wildflower seeds and plants.  Steve Hall of  "Shoreline Creations" will give the presentation.  Other information available will be native plantings for shoreline buffer zones.  This program is in collaboration with University of Minnesota Hubbard County Extension.

Part 2 of the Wildflower Seminar will be a “hands-on” planting of seeds and plants at the home of Cheryl Hoium and John Valen. The date of the 2nd session will be determined when the paving project on County 37 is complete.

Registration forms should be completed and sent to the Kabekona Lake Association, P.O. Box 8, Laporte, MN 56461 by June 10th.  The registration fee is $10 with checks made payable to Kabekona Lake Association.

Registration Form:  Wildflower Seminar

Monday, May 20, 2013

A Big "Thank You"

Thank you to all our Long Lake Area Association members who helped with the County 20 roadside cleanup on Saturday, May 18th.  We appreciate your help and dedication toward keeping Long Lake clean and beautiful.  Bill Cowman deserves a special thank you for using his trailer to haul the bags of garbage to the dump.  His trailer was full!  It was good to see it all go to the dump instead of sitting in our ditches.

Hundreds of Loons Dead, Invasive Species Suspected

Loons w. shoreline greens reflecting
Photo by L.L.Kooyer
More than 900 loons were found dead last fall on the shores of Lake Michigan.  Some were likely Minnesota birds, as Minnesota Loons that have been banded with GPS have been tracked there during migration.  You can listen to these radio spots from MPR for more information.

Audio reports:

1. Short MPR segment on Loon Deaths

2. Scientists Discuss Loon Deaths


Follow this link to the Minnesota.PublicRadio.org article:  MPR Report on Loon Deaths

On a cheerier note, the Minnesota Bound Loon Cam is up and running.  The link is in the Webcams box on the right sidebar.

Fullers "Golden Book" Helps Researchers and DNR Improve Fishing

To read the full article click here:   Fullers Golden Books help write Angling History in Park Rapids

According to the Park Rapids Enterprise:  "The analysis was completed in 1989 by Donald Olson and Paul Cunningham, a pair of DNR fisheries research biologists. Together, they analyzed fishing contest records from 1930 through 1987 that appeared in the popular Fuller’s Fishermen’s Golden Book and Fishing Directory. This annual publication recorded the weights of all fish entered in the contest, regardless of size, and also the waters from which they were caught."

Saturday, May 11, 2013

It's Official

The spring we have longed for has finally come:  The ice was literally blown off the lake over night.  The winds this morning were around 20 miles per hour.  According to our records that is 4 days later than the latest recorded date of May 7, 1996.

Another sign of spring was the opening of fishing season. This was all the more fun this year as Governor Dayton and friends held the official opener in Park Rapids.  There were many celebrations including a community picnic down town.  The pictures below are of some of the Long Lake people who were volunteering.  They represent just 3 of the many who lent their time and talents to this successful event!

Monday, May 6, 2013

Busy Weekend: Governor's Fishing Opener in Park Rapids

Just in case you have not seen all the activities planned for this weekend, here is the Chamber of Commerce poster about the GFO.  Lots of fun and we are all hoping for a sunny day.  Many Long Lake people are volunteers at events, so come and join us.

Friday, May 3, 2013

Loons and the Spring Newsletter

Loon, May 2013
Photo by Barb Roberts
Barb Roberts sent us these photos today telling us, "A pair of loons are back on the north end of Long Lake.  Larry & I put the artificial loon nest out today.  This is the second year we've put it out.  They didn't use it last year but we are hoping they will give it a try this year!"
We, too, hope the nesting platform will get used this year.  Thanks Barb and Larry.

Another sign of spring is LLAA's spring newsletter!  We've just posted it and you can find it by scrolling down toward the bottom of the "Board Communications" page or by following this link:  2013 Spring Newsletter


Nesting Platform
Photo by Barb Roberts

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

What a difference 4 days make!

It seems like everyone is talking about the weather.  How will the ice ever melt by the fishing opener?  Will the big piles of snow left by the snow plows ever go away?  When can we get back into the cabins?

On April 1st we had a temperature of 28 degrees and lots of snow on the ground.  The temperatures stayed in the 30s maybe hitting 40° in an afternoon, but snow continued.  Finally, on April 26th, we had a temperature of 61 degrees.  Still, there was so much snow around that it didn't feel like we would ever get out on the lake.  Well, what a difference 4 days makes!  We have had 4 days of 60 degree weather; the sun is out with a strong but warm wind today.  Most of the snow is gone.  The lake ice has started to come away from the shore and it has turned a dark color. (Meaning it is slushy ice, not snow on the lake.)  The first picture was taken on April 26th and the rest were taken today.  There is hope for spring and even summer.

Friday, April 19, 2013

Your Favorite Place in Minnesota

Tell us (and the world) all about your favorite place in Minnesota!  Conservation Minnesota has announced a new venue for people to share about the places in Minnesota that are special to them.

"Nearly everyone in Minnesota has a favorite place they go to enjoy the great outdoors around the state.  Be it a park in the middle of the city or a place well off the beaten path, these places are what we look to when we tell the story about why we think Minnesota is such a great place to live."  

Screen Shot

"The web tool, "Minnesota's Favorite Placesallows people to submit descriptions of their favorite places, as well as review the submissions of others. The state map also includes a search tool that allows users to find locations close to where they are, or where they are going, to check out places other people recommend.  The hope of the site is to get more people excited about the great outdoors and committed to helping preserve the abundance of opportunity that exists."

Check it out:   Minnesota's Favorite Places

Friday, April 12, 2013

Will Winter Ever End?

The governor's fishing open is less than 30 days from today, but Park Rapids is continuing to get storm after storm adding snow instead of melting ice.  The Park Rapids Enterprise, Lakeland Public TV plus numerous Facebook friends have been commenting about when the ice will go out.  Will the governor actually get to go in a boat on the Fish Hook?    Take a look at this report from LakeLand Public TV.. it was posted on Facebook too.

Friday, March 29, 2013

You are Needed for the Fishing Opener


(AP Photo/Pioneer Press, Ben Garvin)
As you may have heard, the governor has picked Park Rapids to open fishing season this year.  Since Long Lake Area Association is part of COLA, we have been asked to provide volunteers.  Sharon Natzel is one of the organizers and they need our support.

There are several two hour positions for fun, educational activities designed for kids on Friday, May 10, 2013, at the Governor's Fishing Opener Community Picnic, plus many other opportunities during the media focused celebration of our area through the weekend.  Come join in the fun!  Be sure to tell them that you are a member of Long Lake Area Association.  Just follow the links below to learn more.

Monday, March 18, 2013

Short Story by Will Weaver

Given everyone in the north country is "hunkered" down to wait out this latest storm, we are sharing a link to a short story written by Will Weaver.  For those who don't know, Will is a local author with several published books.  He does a great job of describing our area and what it is like to live here.  This story was published in the Minnesota Conservation Volunteer Magazine.

After the Storm
 In the wake of a blowdown, landowners see trees in a new light.
by Will Weaver

Follow this link to:  Will Weaver's "After the Storm"

If you want to see pictures of the latest snow and how deep it is, check out the webcams and facebook of any of your friends that winter here.  The snow depth is impressive.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Summers past in Park Rapids

 Tom Rice, grandson of Lloyd Stover (one of surveyors who named Stover Bay) and long time Long Lake summer resident has found a way to share his hobby for collecting brochures, maps etc from Long Lake's past.   He has started a blog.  As Tom says: 
      
It's a "very, very skeleton first attempt at a blog.... I picked the Park Rapids theme to show off a few of the early northern Minnesota lake brochures I’ve collected over the years." 
 

Link to Tom Rice's blog about lake brochures from 1930s to 1970s
 
Tom's blog has many samples of the brochures that he is collecting about Park Rapids from Fuller's Tackle Shop to Hamilton's Island.  Explore the different entries, you may find something familiar.  You can also find the his blog link on the history page for future reference.  This way you can check back to see further updates.

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Snowmobile Races

On Saturday, March 2nd, Long Lake tried to provide a soft landing for the United States X-Country Snowmobile Racers after a run around the Hubbard Prairie.  These photos were taken just north of 170th Street, on the east side of Long Lake near the ancient willow tree, where the race route propelled the snowmobiles into the air (depending on the driver's technique for space launch.)  Some slush helped ease the fall back to earth, but got a few helmets wet.
For more information check out:  USXC Snowmobile Racing
Photos and story submitted by Sharon Natzel

Monday, March 4, 2013

Workshop Sponsored by Hubbard SWCD

A training session on "Low Impact Development Practices" for our lakes and waterways is being offered on Wednesday, March 27, 2013 to staff of the NRCS-Conservation District, government officials and landowners who are installing LID practices like shoreland buffers, rain gardens, and other storm water and erosion control practices.

For more information on the upcoming training session, “Building Low Impact Development (LID) Practices in the North Country" and a registration form to print and send in - follow this link:  Building LID Practices in the North Country
The registration deadline is March 22, 2012.

Monday, February 25, 2013

Hubbard Prairie Sleigh Festival Photos


A good time was had by all at the 2013 Hubbard Prairie Sleigh Festival.  This is a slideshow of just a few of the day's festivities.  If anyone has photos of festival events to share, please contact us and we will add them.  (Our email can be found at the bottom of the sidebar on the right side of this webpage.)  We would like to see and add photos from the chili feed, hot chocolate service, giddy-up cart race, sled dog rides, cider & mulled wine along with the history play, and County 20's performance.  What have I forgotten?

Some phones and tablets do not support Flash.  This is a link to the photos in this slideshow for those without Flash:  LongLakeLiving.org_Picasa Web Album_Hubbard Prairie Sleigh Festival 2013

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Ready for the Hubbard Sleigh Festival

This weekend a crew packed snow into huge blocks waiting for the snow sculptors to get to work.   We can't wait to see their creations next Sunday.   So many things happening from 11am to 4pm.

Don't forget to drop by and visit the Long Lake Area Association's historical display in the community center.

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Volunteers Needed for Feburary 24th

On February 24th, Hubbard, Minnesota (at the south end of the Long Lake) is hosting the "Prairie Sleigh Festival."  As a part of celebration Long Lake Area Association will have a table with a history display in the Community Center from 11am to 4pm.  In order to make this easy on everyone we need help.  We need 2 volunteers per hour - 10 people total.  That way volunteers can enjoy the festival as well as help the association.

The job is easy.  Just come to the Community Center and watch over:
  • Long Lake History Display (Early maps, the Long Lake History book, an old minutes book from the early Lake Association and other historical information.)
  • COLA wild rice for sale.
  • Governor's Fishing Opener tickets for sale
To volunteer please contact Sharon Natzel or Carolynne White.
  • Sharon:  218-732-5749 or sorgwweh@aol.com
  • Carolynne:  218-732-9819 or ccwhite14388@gmail.com
For more information on the Sleigh Festival and a list of the day's events:
Full "Hubbard Sleigh Festival" Schedule

Saturday, February 9, 2013

New Eagle's Nest Webcam from Minnesota DNR

A live streaming video from a nesting pair of bald eagles is now featured on the DNR’s website at http://www.eaglecam.dnr.state.mn.us/ and we have linked to it in our "Webcams" widget on the right sidebar.  It is up and running right now and as I write this I am watching one of the eagles in the snowy nest.  To learn a little more background information about this webcam, it's location, etc. click on the following link to the DNR's news release:  Minnesota DNR debuts bald eagle camera

Did you know Minnesota has more bald eagles than any other state in the lower 48 states?  Click here to learn about eagles and their comeback from being an endangered species:
MN DNR's Eagle information page

UPDATE:  There are three eggs in the nest that are expected to hatch very soon; approximately 35 days after they were laid.  They are thought to have been laid right around the new year.  The Minnesota Bound Eagle Cam is running again, too, so you'll want to keep an eye on both.

Friday, February 1, 2013

Hubbard Sleigh Festival 2013


The "Hubbard Prairie Sleigh Festival" in Hubbard, MN (at south end of Long Lake) is coming up on Sunday, February 24th, and it looks like there will be something to enjoy for everyone.  LLAA will have a history display set up in the Community Center, so we hope you will stop in to see it.

DAY’S EVENTS

11am - 4pm  Horse-drawn wagon (sleigh) rides
Sled dog rides - behind Community Center
Sweet Taste of Winter:  Hot Chocolate - Hilltop
“The Way It Was”- Memorabilia From the Good Old Days -Community Center

12pm - 3pm Chili & Corn Bread - Hubbard United Methodist Church(Free-will donation)
Bonfire - Community Center
Music by “Incredibly Real” - Community Center
Treasure Hunt (adults and children) - clues at Community Center

12pm Giddy-up Cart Race - Old Hubbard General Store

1pm SLEIGH FESTIVAL PARADE

2pm SPECIAL EVENT:  Long Lake Theater Hubbard History Play

2:30pm Performance by “County 20” - Long Lake Theater

2pm - 4pm Mulled Wine & Cider - Long Lake Theater
  • Trapper Encampment on historic Hubbard Lane by the Indian Mounds - demonstrations of early life and games.
  • Snow sculptures on view - Community Center. 
JUST FOR FUN

SUPPORT THE FESTIVAL WITH A $5 BUTTON
(Children 12 and under FREE)
For sale at the Hilltop, Community Center, Hubbard Church, and on Main Street

Buy a Souvenir Mug for $5 with a fill of Hot Chocolate

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

NW Minnesota AIS Open House & Forum

NW Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Open House & Forum:
5-7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 31, and
9-Noon, Friday, Feb. 1, 2013
Chase Hotel and Conference Center,
502 Cleveland Blvd
Walker, MN

Who: NW Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Regional Leadership hosts presentation and discussion of accomplishments in managing invasive species in the Northwest region.

Why: To acknowledge, celebrate and strengthen the role of partnerships in managing invasive species in the 24 counties of Northwest Minnesota.

For more information click on this link.

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Winter Links

Photo by L.L.Kooyer
These are some links to MN DNR web pages that may be helpful to those who enjoy winter and participating in winter activities.

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Remembering Jack Kinney

Steve Kinney has emailed us with Jack Kinney's obituary information to share with friends and neighbors on Long Lake.  His father, Jack Kinney, a long time Long Lake summer resident, died on January 18, 2013 at age 91.  He spent many summers at 14486 Chippewa Loop on Long Lake, maintaining a cabin originally purchased in 1958 by his father, Frank Kinney.  This is the link to his obituary in the Park Rapids Enterprise:   John (Jack) Francis Kinney Obituary

Last year Steve shared pictures and the story of his family's cabin with us.  It's on our history page:
  • "Cabin Legacy" by Steve Kinney" - Steve Kinney shared several pictures and recollections of his family's Long Lake history.  If you have trouble viewing it try to zoom in or out, that seems to help with the pictures.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Bogey's Night

This month another "social event" has been added for Long Lake neighbors.  In addition to our usual Zorbaz Night (which is held the first Saturday of each month during the winter) we invite you to come to a Thursday night gathering.

Bogey's Night:  Thursday night, January 24th at 5:30pm.
Bogey's is located at 18081 169th Ave, Park Rapids, MN 56470 (map)

Hope to see you there!

Monday, January 21, 2013

The Cold is Here

The following is a quote from a post on Facebook this morning by association member, Nancy Baer, as the cold weather settled onto Long Lake.  This seems to say it all for the north country this week - but we know better weather is coming... it always does.

Photo by Nancy Baer
Nancy's post:
"Good Morning All!! -- I just thought I would fill you in on the weather here!! It's -22, actual temp. with a windchill of -39 and we expect it to get somewhat colder over tonight -- Colder? you ask? yes, colder! Keep in mind "it's a dry cold" chuckle, chuckle -- Colder? it doesn't make too much difference when it's this cold -- We will stay inside, cook something yummy and I will work on the basket workshop brochure!! -- It will be a very good day!! We will "HY-BAER-NATE!!"


Additional Photos:

Photo by CC White.

The windchill is much lower, but this was the temperature at noon today right next to the house. 









Ice fishermen near Breezy Point on Saturday.
Photo by CC White.