Nest Lake Improvement Association, Inc.
P O Box 42
Spicer, MN 56288

OLD NEWS


April

***Special Spring Meeting***

Saturday, April 24th, 10 am at the New London Twp Hall

There are several important issues the Nest Lake Improvement Association has been working on which will affect all property owners on Nest Lake.  Please make an attempt to attend. 

Topics to be addressed —

*The Lake-wide Weed Management Program.  We will go over the changes to the approach the Lake Association is taking to dealing with the Curly Leaf Pondweed situation in the lake.  We have a much larger harvester and will be incorporating the use of the herbicide Aquathol K into our program this year.  Learn the details of when, where, why, and how this is done.

*The designation of Nest Lake as an impaired body of water by the MPCA and what this means for the lake and what property owners can do to help.  Chad Anderson from the Middle Fork of the Crow River Watershed District will speak on this topic.

*An update on the Project the NLIA has been working on with the Middle Fork of the Crow River Watershed District. 

*The Pilot program Nest Lake will be a part of with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources starting this spring.  Learn how, when, where it will take place.  You already know why.

*Information on a county wide effort to halt the spread of Eurasion Water Milfoil, Curly Leaf Pondweed, and Zebra Mussels. 

*Our status as a nonprofit organization and how this will affect the Nest Lake Association.

 *Budget concerns the Nest Lake Improvement Association is facing and why we needed to raise fees for the Lake-wide Weed Management Program.  We will go over our annual budget and goals for this upcoming summer.   

ANNOUNCING GREAT NEWS

Thanks to your consistent and increasing support, YOUR NLIA board has stepped out boldly.

1.  We have found and purchased a used harvester with trailer in good condition.  This means we will be able to remove significantly more curly leaf in less time. Go to the web for pictures www.minnesotawaters.org/index.php?uberKey=1427>

2.  Our DNR grant was approved for $10,000 for herbicide treatment of a test area in Nest Lake.

Made possible by these two developments, we are able to change our focus to a Lakewide Weed Management Project (LWMP)

As you know, last year we changed our method of operation which made us much more efficient and consequently, more effective in CLP removal.  While still harvesting around docks, we were able to attack the large beds in the lake proper for the first time.  As a result, owners did not experience the massive blow in of rotting weeds on the shoreline.  All land owners benefited from this effort whether a member or contributor or not.

What all this means is that we all need to support this project.  First, we are looking for support from all property owners, whether or not dock area harvesting is needed.  Cleaning up of the lake enhances enjoyment of the lake even if we never get in a boat or the water.  Property values are also protected. 

Any expense for the herbicide treatment above the $10,000 grant will be our expense.  Many of you will hopefully be direct beneficiaries of this in front of your property and as you boat around the lake.

We are asking for $200.00 per owner to support LWMP which is a $50.00 increase over last year.  Membership remains at $50.00 per owner.  We know that this is not good timing, but to be successful in cleaning up the lake with these additions, we need this kind of support.  The board has been very frugal in spending your money by always working to get the most “bang for the buck.”  NONE of this money is used for administrative fees.  We pay our harvester operators and subcontractor only.  We want to avoid having to borrow money for the operation.  Our success depends on everyone’s continued support. 

*** Spring has Sprung***

What you can do on your yard to help the lake-

1. Spring is yard clean up time.  To be environmentally responsible, do NOT use phosphorus fertilizer on your lawn.  Just one pound of phosphorus creates 500 pounds of algae!  Your lawn does not need it if it is already established.  The middle number on the bag is the phosphorus content.

2. Diminish runoff of nutrients into the lake and provide a home for wildlife by planting a buffer strip on our shoreline.  Buffers also keep the geese and their “by-product” off your yard.  The Middle Fork of the Crow River Watershed District personnel can guide you through the process. 

Phone - 320-796-0888
Email
Website
Address – 174 Lake Ave N, Suite 2, Spicer, MN 56288

FFurther information is available ahttp://www.dnr.state.mn.us/restoreyourshore/index.html

3. Consider buying and using rain barrels to diminish runoff.  Google “rain barrels” to find lots of sources.

4. Compost your yard waste rather than burning it or taking it to the landfill.  Your yard waste is a potential source of natural fertilizer for your flower and vegetable gardens.

What you can do to your boat to protect the lake-

After boating in any freshwater -

1. Carefully inspect, clean and drain your boat when you leave the water. All areas MUST be dry (including live wells) and clear of debris. NO standing water should be on board your boat in any manner (including bait cans or buckets).

2. Remove all plants and mud from your boat, trailer, and all equipment.  Dispose of all material in the trash.

Before traveling to any freshwater for boating –

1. Inspect your boat.  If any evidence of mussels is found, clean your boat and all equipment and let dry for five to 30 days, depending on the weather.

2. Thoroughly inspect all exposed surfaces on our boat and trailer.  If you find any mussels, scrape them off and kill them by crushing them.  Dispose of remains in the trash.

501c3 Status

This is an IRS designation that will allow for donations to NLIA to be tax deductable.  Our application has been sent.  We will let you know when it is a done deal!

Membership 

It is NOT too late to join if you have forgotten!  The membership form was in the January newsletter (bright green) and is available online (Google )  www.minnesotawaters.org/index.php?uberKey=1427.

Your membership dues make it possible to address the many issues affecting our lake that go beyond our LWMP efforts.

We have had as high as 58% membership.  That percentage needs to rise.

As in the past, harvesting around docks will be done only for members.  For the bookkeeping, we need separate checks for membership and LWMP.  Use the form below for contributions to LWMP and making dock area harvesting requests.  Everyone is encouraged to participate in the LWMP!

2010 Lakewide Curly Leaf Pondweed Control Project

Name ___________________________________________________________

Lake Address _____________________________________________________________

Phone ______________________________________

Email (if we do not have it) __________________________________________________

_______Lakewide Weed Management Program fee ($200.00)

_______With my above fee and my membership paid or enclosed (circle one), I am requesting individual harvesting around my dock.

Mail this form and your check (s) to (ASAP)
Nest Lake Improvement Association, Inc
PO Box 42
Spicer, MN 56288

As we begin a new year, we need to acknowledge some people who have been very important to NLIA.  Four board members have retired this year.  Their contributions to our efforts to improve our lake cannot be overstated. 

Dale Ruter was chief repair guy until this year. He spent countless hours harvesting as well as rebuilding our machine.

Dean Lovold has served ever since the organization reformed in every capacity he was asked to assume.  He was an ace as mechanic’s assistant, harvester operator, door to door canvasser, and president, to name a few.  He continues to serve by being our water tester.

Mariette Lovold has been the secretary, assistant water tester and board member.

Don Kiser also assisted in the mechanical repairs, harvesting, and board decisions. 

We are grateful to these fine folks who have donated their time for the good of all of us residents and our lake.

New Board Members

We are also grateful for new people who have stepped forward to continue our work. New Board members are John Laughlin, Bob Dice, Jeff Johnson

Board Minutes

Minutes of board meetings are available on the Nest Lake Improvement Association website through Minnesota Waters.

Petition Status

The petition was turned in to the MFCRWD on January 4, 2010, with 75 signatures.  A huge, heartfelt “thank you” to all of you who got it back to us even in the midst of the holidays.

Grant Status

With our point intercept study complete, we have a far better chance of getting awarded a DNR grant for herbicide treatment.  Keep your fingers crossed.  The application has been made.  We will let you know when we find out the result.

501c3 Status

The January board meeting will take care of the few remaining details for submitting this to the IRS.  The Board is grateful for the help of Nancy Johnson in getting this process finished.  It will make donations tax deductible.

Harvesting Program

The plan last year worked so well that we plan to continue with it this year.  We had much more time on the water and a far larger pile of results.  I bet none of you missed having a chance to get dirty with the project

Worm Status  (?)

Current Board Members

President—Joel Peterson                                  Brian Nelson– 796-5507

Vice Pres—Tim Johnson796-5517                    Wes Holmberg- 796-5107

Secretary—Irene Mills– 796-2967                     Jeff Johnson – 796-0266

Treasurer/Newsletter— Jean Ruter— 796-2611       Bob Dice - 796-2775

<!Annual meeting 
 August 22, 2009,9:00 am

           New London Township Hall

           Agenda

• Petition progress 
• Point Intercept Study results
• Discussion of tent worm caterpillar spraying
• Sauk River Watershed District experience with harvesting.
• 501c3 status

<!

We have had a record year!  Thanks to two dedicated harvester operators, a machine that did not break down, more off-load sites, and more people contributing, we were able to take out about 500 harvester loads between May 17th and July 3rd.  That is at least double what we have been able to do in the past.  We had 50 properties paying for harvesting this year.

While cutting around docks and providing access to open water is what the harvesting fee pays for, a major emphasis this year was on cutting weed beds in the lake.   We believe that this is what has prevented the die-off raft from ending up on your shore.

With our 2009 harvesting season completed, the machine will be taken out of the water to prevent becoming “high and dry,” and maintenance performed.

If you feel we are making use of your lake cottage/home more enjoyable, if you feel we are helping our lake to recover, consider making a donation to our operation with the form below.  We need more and better equipment which is expensive.

We all owe board member Brian Nelson a huge THANK YOU for his supervision of the operation and crew this year.

Membership 

It is NOT too late to join if you have forgotten!  We are also accepting contributions in any amount.  In order to get the equipment that we need, we have to begin fundraising.

There is money still available to cost-share BMPs (Best Management Practices) such as raingardens, rain barrels, shoreland restorations, feedlot upgrades and more.  Cost-share funds may cover 50-75 percent of eligible projects and low-interest loans are also available to help pay for the remaining project cost.  Please contact our office if you are interested in implementing a project on your property that will help to improve water quality or if you would like more information, (320) 796-0888 or vanessa@mfcrow.org.

Shoreland Restoration Maintenance Workshop

            The Middle Fork Crow River Watershed District is planning the last workshop in a three-part series that began in 2008.  The shoreland restoration maintenance workshop will cover practical solutions and provide technical information about the best ways to manage shoreland restorations and natural shorelands to maintain the health and value of our lakes and rivers.  Look for more information to come soon and make plans to attend this workshop on August 21st – attendance at any of the previous workshops is not required.

2009 Harvesting /Contribution Form

Please check one  _______________Contribution                    
       _______________Membership

Name ___________________________________________________________

Mailing Address ________________________________________________________________

Home Phone ___________________________________________________________________

Lake Address __________________________________________________________________

Cottage or Cell Phone ______________________________________

Current email address (only if we do not have it.)  _______________________________

Mail this form and your $50.00 membership – and/or $______________contribution to

Nest Lake Improvement Association, Inc
PO Box 42
Spicer, MN 56288

Petition progress-

THANK YOU to everyone who responded so quickly to the petition signature appeal.  We have turned in the petition.  The process of becoming a Project is a long one, but we have done what we can for now.  Now the watershed district will be securing an engineering study including an assessor’s report.  Before any action is taken there will be public hearings to fully inform those concerned of the proposed action and its costs to them.  We will keep you informed as the process proceeds.

DNR Grant

As we have informed you by email and the website, our application was NOT funded.  The major reason given is that we need a point intercept study.  That study will be conducted this summer by DNR staff.  Perhaps we will get a grant next year.

Membership 

Again THANK YOU to all of you who have sent in your memberships in such a timely fashion.  Because we can show a steady increase in membership and revenue, we have been able to secure a line of credit so that we can be in position to purchase equipment if it becomes available.  We have missed out on two good opportunities this year because we did not have our “ducks in a row.”  Last year we had 101 individual memberships and a group membership from Cedar Point Village.  This year so far we have 73 individual memberships, 34 from Cedar Point Village group and 27 from North Shore Estates group.  We need to boost the individual memberships.

It is NOT too late to join if you have forgotten!  The membership form was in the January newsletter (bright green) and is available online (Google )

Please inform us of any changes to residence, phone or email.

501c3 Status
This is an IRS designation that will allow for donations to NLIA to be tax deductable.  As soon as the tax season is over, we have an accounting firm that will get this established.  We will let you know when it is a done deal!

Change     harvesting cost and protocol

1. This year we are planning to hire a cutter operator so that we can have more days on the water.   There just are not enough weekends!

2.  We plan to try another off-loading method (dumping on shore where we have permission and loading the same day with a skid loader and hauling with a dump truck.  We have a quote from a local person.  Hopefully, this will give us more off-loading sites and thus more efficiency.

3.  FEES will have to increase to provide these services.  The current $75.00 harvesting fee did not cover the cost of the operation.  Now with adding labor costs, we have no choice.

4.  As in the past, harvesting will be done only for members.  For the bookkeeping, we need separate checks for membership and harvesting.  If any member incurs expenses, bills must be submitted for reimbursement.  With hired labor, this should not happen.  Please check with a board member before incurring any expense for the NLIA.

5.  A discount is offered when three or more properties in a row sign up together.  One neighbor needs to collect the request forms and checks for the group.

6.  We will still be needing volunteers to help with shore cleanup.

END