Long Lake is now a Winter Wonderland!

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

Message from our LLAA President: Carolynne C. White

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

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

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

Since 2010, I have been learning so much about:

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

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

Plan for Replanting at South Access

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

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

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

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

South Access Now Open

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

Update on the South Access

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

 

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

 

We will post an update when it opens. 

 

Remember the North Access is available as usual.

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

Life Jackets & Minnesota Law

We've had some questions about life jacket requirements, especially for children.  General advice from those of us who have been coming here "forever" is to wear a life jacket.  This means even (and especially) on paddle boards, paddle boats, and kayaks etc.  If you are out by yourself a good distance from shore, a life jacket makes it easier to recover from an accident.  There are lots of big boats out there (making big waves) and they may not see smaller craft.  You may be a strong swimmer, but helping someone in a panic can sap your energy and strength very quickly.  Life jackets just make everything safer.  As my grandmother used to say, "a life jacket on a kid also serves as a handle."  You can easily grab onto a life jacket on a wet kid, which makes it important that the life jacket fit properly. A snug fit is a proper fit.  See: https://www.longlakeliving.org/2018/07/lake-life-safety.html

From the DNR:

Child Life Jacket Wear Law Summary

A legal measure that went into effect in 2005 requires children under age ten to wear a life jacket while boating in Minnesota.

Summary

Requires life jacket to be worn by children less than 10 years of age when aboard watercraft in Minnesota when the craft is under way (not tied up at a dock or permanent mooring).
Selecting a life vest for your child »
Wear your life jacket, get a treat »

Exemptions

• When in an enclosed cabin or below the top deck on a watercraft.
• When on an anchored boat that is a platform for swimming or diving.
• When aboard a charter (passenger) craft with a licensed captain.

DNR Boating Guide

Update: South Access

Long Lake’s South Access, just off of Highway 87 near Hubbard, is getting the facelift that was discussed at our LLAA Annual Meeting by Township Chair Jerry Brosdahl.

The project is expected to start on or before August 19th with completion in 15 business days if the weather cooperates.

The North Access on Long Lake, just off Hwy 34, has plenty of parking for trailers/vehicles for boaters to use in the meantime.

Here is the link to the recent article in the Park Rapids Enterprise (PRE): https://www.parkrapidsenterprise.com/news/government-and-politics/4408563-Long-Lake-boat-access-to-get-facelift

When this project is completed we will post the after pictures.

Reminders on How to Be a Responsible Boat Operator

Reminders from the DNR Boating Guide

 
💡
GOOD TO KNOW

ON THE WATER LAWS AND RULES
It’s against the law:

• To operate a watercraft in a careless or reckless manner.
• To operate a watercraft so its wash or wake endangers, harasses, or interferes with any person or property.
• To operate a watercraft within an area legally marked off as a swimming area, or within 150 feet of a diver’s warning flag (see page 48).
• To ride or sit on the gunwales, bow, transom, or decking over the bow, sides or stern of any motorboat while underway, unless it is equipped with an adequate railing. It is also illegal to operate a motorboat while any person is riding or sitting in a manner as just listed.
• To chase wildlife with a motorboat, or operate a boat where it is prohibited – including marked spawning beds. Avoid traversing any emergent or floating vegetation, if possible.
• To intentionally obstruct a seaplane.
• To attach a watercraft to any buoy, except a mooring buoy, or to tamper, remove, or destroy a navigational aid.
• To deposit or leave refuse in or upon the waters of the state or at public access areas.
• To operate a watercraft so it obstructs ordinary navigation.

 

PERSONAL WATERCRAFT - also known as Jet Skis or Wave Runners.



Personal watercraft is defined by law as a motorboat that is:

• Powered by an inboard motor powering a water jet pump or by an outboard or propeller-driven motor.
• Designed to be operated by a person or persons sitting, standing, or kneeling on the craft, rather than in the conventional manner of sitting or standing inside a motorboat.

All personal watercraft are considered motorboats and therefore any regulations that govern other motorboats (such as fishing boats, cabin cruisers, etc.) also govern personal watercraft.

In summary, the law requires that:

• Anyone operating or riding on a personal watercraft must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved wearable life jacket that is compatible with that activity (check the label).
• Personal watercraft must travel at slowno-wake speed (5 mph or less) within150 feet of nonmotorized boats, shore (unless launching or landing skiers directly to or from open water), docks, swim rafts, swimmers, or any moored or anchored boat.
• Operation of personal watercraft is allowed only from 9:30 a.m. to 1 hour before sunset.
• If you tow a person on water skis, or any other device, there must be an additional person on board the personal watercraft to act as an observer. (The observer does not have to be facing backward.)
• Factory-installed or factory-specified wide-field rearview mirrors are allowed instead of an observer when pulling a skier or other device (tube, kneeboard, etc.).
• After-market mirrors, stick-on mirrors, motorcycle mirrors, etc., do not qualify for the observer exemption.
• The skier/knee-boarder etc. must also be wearing a life jacket or there must be one on board the personal watercraft for the skier.
• If the machine is equipped by the manufacturer with a lanyard-type engine cutoff switch, it must be attached to the person, life jacket or clothing of the operator when underway.
• You may not operate a personal watercraft if any part of the spring-loaded throttle system has been removed or tampered with so it interferes with the return-to-idle system.
• You may not chase or harass wildlife.
• You may not travel through emergent or floating vegetation at greater than slow no-wake speed.
• You may not operate a personal watercraft in a manner that unreasonably or unnecessarily endangers life, limb or property. You may not weave through congested watercraft traffic, or jump the wake of another watercraft within 150 feet of the other watercraft. This includes other personal watercraft.
• A personal watercraft rules decal issued by the DNR needs to be on the craft in full view of the operator.
• You may not operate a personal watercraft while facing backward.
• It is unlawful for the owner of the personal watercraft to permit its operation in violation of the age restrictions (see next page).
• Some lakes have additional restrictions, see mndnr.gov/boatingsafety and click on local water restrictions.
• A person on a waterjet propelled accessory to a personal watercraft is operating a personal watercraft and must follow all regulations.

You too can be a Meanderer!

Help is needed with our Long Lake Neighborhood Aquatic Vegetation "Meanders" in Neighborhoods 1, 2, 5,and 6 for 2019.  Neighborhoods 3 and 4 have teams in place already.  We want to complete this by Labor Day while vegetation is still identifiable and present.  Please contact Sharon at 763-355-7908 to be part of the team to help protect Long Lake and/or to just learn to identify the vegetation at the end of your dock.

What is an Aquatic Vegetation Meander??  An aquatic vegetation meander is to go along the littoral area where vegetation grows in the lake in a watercraft in a pattern of choice to observe the vegetation in order to detect aquatic invasive species.  We are searching for the existence of AIS in Long Lake such as Starry Stonewort, Eurasion Watermilfoil, and Curly Leaf Pondweed.  If we find AIS early, there is a better chance for preventing its spread.

We boat slowly, peering into the water and sampling the aquatic vegetation where we don’t recognize the native vegetation.
You may use a rake, old fishing pole, or even a golf ball retriever to sample.
Polarized sunglasses help you see underwater better especially on a sunny, calm day.
One hour of training with Sharon will help you practice sampling with a rake, show you how to separate vegetation, and teach you to identify common vegetation in Long Lake.  We use our two professional surveys from 2011 and 2018 as our guide, see the link on our website: http://www.longlakeliving.org/p/plant-survey-2011.html

Fishing on Long Lake with a Guide

The Richards family was inspired by our LLAA speaker at the annual meeting last year and hired a fishing guide for a day trip on Long Lake.

They had a beautiful June day.  The fish, however, (in keeping with Long Lake tradition) were especially finicky.

Only their son caught fish.

They all had fun.

               Thanks for sharing your adventure!

Long Lake Memories: Annual meeting and 4th of July

It has been a fun filled weekend on Long Lake with our annual meeting on Saturday, June 29th and our 4th of July Flotilla.  We know there were many picnics held around the lake as well as many fireworks displays.  Here are some of the pictures of the events.

Congratulations to our new LLAA board members:  Ken Retzer, Robert Nelson, Jim Seifert, and Dawn Hammerschmidt.  A very big thank you to Monika Wilkins for her service as President of LLAA and to Betty Larsen for her service as secretary.  Thank you to Jack Derr and Ron Taggart for your service on the board also.  (The Board Members page on this website will be updated soon.) 

Shoreline Buffer Zone Presentation given at Annual Meeting

Thank you Shannon Henrickson of Touch of Eden Landscaping!

Shannon gave us all a good overview of Long Lake shorelines and ways we can help protect the lake from the hazards of erosion.  Many people wanted to have his slides and notes in order to review the information and these are the links (below) to that information - one to the color slides and the other to Shannon's notes.

Link to Shannon Henrickson's Slides
Link to Shannon Henrickson's Notes

Decorate Your Boat for 2019 Flotilla Fun

Long Lake Area Association will be having the 2019 Annual 4th of July Flotilla on (Thursday morning) the 4th.  Below is a screen shot from Weather.com with that day's forecast.  If those thunderstorms do appear in the morning, check this website to see if there is a cancellation notice. The decision on whether the the Flotilla is a go or will be cancelled will be made at 9AM and if it is to be cancelled, that information will be here on the website and also on our Facebook page by 9:30AM.

We are hoping for the best, so get decorating!  Follow this link if you need inspiration for decoration ideas:
Video of 2017 Flotilla

Meet at the New Frontier Resort at 9:50AM.  There will be two routes.  Follow either the North or South Leader as they begin their routes at 10AM.

 Weather.com Forecast from Monday, July 1st for July 4th:

Noah's Fish Story

This is the information we were given on Noah's entry into the Kids Fishing Contest:

•  Noah - age 5
•  Fishing with dad on the boat using a trolling motor.
•  The bait used was some sort of “fancy jig”.  (Mom doesn’t remember the specifics.)
•  This large mouth bass was caught just off the point on the north end of Long Lake.
•  Noah caught this fish during a last ditch effort before we headed back to the cities on Sunday, June 23rd.
• This kid LOVES to fish. He spent countless hours on the dock, walking along the lakeside on the rocks, and out in the boat with his dad over the weekend. The rain and wind didn’t stop him - and he is one determined little boy. This bass was a dream come true, because it was the first time he landed one completely on his own. His last experience over Memorial Day was with dad catching, and him helping to net the fish. This weekend those roles were reversed and the smile on his face and the pride in his heart was evident for many miles and for many hours after the catch. ❤️

Eli's Fish Story

This information was submitted for Eli.

•  Eli - age 3
•  Fishing with mom, dad, and big brother off the dock.
•  The bait used was a worm that he caught earlier and stored in his special worm box.
•  This rock bass was caught in the bay at the North end of the lake.
•  This fish (along with many sunnies) was caught just last weekend - June 22nd, on a dreary morning fishing escapade.
•  Eli is so proud to finally be able to cast on his own, just like his big brother, Noah. He has worked hard to get to this point, and although there have been many failed and frustrating attempts, he has never given up and is finally finding some success!

Way to go, Eli. 🎣

Brody's Fish Story

This is Brody Schmidt from Cokato MN with a large mouth bass that he caught while fishing off the dock on Long Lake.

Ryanna's Fish Story

Ryanna Swendra is a 14 year old from Dassel, MN.  She caught this crappie while fishing off the dock at her grandparents place at Dakota Shores on Long Lake on Sunday June 16th.  Nice fish, Ryanna!

Emily and Lily's Fishing Story

Jim and Breena Natzel submitted these photos taken on Long Lake of Emily (7 years old) and Lily (12 years old) fishing off the dock with earthworms. Bob and Sharon Natzel were giving fishing advice. The fish were released after being caught but some came back to bite again.

Another Successful Fishing "Expedition" on Long Lake

Rob Swendra caught this northern on the north shore of Long Lake on Saturday, June 15th, 2019.

Thanks for sharing with us all, Ron.

Invitation to Annual Meeting: June 29th

Latest Entry in the Adult Fishing Contest

While fishing on Long Lake at 7am on May 28, 2019, Al Kiecker caught this Northern Pike.  It was 35 inches long!  He used a minnow for his bait and released the fish back into the lake.

This is Al's entry into Long Lake Area Association's 2018-2019 Fishing Challenge contest.  There is still time for you to enter your fish in the contest.  (Click here for details)  Prizes will be awarded at our Annual meeting on June 29, 2019. (Start time is 9:30am at the Hubbard Community Center.)

Important Information for Long Lake Landowners with the Deadline for Input 6/13/19 by 3:30PM

This is a chance to make your voice heard 

 

The June 24th, 6 PM , Hubbard County Environmental Services Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment Meeting at the Hubbard County Government Center in County Board Room #324 has 2 items for Long Lake that may interest you.

A)  The Conditional Use Application 4-CU-19 to operate a recreational vehicle campground (parcel 13.42.05000) which was tabled at the May meeting is being covered by the Planning Commission (PC) in Old Business.  The additional input requested by the PC and that was provided by the applicant for the PC consideration for the June 24 meeting is attached.  Our Long Lake Area Association Board will update our Findings of Facts comments.  We believe it is important to comment and be present because the vacant position in the PC has now been filled.  The new individual hasn't experienced our previous comments, site visits, attendance at hearings, etc.

B)  The Variance Application 15-V-19 by the Hubbard Township will be heard by the Board of Adjustment.  The variance is for upgrading the south access (parcels 14.20.02041 and 14.20.02011) which will help prevent runoff, soil erosion, provide rain gardens, tarred parking spots, and more... This upgrade is something that our Long Lake Area Association has had in our lake plan since 2010 http://www.longlakeliving.org/p/lake-management-plans.html for water quality protection, usability, and more.  The LLAA BOD has worked toward this upgrade whenever the opportunity presented itself.  Hubbard County was able to secure a grant now and will administer the grant for the township.

As a citizen, you are able to review the project documentation for the items above by following the links in the Hubbard County Environmental Services meeting agenda here:
http://cms6.revize.com/revize/hubbardcounty/June%202019%20PCBOA%20Agenda.pdf

You are also able to comment on items on the agenda in writing by Wed 6/19 at 3:30PM by emailing or U.S. Postal Service or hand-deliver to:

Written comments / materials on agenda items must be submitted to:

Hubbard County Environmental Services

301 Court Ave

Park Rapids, MN 56470

Please include the submitter's complete name and address of residence.  Include your seasonal residence address here at the lake in addition.  Include the subject, for example 4-CU-19

Your email comments should include all the same submitter information and the subject too.  Email to Eric Buitenwerf, Environmental Services Director at email address: ebuitenwerf@co.hubbard.mn.us

The Planning Commission Findings of Fact criteria may help guide you in creating your own specific, factual comments.  Just pick one or two areas that you want to comment on. The LLAA Board will be updating our May 1st document on 4-CU-19 prior to Wed 6/19/19 at 3:30 PM:   https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bxj3i6XNgv2PdXdITllvN3pSVWFGa0M3c0JWNXVURFRKdWlF/view 

Here is the link to the Environmental Services area where you will find the different Findings of Fact criteria for conditional use permits or for variances:  http://www.co.hubbard.mn.us/departments/environmental_services/planning_commission_board_of_adjustment.php#revize_document_center_rz683

The site visits by the Hubbard County Environmental Services Planning Commission / Board of Adjustments for the Long Lake parcels will be on Thursday, June 20, 2019.  Allow plus / minus 30 minutes from the listed time.

11:50 AM  15-V-19, South Access at Hubbard on Long Lake

12:15 PM  4-CU-19, Parcel 13.42.05000 recreational vehicle campground is 18080 Emerald Island Circle, Park Rapids.  Don't enter the lot until the Hubbard County Planning Commission arrives.  You can follow behind and listen.

Sincerely,

The Board of Directors of the Long Lake Area Association (Hubbard County) Inc.

Letter from LLAA Board to Lake Property Owners

Dear Long Lake Property Owners,

We wanted to let you know that there is an opportunity for you to provide your own comments, both written and/or in person regarding the requested Conditional Use Application 4-CU-19.  The applicant is requesting a conditional use permit per Section 401, Table 1 of the Shoreland Management Ordinance to operate a recreational vehicle campground on the northwest side of Long Lake on Hubbard County parcel ID: 13.42.05000. See the timeline for your opportunities to participate below.

Your own comments, perspectives & your presence matter for Long Lake!

Part of Long Lake Area Association's (LLAA) mission and values support the association’s involvement in education and communication on commenting on this proposed Conditional Use Application 4-CU-19.

Monday 5/20/19 at 6 PM,
Hubbard County Government Center,
301 Court Ave,
Board Room #324
Park Rapids

The Conditional Use Application 4-CU-19 will be heard by the Planning Commission along with other agenda items.  Instructions for navigating to the electronic county agenda are documented on the Notice of Hubbard County Board of Adjustment Public Hearing/Meeting for 4-CU-19 in the next link.  From the county agenda link you can access the full application in doc 53649 online.  Agenda for County Meeting on CUPs May 20, 2019

Public comment on agenda items may be made orally during the hearing/meeting 5/20/19 or in writing by 5/15/19, 3:30 PM.

Written comments/materials on agenda items must be submitted to:

Hubbard County Environmental Services,

301 Court Ave.,

Park Rapids, MN 56470

✔️by 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15, 2019

Please include the submitter’s complete name and address of residence.  Include your seasonal residence address here at the lake in addition.

Your email written comments should be addressed to and include the Subject: 4-CU-19  

Eric Buitenwerf, Environmental Services Director
Hubbard County Environmental Services
301 Court Avenue
Park Rapids, MN 56470

Email:  ebuitenwerf@co.hubbard.mn.us

The Planning Commission Findings of Fact criteria may help guide you in creating your own specific, factual comments.  (We have included our LLAA findings of fact attached which include the criteria regarding 4-CU-19, for your information. Link to pdf of LLAA letter) 

Link to blank Findings of Fact document

Onsite property review of parcel for 4-CU-19 will occur on Thursday, May 16, 2019 at approximately 11:10 AM (allow at least + / - 30 minutes from scheduled time).  Parcel address is 18080 Emerald Island Circle, Park Rapids.  Don’t enter the lot until the Hubbard County Planning Commission arrives.  You can follow behind and listen.

We hope you find this information helpful so that you can feel comfortable being part of the public comment process – written and/or verbal.  We look forward to seeing you at the Planning Commission/Board of Adjustment (BOA) meeting if you are in the area.  We continue to work in partnership with the Neighborhood #6 team and the lawyer with shoreland ordinance experience, Mr. James Peters.


A final note to consider for your calendar is the CUP recommendation from the Planning Commission may be on the Hubbard County Commissioner's Board Meeting agenda on June 4th; if not at that meeting, then on June 18th.

Keep track of county commissioner agendas here:
  Links to County Commissioners' agenda


Sincerely,
The Board of Directors of the Long Lake Area Association (Hubbard County) Inc.

For more information about Shoreland Ordnance procedures go to our Shoreland Ordnance tab: direct link

Ice Out Date for 2019: April 26

This is to let our members know that the Long Lake Area Association Official Ice Out Date has been confirmed by our Ice Spotters as Friday, 4/26/2019.  By 6PM on Friday, April 26th, the only ice apparent was drink-size ice cubes at 160th in about a 3 to 4 foot area along the shore for a short distance.  The ducks were happily swimming around near it, declaring open water throughout Long Lake.

Sharon Natzel will update the DNR/MPCA Climatology team.  The new charts and graphs that Vern Campbell and Lou Schultz are compiling are posted on our Ice Out Data page:  http://www.longlakeliving.org/p/ice-in-ice-out-data.html

We had 90 people turn in guesses on the Ice Out date.  Twenty-three people came within two days either side of the official ice out.  Our association members seem to know Long Lake pretty well.

Congratulations to the two people who guessed correctly that the ice out would be on April 26th.

David Anderson	4/26/2019
Karin Hansen	4/26/2019

Remember, everyone who submitted a guess will be entered into the drawing at our annual meeting for the Spring Quilt.

Learn the bird songs of the northwoods.

Below is a screen shot of a website page from DNR.

Click here to open the page. 

Then you can click on each bird to hear its song. 

Update on Variance requested by RV Park

This is the text of a letter that is being mailed or emailed to all members of the Long Lake Area Association about a new variance application that will be considered on 4/22/19 by the Hubbard County Board of Adjustment. This information is being provided as part of our continuing mission to communicate with our members. 

These are links to the previous posts here on LongLakeLiving.org from last Fall concerning this matter:

• Orginial post on information about RV Park
• Information on requests that were denied in October

April 7, 2019

Dear Long Lake Lake-shore Owners,

It has come to the attention of the Long Lake Area Association Board of Directors that Chris Bolton has requested a variance again from the recreational vehicle camping site 3000 sq. ft. minimum area requirement in Section 402.8.C of the Shore-land Management Ordinance. We wanted to let you know that there is an opportunity to provide your own comments, both written and/or in person regarding the requested variance 4-V-19 to allow 2400 sq. ft. minimum recreational vehicle camping site sizes instead of the minimum of 3000 sq. ft.  This area is part of his proposed RV Park on the northwest side of Long Lake on Hubbard County parcel ID: 13.42.05000. See the timeline for your opportunities to participate way below.   Your comments and your presence matter for Long Lake!

Part of LLAA’s mission and values support the association’s involvement in education and communication on commenting on this proposed project variance.

On Monday 4/22/19 at 6 PM, Hubbard County Government Center, 301 Court Ave, Park Rapids, Board Room #324, the variance 4-V-19 will be reviewed by the Board of Adjustment (BOA) along with other agenda items.  Instructions for navigating to the electronic county agenda and the variance applications are documented on the Notice of Hubbard County Board of Adjustment Public Hearing/Meeting for Variance Application 4-V-19 attached.

Your written comments should be addressed to and include Subject: 4-V-19  

        Eric Buitenwerf
        Environmental Services Director
        Hubbard County Environmental Services
        301 Court Avenue
        Park Rapids, MN 56470

Email:  ebuitenwerf@co.hubbard.mn.us

The BOA Finding of Fact criteria may help guide you in creating your own specific, factual comments:

    •    Is the need for a variance due to circumstances unique to the property and not created
         by the current or prior property owners?
    •    Will the issuance of the variance maintain the essential character of the locality?
    •    Does the stated practical difficulty involve more than just economic considerations?

Now until Wednesday, 4/17/19 – 4:30 PM – written comments are due that you want the BOA to have in the morning as they leave from the Hubbard County Court House by van for the Lot Viewals.  See criteria for BOA above.

Thursday, 4/18/19 – 10:15 AM is the Lot Viewal Time +/- 30 Minutes.  The public can observe the BOA Lot Viewal by following behind the BOA once they arrive and just listen.  Don’t enter the lot until after the BOA arrives.  The property address for parcel 13.42.05000 is:  18080 Emerald Island Circle, Park Rapids, MN 56470

Monday 4/22/19 – 6 PM is the BOA Meeting in Room #324 of Hubbard County Gov. Center for the Variance for 4-V-19 and other items on agenda.  Also, during each meeting, there is a public comment opportunity limited to 3 minutes per speaker per agenda item.  See the Meeting Procedure on Environmental Services Website * or on the LLAA website on the Shoreline Ordinance tab.

    •    Go to www.co.hubbard.mn.us
    •    Select Environmental Services under Departments
    •    Select Planning Commission / Board of Adjustments
    •    Information section has * meeting procedure* and Findings of Fact
    •    Use the Document Center to explore documents.  Agenda’s will be under the current
          year 2019

We hope you find this information helpful so that you can feel comfortable being part of the public comment process – written and/or verbal.  We look forward to seeing you at the BOA meeting if you are in the area.  We continue to work in partnership with the Neighborhood #6 team and the lawyer with shore-land ordinance experience, Mr. James Peters.

Sincerely,

The Board of Directors of the Long Lake Area Association (Hubbard County) Inc

Click here to see full Notice of Hubbard County Board of Adjustment Public Hearing / Meeting for Variance Application 4-V-19 

Spring Fever Watch is On: The 2019 Ice Out Contest

It's that time of year again!

Our "Spring Fever Watch" is on and Long Lake Area Association is announcing the 2019 Ice Out Contest.

✔️ The rules:

• Submit your entries to: longlakeliving@gmail.com
• This year all guesses need to be submitted by Earth Day which is Monday, 4/22/2019
• The prize🏆for guessing the exact date of ice out is bragging rights on your superior insight.



Spring Quilt donated by Monika's Yarn & Quilt Shop

• All who submit guesses will be entered into a drawing at this year's annual meeting for the best prize, a spring quilt donated by Monika's Yarn and Quilt shop!

✔️ From Lou Schultz:
"The sun has been shining and high temperatures in the forties this week and it is like winter has left us abruptly.  Yes, we still have pretty good snow cover but that sun feels so nice.
  According to our records, the median ice-out date is April 19.  We can tell from the data that we can be 99.7% sure it will not be before March 20 nor after May 18.  Kay is guessing April 19 and I am going with April 21 for this year."

✔️ From Paul Douglas (Star Tribune column):
"Readers are asking if winter is really over?  Sort of.  Expect a few final tantrums of slush in coming weeks.  On Friday a rain-snow mix may drop a couple inches of slush on far southern Minnesota. Don't worry.  It'll melt.  With any luck, we won't enjoy a mid-April blizzard this year."

✔️ It seems that snow should melt from the top down, but the truth is that it melts from the bottom up. The sun's warmth heats the darker ground, which melts snow at ground level.

✔️ Links to ice out information:

• DNR Ice Out Information
• Long Lake Living Ice Out Information

An Important Letter from MN Lakes & Rivers Advocates_Please Read

Take Action

Dear Friend,

Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates believes that science must drive natural resource decisions. In 2012, as zebra mussels were starting to spread across the state, we worked on a multi-pronged effort of education in the media, legislative solutions, and science. 

The MN Legislature, using both Natural Resources Trust Fund dollars and direct appropriations, created the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center that year.

Science takes time, but workable solutions are starting to emerge and the early investment is starting to pay off.

"There are reasons to be optimistic... science can make a difference." Dr. Nick Phelps to the House Environment and Natural Resources Policy Committee.

To see his full presentation, CLICK HERE

.

During his testimony at the House Environment an Natural Resources Policy Committee, Dr. Phelps referenced new findings, "Hot off the presses." In reference to a big lake study of the impacts of AIS on fisheries by Dr. Gretchen Hansen, he said, "The impacts of spiny waterflea and zebra mussels are significant. They (walleye/perch) do grow slower in lakes that have zebra mussels or spiny waterflea. Slower growing fish reduces survival in the first year."

Dr. Phelps went on to note that of the nine large lakes studied, Mille Lacs is the only one that has both invasive species.

Reliable, ongoing funding that provides scientific independence to the MAISRC has never been provided. Instead they have had to cobble together operating funds from a variety of sources. Said Dr. Phelps, "Baseline funding is important. It is hard to plan longterm efforts when you have to jump grant to grant."

We agree.

Please take action today to let your elected officials know that you support the work of the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center, and urge them to find a way to provide funding that is; 1) reliable, 2) sufficient to meet core needs, 3) provides independence to MAISRC researchers.

Use the ACT NOW button at the top or bottom of this email to send your legislators an email. Please take a moment to edit the boilerplate language provided and personalize your message.

Thank you for all you do and please keep in touch,

Jeff

Take Action

Entry in This Year's Long Lake Fishing Challenge: A Fall memory

Northern Pike caught by Scott Riemenschneider on September 30, 2018.  He was trolling with a blue/silver rattle trap lure off the Southwest shore line of the lake.

Do you have a good fish story to share?  It can be either Summer or Winter fishing.  Just email your picture and the complete story to longlakeliving@gmail.com.  Doing that will enter you into the contest.

2018-1019 Long Lake Fishing Challenge:

From 7/1/2018 to 6/26/2019

Three prizes ($25, $15, $10) will be awarded by a drawing from all entries.

Click here for more information about the Long Lake Fishing Challenge

Great Year for Ice Fishing on Long Lake

Kim pulled this 37 inch Northern through the ice on 10 pound test line.  It gave him quite a fight!

Submitted by Pat Stevens on 1/17/19

Do you have a good fish story to share?  (It can be either Summer or Winter fishing).  Email your picture and the complete story to longlakeliving@gmail.com.  That will automatically enter you into the contest.

New Long Lake Fishing Challenge

From 7/1/2018 to 6/26/2019

Three prizes ($25, $15, $10) will be awarded by a drawing from all entries.

Click here for more information about the Long Lake Fishing Challenge 

Obituary for Ralph Notch

Ralph Notch, along with his wife, Sharon, owned the New Frontier Resort on Long Lake since 1982.  He passed away January 9, 2019.

  "Ralph Ladislaus Notch, 77, of Park Rapids passed away at his home at New Frontier Resort on Long Lake with his family by his side.
   A Celebration of Life Mass will be held 11:00 am Saturday, January 19 at Our Lady of the Pines in Nevis, with a visitation one hour prior.    The family will continue honoring Ralph's life at Necce's Italian Restaurant in Park Rapids immediately following the service on Saturday. Interment will be in the Jim Cook Cemetery. Cease Family Funeral Home of Park Rapids is assisting the family."

His full obituary can be found here:  https://www.parkrapidsenterprise.com/obituaries/4556629-ralph-l-notch