Lake Management

In 2010, as Minnesota worked to strengthen watershed coordination to protect lakes statewide, the Long Lake Area Association formed a committee to develop a comprehensive lake management report focused on Long Lake. The plan was revised in 2014, and in 2025 LLAA again convened a task force to update the report.

Thank you to the Task Force for all your hard work:

• Jim Alseth – LLAA Board Liaison to the Environmental Stewardship Committee
• Todd Hoffman – LLAA Board Liaison to the Fisheries Committee
• Sara Mahlum – Environmental Stewardship Committee
• Caren Martin – LLAA Board President
• Sharon Natzel – Chair, Environmental Stewardship Committee
• Carolynne White – Chair, Communications Committee

Executive Summary

The Long Lake Area Association (LLAA) is committed to protecting the environmental quality, recreational value, and community life of Long Lake in Hubbard County, Minnesota. This plan reaffirms our commitment to informed stewardship, ensuring the lake remains healthy and enjoyable for generations to come.

Lake Vital Statistics

Long Lake is a significant natural resource with the following characteristics:

• Surface Area: 1,926 acres.
• Depth: 31-foot mean depth; 135-foot maximum depth.
• Shoreline: 18.91 miles of shore length.
• Littoral Area: 468 acres.
• Community: Approximately 500 families owning 609 parcels within 100 feet of the lake.

Environmental & Wildlife Health

• Water Quality: Nutrient levels are decreasing, and robust monitoring programs are in place. (Note: Mercury in fish remains a health concern).
• Invasive Species: The lake is monitored for Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS), with management protocols ready if located.
• Wildlife Support: Habitat protection and nesting support for loons, bald eagles, herons, and other wildlife.
• Fisheries: Walleye and perch stocking occurs every other year by the MN DNR, supplemented by LLAA Foundation funding.

Stewardship & Recreation

• Shoreland Care: Emphasis on erosion control, native vegetated buffers, and adherence to the Hubbard County Shoreland Ordinance.
• Lake Use: Community outreach addresses concerns regarding wake size and personal watercraft.
• Winter Education: A seasonal focus on the “Keep It Clean” initiative.
• Public Access: Ongoing efforts to maintain and upgrade public access sites.

The LLAA Foundation (LLAAF)

The Long Lake Area Association Foundation (LLAAF) plays an important role in supporting the lake management efforts described in this report. The Long Lake Area Association (Hubbard County) Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit. Its mission is to provide financial support to protect, preserve, and enhance the lake. Donations to the LLAAF enable critical environmental efforts, such as battling Aquatic Invasive Species.

Moving Forward

The LLAA continues to build on this lake management plan through:

• Updated bylaws and neighborhood representation
• Expanded digital communication and environmental education
• Community engagement through social events and lake stewardship initiatives

Read the full Lake Management Report (PDF).   

Previous Long Lake management reports:

Lake Management Plan 2010 for Long Lake, Hubbard County  (by Larry Roberts).

2014 Lake Management Plan Project Summary Update

This linked chart of the “Long Lake Minor Watershed Protection Strategy” is a slightly newer version of the one found on pg. 69 of the Hubbard County Local Water Plan, 2016 – 2026, by Julie Kingsley of the Hubbard County Soil and Water Conservation District. The new chart has data from 2009 to Spring of 2016. The Hubbard County Local Water Plan is updated every five years.

Link to updated strategy: Long Lake Minor Watershed Protection Strategy

Long Lake residents participated in an online survey conducted as part of Indiana University’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs spring 2013 capstone course titled “Lake Management Associations: Developing Sustainability Guidelines.” As our “living” lake management plan is updated over time, the responses of the 123 residents who took part in the survey which was mailed to 266 Long Lake residents, will definitely be taken into consideration. For example, the ranking of the top four concerns were aquatic invasive species, lake pollution from agricultural runoff, pollution from shoreline residences, and shoreline owners understanding of issues.
Survey results: Long Lake – Lakeshore Resident Online Survey