Home Up New2U

Ten Mile Lake Association

Newsletter

Summer Edition, 2005

Annual Meeting: Saturday August 6

Coffee and Social: 9:30am    Meeting: 10:00-11:30am

At the Hackensack Senior Center

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR ASSOCIATION

by Al Griggs, Vice President

What does the Ten Mile Lake Association actually do? How are my dues spent? Why are they so high? Are they going to go higher? What is going on with the Lake? Why does TMLA own tracts of shoreland? What are PUDs and why are they so controversial? What is this about new shoreline regulations? Why isn=t the fishing better? How can I get involved? Etc. . . .

The questions go on and on! This year, the Board has chosen not to invite an outside speaker to our Annual Meeting. Instead, we will be addressing selected topics of important and sometimes controversial nature. Most importantly, we want our members to get a sense of what their Association is about; what we do, why we do it, and what we don't or cannot do. Inevitably, "civilization" is encroaching on Ten Mile Lake. However, as a group we can be watch-dogs and exert influence and support at critical junctures to get more positive results. Please put August 6th on your calendar. Come at 9:30 for coffee to visit with your friends and with Committee members at their appealing Committee Displays. Our meeting begins promptly at 10:00 and will end by 11:30. I believe you will find your time and effort well spent.

table of contents

MANAGEMENT OF TMLA-OWNED REAL ESTATE: A QUESTION OF STEWARDSHIP

By Tom Cox, President, TMLA

What if the Ten Mile Lake Association (TMLA) could, by leveraging $200,000 worth of real estate, put $1.5 million worth of Ten Mile lakeshore under protection from development in perpetuity? Sound too good to be true? Possibly. But this is precisely the proposal your Board of Directors has been discussing seriously over this past year.

Last fall, we received word that an environmentally sensitive, 70-acre parcel of Ten Mile lakeshore was about to be put on the market. Along with this news came a proposal that TMLA protect this parcel, and thus help preserve our lake's water quality and fisheries, by taking advantage of a program created by the Minnesota state legislature called Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM). Under this program, TMLA would deed its 14 acre Kenfield Bay property (the "Anderson Property") to the MN DNR in return for RIM credit, which the DNR would then use to purchase the aforesaid 70-acre parcel. Thus we would put both our Kenfield Bay property and the 70-acre parcel into State ownership as "Restricted Use Aquatic Management Areas," which would, according to the proposal, guarantee that these properties would be kept in their natural state and undeveloped in perpetuity. Not only that, but the Association would free itself of the tax and insurance burden on the Anderson property. Moreover, the transaction could be structured in such a way as to return $202,000 - the amount we paid, with interest, for the Anderson property in Kenfield - to our TMLA treasury in cash.

How could this possibly be? Here are some pertinent facts:

  1. Beginning in 1999, through the generosity of many Association members, TMLA completed its purchase the Anderson property in Kenfield Bay in the summer of 2003. With interest, the amount we paid was about $202,000. This past winter, an independent appraisal put the value of this parcel at $835,000.
  2. An independent appraisal of the aforesaid 70-acre parcel put its value at $865,000. But through an arrangement with the property owner, who would keep the family cabin on the property and a surrounding two acres, the agreed-upon sale price was reduced to $650,000.
  3. By deeding its Kenfield Bay property to the DNR, the TMLA could, in theory, generate $835,000 in RIM credit. With this amount, plus an additional $17,000 from another environmentally committed organization, the DNR could purchase the 70-acre parcel (now 68 acres). A balance of $202,000 in RIM credit could then be returned to TMLA in cash.

Kenfield RIM Credit Etc.: $852,000
Price of 68-acre parcel: $650,000
Balance to TMLA $202,000

From the point of view of the mission of TMLA, as well as its fiscal well-being, such a transaction at first looked like the answer to an environmentalist's dream. But the more deeply your Board considered the proposal, the more hesitancy we felt toward entering into such a transaction. Here are four issues that gave us pause:

bulletQ: Could we be sure that under DNR control even as Restricted Use Aquatic Management Areas, these properties would in fact be kept in their natural, undeveloped state in perpetuity? What guarantees are there that the DNR would not in the future develop the properties in a way adverse to the interests of TMLA, or that a future legislature might not authorize the sale of the lands in order to meet some state financial or other need?
bulletA: In response, it was proposed that the deed by which TMLA transferred title to the Kenfield Bay property include a "reverter clause" stipulating that should the DNR ever cease to keep the property as an Aquatic Management Area, ownership would automatically revert to TMLA at no cost to the Association.

The "reverter clause" at first appeared to be a solution. However, such a clause has never actually been tested in court, and the Board was reluctant to make TMLA a guinea pig in this respect. Moreover, since a reverter clause severely restricts the use of a parcel, it also severely reduces that parcel's market value. Thus, the use of a reverter clause in this case would undermine the financial viability of the envisioned transaction. And in any case, no reverter clause could be included in the deed to the 68-acre parcel, because the DNR would be buying that property directly off the market; TMLA would have no control over the content of the deed.

One further consideration: classification of these parcels as Restricted Use Aquatic Management Areas owned by the state, even if it prevented their residential or commercial development, would not prevent public access for such activities as hiking, swimming and fishing. Thus in law, even if not in actual practice, the Kenfield Bay property would be open to the public for access and activity prescribed by the DNR.

bulletQ: Are there other reasons to consider transfer of title to TMLA properties to the state, the difficulty of maintaining control of the properties notwithstanding?
bulletA: In all, TMLA owns seven parcels of land. One is the Anderson property in Kenfield Bay, which we purchased with members' special contributions. The other six were donated to the Association. Our ownership of these properties prevents their development and helps protect Ten Mile's water quality and fisheries. But the costs of ownership are significant.

This year the total taxable value of these seven parcels is $324,800. Real Estate tax we pay to the County will be $2,944 and the cost of liability insurance will be $1,274. The 2006 total taxable value will be $523,600, and both taxes and insurance premiums will rise as well. It's not unreasonable to expect that over time, these costs will put increasing pressure on our finances and thus increase the Board's incentives to consider ways to prevent these costs from eating into our operating budget, either by transferring some of our land to the DNR or by some other means.

bulletQ: Are there ways to reduce the financial obligations of land ownership other than transfer of land to the state?
bulletA: Yes. We have long known of the possibility of putting conservation easements on privately held land. Such easements can be as restrictive as the land owner desires, and once they are a matter of record, they can never be removed. In a May meeting with Steve Kuha, the County Assessor, we learned that depending on its terms, a Conservation Easement can significantly reduce the taxable value of land. Thus, should we place conservation easements on some or all of our properties, we could both reduce our tax burden and guarantee that these lands, regardless of who holds title to them in the future, could never be developed in a way adverse to the interests of TMLA.

One condition of a conservation easement is that it be held by a qualified not-for-profit organization. There is a question whether the TMLA would qualify to hold its own conservation easement on its own land, or be required to give that easement to, for example, The Minnesota Land Trust or some other organization dedicated to conservation.

It's worth noting that parcels bearing conservation easements, though reduced in value, could still be donated to the state for RIM credit, which the DNR could use to purchase additional environmentally sensitive shoreland on Ten Mile. Thus by this device we could both reduce TMLA land management and fiscal obligations and at the same time contribute to the increase on Ten Mile of Restricted use Aquatic Management Areas under the ownership and management of the DNR.

bulletQ: Underlying these first three questions is one that is more fundamental, namely the question of the Board's responsibility to the TMLA membership, and particularly to those members who originally donated their property to the Association or who made financial contributions to enable the Association to purchase the Anderson property.
bulletA: Over the years Ten Mile property owners have given property to the Association in part for the tax benefit to them in the year of their donation, but also and mainly for the larger purpose of protecting the lake and its environment. Did those donors assume that the TMLA would itself hold these lands in their natural state in perpetuity? If so, does this mean that TMLA is prevented by its fiduciary responsibility to donors from ever transferring title to its lands to another owner?

Or, on the other hand, is it possible that a leveraging of donated parcels into significantly more protected shoreland at no additional cost to TMLA also honors the intentions of the donors of the parcels we now hold? Suppose that TMLA transfers title to those parcels, with conservation easements, to the DNR so as to enable the DNR to purchase additional environmentally sensitive shoreland on Ten Mile. Would such a move represent a breach of faith with the donors, or would it rather be a fulfillment of their original intentions to a degree of which they could not have dreamed at the time of their original donations?

Needless to say, all these questions have given the Board considerable pause over this past year. As it happens, and perhaps anticipating that such issues might arise in the future, in 2001 the Board established its own policy restricting it from disposing of TMLA-owned land in any way without the approval of a majority of TMLA membership. But as it also happens, TMLA membership has never been given an opportunity to weigh in on the issue of the stewardship of TMLA-owned land. In the wake of its deliberations over the past year on the stewardship of Ten Mile shoreland, the Board of Directors has decided to provide time at this year's Annual Meeting for the membership to learn about these and other issues and to share its views on such basic questions of Association policy as these:

  1. The TMLA Mission is to Preserve and Improve Ten Mile Lake and its Environment. Is the ownership and conservation of Ten Mile shoreland congruent with this mission?
  2. What is TMLA's obligation to those who donated their land, or who contributed financially to make possible the purchase of the Kenfield Bay Anderson property?
  3. Must TMLA own these lands, and bear the costs of ownership, in perpetuity?
  4. If the State of Minnesota can protect the shoreland from development and restrict its use so as to maintain it in its natural state in perpetuity, is it acceptable for some parcels to be donated to the state in return for RIM credit with which the state could add to the store of adequately protected land on Ten Mile?
  5. Should TMLA seek to place conservation easements on the parcels it owns, even if such easements must be held by an organization other than the TMLA?
  6. If the opportunity arose, should TMLA seek to raise funds from among its members for the acquisition of additional environmentally sensitive shoreland?

Please come to our Annual Meeting on Saturday, August 6th, to share your views with your fellow members and provide important perspectives for your Board to consider as it works with these issues over time.

table of contents

LAKE AND WELL WATER NEWS

by Ken Regner, Chair, Ecology & Environment Committee

Last spring the residents of the town of Hackensack temporarily lost their fresh water supply. The reason for their loss was the detection of small amounts of arsenic, found during the routine testing of city water. The city fixed its problem in short order and within a few days its water system was back on line.

The Ten Mile Lake Ecology and Environment Committee decided that if arsenic were in nearby water it would be prudent for us to test our lake water and several specifically selected wells for the presence of arsenic. We sampled and tested the lake water and eight wells around the lake. The wells were selected because of their location, their depth and because in total they gave us a pretty good reading on the ground water around the entire lake.

We are happy to report that our lake water and all of the wells tested negative for the presence of arsenic. Although the testing was moderately expensive in light of our budget we felt that we had no alternative but to determine whether or not we had a problem similar to the city's problem. If you think that there is anything that the Environmental and Ecology Committee should be aware of please contact any member of our committee. They are all listed in this newsletter and on the TMLA website.

table of contents

PHANTOM MIDGES

by Marty McCleery

Ever wonder what those large May hatches of tiny mosquito-like insects are that seem to cover the shoreline of Ten Mile Lake and every inch of your lawn? They also hide in sheltered areas around your cabin and become a nuisance just about the time that you are opening your cabin and putting in the docks in the spring of the year. Where do they come from? The lake? I call them false mosquitoes because they are non-biting but they sure make it hard to breathe when they swarm around you. However, when the warblers' migration in the spring is timed with the phantom midge hatches, there is a fantastic display of all varieties of warblers feasting on the phantom midges for days. I'm no entomologist but have had Entomology 101 and began the search, with the help of the folks at Deep Portage, who lent me a book titled "From Aquatic Entomology", By W. Patrick McCafferty, 2-1-2000. That led me to the internet/Google and a fascinating tour of information, leading to what I believe is the identification of this insect. Here is what I discovered: They are midges! Phantom midges to be more specific.

Midges

Of all the many forms of life which exist, none are more numerous or less known than insects. The Phantom Midge is of the insect order Diptera (Adults possess only two wings; Di = two, ptera = wings), which has 3500 species in North America. A number of families of Diptera are primarily aquatic; for some, the immature forms are aquatic while adults are terrestrial. Midges are important to freshwater ecosystems, since they serve as a major fish food.

Phantom Midges (Family Chaoboridae)

bulletLarvae: Phantom midge larvae inhabit lakes, ponds, small intermittent pools, and snow melt. They are usually elongated, maggot-like forms 1-10 mm in length. The larvae are called phantom larvae because of their transparency. They are unique in that their enlarged antennae have been modified for capturing prey such as insect larvae and small crustaceans. They are the only insects frequently found in the limnetic area of lakes. The larva grow and develop into the pupa stage. When fully developed, the pupa wiggle their way to the lake surface. It often takes several minutes for the pupa to get through the "surface tension" of the water before it can hatch. The process of breaking open the pupal skin, the adult crawling out, drying its wings, and flying away is usually accomplished in less than a minute.
bulletAdult: Adults look like a mosquito with feathery antenna. They are similar to mosquitoes, but mouth parts do no form a long proboscis, and wing scales when present, are mostly located along the margin. (However, mosquitoes do not normally live in our lakes due to wave action.) Adult midges are short lived, non-biting, and sometimes emerge in masses from lakes. The male has plumed antennae and wings that do not reach the tip of the abdomen. Adults do not feed, but their synchronized emergences may create severe nuisance problems around large lakes because adults are highly attracted to lights. The life span of an adult phantom midge is very brief (<6 days). Eggs (about 500 in number) are laid on the water in rafts and most hatch in two to four days. Adults swarm and mate in flight. Most lay eggs singularly or in strings while skimming over the water surface. Some species lay eggs directly on vegetation or bottom substrates. The eggs hatch into larva and form mud tubes from bottom material and mucous.

table of contents

A Bald Eagle Tale

submitted by Bim Brandt

In May, my mother (Frances Brandt) and I were sitting in the Susan and Bim Brandt cabin in Kenfield Bay. We were enjoying a bite to eat, and as is the habit of Ten Mile Lakers, periodically taking a mesmeric gaze over the lake.

Just in time, we were fortunate to look up and see the astonishing sight of a bald eagle swimming at the middle of the mouth of the bay! Have you ever seen a bald eagle swim?! Being the powerful raptor that it is, it had dived into the cold lake catching a fish in its talons. Apparently it had to go extra deep to catch the fish and/or the fish was too big for the eagle to take flight again, so it began swimming.

It swam all the way to the long narrow spit on the east side of the mouth of the bay. The way it swam was fascinating. It resembled an Olympic swimmer using the butterfly stroke. Simultaneously it would bring its huge wings over the top of the water and then down below the surface thus pulling itself forward. As the eagle assiduously swam in this method, it never let go of the fish beneath the water.

When it finally reached shore, the eagle dragged its prey up on the land and commenced to chow down. After a long lunch, it flew off leaving behind the crows to scavenge the remains.

My mother adds that when the eagle flew away, it was so full it could barely fly above the water.

We were spellbound as we watched this amazing spectacle of a bald eagle swimming instead of soaring high above our heads. It was one of those wonderful sights from the magical giving of Ten Mile Lake. It was so astounding that it is well that this is not a fish tale.

table of contents

WATER LEVEL REPORT

by Tom Cox

Water level readings continued their rise in June. Walt Kane reported a level of 1380.08!0 on July 2nd, up from 1380.05! on June 26th (that's an increase of about 3/8" over a week of heavy rains and storms).

Walt's reading on July 2nd was 11.64" higher than a year ago; 5.04" higher than on May 21 this year; and 10.44" higher than on November 1st, last fall. Ten Mile is now 20.28" or 1' 8.28" higher than it was at its low point on October 26, 2003.

It was good therefore to receive the news from Birch Lake Association President Terry Gardner on June 22nd that Cass County's work on a new Birch Lake outlet structure had begun, and would be finished that Friday, the 24th. The new structure opened about noon that day. It reflects the DNR's design, and represents the culmination of a five-year cooperative effort on the part of the Ten Mile Lake Association, the Birch Lake Association, the Pleasant Lake Association, the office of the Cass County Highway Engineer and DNR Waters to assess the need for a more adequate structure, to study the Ten Mile-Boy River-Birch Lake hydrology, design a new structure and win approval and financing of the construction project by the Cass County Board of Commissioners. Several TMLA members also contributed privately to the project's financing.

table of contents

THE LOON JOURNAL

by Bob and Kim Moe

Our Ten Mile loon residents have been moderately successful in ensuring their ongoing population. As of June 24th, 2005 we have counted 2 chicks hatched on the south side of Angel Island, 2 chicks hatched in the narrows of Long Bay and 2 chicks hatched on Flower Pot Bay (1 survived). Another pair continues to be on the nest in the Boy River area. Platform nests were placed in 6 locations on the lake; 3 of these were used for nesting sites this spring.

The loon adults will now have the task of raising their chicks to fledgling stage, or 8-12 weeks of age. As neighbors to the loons, we can continue to help them be successful by following some simple guidelines:

  1. Watch the loons only from a distance of several hundred yards.

  2. Do not disturb or chase the family. This can exhaust the chicks or the adults may decide to abandon the chicks.

  3. Do not fish in areas were loons are feeding to avoid their becoming entangled in your fishing line.

  4. If a loon acts disturbed when you are near it, by splashing and calling out, it is trying to tell you to move out of its territory. You are TOO CLOSE...LEAVE IMMEDIATELY!!

We can all enjoy watching the young loons grow and we must help to protect them until they are ready to leave Ten Mile in the autumn. The survival of the young loons helps to ensure that there will be loons for the future generations to watch and listen to. We want to enjoy them as our neighbors in the years to come!!

table of contents

LAND USE RECLASSIFICATION PROPOSED FOR CERTAIN CASS COUNTY LAKES

by Randy Vosbeck, Chair, Zoning & Land Use Committee

At the June 18 Ten Mile Lake Association Board meeting, John Sumption, Director of the Cass County Department of Environmental Services (ESD), presented a report on the proposed Intra-Lake Land Use Reclassification for six lakes in the County. TML is one of the six lakes under consideration in this pilot project for reclassification of portions of the land abutting the lake.

Sumption pointed out that with hundreds of lakes in the County and dramatic increases in development pressure, Cass County and its partners have recognized the need to look more closely at land use impacts on our lakes. It is generally recognized that areas within lake basins may vary greatly, having different ecological characteristics, providing different habitats for wildlife and fish species, and performing different water quality functions. However, the current lake classification system assigns one class to an entire lake basin without regard for these varied characteristics.

TML is currently classified as a General Development Lake. This classification sets the criteria for lot sizes, structure setbacks, sewer system setbacks, etc., for residential lots, lots with guest quarters, and Planned Unit Development (PUD) areas. Under the new classification system, certain areas of land abutting the lake that are environmentally sensitive would be reclassified as RESOURCE PROTECTION AREAS.

The purposes of a Resource Protection Classification are

bulletto accommodate limited residential housing, agricultural uses and forest management activities in order to conserve sensitive land areas in which more intensive development would adversely affect water quality, wetlands, lakes, shore land, slopes, productive habitat, biological ecosystems, or scenic and natural values,
bulletto prevent damage from erosion, floods, siltation, and water turbidity,
bulletto prevent the loss of vegetation, fish, wildlife, and natural habitat,
bulletto protect the quality of ground and surface waters, and
bulletto conserve natural and scenic areas within and adjacent to riparian areas for the community's benefit.

The areas of TML under consideration for reclassification include, for instance, Flower Pot Bay, Lundstrom Bay, Kenfield Bay, and Long Bay. The TMLA Board approved the general concept presented by Sumption, and encouraged him to make a full and complete presentation to all TMLA members when the specific areas and new regulations are developed. It was tentatively decided to hold such a meeting in August for the membership, and in particular for those land owners with property in the new classification areas. Appropriate notices will be sent out to all concerned. In the meantime, if anyone has any specific questions concerning this proposal, they should contact John Sumption at the Cass County ESD.

table of contents

TMLA RECEIVES BEQUEST FROM THE ESTATE OF VELA F. DEVOE

by Tom Cox, President, TMLA

It was with gratitude and appreciation that we received word in May, a year ago, that TMLA was the residuary devisee of the estate of Vela F. Devoe, a long-time summer resident of Ten Mile's north shore. That gratitude and appreciation deepened when, last November, we received confirmation of the bequest and our treasurer, Joyce McManus, received a check payable to the Ten Mile Lake Association in the amount of $116,000.

In keeping with TMLA policy, Joyce deposited these funds in TMLA's James W. Schwartz Environmental Protection Fund (JWS EPF). That fund is used exclusively for special environmental and conservation projects that are not funded out of our annual operating budget.

According to our By-laws, Article VIII, all funds received as undesignated gifts or bequests are deposited in the JWS EPF to endow preservation activities impacting Ten Mile Lake, including research, education, lake management, emergency response to environmental threats, and protection of environmentally fragile areas. Annual distribution from this fund can be no more than ten percent of the fund's value as of July 31, including interest. Distribution of an amount of more than ten percent requires an affirmative vote by two-thirds of all of the members of the Board of Directors.

Prudent investment of Association funds is the responsibility of the Chair of the Finance Committee, the President, the Vice President and the Treasurer.

All of the assets in the JWS EPF are currently invested in government-guaranteed, mortgage-backed securities.

Ms. Devoe's bequest is the largest single gift received by the Association since the 1970s when an initial $50,000 from the late Lloyd Sundin helped make the establishment of the TMLA possible. Gifts such as these, over and above our annual dues, ensure that TMLA will be prepared over the long term to address environmental issues that significantly affect the quality of the lake and its environs.

table of contents

THE FISHING NEWS

by Rod Owre, Co-Chair, Fisheries Committee

Pat Carey, a member of the Fisheries Committee, has compiled some interesting data regarding fish in the south side of Ten Mile Lake. The study shows statistics covering some eight years of angling by Pat and his family. While this information is too voluminous for the Newsletter, copies of this report are available for TMLA members who are interested. Please contact Pat at (218) 675-6572.

table of contents

A TRIBUTE TO DAVE BRANDT

from a letter written to Dave Brandt by John Bryngelson, October, 2004

Dear Dave,

...My family had the good fortune to be located next door to your family starting way back in the 1930's, on Ten Mile Lake. In the early years we watched you water-ski, drive fast boats and sail on the lake. On land we often watched you play a high grade of tennis on the Garbisch tennis court. My parents not only enjoyed your company but also greatly appreciated all the help you gave them over the years. Mechanical aptitude has not been a prominent trait in our family (continuing through me). Since my parents died, you have been amazing in the help you have given my sister [Judy Bryngelson] for which she is so appreciative.

In your quiet and unassuming way, you probably think your legacy will be the South Shore, Hackensack and Pacific Railroad system you constructed in the back woods. As imaginative and creative a project as it has been, not to mention the pleasure it has already given to so many children and adults, it is dwarfed by the positive impact you have had on countless people just by being yourself. Your traits of kindness, a great sense of humor (combined with a memorable chuckle), a strong competitive spirit as exemplified by your successful tennis career and sailing in the Ten Mile Lake Regatta in your 79th year, and your willingness to help others have provided a high standard that we can all aspire to. Your example is indeed a powerful one, and has had an impact on more people than you can imagine.

...As I write this in late October, you are engaged in a battle against a foe far more formidable than any opponent you've met on the tennis court. With treatments of radiation and chemotherapy you are fighting bravely, and your many friends and relatives are hoping for a miracle. Whether or not the miracle occurs, you should take immense pride in a life well lived. 

    ... John Bryngelson

table of contents

A LOON-Y EXPERIENCE

reported by Karin Arsan

On June 11, at 8:35 in the morning, I was having breakfast and watching a red-breasted merganser on the end of my dock who looked like he was having a bad hair day. He sat there for about ten minutes when suddenly, out of nowhere, a large black monster reared up out of the lake at the end of the dock and swept him away! It all happed so quickly and unexpectedly that I didn't know what was happening till it was all over and the loon was quietly floating off the end of the dock. (The loon's lady fair had drifted up to join him.) The loon must have swum under the water to the end of the dock and flown up in the air, spreading his wings and swinging one wing over the dock to knock the merganser off. I knew loons were territorial, but never thought they would physically remove other kinds of birds from "their territory." I'm so glad my husband and I were watching the merganser or we would have missed it, as it was over in a second. That loon shot up like a whale out of the water, and as quickly was quietly floating, minus the merganser.

table of contents

RECYCLING REVISITED

Cass County Recycling has made some changes in its recycling policies. Flyers spelling out these changes can be obtained from any of the recycling sites. You can also get questions answered by calling the Pine River Transfer Station, at 1 888 910 2425 ext. #1. This article provides a brief review of both new and existing policies.

bulletOld Clothing and Linens

Cass County now accepts old clothing and linens for recycling, including fabrics, sheets, and curtains. All items must be clean and dry with no mildew. Boxed or bagged items may be taken to the Pine River Transfer Station. Do NOT put these items in the brown recycling bins at any recycling site.

bulletFurniture and Appliances

If you have furniture or appliances IN USABLE CONDITION and have not been able to sell them or give them away yourself, please do not simply throw them away. The Cass County Environmental Services Department wants to keep these items out of the landfill. Take them to the Pine River Transfer Station. They will be given to families who need them through the Cass County Family Service Centers.

bulletOld Batteries
bulletAlkaline Batteries - This is the only type of battery that can simply be discarded with your trash. (Examples are A, AA, AAA, C, D, and others.)
bulletRechargeable Batteries (Nickel-Cadmium) - Take to the Pine River Household Hazardous Waste facility (HHW), the County's Environmental Services Department (ESD) in Walker, or participating hardware stores.
bulletLithium Batteries - Take to ESD or the HHW facility in Pine River.
bulletButton-Type Mercury Batteries - Drop these off in special collection boxes within Cass County at pharmacies, hardware stores, solid waste transfer sites, or HHW.
bulletFlorescent Bulbs (and other mercury-containing devices).

(All types of fluorescent light bulbs, and all mercury-containing devices such as thermostats, monometers, and some switches, must be disposed of properly.) Take these materials to any of the County transfer sites. Bulbs may also be accepted at local hardware stores.

bulletHousehold Hazardous Waste Product Exchange

These materials, including paints, paint thinners, and any products labeled CAUTION. WARNING, DANGER, POISON, FLAMMABLE, COMBUSTIBLE, or , CORROSIVE must be turned in to the County by MAKING AN APPOINTMENT - call 1 888 910-2425, Ext. #2. Dropoffs are usually scheduled for Thursdays. EMPTY and CLEAN containers from hazardous items , LIDS OFF, may be thrown in your garbage.

bulletCardboard, Newspapers, Paper Bags, Office Paper, Magazines, and Catalogs

These paper and fiber materials are to be placed in Bin Number 4 of the recycling bins at County sites. Flatten boxes. Do not include cereal-type boxes.

bulletGlass

Glass bottles, and broken window glass are to be placed in Bin Number 1 at any recycling facility. Do not include auto glass, lightbulbs, or any caps and lids. Colored glass and labels are OK. Glass must be separated from plastic and cans.

bulletCommingled Containers

Plastic bottles and aluminum or steel cans are to be placed in Bins Number 2 and 3 at any recycling facility. Rinse containers and remove caps. Labels are OK. Do not include styrofoam, toys, garden hose, PVC pipe, plastic bags, or motor oil containers.

table of contents

Up

Copyright © 2001-2008 Ten Mile Lake Association. All rights reserved.
Revised: November 24, 2008 .

This site was created and is maintained by G. Cox.

Ten Mile Lake Association, Inc. P.O. Box 412, Hackensack, MN 56452