Spring Chain Link now available!

The Spring 2024 Chain Link Magazine arrived in mailboxes today! You can also view online by clicking HERE.

NEW LEGISLATION: Sec. 66 Storing Garbage and Waste On Ice

Minnesota has new legislation that issues fines for leaving garbage or waste on the ice. Ice is no place for your garbage and waste. Legally contain and dispose of it. Thank you! Click here to view the details.

**The SRCLA has no affiliation with keepitcleanmn.org**

Sauk River Chain of Lakes Aquatic Plant Management End of Year Report 2023

Thank you to our partners MN DNR, Limnopro Aquatic Science, Tigris (formerly Black Lagoon), and Weeds Up for help in assessing and managing aquatic plants, including the invasives curly-leaf pondweed and hybrid watermilfoil, in the Chain for 2023! Click here to accerss the 2023 Year End Report of all the work that was done. We will use this information to help us plan for 2024. Please send any questions to gene.j.krebs@gmail.com.

Healthy Waters Initiative Update

Researchers affiliated with the University of Minnesota have been analyzing two elements of interest to lakeshore owners.  The St. Anthony Falls Laboratory (SAFL) completed research on the impact of boat-generated waves in 2020 and have published their findings here:  www.sites.google.com/umn.edu/healthywatersinitiative/welcome

They tested two different types of watercraft: wakesurf boats and runabouts.  As you might expect, the wave energy from wakesurf boats is two or more times higher than for runabouts, largely because wakesurf boats tend to be operated at slower speeds (sub-planing), whereas runabouts are often “planed out”.  This is the summary from the SAFL website:

“This project sought to characterize boat-generated waves by recreational watercraft common to Minnesota, including wakesurfing boats. The effort focused on lake shore environments typical of Minnesota.

During the study, five sensors were used to measure the height, energy, and power of waves generated by non-wakesurf and wakesurf boats. It was found that wakesurf boats produced the largest waves under all conditions evaluated, with the overall largest waves generated during slow plowing speeds associated with the sport of wakesurfing. The study also showed that when wakesurf boats operate under their typical wakesurfing conditions, they require greater distances to reduce their wave characteristics to levels equivalent to non-wakesurf boat operating under their typical on-plane conditions.”

We’re also looking forward to the next SAFL report, which will cover the impact of prop wash (thrust dynamics) on the water column and lake bottom.  SAFL intended to publish the report this fall, but they decided they needed a bit more time to assess “interesting but unanticipated phenomena” that emerged during data analysis.  The prop wash report will be published in the spring and the SRCLA will post a link to those results when they’re available.

To review Phase I or learn more, visit the Healthy Waters Initiative website: www.sites.google.com/umn.edu/healthywatersinitiative/welcome

Flowering Rush New Infestation and Innovative Control Project

The Stearns Coalition of Lake Associations, under the direction of Brad Matuska, completed the 2 year project of finding and treating the invasive species, flowering rush, which is making its way down the Sauk River and could infest the Chain. Click here to view the report.

Cold Spring Property Acquisition Update

The SRCLA Board is sharing this press release from Stearn County Parks as part of the our mission to keep our members informed on matters of interest to the Chain. Here is a link to the Press Release online.

The Stearns County Board of Commissioners approved entering into a donation agreement with Pheasants Forever at the County Board meeting held on October 24, 2023.

The purpose of the agreement is to formalize the donation and conveyance of the Cold Spring property from Pheasants Forever to Stearns County.

It also directs the County and Pheasants Forever to enter into a restoration and development agreement as Pheasants Forever has funds to complete upland and wetland restorations and some additional funds to assist with minor development activities, such as a small parking lot and possibly the removal of a silo. 

Pheasants Forever has approved and signed the donation agreement.

Pheasants Forever anticipates closing on the property in the middle to end of November and the County anticipates the land donation to occur before the end of this year.

The Parks Department is working on the property management plan and will have a draft available for comment in late winter/early spring 2024.

The County Board, at their January 17, 2023, meeting "Authorize County Staff to continue working with Pheasants Forever to complete the Cold Spring property acquisition and approved the use of $333,450.98 out of the General Fund's fund balance, left over from CARES funding, to assist with the acquisition."

Fall Chain Link now available!

The Fall 2023 Chain Link Magazine arrived in mailboxes today! You can also view online by clicking HERE.

2023 Fall Chain Link Featured Story

Membership Renewal

Dear Sauk River Chain of Lakes Resident,

Thank you for considering to support the Sauk River Chain of Lakes Association! Our vision is to be a passionate group of volunteers that strive to be good stewards of the Sauk River Chain of Lakes by working with all of its stakeholders to preserve and protect water quality, wildlife, and lake life while also promoting improvements through learning, education, and assistance. But, we need your help! Please consider becoming a new member or renewing your membership at whatever level fits you best (from $40 to $150). You can renew online via credit card at www.srcl.org/become-a-member or by downloading and filling out the membership form here and mail in a check. Be assured that your tax-deductible donation will support projects like these we have done in 2022:

• Spending over $110,000 to survey and control aquatic invasive species like curly-leaf pondweed and hybrid watermilfoil 

• Spending $2,500 to support University of Minnesota research to control zebra mussels

• Spending about $10,000 in public launch monitoring using automated recording devices in cooperation with the Sheriff’s Office for enforcement to prevent the introduction of aquatic invasive species

• Spending about $4,000 in the purchase, maintenance, installation, and removal of rock buoys

• Offering thousands of dollars in scholarships to landowners for shoreline restoration projects to prevent excessive run-off into the Chain of Lakes

• Working with the DNR to maintain a healthy fishery within the Chain of Lakes

• Continued water quality monitoring for nutrients and clarity

• Road cleaning along County Road 22 from the boat landing to Cozy Corners to reduce garbage and debris entering the Chain of Lakes

These projects don’t happen without your support. Thank you for considering! In the meantime, keep visiting http://www.srcl.org for updates and other resources.  Also, visit https://store1455.promotionalresourcesinc.net/ for SRCLA apparel. Store is open until April 15, 2023!

Regards,

Brad Matuska, President, Sauk River Chain of Lakes Association

State of Water: How suburban home aesthetics are scarring Minnesota shorelines

Greg Berg, Implementation Team Manager & Riparian Resources Specialist with Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District has been part of a statewide Natural Shoreline Partnership group. Greg shared this great story from WCCO. Click here to view. There is a full transcript as welll.

To learn more about being a Lake Steward, click here.

The SRCLA is excited to feature more lakesore restoration success stories in the Fall Chain Link Magazine, coming out next week!

New Feature - Fishing Report

The SRCLA is working with Jamie Revermann, Central MN Fishing Adventures (320) 266-8238 to provide ongoing reports of fishing on the chain. Look for updates under News -> Fishing Report. Questions? Contact Aaron J. Schwartz aarschwartz@gmail.com.

Starry Stonewort discovered in Clearwater Lake

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the presence of the invasive algae starry stonewort in Clearwater Lake, near Annandale in Wright County.

An aquatic vegetation survey company discovered starry stonewort across 1.8 acres of a protected cove on the south side of the east basin of the lake, and a Minnesota DNR invasive species specialist confirmed its presence.

Available treatment options could include hand pulling, herbicide applications or other methods as appropriate.

Starry stonewort has now been confirmed in 27 water bodies in Minnesota. It was first confirmed in Minnesota in 2015.

More information is available on the aquatic invasive species page of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/ais), inckuding WHAT YOU CAN DO to prevent.

Link to original story.

What Will Be Lost

Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates shares concerns about the presence of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) in Minnesota, the harmful effects they have on lake ecology and wildlife, as well as economic concerns. Featuring MLR’s Executive Director, Jeff Forester. The SRCLA is a member of the Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates.

Sauk River Chain of Lakes water-quality solutions start with livestock producers

The Sauk River Chain of Lakes is mentioned in this BWSR conservation story centered on Stearns County SWCD and NRCS staffers’ Clean Water Fund and EQIP-backed work with livestock producers to improve water quality.

Custom SRCLA Mugs!

I know a potter in Boulder, CO and asked her to make me a coffee mug with our logo on it. It turned out so great, the board and I thought we’d share this with all of you! The potter is Brigit Stattelman-Scanlan, and she is based in Boulder, Colorado. To order your own mug, go to StattelmanScanlanpottery.com. and go to "Custom Pieces" on the menu. They are $32 each plus shipping.

Brad Matuska

Aquatic Invasive Species PSA Series #3

This video series is presented by Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates and produced by LB Video Productions. Funding to make the series possible as a free resource to the public has come from the counties of Wabasha as a Gold sponsor, Goodhue, Otter Tail, Yellow Medicine, Cook, and Washington as Silver sponsors, Benton, Lake, Polk, Stearns, Douglas, Chippewa, Cass as Bronze sponsors, and Kanabec as a Supporter.

Protect the Loons and their chicks

A message from Jeff Forester - MN Lakes and Rivers Advocates.

We had a late spring and many loon pairs went on the nest late. Their chicks will be hatching shortly before the Fourth of July.

This is the most dangerous time of the year for loon chicks because boat traffic is at its heaviest. Boat and jet ski strikes are a leading cause of loon deaths. Please watch ahead and be cautious near loons while boating and jet skiing .

If you see a loon, a chick may be near by but difficult to see. Adults will not dive when protecting chicks, and chicks are unable to dive to avoid watercraft.

Many lakes are often as busy as a freeway during rush hour! Adult loons can be easily struck in high traffic areas. Give ALL loons space and do not expect them to dive out of your way.

Loon parents often raise their chicks outside no wake zones where boats and jet skis are approaching and exiting at high speed. Be especially alert for loons in these areas! Keep speed low and give them space.

Wave runners and jet skiers, please keep your eyes peeled for loons when traveling at high speeds. Loons cannot determine which direction you will go when you are spinning, jumping, and turning on a dime.

Some loons may still be nesting. Stay 200 feet from loon nests so loons can safely hatch their eggs. If stressed by watercraft coming too close, loons may abandon their nest.

Keep wakes low near loon nests so they do not wash out.

Fireworks are very disturbing and stressful for loons. They are vulnerable to loud explosives being launched into the lake and may be “stunned” while trying to avoid fireworks. Chicks may be separated from parents and unable to hear their parents’ calls during the loud explosions. Please do not set off personal fireworks near the lake. There are many community fireworks displays for your enjoyment. Please be considerate of loon habitat as the lake is the loons’ home and only source of life.

Let’s keep the call of the loon on our lakes!

Caution Buoys at Sandy Point

The SRCLA, in coordination with the Stearns Co. Sheriff's Department, has obtained two "CAUTION" buoys that have been placed on either side of Sandy Point, the channel between Great Northern and Krays Lakes. This is being done on an experimental basis to alert boaters to the narrow channel, which often has stationary boats fishing in the area as well as serving as a conduit for traffic on the Chain.

The experimental deployment of "CAUTION" buoys can be done without a formal ordinance change, which is required to designate an area as "NO WAKE". The usefulness of the "CAUTION" buoys will be evaluated by the Sheriff's Dept and a decision made about whether or not to continue their use in this part of the Chain on an ongoing basis. To see all of the No Wake and Caution buoys on the Chain click here.

What is that stuff floating on the Chain?

Most of the plant material you see floating and at the bottom of the Chain right now is called filamentous algae.  It is considered a native non-invasive plant that is becoming more of a problem in the region in recent years because it creates boat navigational problems.  It comes in three forms that are identified by its texture.  Cladophora has a cottony feel, Spirogyra is neon green and slimy, and Pithophora is sometimes called "horsehair" and has a texture like that or maybe steel wool.  All forms thrive in shallow, warm, and clear water (usually in tandem with lakes with zebra mussels) which are the conditions that we have right now. 

In and of itself, filamentous algae is natural and only becomes a problem when it is thick and reduces our ability to navigate through it.  The short term solution to it is to mechanically remove it, and the long term solution is to reduce run-off that carries nutrients to the Chain.  To help out, don't use fertilizers for your lawn and consider doing a lakescaping project to minimize run-off. To learn more visit the Aquatic Plant Management page.

Curly Leaf Approved Treatment Maps

Go to our Projects page for maps of the 2023 permitted CLP treatment areas to date.  The chemical applications happened at the end of May, and the harvesting is ongoing through the beginning of July.