Wednesday, September 16, 2020

Autumn Reminders:

With Labor Day weekend in the rear view mirror, we are all thinking of Fall. Many families are already taking boats, docks, lifts, and other toys out of the water.  Here are some items to remember:

 

1. If you hire a lake service provider (LSP) to take out your docks, lifts, and/or boats remember to ask if they are MN DNR certified.  The MN DNR maintains a list of certified LSPs for Hubbard County.  Follow this link and scroll down until you see "Park Rapids":

MN DNR List of Dock Service Providers, Hubbard County


2. If you have a zebra mussel settlement sampler (PVC tube, cinder block, plates, etc), please check it one last time and fill out the “Eyes on the Water Survey” even if you do not find any AIS.  An “absence” report is important.  Clean the sampler and reinstall next spring.

Hubbard County COLA Eyes on the Water for Healthy Lakes

3. Inspect your own docks, lifts, rafts, boats for zebra mussels as you remove them from the water. Make sure to look in areas that have been in the shade under water like the backside of dock tires, for example. Include your findings on the equipment as you complete the “Eyes on the Water Survey”.  An “absence” report is important too.

Hubbard County COLA Eyes on the Water for Healthy Lakes


If you would like a second opinion as you inspect your own docks and lifts on your shoreline, contact one of our certified AIS detectors:  Sharon Natzel, 763-355-7908, sharonmnatzel@gmail.com  or  Jim Blodgett, 651-395-9317, jblodget@iusb.edu.  


4. It is illegal to transport AIS (zebra mussels, etc) on a road.  This guide for shore-land owners helps explain when a permit is needed to transport boats/equipment with attached AIS like zebra mussels. This also helps address storing lifts, docks and watercraft for winter.

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/shoreland_owners.html

5.  Learn techniques for improving water quality through the free 1-hour virtual workshop(s) Lawns to Lakes: There is a Connection.  Registration information here: 

https://www.longlakeliving.org/2020/09/after-our-annual-meeting-presentations.html

6.  #2020Census:  Now through Sept 30th Seasonal Homes and Cabins – you DO need to complete the #2020Census for that address if you have a lake cabin or vacation home.  If no one usually lives or sleeps at that address, answer ZERO for number of people in that household.  If you have received a Census Form or an Invitation to Respond online go to https://my2020census.gov/, mail the form in, or call 844-330-2020.  Use your Census ID or your physical address.  The importance of the Census for Hubbard County is outlined in the Park Rapids Enterprise article 9/12/2020:

https://www.parkrapidsenterprise.com/news/government-and-politics/6656331-Conway%E2%80%99s-plea-Fill-out-the-U.S.-Census-form

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