ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY COMMITTEE SUMMER PROJECTS

by Jim Schwartz, Co-Chair
Environment and Ecology Committee

THE ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY COMMITTEE is proceeding with another series of testing and related projects for Ten Mile Lake this summer. Here is a run down of activities: 

1. LAKE TESTS - Water samples will be drawn for chemical analysis at four sites in mid-May, mid-July and mid-September. The sites are: Main Lake, Kenfield Bay, Robinson's Bay and Long Bay. The tests will determine the concentrations of phosphorus, nitrogen, chlorophyll-a and pheophytin-a, all indicators of water quality.
2. SWAMP SAMPLES - Ten perimeter swamps around the lake had surface water samples taken for analysis in mid-May to monitor the inflow of nutrients (phosporus and nitrogen) to the lake proper.
3. INVERTEBRATE COUNT - A top-to-bottom survey of zooplankton numbers and species was planned for mid-May at two sites: deepest point of the main lake and at a 75-foot depth in front of Pinewood Resort. Intent is to assemble data that will help determine whether there is a sufficient population of zooplankton to support a healthy game fish population in Ten Mile Lake.
4. CLARITY READINGS - The summer long transparency measurement project continues and will be expanded to include more sites. Besides the two traditional locations (deepest spot in the main lake and a 45-foot depth in Long Bay), readings also are set for Kenfield Bay, Robinson's Bay and the North Shore. Readings normally are taken on a weekly basis from May into October, with findings going to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for assembly and analysis. Ten Mile Lake has cooperated in this Citizens Lake Monitoring Program since its inception in 1973.
5. OXYGEN CONCENTRATION - In mid-September a top-to-bottom dissolved oxygen and temperature profile will be measured at two sites: deepest part of the main lake and a 75-foot depth in front of Pinewood Resort. The purpose is to monitor the lake's ability to sustain a sufficient concentration of dissolved oxygen at its deepest points to prevent the release of phosphorus from the bottom sediments. Reason: when phosphorus enters the water column, algae blooms occur and water quality declines. This annual check helps us keep track of our lake's overall health.
6. EXOTICS SURVEY - In mid-September, the lake will be surveyed for signs of eurasian water milfoil and other exotic species. The survey involves inspection at all known boat launching sites, resorts and a large area of lower Long Bay. Boaters are also urged throughout the season to be alert for any unusual marine plants, take samples, mark the location carefully and deliver the samples to any member of the E&E Committee.
7. GROUNDWATER STUDY - Selected wells around the lake will be identified and samples taken periodically for chemical composition. This is the first year of what likely will be a project covering several seasons as results are correlated with lake water findings. Marty McCleery is heading up the study. 
8. NESTING BOXES - Anyone interested in building and putting up nesting boxes for birds ranging from wrens to wood ducks may get in touch with Dick Sampel (547-2297). He can supply you with plans for a variety of boxes, instructions for placement and other information. Nesting boxes are a great way to increase our songbird and waterfowl populations.
9. WELL WATER TESTING DAY - Saturday, July 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at North and South Shore locations. See complete story. Last year's testing program produced no major surprises. As Del Hogen, President of Instrumental Research, Inc., our testing agency, put it in his annual report: "Ten Mile Lake continues to maintain itself as an exceptionally desirable body of water, thanks in part to the caring stewardship of its residents. They are continuing to upgrade their waste disposal systems and are managing their properties with the welfare of the lake in mind." There is a cautionary note in the report. Clarity has pretty much leveled off, indicating that an as yet unidentified nutrient source is having an effect. One possibility is that nitrogen from waste water treatment systems, a nutrient that travels freely through the soil, has saturated lake properties to the point where more and more of it is moving into the lake. Our Committee is looking into methods of denitrifying waste water flows, a technology that only recently has become available.

NOTE: Ten-Milers in Action - Congratulations to:

- JOHN A. ALDEN, a senior at Walker-Hackensack-Akeley High School, (and son of TMLA's Watershed Coordinator), who has qualified for the Academic All-Star Award sponsored by the National Forensic League. The demanding requirements for this award include

John started his extra-curricular speech career in seventh grade as an extemporaneous speaker, a category which has challenged him throughout high school. Last year he won the regional finals, placed sixth in the State, and qualified to compete at the national level in Oklahoma. John is attending Bemidji State University this year under the college option program. Technically a high school senior, he has been eligible to compete in high school league activities, which he has chosen to do. In his first speech meet of his last year, he won in extemporaneous speaking with rankings of straight ones.

(Information obtained from the Walker Pilot-Independent, January 31, 2002)

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