dockside summer 2015

D CKSIDEN

SD CKSIDEEW

SUMMER 2015$1 on newsstands

reservingtheir gem inLake ennie

Local lake associations plan July 4 boat parades

Teach kids about fishing with these fun tips

Explore Greenleaf Lake SRA, other parksusing the DNR’s online ParkFinder tool

Members of Lake Jennie Improvement Associationwork hard to protect their natural resource

P

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2 DOCKSIDE | SUMMER 2015

SUMMER 2015 | DOCKSIDE 3

D CKSIDEN

SD CKSIDEEW

SUMMER 2015 • Vol. 7, No. 2

PUBLISHED BYLitchfield Independent ReviewP.O. Box 307, Litchfield, MN 55355320-693-3266

Hutchinson Leader170 Shady Ridge Road NW, Suite 100Hutchinson, MN 55350320-587-5000

PUBLISHERBrent [email protected]

EDITORJuliana [email protected] Litchfield office320-234-4172 Hutchinson office

ADVERTISING DIRECTORKevin [email protected]

SUBSCRIPTION OR ADDRESS CHANGEMichelle [email protected] 320-234-4142

PRINTED BYCrow River Press170 Shady Ridge Road NWHutchinson, MN 55350

Dockside is published three times a year(April, June, September) by the LitchfieldIndependent Review and Hutchinson Leadernewspapers. It is distributed free to lake andriver property owners around Litchfield andHutchinson. No part of this publication maybe reproduced, stored in a retrieval system,or transmitted in any form by means, elec-tronic, mechanical, photocopying, recordingor otherwise, without the prior consent ofthe publisher.

ON THE COVERCover photo by Juliana ThillA boater docks his boat at the public

access on the south side of Lake Jennie.

6 Currents: Know and follow invasive species laws

10 Currents: Greenleaf Lake State Recreation Area is one of many state parks to explore with online tool

12 Currents: Wildlife stamps boost conservation efforts

22 Waterways: Report shines light on state’s waterways

26 In the galley: Napa Valley Basil-Smoked Burgers;Red,White and Blue Watermelon Cake; and Grilled Potato Skewers

�

�

Ship’s log: Calendar of lake association eventsincludes July 4 boat parades

30 �

STOWED INSIDE

8

Cover: Lakeshore owners know they have a gemin Lake Jennie, and many work hard to preserveand improve the resource in their backyard

16

Currents: Tips forintroducing kids to the sport of fishing

Asking some lake associations which improvementproject takes priority over another is like askingparents which of their children they love most.

They’re all important; they all matter. However, like chil-dren’s needs, some lake improvement projects take priori-ty over others at a given time.

Such was the case for the Lake Jennie ImprovementAssociation, which recently treated a portion of its lake forcurly leaf pondweed. The invasive aquatic plant is abun-dant throughout the lake, and when the associationreceived grant money to treat it, the project moved to thetop of the to-do list rather quickly.

The lake association treated 15 of its more than 1,000acres. The association wanted to treat more of the lake,but that was all it could afford to do, even with some gen-erous grants. However, members chose to improve thesouthern public boat access for all users. Read about theirefforts to preserve the gem they call Lake Jennie.

Also in the magazine, you will find tips for fun ways tointroduce kids to fishing, reminders for following the lawwhen it comes to aquatic invasive species, state agenciesthat seek people to take a water industry survey, and anonline tool that helps people find a state park that fitstheir needs. You also can read about a report that foundpoor water quality in many of the state’s rivers andstreams, and find some tasty recipes to try this summer.

With each year I do this job, I grow more impressedwith how hard lake association members and their boardof directors work to preserve and improve the lakes in thisarea. They are a committed group of people who volunteercountless hours and receive little thanks for their efforts,

other than to see others enjoy whatthey’ve worked so hard to protect.

If you want to know what’s hap-pening on your lake or one near you,turn to Page 29, which lists websitesand Facebook sites for area lakeassociations.

Some lake associations share theirnews on a regular basis, update theirwebsite and Facebook site with a cal-endar of events, and provide awealth of information online.

Unfortunately, some lake association websites andFacebook sites are less informative or haven’t been updat-ed in one, two or three years. With so many people onFacebook these days, it’s a free and easy way for associa-tions to keep lakeshore owners and the public up to dateon news, events and meetings. Lake associations that pro-vide timely information online might attract more interestfrom their lakeshore owners and the public. I realize,though, that this takes time, and board members are oftenbusy with other projects, in addition to family, work andvolunteering.

That’s why it’s important for people who live on a laketo become involved in their lake association. I often hearfrom lake association boards that they would like to seegreater participation among the property owners on theirlakes — from paying dues to becoming active associationmembers and maybe even board members.

Give it some thought as to how you can volunteer. Shareyour time and talent to help preserve the lake you enjoy.

Conservation Minnesota, a nonprofit organizationthat works to solve conservation problems impor-tant to Minnesotans, could make a stop at your

next lake association meeting.From now until the end of summer, Conservation

Minnesota community coordinators are working with theirmembers throughout the state and would like to attendlocal lake association meetings. Lake associations thatwould like to have a local coordinator join a meeting, shouldcontact the organization. The local coordinator also will talkto lake associations about Conservation Minnesota’s work.

Conservation Minnesota makes an impact on state envi-ronmental legislation by combining grassroots mobilizationwith bi-partisan legislative outreach. They played a role inpassage of the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendmentin 2008, and they track the expenditure of those funds forthe public.

For more information, call Jaclyn Urness 612-767-2444

or email [email protected]. Conservation Minnesota’s website is www.conservation-

minnesota.org.

— By Juliana Thill, editor

WELCOME ABOARD

Nonprofit group seeks to visit with lake associations


CURRENTS

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CURRENTS

With the boating season underway, the Minnesota Department ofNatural Resources remind everyone to follow the law and protecttheir waters from aquatic invasive species.

Already this year, DNR inspectors havestopped a number of boaters and businessesmoving watercraft in and out of lakes withzebra mussels attached to boats or equip-ment.

“Far too many people are still not followingthe law,” said Greg Salo, DNR EnforcementDivision operations manager. “Some of theselaws have been on the books for more than15 years, and yet, we’re still seeing a viola-tion rate around 17 percent. That’s unaccept-able. Violators should know better by now.”

More than 500 Minnesota rivers, lakes,and wetlands are designated as infested withaquatic invasive species. That leaves morethan 10,000 bodies of water to protect.

“Everyone using Minnesota waters mustremember that Clean, Drain, Dispose is not

only the best way to protect their lakes and rivers, it’s also the law,” said AnnPierce, section manager, Ecological and Water Resources Division.

Fines for violations range from $100 to $500.More information, including a 25-minute video titled “Aquatic Invasive

Species, Minnesota Waters at Risk,” is available at: www.mndnr/AIS.

The Minnesota Department ofNatural Resources is offeringtwo trainings in June for

lake service-provider businessesinterested in learning hot-water/high-pressure decontamina-tion methods to remove aquatic inva-sive species.

Participants will receive hands-onpractice cleaning boats using the spe-cialized equipment.

“This is our third year offering freedecontamination training to lakeservice providers,” said April Rust,DNR invasive species training coordi-nator. “The class helps businessesgain the skills they need — and learnthe tricks of the trade — to provideAIS decontamination services to theircustomers.”

Businesses that complete the train-ing will be included in the DNR’sonline list of lake service providerstrained to use hot-water/high-pres-sure decontamination equipment.

The two trainings have limitedspace and require pre-registration.They are scheduled on:

� June 16 (10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.),Northland Arboretum, Brainerd.

� June 25 (10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.),Tonka Bay Marine, Tonka Bay.

The registration deadline is oneweek prior to each training. Classeswill be canceled if the registrationminimum is not reached.

To register, or get more informationabout decontamination training, con-tact April Rust, AIS training coordi-nator, april.rust@ state.mn.us, or651-259-5706 or 888-646-6367.

If a business does not have its lakeservice provider permit yet, it shouldvisit the DNR’s registration page atwww.dnr.state.mn.us/lsp/ mandato-ry.html to sign up for training and apermit.

DNR offers freedecontaminationtrainings for lakeservice-provider

businesses

Boaters, businesses must followaquatic invasive species laws

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MINNESOTA DNR

“Everyone using Minnesota waters must remember that Clean, Drain, Disposeis not only the best way to protect their lakes and rivers, it’s also the law,”said Ann Pierce, section manager, Ecological and Water Resources Division.

RequirementsBefore leaving a water

access, boaters are required to:� Clean off all aquatic

plants and animals.� Drain all water from

bilge, livewell and baitwell byremoving drain plugs and leav-ing the drain plug out whentransporting.

� Dispose of unwanted baitin the trash.



CURRENTS

The city of Winsted has proposedupgrading its wastewater treatmentfacility and moving the existing con-

tinuous wastewater discharge location fromSouth Lake to an unnamed ditch flowing intoCrane Creek.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agencyprepared an Environmental AssessmentWorksheet for the proposed project, and ismaking the document available for publiccomment through June 24.

The EAW is meant to describe the ways inwhich the proposed project could affect air,water, land use, and habitat, as well as poten-tial community impacts, such as odors, noise,dust, and vehicle traffic.

The city will build a new pre-treatmentfacility, which will include various systemsdesigned to help the city meet stricter stan-dards for the water that is discharged from

the plant. The project also will relocate thewastewater discharge point away from SouthLake, a shallow lake polluted with excessnutrients.

The public is invited to review and com-ment on the EAW, which is available on theMPCA’s website. The MPCA will use the com-ments to evaluate the potential for significantenvironmental effects from the project, and todecide whether a more comprehensive envi-ronmental review, an Environmental ImpactStatement, is needed.

Comments must be submitted in writing by4:30 p.m. June 24 to Nancy Drach, MPCA,520 Lafayette Road N., St. Paul, MN 55155-4194, by e-mail to [email protected],or by fax to 651-297-2343. Copies of the EAWare available for review at this address, or bycalling 651-757-2101. Questions should bedirected to Nancy Drach at 651-757-2317.

Public canreview and

comment onEnvironmental

AssessmentWorksheet

until June 24

MPCA seeks public comment on Winstedwastewater treatment facility modifications


CURRENTS

Bringing a kid fishing can berewarding, but less so if that kidis cold, hungry, insect-bitten,

bored, frustrated, or beholden to an adultwho can’t put down their own fishing rod.

“Fun and safety are the most impor-tant considerations while bringing kidsfishing,” said Jeff Ledermann, anglerrecruitment, retention and educationsupervisor with the Minnesota Depart-ment of Natural Resources. “Kids love tofish. But when kids start out, adultsneed to be patient as they teach how tofree tangled lines, tie-on and bait hooks,and take fish off the line.”

To keep kids interested, the DNR rec-ommends using live bait to catch smallerfish like bluegills that tend to bite fre-quently. Smaller hooks and lighter linethat match the size of the fish willincrease the odds of catching something.

“A lifelong interest in fishing can beignited or extinguished in a few introduc-tory fishing trips,” he said. “And let’s faceit, kids have plenty of competing ways tospend their time these days. That’s whyit’s so important to have a game planbefore heading out.”

Shore fishing can be a good way tostart because if a kid gets bored, it’s eas-ier to take breaks. When considering a

location, choose one that has restroomsand a public fishing pier.

Fishing reels, rods and other gearshould be simple, appropriately sizedand in working order. Consider giving achild their own fishing rod that is easy tohandle. Anyone 16 or older who is fishingwill need a fishing license.

“Fishing doesn’t need to be complicat-ed or expensive. Nonetheless, be pre-pared by packing snacks, sunscreen,insect repellent and first-aid basics,”Ledermann said. “With a little planning,you’re more likely to discover one of thebest-kept secrets about fishing — that inthe end it’s all about the lessons learnedand the time spent together outdoors.”

When adults bring childrenfishing, fun and safety areimportant considerations,

the DNR suggests.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE MINNESOTA DNR

Bring a camera to take photosof catches big and small.

Planning to take a kid fishingthis year? Here are some tipsfrom the MinnesotaDepartment of NaturalResources:

� Fun and safety are themost important considera-tions, and adults need to prac-tice patience.

� Fish for smaller fish likebluegills that tend to bite fre-quently.

� Use live bait, smallerhooks and lighter line.

� Fish from shore so it’seasy to take breaks.

� Keep fishing gear simple,appropriately sized and inworking order.

� Pack snacks, sunscreen,insect repellent and first-aidbasics.

� If fishing action or weath-er doesn’t work out, call itquits and try again anotherday.

� Congratulate kids oncatching any size fish, and takelots of photos.

Fishing primer for adultsAdults who want to learn more before

taking a kid fishing can find answers tocommon fishing questions by downloadinga beginner’s guide to fishing, and finding aplace to fish at www.mndnr.gov/fishmn.

For information about hands-on programs that teach the basics of fishing,see www.mndnr.gov/takeakidfishing orwww.mndnr.gov/bow.

DNR offers tips for introducingkids to fishing

Adults play role in teachingchildren how to fish


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The Department of Employment and EconomicDevelopment and the Minnesota EnvironmentalQuality Board are working on a water report and

are conducting a survey to gather more information.The results will help the agencies analyze the economic

impact of Minnesota’s water industry, as well as develop aneconomic profile that quantifies the current employmentand wages in water-related organizations,

As part of their work, they are issuing a short survey(that takes five to 10 minutes to complete) to help themunderstand trends in water-related employment and oppor-tunities for industry growth.

The survey is open to public and private sector entitiesinvolved in the research, development, treatment, manu-facture, assembly, installation, management, sales, supportor distribution of water products or services.

Results from this survey will be included in a broaderreport that examines trends in water-related employment,wages, investment, and trade.

The goal is to understand their present employment, rev-enue, and products in the sector. This will be combined withadministrative datasets to build a profile of water employ-ment and wages in the state. It follows a method laid out bythe Minnesota Clean Energy Economy Profile.

Broad participation in the survey will allow the agenciesto better understand and articulate the importance of theindustry to the state’s economy.

Survey results will be reported in aggregate form. Noindividual or company-specific information will be pub-lished or released.

For more information, contact Anna Sherman by email [email protected] or by phone at 651-259-7468.

— By Juliana Thill, editor

State agencies seek people to take water industry survey

CURRENTS

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By Juliana ThillEDITOR

In time for National Get OutdoorsDay — Saturday, June 13 — theDepartment of Natural Resources

reminds people that it offers a tool tohelp plan an outdoor adventure at aMinnesota state park or recreation area.

Looking for a Minnesota state parkwith a swimming beach, a bike trail anddrive-in campsites? Or a park with anaccessible camper cabin and fishing pier?Launched last year, ParkFinder — as theinteractive tool is called — can help peo-ple find which of Minnesota’s state parksand recreation areas best match theirneeds and interests.

In just a few clicks, users can entersearch criteria, view the results andmake a reservation.

“With 75 Minnesota state parks andrecreation areas to choose from, we knowsome people don’t quite know where tostart,” said Erika Rivers, director of theParks and Trails Division. “This new toolwill make trip planning quicker and eas-ier than ever. It’s an example of how theDNR’s Parks and Trails Division is usingtechnology to provide better customerservice.”

Search options include where to find:� Trails — including hiking, biking,

horse, ski and snowmobile trails.� Rental equipment — including

canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards,cross-country skis and snowshoes.

� Overnight camping and lodgingfacilities — including drive-in, cart-inand canoe-in campsites; RV sites; campercabins and more.

� Amenities — such as beaches, play-grounds, fishing piers and picnic shel-ters.

ParkFinder was developed by theParks and Trails Division in collabora-tion with the DNR’s InformationTechnology staff and can be found atwww.mndnr.gov/parkfinder.

Entry to all Minnesota state parks andrecreation areas is free on National GetOutdoors Day, and many have plannedspecial activities to introduce kids andfamilies to geocaching, kayaking, camp-ing and other types of outdoor recreation.

For more information, visitwww.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/getoutdoorsday.html or contact the DNRInformation Center at [email protected] or 651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.Monday through Friday.

Greenleaf LakeState

Recreation AreaGreenleaf Lake State

Recreation Area is open to thepublic. Covering parts of twolakes and several wetlands, thisday-use recreation area is stillunder development. Visitors cansee portions of Greenleaf andSioux lakes along with severalwetlands.

� Location: From Litchfield,go 7 miles south on MinnesotaHighway 22, then one mile easton Meeker County Road 18.

� Acres: 385� Highlights: Wetlands, fish-

ing, boating, bird watching.� Recreation:

Opportunities are limited to dayuse. No facilities are available atthis time.

� Excellent shore fishing:Good panfish and largemouthbass fishing. Sioux Lake, being theshallower of the two lakes, sup-ports significant waterfowl popu-lations.

�The Passport Club stampfor Greenleaf Lake StateRecreation Area is available atthe Minnesota Department ofNatural Resources Area Office,20596 Highway 7, Hutchinson.

Online tool helps people finda state park in Minnesotathat’s the best fit for them

PHOTO BY JULIANA THILL

Greenleaf Lake State Recreation Area is the nearest state park or recreation area to Hutchinson and Litchfield. A publicboat access and fishing pier are available on Greenleaf Lake. The SRA includes parts of Greenleaf and Sioux lakes.


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Anglers who want to support Minnesota’s walleye stock-ing program can do so by simply purchasing a walleyestamp wherever Minnesota fishing licenses are sold.

“Your voluntary purchase of a walleye stamp helps us reach ourgoals for stocking walleye,” said Neil Vanderbosch, fisheries pro-gram consultant for the Minnesota Department of NaturalResources. “Money from stamp purchases goes to an account ded-icated to walleye stocking. We use this money to buy walleye fromcertified private producers.”

In all, 19,467 anglers bought the stamp in 2014. Stamp saleproceeds were used to purchase 5,000 pounds of walleye finger-lings from the private sector for stocking.

Each year, the DNR takes fish eggs and puts the newly hatchedfry or small walleye fingerlings into lakes, along with walleye fin-gerlings that are purchased from the private sector. Factors likeweather, habitat and winterkill are taken into account in lakemanagement plans when planning where and when to stock fish.

Without stocking, walleye would only be caught consistently onlarge rivers and on 260 lakes predominantly in the northern halfof the state. Because of stocking, walleye can be found in around1,300 Minnesota lakes. A walleye stamp validation costs $5. For75 cents more, the DNR will mail the actual stamp to your dooras a collector’s item. This year’s stamp was created by artistStephen Hamrick of Lakeville, who painted a close-up of one wall-eye, near another that had just brought an angler’s bobber underthe surface. A walleye stamp is not required to fish for or keepwalleye.

“Walleye stamps are available year-round and can be pur-chased days, weeks or even months after you’ve bought your fish-ing license,” Vanderbosch said. “So it’s never too late to supportwalleye stocking.”

More information on the walleye stamp is available atwww.mndnr.gov/licenses/fishing/walleye_stamp.html.

Buying a walleye stamp supportswalleye stocking in Minnesota


Ever since the 1977 debut of thewaterfowl stamp in Minnesota, peo-ple have helped fund fish and

wildlife conservation by creating and buyingstamps for trout and salmon, waterfowl,pheasants, walleyes and turkey.

“Anyone can buy these stamps, and stampsales help fund walleye stocking and helpenhance fish and wildlife habitat,” said SteveMerchant, wildlife population and regulationprogram manager with the MinnesotaDepartment of Natural Resources. “The artfor these stamps is new each year and chosenthrough annual contests.”

Collectible stamps can be purchased at anytime. To purchase a collectible stamp go towww.mndnr.gov/licenses, click on fishing orhunting, then Stamps (collectible), or call theDNR at 651-296-6157.

License buyers planning to fish for troutand salmon or hunt waterfowl or pheasantsare required to pay for stamp validations,which are printed on the license. The turkeystamp is included in the license cost and thewalleye stamp is voluntary. For an extra 75cents, license buyers can have the pictorialstamp mailed to them.

Stamp contest deadlinesMinnesota residents can enter stamp con-

tests by submitting entries during these dates:� Trout and salmon stamp contest, entries

accepted Monday, Aug. 3, until 4 p.m. Friday,Aug. 14. Brook trout designs are not eligiblethis year.

� Migratory waterfowl stamp contestentries accepted Monday, Aug. 17, until 4 p.m.Friday, Aug. 28. The American wigeon is theonly eligible species for depiction on the 2016waterfowl stamp.

� Pheasant habitat stamp contest entriesaccepted Monday, Sept. 7, to 4 p.m. Friday,Sept. 18.

� Walleye stamp contest entries acceptedMonday, Oct. 5, to 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16.

� Turkey stamp contest entries acceptedMonday, Dec. 7, to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18.

For information on stamp contests, seewww.mndnr.gov/contests/stamps.html.

Fish, wildlife stampartists and buyershelp conservation

efforts in state

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Buy a walleye stamp where fishing licenses are sold.


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WATERWAYS

Flocks of giant white birds are catching the eyes of outdoor enthusi-asts across Minnesota, as once-rare American white pelicansmigrate north to their nesting grounds across the state, according

to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.These pelicans are among the world’s largest birds and are easily recog-

nized in flight. Wingspans up to 9 feet, bright white plumage with black-edged wings and large, orange bills distinguish them from any other species.

“Pelicans often fly in evenly spaced lines or ‘V’ formations,” according toLisa Gelvin-Innvaer, DNR nongame wildlife specialist. “Unlike swans orgeese which fly with necks outstretched, pelicans fly with their necks dou-bled back against their shoulders. They often set up a rhythmic pattern ofwing beats that ripple from the lead bird back to the end.”

American white pelicans leave Minnesota each fall as lakes and riversfreeze. They winter along the Gulf Coast from Florida to Mexico, and typ-ically return to Minnesota in early spring as lakes and rivers thaw.

“The prairie pothole region of western Minnesota hosts 22 percent of theglobal population of this species,” Gelvin-Innvaer said. In Minnesota, thelast survey estimated about 22,000 pairs of pelicans that nest at 16 siteson seven lakes across the state. This year, another statewide survey willprovide an update.

The birds are social and live in large, dense colonies. They feed exclusive-ly on small fish and crustaceans, and will work together for a meal.

“A group of pelicans will swim in a semicircle to herd their prey into shal-low water,” Gelvin-Innvaer said. “Then, they’ll scoop up fish and water intheir beak pouch, drain out the water and swallow their food.”

Gelvin-Innvaer advised that the birds be enjoyed from a distance.“Pelican nesting colonies are vulnerable to human disturbance.Minimizing contact helps to conserve them as part of Minnesota’s naturalheritage,” she said.

For more information on American white pelicans, visitwww.mndnr.gov/pelicans.

Pelicans migrate in increasingnumbers to Minnesota

Lakeshore property owners arereminded that products creat-ing a current of water to push

debris away from docks and shorelinesmay not be used to move sediment orexcavate the lake bottom.

“Some companies advertise that theirproducts can ‘blast away’ mucky lakebottom without a permit,” said SteveEnger, aquatic plant managementsupervisor with the MinnesotaDepartment of Natural Resources.“Property owners need to be aware thatusing these devices to move sediment onthe lake bottom is illegal in Minnesotaand could expose them to a citation.”

These devices function as hydraulicjets, and resemble a fan or trollingmotor contained in a short tube, andoperate by creating strong currents ofmoving water. They are not always ille-gal, but consumers should use cautionbefore purchasing these devices. Aquick test: If the intent is to move sedi-ment or uproot aquatic plants, then theintended use is illegal.

“When directed at the lake bottom,these products can uproot aquaticplants and cause clouds of disturbedsediment to drift down the shoreline.This interferes with other people’senjoyment of the lake, and may coverfish spawning areas with a layer of sed-iment,” Enger said.

Aquatic plants are important tolakes. They help maintain water clarity,prevent erosion, stabilize the bottomand provide habitat for fish and wildlife.While lakeshore property owners canlegally remove some aquatic vegetationfor access, it is illegal to use a hydraulicjet to do so. There are other options forlegally removing aquatic vegetation.These might require a permit, depend-ing on the control method, type of plantand size of the control area.

For information on aquatic plant reg-ulations, see www.mndnr.gov/shore-landmgmt/apg/regulations.html.

It is illegal to ‘blast’ awaylake sediment,aquatic plants

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

American white pelicans were driven to near extinction in the early20th century from human pressures.There were no reports of nest-ing pelicans in Minnesota from 1878 until 1968, according to theMinnesota DNR. Conservation efforts and federal regulations havehelped pelican populations make a slow comeback. Still, they remainone of Minnesota’s “Species in Greatest Conservation Need.”



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As all the right pieces fell intoplace, the Lake JennieImprovement Associationboard of directors took on oneof its most expensive projects

since the association was formed in 1986.The association hired a private contractor

to treat 15 acres of curly leaf pondweed inMay near the public boat access on the southside of the lake.

“We prioritized the south bay because thewhole community, not only the lake peoplebut a lot of people, use this lake for fishing.So, we wanted to make it navigable,” saidPeg Truax, a member of the Lake JennieImprovement Association board of directors.

While the project was small in comparisonto other area lakes’ projects, tackling thatamount of curly leaf pondweed was a bigundertaking for this lake association.

“The challenge for lake boards is, we allcome from different walks of life. We all dodifferent things. None of us are lake scien-

Lake Jennie Improvement Association has takensteps to help preserve the area for generations.A recent project involved treating the southern

public access for curly leaf pondweed.


Lake Jennie, the second largest lake in Meeker County, is east of Minnesota Highway 15 on County State AidHighway 18. The quiet lake is home to a growing number of wildlife, including osprey, loons, bald eagles, riverotters, beavers, raccoons, muskrats, turkeys, swans, duck, geese and sea gulls.

Discoveringa gem withLake Jennie

tists. The real challenge for us is to tryto figure out, first of all, what’s theproblem? What’s causing the problem?What’s contributing to all of this?Whether we can figure all that out ornot, what should we do? What’s thefirst step?” Truax said.

Surveying the lakeThe lake association knew curly leaf

pondweed was spreading in the lake,but to gain an understanding of howinfested Lake Jennie was, the boardcontracted Wenck Associates Inc. tocomplete a vegetation survey in June2014 and again in August.

Wenck Associates of Maple Plain,Minn., provides engineering, environ-mental and consulting services andhas worked with the MinnesotaPollution Control Agency.

Wenck staff conducted the earlysummer survey specifically to esti-mate the distribution and abundanceof curly leaf pondweed. The late sum-mer survey was conducted to assessthe native plants in the lake followingthe peak of curly leaf pondweed.

Staff recorded the frequency ofoccurrence of each plant species.

The results were telling. Of the 12 plant species documented,

curly leaf pondweed was overwhelm-ingly the most common plant observedat both testings.

In June, curly leaf pondweed had a78.5 percent occurrence in the lake.The next most documented plantspecies was Canada waterweed with a3.6 percent occurrence. Unlike curlyleaf pondweed, Canada waterweed is anative aquatic plant that provideshabitat for many small aquatic ani-mals, which fish and wildlife eat, andalso is an excellent oxygen producer.

Vegetation was less abundant dur-ing the August survey. The frequencydecreased for curly leaf pondweed, butit was still the highest plant speciesrecorded, with a 14.7 percent occur-rence, followed by Canada waterweedwith a 4.6 percent occurrence.

Understanding the problemCurly leaf pondweed is an invasive

aquatic plant that can be detrimentalto lake water quality.

Like Eurasian watermilfoil, curlyleaf pondweed is not native to theUnited States and often causes prob-

lems due to excessive growth. It formsdense mats in 3 to 10 feet of water thatinhibit growth of native species andimpede recreational activities, accord-ing to the U.S. Department ofAgriculture.

It is becoming more common inlakes across the state, and has beenfound in more than 750 lakes in 70 ofMinnesota’s 87 counties, according tothe Minnesota Department of NaturalResources

Curly leaf pondweed has a uniquelife cycle, which gives it a competitiveadvantage over many native aquaticplants. It is generally the firstpondweed to come up in spring, and itdies in mid-summer, around July 1.

“Some years are worse than otheryears,” Truax said.

It might grow to problem levels in alake one year, but not the next.

“It really depends on how much iceand snow we get,” said Mike Kotila,president of Lake Jennie Improve-ment Association board. The thickerthe ice and snow cover on a lake, theless sunlight reaches the plants belowand they don’t grow as well.

Unlike most native plants, the inva-sive curly leaf plants start growing inthe fall and grow all winter. Therefore,they often are the first plant to appear

after ice-out. “As soon as you start ice fishing, you

see it. It will grow two to three feet tallin the winter and then it just takes offafter ice out, in April and May,” boardmember Randy Nass said.

Added Kotila: “It really flourishes inthe spring. It matures in June, thendies off and drops all its seeds for nextyear’s crop. There will probably be nocurly leaf by the end of June. Rightnow it’s peaking, and will be a nui-sance for the next three, four weeks.”

Wenck Associates offered possiblesolutions for treating curly leafpondweed, including a chemical appli-cation, which the lake associationboard opted to try.

Another method for treating curlyleaf pondweed that Wenck Associatessaid could work, but board membersthought was too radical, was a drawdown of the lake.

The idea was “to let it freeze out andkill the weed. And then start over,”Kotila said. “But what are you going tohave during that period when it’sdrawn down?”

Board members didn’t know howlong before the lake would refill again,if it were drawn down, so they optedfor the chemical treatment.

However, first the board of directors


MAIN DECK

Front to back, MimyWraspir of SanFrancisco, Calif.,Brandon Wraspir ofDuluth, Minn., DorriePutz of Hutchinson,and Neal Wraspir ofSan Francisco fish atthe public pier in thesouth bay of LakeJennie during theMemorial Day week-end.The Wraspirswere visiting Neal’sfather,Al Wraspir ofSilver Lake.The LakeJennie ImprovementAssociation works to maintain andimprove the lake as ascenic and recreationalresource for its mem-bers and the public.PHOTO BY JULIANA THILL

had to obtain a permit from the DNRto treat the curly leaf pondweed andalso sought financial assistance fromthe DNR, Southwest InitiativeFoundation and association membersto help cover the cost of chemical treat-ment, which was almost $5,500 for aone-time application.

Timing of treatmentChemical treatment had to be

applied at just the right water temper-ature and time of year to be effective

“We had a few warm days and thenalmost a week of cold weather and coldnights, which helped us because weneeded that week to get our paper-work completed. Otherwise, we proba-bly would have missed the window (ofopportunity),” Nass said.

“All lakes struggle because thegrants are available in the springtime,but there’s such a short window. Wewould like the Legislature to approvethe grants for the following year sothings can be planned out better — soyou can have all your paperwork andpermits in order. All lake associationsscramble through the month of April toget things accomplished,” Nass said.

The board paid Midwest Aquacare toapply Aquathol Super K, a chemical totreat curly leaf pondweed that is safefor fish and other habitat. It took abouttwo hours for Midwest Aquacare totreat the south bay on May 1.

To cover the cost, the Lake JennieImprovement Association contributed$1,760 toward the $5,460 cost of theproject. In addition, the associationreceived $1,400 from SouthwestInitiative Foundation, $800 fromSWIF through a lake plan completionprogram, and $1,500 from the DNR.

“The DNR’s decision on disburse-ment of that money wasn’t made untiltwo, three weeks before we had to haveit done,” Kotila said. “So it really was atight window.”

Even though the lake surveyrevealed curly leaf pondweed in almost79 percent of the lake, the associationboard specifically chose to treat 15acres in the south bay where one oftwo public boat accesses on the lake islocated. It is the public access that ismore heavily used by boaters.

By late May, Kotila noticed somespots where the weed appeared tohave died back and other areas where

it looked unhealthy. The treatmenthas made it is easier to motor throughthe area with a boat, he said.

Board members know the chemicaltreatment is a Band-Aid approachbecause they would have to treat thesame area four to five years consecu-tively to see a significant reduction incurly leaf pondweed. Treatment willnot eliminate the weed.

“We want to assess how effective itis,” Kotila said, “and make a decision:Do we want to go down that pathagain next year and do the same?”

Paying for the projectWhile the tight window of opportu-

nity was a challenge, so was the tightbudget they were operating with as anassociation.

“We don’t have the money ... to real-ly stay ahead of it,” board memberDoug Renkes said.

With 100 properties around the lake— 40 percent are seasonal dwellingsand 60 percent are year-around homes— the association doesn’t have a largemembership or dues to draw from topay for projects. About 65 percent ofproperty owners are members.

“We’re really focused on gettingmore activation of the property ownersinto the association. To get anywhere,we need to get more participation,”board member Dick Nesvold said.

The lake association could havetreated a larger area, if it had morefunds in its account. The DNR willissue permits for lake associations totreat up to 15 percent of a littoral areaof a lake. This would have allowed theLake Jennie Improvement Associationto treat about 150 acres. However, thelake association only had enoughmoney to match the grant for 15 acresto be treated.

“That’s all we could afford,” Truaxsaid. “Any grant requires a match. So,you can only treat as much as you canmatch. Even if we were able to get ahuge grant, we would have to match it.”

The aquatic vegetation survey thatWenck Associates conducted cost anadditional $5,000.

To help increase its ability tofundraise, the association became a501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in2014, “so we can raise money throughcharitable donations,” Nesvold said.“We need money to get grants.”


MAIN DECK

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRIS EVANS, ILLINOIS WILDLIFE ACTION PLAN,

BUGWOOD.ORG

Curly leaf pondweed is aninvasive aquatic plant that isnot native to the UnitedStates. The plant has small“teeth” along the edge of theleaf. Leaves are stiff and crin-kled, approximately one-halfinch wide. It begins growing inearly spring before mostother pond weeds and diesback during mid-summer. Itgrows from the shore todepths of up to 15 feet. Flowerstalks, when present, stick upabove the water surface inJune. The plant appears red-dish-brown in the water, but isactually green when pulledout of the water. Curly leafpondweed can be easily con-fused with clasping leafpondweed, which has leaveswith no “teeth” around theiredges and is a native plant.

It’s a labor oflove for this

whole group. That’swhy we’re doing this.

PEG TRUAX,Lake Jennie Improvement Association

board member“




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Now, dues and any donations to thelake association are tax deductible.And the association can accept dona-tions of all kinds, including estate andeven junk cars, Nass said.

Additional lake concernsAs the curly leaf pondweed reaches

the end of its life cycle in the summerand the plant drops and dies off, itcontributes to phosphorus in the lake,producing rounds of algae blooms,Truax said. As a result, by mid-July,the lake becomes less usable becauseof the algae.

“We have a sweet spot in there, thelast week of June and first two weeksof July are pretty nice,” Kotila said.“And then we drift backwards.”

Algae causes its own set of problems.“It suffocates everything, both recre-ation, fish, everything,” Truax said.

Treating the curly leaf pondweedwas important, but the lake associa-tion has other projects that it’s work-ing toward.

“Even though this was a timelything to do, it (killing the weed) wasn’tour highest priority,” Kotila said.

Education and establishing a water-shed project to control phosphorus com-ing into the lake are higher priorities

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Midwest Aquacare applies Aquathol Super K, a chemical to treat curly leafpondweed, on May 1 in the south bay at Lake Jennie.

MAIN DECK

for the nine-member board of directors. We want “to go after the sources of

the nutrients that are the cause of theweeds, the phosphorus levels, thealgae. Attack the sources,” Kotila said.

The board of directors created awish list at its retreat in January withinput from association members.

The improvement project listincludes five main areas:

� Internal water quality and weedmanagement projects.

� External water quality projects.� Recreational use improvements.� Fishery improvement projects.� Invasive species projects.“Because we don’t have any money,

we’re not in a rush to figure out whatwe need to do,” Truax said. “We takeopportunities as they come to us.”

As a result, grant writing and appli-cations are a big part of the board’sresponsibility. Water-quality testingand lake clean-up are tasks that boardmembers take care of year around.

The association’s nonprofit status,along with a lake management planand a project wish list will help thelake association as it works to main-tain and improve the lake as a scenicand recreational resource for the pub-lic and its members, Kotila said.

Lake Jennie’s attributesDespite common lake management

problems, association board membersknow they have a gem in their midstwith Lake Jennie.

Currently, the lake water is clear.“You can see the lake bottom pretty

much anywhere in the lake,” Nass saidof Lake Jennie, which is 15 feet deepat its lowest point.

“It’s the largest lake closest toHutchinson, and the second largestlake in Meeker County, and it is veryunder-utilized,” Nass said. “This couldbe a quick spot for people to take theirkids skiing, tubing, fishing.”

Nass, an avid hunter who has livedon Lake Jennie all his life, said he hasseen a significant increase in wildlifein the area in the past 20 years,including osprey, loons, bald eagles,river otters, beavers, raccoons,muskrats, turkeys, swans, duck, geeseand sea gulls.

For Kotila, who has lived on the lakefor 14 years, it’s the water that’s adraw. “The lake is tranquil. I love to sit

and watch the movement of thewater,” he said. In addition, “there is agood sense of community around thelake.”

Board member Mark Theis agreed.“It’s a quiet lake. I enjoy that. It’s

peaceful. I’m on the water almostevery day,” he said. “I grew up aroundlakes, and I think ... everyone wholives on a lake is happy because theywant to be there.”

While preserving and improving thelake is important to lake associationboard members, having fun through-out the year is also why they live onthe lake, they said.

The association has an annual pic-nic in June, a July 4 boat parade,Friday night tie-outs (boaters tie theirboats together and visit), and ahayride in the fall.

Board members also work to edu-cate property owners about safety,shoreland preservation, water quality,and maintaining their septic system,as well as educate boaters aboutaquatic invasive species.

“It’s a labor of love for this wholegroup of people. That’s why we’redoing this,” Truax said. “We’re a verypassionate group of people. We all loveLake Jennie so much and want to pre-serve it.” �

MAIN DECK


Lake JennieSurface area: 1,064 acres. It is

the second largest lake in MeekerCounty, after Lake Washington.

Maximum depth: 15 feetWater clarity: 9.3 feetNearest cites: Dassel to the

north, Hutchinson to the southDNR lake survey in 2014: 11

fish species found, including Blackbullhead, black crappie, bluegill,common carp, northern pike, wall-eye, and yellow perch.

� � �

Lake associationAnnual meeting: Noon June 20

at Randy Nass’ home, 172224 721stAve., on the southeast side of thelake.

Annual dues: $50Regular meetings: The lake

association board of directorsmeets every month, except inNovember and December. Meetingsare open to association membersand the public. Contact a boardmember for the time and location,or check the Facebook page “LakeJennie Improvement Association.”


The board of directors for the Lake Jennie Improvement Associationincludes, front row from left, Mike Kotila, Laura Baumberger, Peg Truax,Mark Theis; back row, Randy Nass, Dick Nesvold and Doug Renkes. Not pictured are Randy Newman and Scott Lahr.


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WATERWAYS


Areport that the MinnesotaPollution Control Agencyreleased April 29 provides

additional evidence that agriculturaland urban runoff is contributing signif-icantly to the impairment ofMinnesota’s lakes, rivers, and streams.

The new study, “Swimmable,Fishable, Fixable?” which monitoredhalf of the state’s 81 major water-sheds, takes a look at the lakes andstreams in major drainage areas.

The MPCA found that phosphorusand nitrogen, high bacteria levels, andmercury contamination continue to beproblems in many of Minnesota’slakes, rivers, and streams. These pollu-tants, which are typically the productof urban and agricultural land runoff,have left many bodies of water inade-quate for human consumption andaquatic life, according to the report.

“This report underscores that waterquality is a widespread problem,” saidGov. Mark Dayton. “There are manydifferent sources of the problem, andthere are many different solutions,and they vary from one part of thestate to another.”

It is unlikely that current or newclean water funding can significantlyimprove the deteriorating conditionsof many of the state’s waters — unlessthe state employs new strategies toprevent the pollution from happeningin the first place, according to theMPCA.

“We have seen many of these pat-terns developing over the last 20

years. With the comprehensive water-shed information we are gathering, weare much closer to a diagnosis that canpoint us toward the changes that needto happen,” said MPCA CommissionerJohn Linc Stine.

Key findings in the reportThe MPCA report was funded by the

Clean Water, Land and LegacyConstitutional Amendment.

Key findings include:� Urban and agricultural impact —

Areas of Minnesota with larger humanand livestock populations are strug-gling the most with water-quality.Runoff from land under intense urbanor agricultural uses has left half or lessof the lakes in those areas cleanenough for healthy aquatic life andenjoyable swimming.

� Bacteria levels — Higher levels ofbacteria were discovered in manyMinnesota waters. Generally, higherlevels of bacteria indicate feedlotrunoff or human waste in a waterbody, indicating it may be unsafe forswimming and other recreation.

� Mercury-tainted fish — The vastmajority of lakes and streams exam-ined in the study — 97 percent of 490stream sections and 95 percent of1,214 lakes studied — contain fishtainted by mercury.

� High levels of nitrogen and phos-

phorus — Nitrogen and phosphoruscan cause algal blooms while suspend-ed solids make the water murky.These pollutants hurt aquatic life andrecreational opportunities.

� Problems vary regionally — Thetypes of pollution causing problems inspecific bodies of water varied region-ally.

Ways to improve water qualityThe MPCA and partner agencies

recommended strategies to restoreand protect Minnesota waters.

Those recommendations include:stream buffers, nutrient and manuremanagement, storm water controls,and in-lake treatments.

While most strategies are tailoredfor their specific watersheds, somestrategies recommended by the MPCAdo call for stronger and more targetedapplication of state and local laws onfeedlots, shoreland, septic systems,storm water controls, and wastewaterdischarges.

“We are in this for the long haul —and we are talking 20 or more years,”Stine said. “We need continued vigi-lance to protect our healthy watersand take targeted action to restorethose that are impaired. It tookdecades for our lakes and streams tobecome polluted, and it will take manymore years to restore them.”

MPCA finds urban, agricultural runoff impair

quality of state’s lakes,rivers and streams

TheMinnesotaPollutionControlAgencyreleased find-ings of a newstudy,“Swimmable,Fishable,Fixable?”

ILLUSTRATION COURTESY OF MPCA

Report shines light on water quality in Minnesota


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By Brad ParsonsDNR CENTRAL REGION FISHERIES MANAGER

Most anglers I know enjoy acold beverage after a busyday on the water. And

whether that beverage comes in plas-tic, glass or aluminum, they alsoknow the importance of recycling thecontainer to conserve resources.

But “resource recycling” is impor-tant while actually fishing, too. Withcatch-and-release increasingly com-mon, anglers should know the rightway to practice it so the fish canswim off and live to grow bigger andbe caught another day. That’s espe-cially important on lakes with specialor experimental regulations wheresome fish have to be released.

Extensive research by theMinnesota Department of NaturalResources and others demonstrateconclusively that most fish will sur-vive the catch-and-release experienceif anglers focus on four key factorsthat affect mortality: water tempera-ture, hooking location, depth, andtime out of water.

When it comes to temperature, thewarmer the water, the more stress onthe fish and the higher the mortality.Fish are cold-blooded animals, butmost people like to fish in the sum-mer months. While anglers can’t con-trol the weather, they can be pre-pared. Set the hook quickly, reducethe amount of time it takes to land afish, and handle it firmly but careful-ly. It’s also important to minimize thetime out of water for the fish.Pictures are wonderful, but have thecamera ready. Invest in some longneedle-nose pliers for hook removal,and the ones with a bend at the endare even better. Cutting the line andleaving the hook is also a viableoption.

Hooking location is also part of theequation. Fish hooked in the mouthalmost always survive. How do you

increase the odds of that? Use activebaits, such as crankbaits. Hook typealso matters. Several studies haveshown that circle hooks are better forhooking the mouth rather than thestomach or gills. Jigs are less likely tobecome deeply hooked than plainhooks. Barbless hooks or pinchedbarbs also can help, but where a fishgets hooked is far more importantthan the presence or absence of abarb, so set the hook quickly.

The DNR also encourages anglersto practice some restraint when thefish are really biting, especially dur-ing the summer or when fishing deepwater. Scuba divers know that onceyou get below 33 feet, you have

another full atmosphere of pressureon your body, so you have to re-sur-face slowly. Similarly, fish pulled upfrom deep water can experience stressand injury, so it’s important to avoiddeep water if you plan on catch-and-release. The injury may be apparent,such as a distended swim bladder, butunseen internal injuries can and dohappen as well. Remember to never“pop” a swim bladder, it is not onlyillegal in Minnesota, but often doesmore harm than good.

Here are a few more tips for suc-cessfully releasing fish:

� Play fish quickly to minimizetheir exhaustion.

� Wet your hands before touching afish to prevent removal of their pro-tective slime coat.

� Rubberized nets help, too.� Unhook and release the fish

while it is still in the water, if possi-ble, and support its weight with bothhands or with a net when removedfrom the water. Never lift them verti-cally from the water.

� Hold a fish firmly but gently.Don’t drop it. And don't hold a fish bythe eyes.

� Do not place fish you plan torelease on a stringer or in a live well.

� Revive a fish by cradling it underthe belly and gently moving it backand forth in the water until it swimsaway.

� Do not release a fish that can belegally kept if it is bleeding heavily orcan’t right itself.

No good angler wants to see areleased fish die. By following goodcatch-and-release techniques, anglerscan recycle this valuable resource.This allows all of us to continueenjoying our sport — and it reducesimpacts to the fishery, ensuring simi-lar opportunities for others, now andin the future.

I think anyone could hoist a coldbeverage (in a recyclable container) tothat.

VIEWPOINT

Resource recycling: It isimportant when fishing, too

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MINNESOTA DNR

Research by the MinnesotaDepartment of Natural Resourcesand others demonstrate that mostfish will survive the catch-and-release experience if anglers focuson four key factors that affect mor-tality: water temperature, hookinglocation, depth, and time out ofwater.



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Here comes the sun! Turtles bask in the sun in mid-April at Sandy andDick Lennes’ cabin on North Long Lake in Kandiyohi County. Like all rep-tiles, turtles are cold-blooded and cannot control the temperature oftheir bodies. Painted turtles spend as much time as they can in the sun towarm themselves after a long swim or a chilly night.They bask on a log orrock with their necks and legs stretched out and their toes spread wideapart to catch as much of the sun's warmth as possible, according toNorthern State University. Basking also allows a turtle’s body to producevitamins and helps to kill fungi. Sometimes, if good sunning space isscarce, one turtle sprawls on top of a larger one’s shell.


A young snapping turtle makes itsway across the public boat access atLake Jennie in late May.

Taking timeto admirethe turtles


IN THE GALLEY

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Pesto Mayonnaise1/2 cup mayonnaise1 tablespoon prepared basil pesto sauce

Combine pesto mayonnaise ingredients in small bowl.Cover and refrigerate. Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, chopped basil, wine, sun-dried tomatoesand garlic salt in large bowl, mixing lightly but thorough-ly. Lightly shape into four 3/4- inch thick patties. Moisten8 large basil sprigs with water; toss sprigs directly ontomedium, ash-covered coals just before grilling patties.Place patties on grid directly over basil sprigs. Grill,uncovered, 13 to 15 minutes to medium (160 degrees)doneness, until not pink in center and juices show no pinkcolor, turning occasionally. About two minutes before burg-ers are done, place rolls, cut sides down, around outeredge of grid. Grill until lightly toasted. During the lastminute of grilling, top each burger with cheese slice.Spread pesto mayonnaise evenly over cut sides of rolls.Line bottom of each roll with lettuce leaf; top with burger,tomato slice, onion rings and basil sprig. Close sandwich-es. Makes four servings.

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ters are no longer pink and juices show no pink color. Use an instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into the burger to checktemperature.

Source: Family Features

Red, White and Blue Watermelon Cake1 seedless watermelon1 cup low or no fat natural vanilla-flavored yogurt1 cup sliced almonds1 cup blueberries1 cup sliced strawberries

Place watermelon on side on cutting board. Cut 3-5 inches off eachend to create large center slice between 3-5 inches in depth. Trim offouter rind. Cut watermelon slice into six to eight pie-shaped wedges.Blot edges with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Dip the back(curved) side of each slice in yogurt and then almonds, re-assemblingpieces on serving platter as each piece is completed. When finished, itwill look like piecrust of almonds around watermelon slices. Frost topof reassembled watermelon with remaining yogurt and decorate topwith berries. Serve cold. Servings: six to eight. SOURCE: FAMILY FEATURES/WWW.WATERMELON.ORG


Share yourrecipes

Share your favorite outdoorrecipe,whether it’s for scrump-tious crusted fish, campfiretreats,or garden vegetables sal-ads. Selected recipes will bepublished in a future edition ofDockside. Email your recipes to JulianaThill at [email protected] or send them to Juliana atHutchinson Leader, 170 Shady Ridge Road NW, Hutchinson, MN55350 or at the Independent Review, 217 Sibley Ave. N., Litchfield,MN 55355. Include your name, address and phone number.

Grilled Potato Skewers

2 medium Colorado Russet or white or yellow-fleshpotatoes or 6 small red potatoes

2 medium zucchini1/2 of a smoked sausage rope1/2 cup Italian dressing4 12-inch skewers

Preheat grill. Cut medium potatoes into 6 equal pieces,or cut red potatoes in half. Cut each zucchini into 6 slices.Cut sausage into 12 slices. Place three pieces potato, zuc-chini and sausage on each skewer, alternating them. Placeskewers in shallow baking dish and pour Italian dressingover them. Marinate for 5 minutes. Place skewers on grilland cook 5 minutes on each side or until potatoes aredone. Use oven mitts to remove skewers from grill. Makesfour servings.

IN THE GALLEY

SOURCE: CULINARY.NET/COLORADO POTATO ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE



We provide Personalized Memorial Services,Monuments and Markers


WATERWAYS

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Local lakes

Meeker County

1. Koronis2. Clear 3. Little Mud6. Francis8. Dunn / Richardson9.Arville

10. Big Swan

13. Long / Spring15. Long16. Star17. Ripley18. Round19. Stella20. Darwin21.Washington22. Collinwood

23. Minnie Belle24.Willie25. Greenleaf26. Erie27. Jennie28.Wolf29. Belle 33.Thompson

McLeod County30. Belle 31. Stahl32. Hook34. Swan 35. South Fork36. Silver 38. Marion39.Addie

Renville County37.Allie

Wright County4.Twin5. Sylvia7. French

12. Brooks14. Cokato

Lakes in Meeker, McLeod, Renville,Wright counties

McLEOD COUNTY


WATERWAYS

Belle Lake Association• Website: www.bellelakeassociation.com• Facebook: Belle Lake Association

Brooks Lake Area Association• Website: www.brookslake.info• Facebook: Brooks Lake

Collinwood Community Lake Association

• Website: www.collinwoodlake.com

Crow River Organization of Water• Website: http://crowriver.org• Facebook: Crow River Lakes and

Streams

Lake Francis Area Recreation and Conservation Club

• Website: www.lakefrancisarcc.com/lfarcc

French Lake Improvement Association

• Website: www.frenchlake.org

Lake Jennie Improvement Association

• Website: www.lakejennie.com• Facebook: Lake Jennie Improvement

Association

Koronis Lake Association• Website: http://koronislakeassociation.org

Lake Minnie Belle Improvement Association

• Website: https://sites.google.com/site/lmbiaorg

• Facebook: Lake Minnie BelleImprovement Association

North Browns Lake Association• Website: www.northbrownslake.org

Lake Ripley Improvement Association

• Facebook: Lake Ripley ImprovementAssociation

Lake Stella Homeowner’s Association

• Website: www.lakestella.com• Facebook: Lake Stella Association

Greater Lake Sylvia Association• Website: www.lakesylvia.org

Lake Washington Improvement Association

• Website: www.lakewashingtonassn.com• Facebook: Lake Washington

Improvement Association

Editor’s note: If your lake associa-tion’s information is not included inthis list or if it changes, please contactEditor Juliana Thill at 320-593-4808or email her at [email protected].

Information about area lakes can be found online

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JuneLake Washington Improvement

Association board meets at 7 p.m.June 2 at the Dassel Rod and GunClub.

Greater Lake Sylvia Associationannual meeting will be at 8:30 a.m.June 6 at South Haven City Hall, 521Oak Ave. N., South Haven. Coffee androlls will be served at 8:30 a.m., meet-ing will follow at 9 a.m., and an elec-tion of board officers will be at 11 a.m.

Lake Stella Homeowner’sAssociation will meet at 7 p.m. June 9at Litchfield American Legion.

Belle Lake Association meets at 7p.m. June 9 at Bonfire Bar and Grille.

North Browns Lake Associationfifth annual bow and arrow carpshoot will begin at dusk June 13 andrun until 3 a.m. using speciallyrigged boats with high-intensitylights.

Lake Minnie Belle ImprovementAssociation Board of Directors willmeet at 7:30 p.m. June 17 at BonfireBar and Grille.

Lake Marion ImprovementAssociation meets at 6:30 p.m. June18 at the Brownton Rod and GunClub, County Road 87 at the southbay of the lake.

North Browns Lake Associationannual membership meeting will beat 9 a.m. June 20 at Eden ValleyCivic Center. There will be a raffledrawing and election of open boardmember positions.

Lake Jennie ImprovementAssociation Board will have its annu-al picnic and meeting at noon June 20at the Nass residence, 172224 721stAve., on the southeast side of thelake. Meeting will include speakersand food.

Koronis Lake Association meetsat 11:30 a.m. June 26 at Wishing WellCafe.

Lake Francis Area Recreation andConservation Club board meeting andannual member meeting will be at8:30 a.m. June 27 at Triple R inKimball.

Collinwood Lake Association willhave its annual picnic meeting atnoon June 27 at the Wright County

Collinwood Regional Park Pavilion.Dinner and beverages will be provid-ed. Bring a dessert to share.

JulyLake Jennie Improvement

Association will have a July 4 boatparade and contest. Parade begins at2 p.m. July 4, starting in the southbay. Prizes will be awarded for mostpatriotic boat, most creative boat, andthe best decorated dock.

North Browns Lake Associationwill have its 10th annual July 4parade of boats. Fleet assembles at 2p.m. at the south end of lake. All cap-tains are eligible for a prize drawingat the conclusion of the parade on thewater. Open to the public.

Lake Washington ImprovementAssociation board meets at 7 p.m.July 7 at the Dassel Rod and GunClub.

Lake Stella Homeowner’sAssociation will meet at 7 p.m. July14 at Litchfield American Legion.

Lake Minnie Belle ImprovementAssociation Board of Directors willhave its annual meeting July 18 at

Beckville Church. Coffee, juice androlls will be served at 9:30 a.m., withthe meeting to follow from 10 to 11a.m. Door prizes will be awarded.

North Browns Lake Associationboard of directors meets at 9 a.m.July 18.

AugustLake Washington Improvement

Association potluck dinner will beAug. 1 at Dassel Rod and Gun Club.

North Browns Lake Associationboard of directors meets at 9 a.m.Aug. 15. There will be an election ofexecutive officers.

Calendar of lake association events, meetings

SHIP’S LOG

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Some of the participants in Lake Jennie’s July 4, 2014, boat parade honorfour of the nation’s presidents. If you take photos at a boat parade on yourlake, or if you have other lake photos you would like to share, email themto Juliana Thill at [email protected].

Have your event ormeeting listed freeIf your organization or lake associ-

ation has a meeting or event to list inthe calendar, contact Editor JulianaThill by email at [email protected] or call 320-593-4808 or320-234-4172.


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