Spring Flood potential

The Elk river started to sharply rise on the 19th of March. When it was up about 3 feet water began flowing into the Bayou on the 20th. The water started rising on the 21st at the cnty 62 bridge by the airport. (Up about 3 feet).

This means the lakes are up about 6-8 inches and should keep going up for the next few days.

Yesterdays rate was about 8 inches per day making this weekend important to keep the dam at Rush lake clear.

Thanks for all those who help in that effort.

Photo Contest

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The BLCA is seeking photos for the 2019 Directory!

The BLCA is seeking photos that reflect our lake community to place on the cover of our 2019 community directory.

The winner will get $25 and the honor of having his/her photo gracing the directory.

The contest ends April 1, 2019 so comb through your digital files and/or snap photos. Please make your submissions as soon as possible to make sure the deadline isn’t missed.

Enter your PDF or JPEG files to our directory editor at bradkipp1@gmai.com

Call 612-810-6738 with questions   

EURASIAN MILFOIL ON RUSH LAKE.

Eurasian watermilfoil closeup (EWM)

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  • (EWM) was detected on Rush Lake during the survey to map the 2014 treatment areas for the invasive curlyleaf pondweed that infests Briggs, Rush and Julia.  

EWM Handpulling bagged plant

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  • Make double sure boats, trailers, jet skis, docks, swim platforms, etc. are carefully inspected, properly  cleaned and dried before they are transported from our lakes.  

EWM Handpulling diver

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Determining weather there is EWM or Northern milfoil takes practice.

EWM Handpulling

Please learn about identification, prevention and treatment. We need everyone’s help.

Please learn about identification, prevention and treatment. We need everyone’s help.

Oak Wilt

Winter is the time to get the dead oak branches trimmed and removed.

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We live in Oak Wilt territory and are in the highest danger season April, May and June for spreading Oak Wilt. While all species of oak can be affected, oaks in the red oak group (oaks with pointed lobes on their leaves) are by far the most susceptible and are probably the most abundant tree in our yards. Northern red and pin oaks can die within two to three months of infection. White oaks are the most resistant and may survive for years after infection. Bur oaks are intermediate and may die within two to three years of infection.

Emerald Ash Borer

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Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has killed millions of ash trees since 2002.
Minnesota currently has the largest Ash tree population in the United States. 
Don’t move firewood to or from your lake home from long distances.
(You typically can’t see if firewood is infested or not, so why take the risk?)
Emerald Ash Borer is on its destructive path (CLICK HERE FOR KARE 11 STORY) 
It is spreading too!  Now only 6.5 miles east and southeast of Elk River:  (CLICK HERE FOR MAP) 
Early detection is critical to minimizing tree loss and the subsequent loss of environmental benefits.  

Want to help the lakes? Join the AIS Detectors!

Participants in the AIS Detectors program receive expert training on identifying and reporting AIS as well as base aquatic ecology, prevention, MN rules and regulations training and more. Upon completion of the training, participants are asked to provide 25 hours of annual service in the field of aquatic invasive species. This service can take many forms that we generally categorize as Citizen Science, Stewardship, Outreach/Education, and Program Support. This may include activities specific to your lake or lake area such as monitoring for AIS and local outreach/education. Participants choose what form of service suits them best and are free to create grassroots projects or service. You can find more information at www.aisdetectors.org.

We hope this is an opportunity that may interest you and your members.Click on link to see video or push button for PDF information.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5KJw3PO1sU

News from around the lakes

  • Aquatic Invasive Species plans
    See 3 lake LID for related information.

Aquatic Invasive Species info (pdf)
Download

More News from Sherburne County Soil and Water

News from January 2018 Association of Townships Meeting (pdf)
Download

What does it mean to have an "impaired" lake?

The definition of impaired for a lake like Julia is to exceed 60ug/liter of phosphorus.

Lake Julia has about 1.48e+9 liters of water. Meaning to be impaired it takes about 196 pounds of the stuff. See why phosphorus is against the law to put on your lawn?