We are seeing an outbreak of Forest Tent Caterpillars (FTC) around the lake.  They are not on every beach, but in numerous spots around the lake and not as thick as on neighboring Cormorant Lake.  At this point, the threshold is not high enough to justify an aerial spraying of the lake and also the weekly insecticide application for mosquitoes that just started this Thursday has some control of  FTC. For individuals that are concerned and would like to spray their own trees and vegetation (especially new tree plantings), Permethrin and Malathion are a couple of labeled chemicals with Permethrin being the most safe for people and pets.

If you have any questions, contact Gary Hart gdkihart@loretel.net 532-3613 or Jeff Peltier peltier@plyc.info 532-3388.

Numerous Bills before the legislator for review

There are numerous bill's pending in Minnesota's legislator that relate to those of us that own lake property.  For a summary of what they are and who to contact, CLICK HERE.  Minnesota Waters has done a nice job of assembling this information.

Educational meeting for Service Providers on  Pelican Lake

As you have no doubt heard, Zebra Mussels were found on Pelican Lake late last fall.  As a result,  we're putting together an educational meeting for the service people around the lake on April 6th, 4pm at Castaway, 51709 Co Hwy 31,on the east end of the lake.  We anticipate the meeting to last about 2 hours.

This informational training is for boat, dock, and lift haulers, marine mechanics, resort owners, fishing guides, and anyone else interested in learning about invasive species.  The goal is to learn how to deal with equipment going in and out of the lake and to educate guests on what they can do to minimize the spread of aquatic invasive species.  Nathan Olson,  local DNR Invasive Species Specialist out of Fergus Falls will lead the discussion and PGOLID  Board members, Denny Tollefson and Gary Hart will also be on hand to help with the meeting.  DNR Conservation officers will also be on hand to answer questions about laws regarding aquatic invasive species.

It's possible that we missed some people in this group as we don't track this kind of information, so if you know if someone that fits in this group that wasn't notified, please invite them.

If you have any questions regarding the meeting please call any of us.

Jeff Peltier                   (701) 238-6270

Denny Tollefson         (218) 532-5134

Gary Hart                    (218) 532-3613

Update on Zebra Mussels on Pelican Lake

We now have some better information on how to deal with zebra mussels and what rules and regulations effect us on Pelican Lake.  CLICK HERE to read that information.

The 2009 Lake Management Plan is now on line!

Moriya Rufer has posted the updated Lake Management Plan on line. Much time and effort went into the plan, which includes best management practices, the differences between our four bodies of water and how management of them can vary, and other efforts to maintain the quality of our lake.  There are over 130 pages to it, but it is well indexed, so you can pick your areas of interest to breeze through.  It gives a good view of what goes on behind the scenes at Pelican Lake.  CLICK HERE to read it or print a copy for yourself.  If you have a slow connection, you can go to http://pgolid.org/LMP/main.htm for an online version so you can pick and choose what you want to look at.

Protect your boat and engine from zebra mussels

Is your boat protected against zebra mussels? Do you know what to do? Unfortunately, some boat owners are seeing and feeling the damage caused by zebra mussels first hand. Their boat hulls are being damaged and their motors are overheating because they do not know how to minimize the impacts zebra mussels can cause. These small invasive mussels attach to hard surfaces including boats and motors! There are simple and proactive steps owners may implement to protect their investment and prevent the spread of invasive species into more of Wisconsin’s waters.  READ MORE

Bob Creek E.coli concerns 6/26/09

Aquatic plant removal may require permits
- 05/29/2009

Lakeshore property owners are reminded that many aquatic plant management activities require a permit from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Lakeshore property owners can control a modest area of aquatic plants for swimming or boat docking without a permit from the DNR. Cutting, pulling, raking, or harvesting submersed vegetation, like pondweeds, watermilfoil, or coontail, in an area for recreation is allowed under the following conditions:

• The cleared area may not exceed 2,500 square feet in size.

• The cleared area may not extend more than 50 feet along your shore, or more than one half your frontage width, whichever is less.

• If the cleared area does not reach open water, a 15-foot wide channel to open water may be added.

• The cut or pulled vegetation must be removed from the water. If floating leaf vegetation, like white or yellow water-lilies interfere with boat access a lake shore property owner can mechanically maintain a channel no more than 15 feet wide, extending to open water without a permit, under the following conditions:

• The cleared channel must remain in the same place from year to year.

• And the vegetation that is cut or pulled must be removed from the water.

A DNR aquatic plant management permit is required if your plans include the following:

• Using herbicides or algicides.

• Removing emergent vegetation, like bulrush, cattails or wild rice.

• Installing or operating an automated plant control device.

• Removing floating leaf vegetation, in an area larger than a 15 foot wide channel.

• Controlling submerged vegetation in an area larger than 2,500 square feet or wider than 50 feet. • Removing or relocating a bog of any size.

The DNR aquatic plant management regulations do not allow the following activities:

• Excavating the lake bottom for aquatic plant control.

• Use of hydraulic jets.

• Using lake-bottom barriers to destroy or prevent the growth of aquatic plants.

• Removing aquatic vegetation within posted fish-spawning areas.

• Removing aquatic plants from an undeveloped shoreline.

Can you afford the Pelican Rapids School District’s Operating Tax Levy?

By Faye Enkger 

There has been some confusion regarding the tax levies (referendums) presented by the school district in the past couple of years.  First, there are basically three main classifications of taxpayers:  Seasonal Residential Recreational, Homestead, or Agriculture Homestead.

A Seasonal Residential taxpayer does not pay for Operational Tax Levies but they do pay an additional state general tax on top of the normal taxes. This was a “trade off” under the Ventura Administration for not paying Operating Tax Levies.  Seasonal Residents have no voting privileges.  Ag-Homestead has restricted qualifications and a percentage of land has to be farmed.  Only Homestead (residents) and Ag-Homestead taxpayer’s are allowed to” vote” for local tax levies. These taxpayers pay for Operating Tax Levies.  All classifications of taxpayers pay for bond referendums which includes new schools or building construction. The vote the PR school district attempted last November 2008, and is planning to put on the ballot again this November 2009, is an Operating Tax Levy.  Continue here

DUNN TOWNSHIP ZONING BOARD MEETING

The Dunn Township Zoning Board will hold a meeting to discuss Zoning Ordinance expansion on Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at 7 P.M. at the Dunn Township Hall.  All interested residents should attend this meeting.

Judy Sumpter, Clerk

For 2009, Clarke Mosquito will offer extra services for those that would like to supplement the weekly Mosquito program provided by PGOLID 

Barrier Control Spray:  We apply a permethrin-based product that mimics the properties of the naturally occurring insecticide produced by the chrysanthemum plant to all areas of your yard that the mosquitoes harbor.  This kills mosquitoes that come in contact with the treated areas several days to two weeks on average, depending on the amount of vegetation in your yard.  It also repels the mosquitoes.  We aim for a noticeable reduction in the mosquito population, and some people even say they see no mosquitoes at all with our summer-long programs.

Granular Control:  We apply a granular permethrin-based product to all areas of your yard or where your special event will occur.  This increases the effectiveness of the barrier spray by adding to the repellency effect.  We especially recommend this option for areas that have sparse vegetation, and for any special event.

   There are steps residents can take to minimize mosquito problems for more information, Click Here

For event pricing, Click Here

DNR released the 2008 Invasive Species Program

Annual Report and Summary

PGOLID applied for and received a grant to participate in the program.  To review the report click HERE for the Summary or HERE for the full report.

Voice your opinion by taking the DNR on-line dock survey

We have learned that for the first time ever, the DNR has an online survey for people to fill out about dock sizes, boat lifts and platforms and water rights.  The brief history behind this is that the DNR was planning to adopt fairly strict rules on how wide or long a dock could be, along with the amount of equipment that would be allowed.  This has come under fire, because it wasn’t flexible enough to allow for variations like boats with deeper draft, water depth that stays shallow for several feet, or handicap access, among others. 

This is your opportunity to voice your opinion on the matter The deadline for this survey is Jan 19.  In order to fill out the online survey you need your watercraft license number.  You can take the survey one time for each watercraft license you have by going to this link. http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/survey/watercraft/index.html

Non-watercraft owners can still email or mail comments to: structures@dnr.state.mn.us or Docks and Structures Survey, DNR, 500 Lafayette Rd., St. Paul 55155, by the January 19 deadline.

Pelican Lake Dam update

PGOLID has been working with the DNR to have the Pelican Lake Dam repaired.  See the attached pictures for a better understanding of the problem.  This has been a very slow process and the timeline goes something like this.

In the summer of 2003, the center island of the dam washed out and the water level of Pelican Lake started to drop quite rapidly.  In the fall of 2003, a steel plate was placed in the washout with rocks and sand filled in front of it as a temporary repair.  It was determined at that point, that the DNR controlled the dam and was responsible for any repairs.  In 2005, PGOLID started pressing the issue of repairing the dam with the DNR and in the Fall of 2007, it appeared the DNR was going to do the actual repairs to the dam.  Unfortunately, the DNR thought a repair meant throwing a few bags of Quikrete in front of the temporary repair which is what they did in the winter of 2007/2008. 

In 2008, more meetings with the DNR occurred and a consensus was reached, that the dam should be repaired before it washes out again, as the cost would be much higher if the dam washed out before repairs could be executed.  Paul Diederich of Industrial Builders provided a budget bid of $250,000 to make those repairs.  It was then learned that 3 years earlier, the DNR also received a budget bid for the repairs of $200,000.  In the Fall of 2008, conversations with theDNR State director of the Waters Division revealed the budget for repairing dams for 2008 was $2M. There were 100 dams on that list though the Pelican Lake dam not is not currently on the top 20 list.  The New London Dam is #1 at $2M and Brunson State Park is #2 at $8M which adds up to not-enough-money.  More conversations with DNR and our state representatives concluded that some sort of cost sharing between the DNR and PGOILD may be the only alternative to accomplishing the repairs.  Talks are continuing along those lines.  This is clearly a slow process with steps forward and steps backward. 

At this point it’s unclear where it will all end up, but as more progress is made, updates will be available.  If you have questions, contact Jeff Peltier jeff@pgolid.org as he has been taking the lead in this process.

Weed Rollers require a DNR permit

It’s been reported that the DNR went around Pelican Lake and found about 20 Weed Rollers or similar type equipment that didn’t have proper permits.  The fine they issue for that is $250 and the permit costs $35, so it makes sense to get a permit first. You can download the permit here:  http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/assistance/backyard/shorelandmgmt/apg/apmapp.pdf

E-coli alert for Bob Creek

PGOLID has done some rain event sampling of the water at Bob Creek as it enters the west end of Pelican Lake this summer.  This has been a concern because high levels of E-coli bacteria have been found there in the past.  During these events the level has been found to consistently be above the standard of 126 MPN/100ml which the state of Minnesota considers not safe for swimming.  To minimize any risk, it is suggested that you have your children or grandchildren avoid playing in or adjacent to the creek for a 24 hour period after a rain event until a remedy can be put in place to improve the situation.

Update for 2008 Mosquito Control

Chairman of Mosquito Abatement, Vance Stueness

I want to give a quick update on what will be happening for mosquito control this summer.     

There will be an emphasis on controlling mosquitoes, since higher confirmed cases of West Nile Virus are being reported.   We have a very large area to control and will continue to do the best job possible.  I just want to remind all, we cannot do 100%, as this is impossible. 

We are using the same spraying service and chemical as we have been using for the past three years.  The company was PMC and was sold out to Clarke Environmental Mosquito Management from Clearwater, MN.  You might have noticed the big iron mosquito on the south side of the Interstate going through Clearwater.  They are sometimes referred to as Clarke Mosquito Control (CMC) and are a professional mosquito control company with a great reputation.  CMC has geared up with new and better equipment for application. 

Following is the game plan:

·         14 sprays are scheduled and will be done on Thursday nights (very late)

·         Spraying starts Memorial weekend and ending Labor Day Weekend

·         Two sprays will be done……barrier and fog   

·         One spray by pickup and the other by 4 wheeler ATV.

·         GPS will be done this season…this was requested to identify any areas that might not be sprayed or tell you the exact time the sprayer went by your lake home. 

·         CMC will offer individual owner spraying if needed, please contact them directly with your 911 address.   John Kreyer is the contact and can be reached at 800-240-4262 or johnreyer@clarkmosquito.com

·          Questions or concerns, contact vance_stueness@hotmail.com , 218-532-7665 or 701.261.3123 C

We are within the range of the cycle that we would expect to get an infestation of Forest Tent Caterpillars.  In doing some spot checks for Larvae, the early indications are that we might miss it this year.  Now is the time to look for the Larvae which can be found on smaller stems, usually close to a joint (see picture) and within a couple weeks, we would expect to see the Caterpillar (see picture) if we are going to have an outbreak.  If you see more than an occasional one, please contact Moriya Rufer, PGOILD Water Resource Coordinator, 218-846-1465, lakes.rmbel@avig.net

This in an invasive aquatic plant that is currently in Detroit Lakes, Lake Sally, and Melissa, but stops at Buck’s Mill.  PGOLID is working with the Pelican River Water Shed and the DNR on a program to reduce or eliminate Flowering Rush along with regular trips down the river to monitor the situation. Click HERE for a description of the plant.

 

Lake Region Electric Coop has a summer controlled AC program

The system works by attaching a signal device to your air conditioner (usually in the quick disconnect box) that allows the AC to be rippled on and off in 15 minute intervals for up to 6 hours. A credit of $10 per month for 3 months will be applied to the account.  Call 218-863-1171 for more details.

Safe Ice recommendations

The DNR recommends 4 inches for ice fishing, 5 inches for a snowmobile or ATV, 8 to 12 inches for a car or small pickup, and 12 to 15 inches for a medium truck. Considering the recent conditions, ice that may be thick enough might not be of high enough quality to hold.

PGOLID Lake Management Plan is now on the web!

The PGOLID Lake Management Plan is a comprehensive report from over a decade of data collection and effort from many organizations. It is a summary of water quality data along with information and background about the surrounding area, demographics and land use.  Moriya Rufer, our Water Resource Coordinator, has done an excellent job of organizing this into easy to navigate segments so you can quickly find particular items of interest. Go to http://pgolid.org/LMP/main.htm to view the information.

Buckthorn is designated as a restricted noxious weed in Minnesota

Linda Ekola, a shoreline habitat specialist from the DNR, doing an onsite visit at one of the cottages in-line to possibly receive funds from the Shoreline Habitat Restoration Grant program.

The Shoreline Habitat Restoration Grant program is to help with shoreline restoration, specifically to: restore native shoreline vegetation across the state, expand the diversity and abundance of native aquatic and shoreline plants; improve and protect the quality of shoreline habitat; enhance and protect water quality; raise awareness of the value of native shoreline and aquatic vegetation.

While there, Linda became aware of Buckthorn growing on this property and the neighbors. The buckthorn is designated as a restricted noxious weed in Minnesota. Fall is the easiest time to identify buckthorn. The leaves of buckthorns do not change color until late in the fall, after most other trees have changed. The berries usually stay on the branches until March and are widely dispersed by birds. Once established, these species aggressively invade natural areas and form dense thickets displacing native species. They leaf out very early in the growing season and keep their leaves late into the fall helping to shade out native trees, shrubs and wildflowers. These branches have numerous thorns.  The side branches have short terminal spurs, or thorns, which are literally a pain if you try to remove the plant.

Linda is encouraging PLPOA members to read up on the Buckthorn and do all they can to eradicate this invasive plant.  To read more about it and what you can do to remove it please go to:

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialplants/woody/buckthorn/index.htm

The University of Minnesota is doing research on the control of Curlyleaf Pondweed

To read a progress report on their efforts, follow this link. http://www.cfans.umn.edu/solutions/water1.htm

Take steps now to protect your septic system from freezing
By VALERIE PRAX, University of Minnesota Extension

Common reasons systems freeze are lack of snow cover, cold temps

Low snowfall amounts can mean potential danger for your septic system. For the last few winters, we have had a pattern of sub-zero weather arriving before major snowfall. Remember last winter? We did not get significant snowfall until March.

PGOLID has put together an aquatic plant guide.

For a better understanding of different weed  and algae species and which are considered Invasive , click HERE.
This is a helpful link to the DNR page for permit requirements to control weeds: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/permits/water/needpermit.html.

There have been a lot of questions about spraying for the Forest Tent Caterpillar.

 We are now past the window for the need to spray this year, but still need to be alert in the next couple of years as the cycle is not exactly 7 years, but a range of 6 to 10 years.  Many of the sightings this year were not the species of caterpillar we were looking for, so here is picture to help with identification.  Note the white or light colored dots on the back.  Also the Forest Tent Caterpillar does not form spider-like webs like other tent caterpillars.

                          NOTICE TO DUNN TOWNSHIP RESIDENTS
               *TOWNSHIP RULES REGARDING ROAD RIGHTS-OF-WAY*

      It is unlawful to place any debris including leaves, branches, compost, refuse, etc. in the road right-of-way. It is a misdemeanor to: “Obstruct any highway”, “obstruct any ditch draining any highway” Minn.Statute § 160.27, subd. 5.We would also ask that boats, trailers, etc., not be parked in cul-de-sacs so that they can be used for their intended purpose  

The PGOILD Septic inspection report is now complete.

There is a lot of informative and educational material that can help preserve our lake, so be sure to read it!!