www.minnesotawaters.org/clearwaterlakearea

area associationVol. 6 Issue 1 May 2015

FAREWELL to winterUnlike last year, this year the ice decided to make a departure date somewhat more typical for a Minnesota winter.The ice began to break apart around April 15 and was a complete memory by the next day.A friendly neighborhood group, on the Clearwater County side of the lake, has a “guess the ice-out date” contest each year and it looks like this year kudos go out to Skip Anderson. Skip’s prediction was spot on! Way to go Skip!

Photo courtesy of Bruce Bjerke

Photo courtesy of Jim Granley

FALL 2014 meeting recap

501 3C Status (non-profit)Further investigation and results delivered in 2015

Reporting on loons and lady slippers

Canoe Route ProposalResolution developed by CLAA Board and members which states: “CLAA’s position will be “volunteers only” and remain active and involved as the proposed canoe route moves forward.”

Water Quality9.5 feet depth for clarity as of August 2014 and looks positive for the remainder of the year.

Officer and Board Re-electionsBill Johnson (Board Member) and Jean Chadwick (Vice President) were re-elected to another term.

Fundraising/Debs ParadeCreating a brochure about the benefits of CLAA membership and what it offers to the lake and surrounding area. This brochure would be distributed during the 2015 parade. Possible yard sale and membership drive coordinated with the parade or could be held separately.

A.I.S.Sign now displayed at public access landing when CLAA volunteers are working.

MEMORIAL WEEKEND MEETING and Pot Luck MealSunday – May 24, 2015Moore’s Garage – 8 houses east of the public accessAll Members and Non-members Welcome

1:00 p.m. – Board Meeting2:00 p.m. – Pot Luck Meal(coffee and lemonade provided)

Bring your favorite dish to pass, plates, utensils, and your lawn chair.General Meeting to follow the meal – Hope to see everyone there!

DOCKSIDE CLEARWATER LAKE AREA ASSOCIATION

c/o JoLynn Chadwick626 South Elm AvenueOwatonna, MN 55060

Lakeside Ramblings...continued from page 3

Learn more about Minnesota wildflowers by visiting www.minnesotawildflowers.info

or purchase the book by Stan Tekiela; Wildflowers of Minnesota Field Guide.

Purchase native shrubs and trees locally. Order trees in April/early May through the Clearwater County’s Soil and Water Conservation District’s Annual Tree Sale; www.clearwaterswcd.org or call 218-694-6845. Cost-sharing programs are available to help establish shore land and stream bank buffers.

For information about Wild Ones:www.WildOnes.org.

You can also find out if there’s a chapter in your area: www.WildOnes.org/connect/chapters

Indian Paintbrush

Julia, Roz and Marilyn finding the ladyslippers!

DOCKSIDE CLEARWATER LAKE AREA ASSOCIATION DOCKSIDE CLEARWATER LAKE AREA ASSOCIATION

The Clearwater Lake Area Association shall improve and maintain the environment and quality of life through education, awareness, and responsibility of our community, for ours and future generations.Page 2 Page 3

AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES News UpdatePRESS RELEASE

Minnesota Governor Proclaims: Clean Drain Dry Day

For Immediate ReleaseMay 5, 2015

Launching the 2015 Fishing Opener, Governor Mark Dayton proclaimed Saturday, May 9th, as Clean Drain Dry Day in the great state of Minnesota. With over 1.6 million anglers, Saturday is the perfect opportunity to educate anglers and boaters across the state on the importance of stopping invasive species and to Clean, Drain, Dry all boats, trailers and equipment.

CLAA recognizes that community engagement is critical in the fight against invasive species. Presenting the Proclamation at the 2015 Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener, boaters, anglers and all recreational users are reminded to take action and become responsible for protecting our lakes.

Offering help and materials to lake associations, counties, local citizens, community groups and partners, Wildlife Forever coordinates outreach and public education to promote stopping the spread of invasive species.

“We commend Governor Dayton for his leadership in bringing awareness of the threat of invasive species and the havoc they wreak on equipment, fisheries and the economy”; said Doug Grann, President & CEO of Wildlife Forever. “We are thankful for CLAA working to keep invasive species out of their lakes.”

Minnesota is home to some of America’s best fishing and boating waters. Clean Drain Dry is simple and easy to do, and as a national prevention message, visitors from other states are likely to have seen it and know how to help. Visual reminders are posted throughout the state on highway billboards, at gas stations, boat ramps and bait shops.

Do your part this fishing and boating season: Clean. Drain. Dry. all boats, trailersand gear.

Protect Local A.I.S. FundingHF570 & SF1369

Our partners, Conservation Minnesota and MN Lakes and Rivers, are opposing attempts to repeal or reduce the new county funding for AIS prevention that was enacted in 2014. The recently released House Omnibus Environment bill (H.F. 846, released April 13) does not repeal the funding, but cuts the amount of funding by 10%.The bill also shifts responsibility for the program to the DNR, and requires that counties submit a grant application, creating unnecessary bureaucracy. They will be working to restore full funding to the program and to simplify any DNR oversight of the program. The Senate bill has not yet been released as of April 15, 2015.

CLAA members can contact your legislators asking them to work to protect the independence and current level of funding of the County AIS Prevention Aid program. You can also visit the MN Lakes and Rivers Advocates website http://mnlakesandrivers.org/. Your voice does matter!

A.I.S. Trailer DecalA compromise has been reached by stakeholders that replaces the AIS trailer decal with a newrequirement of an “AIS Affirmation” for all watercraft licenses (effective Jan. 1, 2016) and nonresident fishing licenses (effective March 1, 2016). There is no fee for the affirmation, but there isa $25 fine for failing to have an AIS affirmation displayed or available for inspection.

Photo courtesy of Skip Anderson

Springis intheair!

THANKS to the DNRA member of CLAA, and a cabin owner, connected with the DNR back in April. A picture was provided to the DNR of damage around the boat access ramp area. The response from the DNR was done in a prompt and timely manner. The public access and boat landing area was repaired and in great shape within days.

A big thanks goes out to Skip Anderson for his initiative and thanks to the DNR for their great service!

THE RETURN of the loonsWhat a pleasant sight and sound when the loons have returned to Clearwater Lake. It’s an amazing journey these birds travel each year.

Once again CLAA members Skip Anderson and Bruce Bjerke are working hard to ensure these birds keep returning to the lake and with a bit of mother nature luck, produce babies!

The artificial loon rafts were placed April 18. One is located by the public access, another in Mason’s Bay and the final one is located just off point from Bruce Bjerke’s residence.

Loon watchers in April reported seeing three pairs on the lake. As of May 9, Bruce reported to see a pair of loons occupying the nest by his place and said he would work hard this year to keep the pelicans away from the nest! Thanks for the heads up Bruce. We won’t be alarmed if we spot someone out in their boat acting crazy!

If anyone is interested in watching loons from a close up view, check out this web address. http://mnbound.com/live-loon-cam/ It’s a live streaming video of a nesting loon in Central Minnesota.

A Reminder: If you are aware of abandoned eggs or freshly dead loons, please contact Kevin Woiz-eschke (Nongame Wildlife Spe-cialist) at 218-203-4371 so he can make arrangements to collect them. If unable to reach him on the day when found, please freeze eggs or

loons in plastic bag and label with the date, location, and other relevant details.

Last summer, Julia Lundmark Vanatta, 1969 Clearbrook graduate, her friend Marilyn, and I spent an afternoon roaming the roadsides around Clearwater and Bagley Lake. Julia is knowledgeable about native landscapes and plants, so we share that common interest.Cameras in hand, the three of us decided to see if we could find any new native plants that had regenerated along the three mile “no spray” stretch of the Clearwater highway. Regeneration happens when herbicides are not used for a period of time and dormant seeds start to sprout. Here are a few photos from our ramblings.

Julia introduced me to an organization called Wild Ones, Twin Cities which sounds crazier than it really is. Wild Ones is a national organization with many local chapters in different states. Its purpose is to encourage and educate homeowners and others to restore yards, shorelines, and other spaces back to native habitats. Since joining this organization, I’ve learned that most of what I’ve planted in my Bloomington yard is not “bee or butterfly friendly”. This year, I will still plant a few splashy colored annuals but also include native wildflowers and shrubs. I want to see more monarch butterflies in my yard so I will plant milkweed seeds and hope that passing monarchs will stop and take notice.

...continued on page 4

ROADSIDE Ramblingsby Roz Johnson, CLAA Board MemberPhotos by Julia Vanatta and Roz Johnson

Blueflag Iris

Photo courtesy of Keith Ricke

Have you seenthis sign...do you know the location?

DOCKSIDE CLEARWATER LAKE AREA ASSOCIATION DOCKSIDE CLEARWATER LAKE AREA ASSOCIATION

The Clearwater Lake Area Association shall improve and maintain the environment and quality of life through education, awareness, and responsibility of our community, for ours and future generations.Page 2 Page 3

AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES News UpdatePRESS RELEASE

Minnesota Governor Proclaims: Clean Drain Dry Day

For Immediate ReleaseMay 5, 2015

Launching the 2015 Fishing Opener, Governor Mark Dayton proclaimed Saturday, May 9th, as Clean Drain Dry Day in the great state of Minnesota. With over 1.6 million anglers, Saturday is the perfect opportunity to educate anglers and boaters across the state on the importance of stopping invasive species and to Clean, Drain, Dry all boats, trailers and equipment.

CLAA recognizes that community engagement is critical in the fight against invasive species. Presenting the Proclamation at the 2015 Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener, boaters, anglers and all recreational users are reminded to take action and become responsible for protecting our lakes.

Offering help and materials to lake associations, counties, local citizens, community groups and partners, Wildlife Forever coordinates outreach and public education to promote stopping the spread of invasive species.

“We commend Governor Dayton for his leadership in bringing awareness of the threat of invasive species and the havoc they wreak on equipment, fisheries and the economy”; said Doug Grann, President & CEO of Wildlife Forever. “We are thankful for CLAA working to keep invasive species out of their lakes.”

Minnesota is home to some of America’s best fishing and boating waters. Clean Drain Dry is simple and easy to do, and as a national prevention message, visitors from other states are likely to have seen it and know how to help. Visual reminders are posted throughout the state on highway billboards, at gas stations, boat ramps and bait shops.

Do your part this fishing and boating season: Clean. Drain. Dry. all boats, trailersand gear.

Protect Local A.I.S. FundingHF570 & SF1369

Our partners, Conservation Minnesota and MN Lakes and Rivers, are opposing attempts to repeal or reduce the new county funding for AIS prevention that was enacted in 2014. The recently released House Omnibus Environment bill (H.F. 846, released April 13) does not repeal the funding, but cuts the amount of funding by 10%.The bill also shifts responsibility for the program to the DNR, and requires that counties submit a grant application, creating unnecessary bureaucracy. They will be working to restore full funding to the program and to simplify any DNR oversight of the program. The Senate bill has not yet been released as of April 15, 2015.

CLAA members can contact your legislators asking them to work to protect the independence and current level of funding of the County AIS Prevention Aid program. You can also visit the MN Lakes and Rivers Advocates website http://mnlakesandrivers.org/. Your voice does matter!

A.I.S. Trailer DecalA compromise has been reached by stakeholders that replaces the AIS trailer decal with a newrequirement of an “AIS Affirmation” for all watercraft licenses (effective Jan. 1, 2016) and nonresident fishing licenses (effective March 1, 2016). There is no fee for the affirmation, but there isa $25 fine for failing to have an AIS affirmation displayed or available for inspection.

Photo courtesy of Skip Anderson

Springis intheair!

THANKS to the DNRA member of CLAA, and a cabin owner, connected with the DNR back in April. A picture was provided to the DNR of damage around the boat access ramp area. The response from the DNR was done in a prompt and timely manner. The public access and boat landing area was repaired and in great shape within days.

A big thanks goes out to Skip Anderson for his initiative and thanks to the DNR for their great service!

THE RETURN of the loonsWhat a pleasant sight and sound when the loons have returned to Clearwater Lake. It’s an amazing journey these birds travel each year.

Once again CLAA members Skip Anderson and Bruce Bjerke are working hard to ensure these birds keep returning to the lake and with a bit of mother nature luck, produce babies!

The artificial loon rafts were placed April 18. One is located by the public access, another in Mason’s Bay and the final one is located just off point from Bruce Bjerke’s residence.

Loon watchers in April reported seeing three pairs on the lake. As of May 9, Bruce reported to see a pair of loons occupying the nest by his place and said he would work hard this year to keep the pelicans away from the nest! Thanks for the heads up Bruce. We won’t be alarmed if we spot someone out in their boat acting crazy!

If anyone is interested in watching loons from a close up view, check out this web address. http://mnbound.com/live-loon-cam/ It’s a live streaming video of a nesting loon in Central Minnesota.

A Reminder: If you are aware of abandoned eggs or freshly dead loons, please contact Kevin Woiz-eschke (Nongame Wildlife Spe-cialist) at 218-203-4371 so he can make arrangements to collect them. If unable to reach him on the day when found, please freeze eggs or

loons in plastic bag and label with the date, location, and other relevant details.

Last summer, Julia Lundmark Vanatta, 1969 Clearbrook graduate, her friend Marilyn, and I spent an afternoon roaming the roadsides around Clearwater and Bagley Lake. Julia is knowledgeable about native landscapes and plants, so we share that common interest.Cameras in hand, the three of us decided to see if we could find any new native plants that had regenerated along the three mile “no spray” stretch of the Clearwater highway. Regeneration happens when herbicides are not used for a period of time and dormant seeds start to sprout. Here are a few photos from our ramblings.

Julia introduced me to an organization called Wild Ones, Twin Cities which sounds crazier than it really is. Wild Ones is a national organization with many local chapters in different states. Its purpose is to encourage and educate homeowners and others to restore yards, shorelines, and other spaces back to native habitats. Since joining this organization, I’ve learned that most of what I’ve planted in my Bloomington yard is not “bee or butterfly friendly”. This year, I will still plant a few splashy colored annuals but also include native wildflowers and shrubs. I want to see more monarch butterflies in my yard so I will plant milkweed seeds and hope that passing monarchs will stop and take notice.

...continued on page 4

ROADSIDE Ramblingsby Roz Johnson, CLAA Board MemberPhotos by Julia Vanatta and Roz Johnson

Blueflag Iris

Photo courtesy of Keith Ricke

Have you seenthis sign...do you know the location?

www.minnesotawaters.org/clearwaterlakearea

area associationVol. 6 Issue 1 May 2015

FAREWELL to winterUnlike last year, this year the ice decided to make a departure date somewhat more typical for a Minnesota winter.The ice began to break apart around April 15 and was a complete memory by the next day.A friendly neighborhood group, on the Clearwater County side of the lake, has a “guess the ice-out date” contest each year and it looks like this year kudos go out to Skip Anderson. Skip’s prediction was spot on! Way to go Skip!

Photo courtesy of Bruce Bjerke

Photo courtesy of Jim Granley

FALL 2014 meeting recap

501 3C Status (non-profit)Further investigation and results delivered in 2015

Reporting on loons and lady slippers

Canoe Route ProposalResolution developed by CLAA Board and members which states: “CLAA’s position will be “volunteers only” and remain active and involved as the proposed canoe route moves forward.”

Water Quality9.5 feet depth for clarity as of August 2014 and looks positive for the remainder of the year.

Officer and Board Re-electionsBill Johnson (Board Member) and Jean Chadwick (Vice President) were re-elected to another term.

Fundraising/Debs ParadeCreating a brochure about the benefits of CLAA membership and what it offers to the lake and surrounding area. This brochure would be distributed during the 2015 parade. Possible yard sale and membership drive coordinated with the parade or could be held separately.

A.I.S.Sign now displayed at public access landing when CLAA volunteers are working.

MEMORIAL WEEKEND MEETING and Pot Luck MealSunday – May 24, 2015Moore’s Garage – 8 houses east of the public accessAll Members and Non-members Welcome

1:00 p.m. – Board Meeting2:00 p.m. – Pot Luck Meal(coffee and lemonade provided)

Bring your favorite dish to pass, plates, utensils, and your lawn chair.General Meeting to follow the meal – Hope to see everyone there!

DOCKSIDE CLEARWATER LAKE AREA ASSOCIATION

c/o JoLynn Chadwick626 South Elm AvenueOwatonna, MN 55060

Lakeside Ramblings...continued from page 3

Learn more about Minnesota wildflowers by visiting www.minnesotawildflowers.info

or purchase the book by Stan Tekiela; Wildflowers of Minnesota Field Guide.

Purchase native shrubs and trees locally. Order trees in April/early May through the Clearwater County’s Soil and Water Conservation District’s Annual Tree Sale; www.clearwaterswcd.org or call 218-694-6845. Cost-sharing programs are available to help establish shore land and stream bank buffers.

For information about Wild Ones:www.WildOnes.org.

You can also find out if there’s a chapter in your area: www.WildOnes.org/connect/chapters

Indian Paintbrush

Julia, Roz and Marilyn finding the ladyslippers!