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Volunteers Needed for Adopt-a-Highway Committee
The chair of the Adopt-A-Highway Committee, Ivar Siqveland, is looking for more volunteers for the cleanup of the roads surrounding the lake this summer. Several new people have signed up, but a few have resigned and the ranks need to be filled. Ivar is asking that you e-mail him at ivaresi @ gmail.com if you would like to sign up. He is also asking that those people who have already signed up e-mail him to reconfirm their commitment as well.
When you e-mail Ivar, please be sure to include the following information:
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Full name |
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Address |
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Telephone number |
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E-mail address |
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Your preference as to the North or South side of the lake as well as the preferred area to cover. (Ivar will do his best to accommodate your preference.) |
Thank you for your help.
Some Safety Reminders
By Don Harris, Chair, Safety Committee
A few reminders from the Ten Mile Lake Association Lake Safety Committee to help you have a safe and fulfilling experience of boating on our lake in 2010:
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CHECK YOUR BOAT LICENSE before launching to be sure you are current.
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CHECK YOUR LIFE JACKETS (PFD’s – Personal Floatation Devices) to see if they fit the user and are Coast Guard approved and labeled Type I, II or III and the Type IV throwable device.
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CHECK YOUR LIGHTS. They are easier to fix on shore!
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4. PICK UP AND REVIEW the 2010 Minnesota DNR Boating Regulations. Boating laws and regulations change frequently. They can be purchased where you purchase bait or fishing licenses.
NOTE: —The Safety Committee, in response to complaints regarding a safe route in and out of Kenfield Bay, in the southwest corner of the lake, has purchased channel buoys, a red and a green, to mark the deepest route to enter and exit the bay. You will find the buoys near the peninsula on the east side of the opening to the bay. For those not familiar with channel buoys, drive your boat between the red and green buoy. If you are leaving the bay to return to the main lake, keep the red buoy on your left. If you are entering Kenfield Bay, keep the red buoy on your right. This will place you in a safe path of water depth with a sand bottom. If you experience problems with this new channel location, notify a member of the Safety Committee.
From the President's Desk
by Bruce Carlson, TMLA President
By the time you read this, spring will be upon us, and many Ten Milers will be making plans for the upcoming summer season. In the meantime, TMLA continues to be very active behind the scenes in a number of areas that could have a significant impact on our lake and its future. The main theme of these activities is preserving the qualities of a lake that is still in very good shape and even trying to improve on that. The focus of most of these activities has been the land around the lake, rather than the lake itself, because in the long run the state of the shoreline land will ultimately be reflected in the quality of the lake itself. We have already seen the benefit of this approach in the correlation between monitoring and improving the septic systems around the lake and the increasing clarity of the water. Major wintertime activity of the Association falls into three main categories – resource protection districts, shoreline restoration, and land acquisition/preservation. I’ll comment on each of these below.
RESOURCE PROTECTION DISTRICTS
First, some background information on this for the benefit of those who might not be familiar with this idea. For some time, the state has classified its lakes into several categories — general development, recreational development and natural environment. Most lakes were classified as general development, but lakes that were viewed as more environmentally sensitive were classified as recreational development or natural environment. Zoning restrictions, involving lot size, buildable area, etc. are more stringent in lakes with these latter classifications. A few years ago it became apparent that within a single lake, not all areas are equal, in terms of environmental sensitivity, and that a “one size fits all” classification may not be the most appropriate way to manage the land around the lake. Ten Mile is a classic example of this. It has been classified as a general development lake, which is appropriate for the main lake, but its bays have a very different character from the main lake basin and are much more sensitive to environmental disturbances. A few years ago the DNR began to examine several lakes in great detail to delineate sensitive from not-so sensitive shorelines. Ten Mile was one of the first lakes to be surveyed. A result of this survey was the delineation of a number of areas of the lake as having sensitive shorelines.
Using the data supplied by the DNR, Cass County then identified what it calls Resource Protection Districts, which include the sensitive shorelines identified by the DNR and a ¼ -mile zone surrounding this shoreline. The County then amended its land use ordinance (Ordinance # 2009-05, effective January 1, 2010) to allow the establishment of Resource Protection Districts if 50% of the riparian landowners request it. The request, however, must be approved by the township(s) in which the sensitive shoreline is located, and then by the County Planning Commission, and finally by the Commissioner of the DNR before the reclassification can officially occur.
Ten Mile Lake has several designated sensitive shorelines, which include Long’s Bay, Flowerpot Bay, Lundstrom’s Bay, Robinson’s Bay/Angel Island, and Kenfield Bay (see the TMLA Website for a map of these districts). This winter a letter was sent out to lot owners within the proposed Resource Protection Districts surrounding each of these areas. It gave a detailed explanation of the districts and included a postcard for a yes or no response with respect to seeking the establishment of any of these proposed Resource Protection Districts. The responses varied from area to area. Of the individuals opposed, some objected to more government interference in citizens’ affairs, and others had concerns about how a new classification might affect their own lot. The next step in this process will be to present the data to the TMLA Board for its collective decision on how to proceed.
SHORELINE IMPROVEMENT
In contrast to resource protection districts, shoreline improvement is an individual enterprise, and any interested lot owner can participate. How lake and river shorelines are viewed has been changing rapidly in recent years. For many years it was considered quite normal to clear the lot and plant grass down to a beach that was often fashioned from imported sand. Increasingly, many lot owners are realizing that shoreline lots are not city lots and that by treating them as such, much of the aesthetic value of a lake place is lost. Most Ten Milers have been far ahead of the curve in this area, but there is still much that can be done to maintain and restore the ecological balance of the lake, both above and below the water.
In connection with a broad program designed to maintain the quality of the lake by a variety of means, last fall we submitted through Cass County a proposal to the Clean Water Legacy Fund for a large amount of money for assisting in shoreline improvement on Ten Mile. Over 40 lot owners, with a total of 6,000-7,000 feet of shoreline, volunteered to participate in this program. Sad to say, we didn’t receive funding, nor did any other application from any lake north of Brainerd. Nevertheless, our attempt put a lot of things into motion, and much will happen even though that particular source of funds didn’t materialize this year.
I have been contacted by and have met with a number of DNR and County personnel over the winter, and we have devised a program that would initiate some shoreline improvement projects on the lake, starting this summer. The DNR is putting final touches on an evaluation program that is presently called “Score Your Shore,” which is designed to allow lot owners or lake associations to evaluate the condition of their shoreline. I have suggested that we review the entire shoreline of Ten Mile so that we can get a good set of baseline data for the overall condition of the shoreline on our lake. This information will not be generally published, but if any lot owners would like to see how their own lots are scored, this information will be made available to them on a private basis. Some money has been made available to the DNR for shoreline restoration in sensitive areas that are critical for certain identified endangered species of fish, birds, etc. Later this spring, I’ll take some DNR biologists on a tour of the lake so that they can determine which areas are most appropriate for the application of funding. I have also been told that later this summer there will be other opportunities to apply for additional shore-line improvement funds. There seems to be a general sense of optimism that over time we’ll ultimately get the needed funds as long as we keep trying.
Among the lot owners who have volunteered to be involved in shoreline restoration projects, several different types of problems have been identified. The general plan for this summer is to initiate pilot projects on restoration of several different types of shoreline problems. By doing so, we can then get some firm data that can be used to good advantage in future applications for funds. A number of the volunteers have indicated that they would be willing to pay for materials if they could get help on the ground in the actual restoration. In discussions with the County, it sounds like there is a reasonable chance that summer work crews hired through the County might be able to assist us in our restoration pilot projects.
Any shoreline restoration work takes several years in order for its full effects to be felt, and we hope to be able to document over time the progress of our pilot restoration projects. One idea that has surfaced would be to organize a tour of properties on Ten Mile that have already completed their own shoreline restoration work or that have just begun. This has been done on Birch Lake for several years. If any lot owners would be interested in being involved in, participating in, or organizing such a tour, please contact me, and we’ll try to get something going this summer.
LAND ACQUISITION & CONSERVATION EASEMENTS
Over the winter there have been discussions about options for preserving several parcels of environmentally sensitive land within the Ten Mile watershed. As may be imagined, such discussions are often very complex and involve many different factors. There is every indication that substantial amounts of money will be made available to assist individuals with costs associated with placing conservation easements on their property. In addition, both state and federal agencies periodically receive funding that would allow them to purchase important parcels of land. They commonly wish to work with the local lake association to devise cooperative ways of land preservation. The TMLA has been made aware of several such options and will be evaluating their feasibility. Look for more information on these in future Newsletters.
LOOKING AHEAD
This past year the TMLA has been involved in some very productive discussions with representatives of a wide variety of County and State agencies, and the level of cooperation, in my estimation, has been outstanding. Much of this is due to the activity and enlightened concern of members of the Association. I am very optimistic that very good things will be happening to our lake in future years. An engaged membership of a lake association is one of the most important deter-minants of support for a lake by governmental agencies, and I’m pleased that in that regard, Ten Mile Lake is viewed quite favorably. Keep tuned, and I hope that there will be more good news for our lake in the near future.
Maintenance of Septic Tank Systems
Information provided by Marty McCleery, Chair, Healthy Lakes Committee
Septic Tanks and their maintenance are an important concern for each household on Ten Mile Lake. Your personal health and the environmental health of Ten Mile Lake depend on you to keep our lakeshore environment safe. I recently obtained a copy of the University of Minnesota Extension Service Guide to an Onsite Sewage Treatment Program, from the Water Resource Center, College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Sciences, Revised 2008. I thought you would be interested in several of the report’s suggestions and recommendations for best management practices.
Definition
A septic system is professionally designed to treat sewage for a specific home, business, or group of properties. Proper treatment of sewage recycles water back into the natural environment with reduced health risk to humans and animals, and also prevents surface and ground water contamination.
Risk to Human and Animal Health
It is unhealthy for humans, pets, and wildlife to drink or come in contact with surface or groundwater contaminated with sewage.
Inadequate treatment of sewage allows bacteria, viruses, and other disease-causing pathogens to enter surface and groundwater. Hepatitis, dysentery, and other diseases may result from pathogens in drinking water. Disease-causing organisms may make lakes or streams unsafe for recreation. Flies and mosquitoes that are attracted to and breed in wet areas where sewage reaches the surface also may spread disease.
Inadequate treatment of sewage can raise nitrate levels in groundwater. High concentrations of nitrate in drinking water can be a special risk to infants, pregnant women, and adults with compromised immune systems. Nitrate affects the ability of blood to carry oxygen; in infants this condition is called methemoglobinemia (blue-baby syndrome). Air quality may be affected by a septic system; an inadequately vented plumbing system may release odorous or toxic gasses into the home.
Risk to the Environment
A septic system that fails to fully treat sewage may allow excess nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen) to reach nearby lakes and streams, promoting algae and plant growth. Algal blooms and abundant weeds may make lakes un-pleasant for swimming, boating, and other water-based activities. This plant growth can also affect water quality for fish and wildlife habitat. As plants die and settle to the bottom, they are broken down by bacteria that use up oxygen fish need to survive.
Many synthetic cleaning products, pharmaceuticals, and other chemicals used in the house can be toxic to humans, pets, and wildlife. If allowed to enter a septic system, these products may reach groundwater, or nearby surface water.
Treatment Reduces Risk
Microorganisms in soil treat wastewater physically, chemically, and biologically before it reaches the ground water, preventing pollution and public heath hazard. As septic tank effluent percolates through the soil treatment area, it is purified and in most cases requires no treatment at all before being consumed. However, when the soil is overloaded with water, or when a specific contaminant cannot be treated by the soil, the quality of the underlying groundwater may change significantly. Even systems that appear to be working well or were previously permitted because they were thought to provide good treatment may allow nutrients or pathogens to reach surface or groundwater. The only way to guarantee effective treatment is to have a trained professional ensure adequte unsaturated and suitable soil exists below the soil treatment area to allow for complete wastewater treatment.
Improving Septic System Performance: Room by Room
ALL ROOMS:
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Do not use antibacterial soaps and cleaners. |
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Limit use of bleach-based cleansers and detergents. Use more elbow grease. |
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Repair leaky faucets and toilets. |
BATHROOM:
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Only human waste and a moderate amount of plain toilet paper should go down the toilet - nothing else. Toilet paper should break down easily. |
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Do not flush any other products or items. The toilet is not a garbage can. |
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Do not use “every flush” toilet bowel disinfectants; they introduce a chemical each time you flush. |
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Do not use disposable toilet brushes. Throw them in the trash if used. |
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Install low-flow showerheads and low-flush toilets. |
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Reduce or eliminate the use of drain cleaners. |
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Do not use cleaners that automatically spray shower stalls after each use. This introduces more chemicals. |
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Use bath oils, soaps, shaving creams and products sparingly. |
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Avoid laundry or other large water uses while using the shower. Large whirlpool bathtubs use large volumes of water which may overload the system. Be sure the septic tank has adequate capacity. |
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Shut off water while shaving and brushing teeth. |
KITCHEN:
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Use gel or highly biodegradable dish-washing detergents. Purchase those with zero phosphorus. |
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Choose a water-conserving dishwasher. Scrape dishes well before placing in the dishwasher. |
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Do not use a garbage disposal or dispose of vegetables, meat, oil, coffee grounds, and other undigested food products in the septic system. |
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Be sure there is a shutoff valve on the drinking water device so the system does not run continuously. |
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Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator. |
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Reduce the use of drain cleaners. |
LAUNDRY:
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Use liquid or highly biodegradable powdered detergents with no clay filler. |
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Only use detergents containing bleach when absolutely necessary. |
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Use the minimum amount of detergent or bleach required to do the job. |
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Select a front-loading washing machine which uses 40-65 percent less water, or a new water-efficient top-loader when replacing your washer. |
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Distribute wash loads evenly throughout the week to avoid overloading the system. A good rule of thumb is one load per day. |
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Wash only full loads when possible. Adjust the water level to fit the load. |
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Install a filter on the washer to remove lint and an effluent screen on the septic tank outlet baffle. |
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Avoid installing a second floor laundry. It reduces septic tank performance due to the rapid speed of water entering the tank. |
BASEMENT, UTILITY ROOMS, & LAWN-SPRINKLING:
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Re-route the recharge effluent from water softeners, iron filters, and other treatment filters outside of the septic system. |
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Route condensation water from a high efficiency furnace outside of the septic tank to prevent freezing problems. It can run to a sump pump, be directed to a soil treatment area or drywell, or vented directly outside the house onto the ground. |
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Recharge your water softener as infrequently as possible. If replacing, look for an on-demand system. |
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Be sure sump pumps, floor drains, roof drains, and other methods of routing water away from the house are not going into the septic system. |
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Route chlorine-treated water from hot tubs and pools outside the septic system. |
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Install a water meter to monitor water use. |
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Dispose of solvents, paints, antifreeze, and chemicals through recycling and hazardous-waste channels. Do not wash paint brushes in the sink. |
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Be sure your automatic lawn sprinkler system is zoned to minimize watering over the soil treatment area. |
Fishing Chatter
By Bob Horn, Chair, Fisheries Committee
What a difference a year makes! Last year on April 1st we had 8 feet of snow to shovel and this year I’m raking dead grass with temps in the 60s. The ice on local lakes is turning a dark gray color and soon will be ice free. Ten Mile Lake and Walker Bay are always the last lakes in this area to be ice-free with the average date of April 26th. It will be much earlier this year!
Last fall the DNR was at the TML access to release many walleye fingerlings. The total poundage was 2600 pounds. As you can see by the picture, the average size was about 6-8 inches. We now have about 40,000 more walleyes swimming around in the lake. It will take about 3-4 years before these walleyes reach 15 inches in length. More than half of the stocked fingerlings will fall to predators. Ten Mile is one of 900 lakes in Minnesota that are stocked with walleyes. According to the DNR when done well, stocking can work wonders. Hundreds of Minnesota walleye lakes would today offer little or no walleye fishing were it not for regular stocking.
The walleye/northern pike opener for this year is May 15th. The bass opener comes two weeks later on May 29th. The DNR offers a Conservation Fishing License for less money, but only to Minnesota residents. However, the possession limits are half of what can be taken with a standard angling license. Because of warmer water temps, this year’s fishing opener should be much better than last year’s. Remember the Northern Pike regulation is still in effect for Ten Mile Lake: any Northern Pike 24-36 inches in length must be immediately released. One Northern Pike over 36 inches is allowed in possession. Also, you can still keep 6 walleyes, but only ONE over 20 inches.
If you observe any violations of our fish resources, please call the TIP hotline at 1-800-652-9093
The Loon Journal
By Kim Moe, Loon Committee
In April and May we all looking forward to the day the ice goes out and the male loons return to Ten Mile Lake — soon to be joined by the female loons. It is exciting for us to watch their courtship play out with bill dipping, synchronized swimming, posturing and choosing a nesting site.
During early spring, loons are returning to old territories while some are trying to establish a new territory on our lakes and bays. You may see loons challenging each other in a vicious battle for a new female partner and new territory.
Once a nesting site is established, one to two eggs are generally laid. Both male and female loons help incubate the eggs for 26-28 days. This is a dangerous time for our loons, especially during the opening of fishing season and Memorial Day weekend.
Please watch the loons from afar! The loons will abandon their nests and incubation will be interrupted if we get too close. A boat wake can destroy a nest or cause the loon parents to abandon it as well. GIVE LOONS THEIR SPACE. If you see another boater getting too close to a loon nest, kindly inform them that there is a nest near-by and they need to keep their distance. Do your part to protect our loons!
As we wait for the loons to return, you might enjoy listening to their calls. Log on to www.ns.ec.gc.ca/wildlife/loons (Images & Sounds).
Please note that Pam Perry, MN Loon Watch Coordinator, will be the speaker at Ten Mile Lake's 2010 Annual Meeting
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In Memoriam — John Alden Many of us are mourning the death of John Alden, who experienced a fall in his home on April 4, 2010, suffered a serious fracture of the skull, and died on April 16, 2010 after many days in the hospital in Fargo. He had been taken off life support and moved to a nursing facility in Walker. John has offered a vital presence in the Ten Mile Lake Association: he served twice as president, and for many years has been our Watershed Coordinator, keeping up with developments in various State, regional, and County organizations and successfully applying for important grants to support our environmental programs. We will miss him. A full obituary will be included in a later issue. |
