Another good dose of
BAD MEDICINE
A NEWSLETTER FOR THE RESIDENTS OF THE
BAD MEDICINE LAKE AREA
LATE SUMMER 2009
Greetings Bad Medicine Lake Area residents:
A recent Minnesota study of the relationship between lakeshore property values and water quality in the Mississippi Headwaters Region said, in the short run, properties on” prestige lakes” with lawns down to the shoreline and other destructive practices by owners wishing to maximize personal gain, currently bring the highest prices. However, the study further concluded, that in the long run, a water clarity change brought on by these destructive practices will cause a significant decrease in property values, as these lakes become eutrophic. The study showed that a one meter clarity change on 3,700 lakes in Minnesota (one third of the total) could result in a $100 billion property value loss.
The Voluntary Septic Testing Program that we approved at the BMLAA Annual Meeting is certainly a good opportunity for us to insure that our water stays clean, as well as protect our future property values. Hopefully you have read the letter explaining this program; if you have any questions, call me or any of the board members. Our goal is to sign up a significant percent of the lake’s property owners to get their septic systems checked before Becker County adopts the state’s new septic rules (January 2010). By giving our septic systems a clean bill of health, we are staying ahead of the curve to protect our water quality. Leaking septic systems can kill a lake very quickly.
On August 8th we sponsored a shoreland tour of sites on the lake with a shoreland expert from the DNR to educate those interested in what can be done to improve lake shore management practices. See the article on following pages.
You may have seen the uniformed DNR technician checking boats and passing out educational materials at our public access this summer. This is the result of an Invasive Species DNR grant that was written last January. This program has been well received and so far we have had no reports of invasive species in our lake. We are hopeful that we can write another grant this winter and expand this program next summer. See the article on following pages.
We have been very fortunate with the incredible quality of our lake’s water. Regrettably, we are seeing the emergence of some very destructive shoreland management practices. We are seeing lawns down to the lake, removal of natural shore vegetation, filling to gain shoreline, installation of big artificial sand beaches, and bulldozing personal roads down to the lake. All of these can and probably will cause future water degradation.
It is my belief that people who are doing these things are not intentionally trying to be destructive. I know that I have unknowingly done things (mowed my lawn right up to the shore) that are harmful to the lake; we have probably all done things that were not best practices at one time or another. Few of us move to the lake with knowledge of what good shoreland management means, or why it is so important To address this problem the BMLAA is ramping up its educational efforts and we are trying to bring you the latest and best management practices available. Please take the time to get “in the know”. After all is said and done, we all have a vested interest in protecting the quality of our lake. Water quality is not only our legacy to future generations, but ultimately a pocketbook issue because it determines the eventual value of our property.
Soon, everyone on the lake will be receiving a Becker County Shoreland Guide to Lake Stewardship which was put together by COLA, Becker County, and the Pelican River Watershed District. This is a very comprehensive and constructive publication. Please pay particular attention to the section starting on p. 14 titled,” Buffer the Lake from Runoff’. This is an area of particular concern on our lake and I think we can all benefit from the information in this section. If you are interested in shoreland restoration, please contact one of our board members; we may have professional assistance available at no cost to you.
I would like to invite anyone who is interested in being involved with the BMLAA to call me, or join us at our board meetings. We meet the fourth Saturday of each month (April through September) at 8:30 a.m. in the Forest Township Hall. We are working on some challenging projects, water testing, voluntary septic testing, various educational projects, the “Star Lake Grant Program” and revising our long-range lake plan.
We have a wonderful lake on our hands, and it is my hope that by working together we can keep it that way.
Chuck Church, President, BMLAA
2010 ANNUAL MEETING WILL BE HELD AT 9 a.m., JUNE 26, 2010
BAD MEDICINE LAKE AREA ASSOCIATION BOARD ACTIVITIES
The BMLAA board has discussed and taken action on the following projects at our June and July meetings. Information about them are described in the newsletter. Topics are: Becker County Shoreland Guide to Lake Stewardship distributed by COLA; revision of by-laws; encouragement of voluntary septic system inspection; lake water chemical testing; BML management plan; August 8th shoreland restoration and management tour; and the BML invasive species prevention program (BMLAA contributed funds to this project).
BMLAA publishes the lake directory and the BMLAA newsletter, sent to 247 residents.
Forty-six residents attended the annual meeting that was held June 20, 2009. Our treasury balance at that time was $3,080.38. Elections for BMLAA Board were held; Dollie Becklund, Chuck Church, Carole Olsen, and David Wiest were elected for three- year terms; Rose Andersen was elected for a two-year term. Officers elected: Chuck Church, president; Mike Slette, vice president; Carole Olsen, secretary.
SEPTIC COMMITTEE & WATER TESTING Ray Vlasak
At the BMLAA annual meeting in June a voluntary septic testing program was approved. The board assigned responsibility to a committee consisting of Chuck Church, Dave Johnson, Rod Syverson, Jim Luttrell, and Ray Vlasak. The committee has researched new septic regulations, met with a local inspector, analyzed county compliance records, and drafted a letter that has been approved by the board for distribution to all property owners. The objective of the committee is to assist property owners to minimize lake contamination from septics.
The letter, which all of you have received by now, describes actions property owners can take to insure that their septic systems are compliant and functioning properly. It is important for lakeshore property owners to understand how their systems function and to actively manage their operation. Lakeshore systems tend to be abused due to lack of attention and fluctuating volumes of sewage generated.
The committee’s work found that Becker County septic records are not up to date in some cases and non existent for many area properties. The committee is encouraging everyone to verify their county records at Becker County Planning and Zoning, 218-846-7314, by the end of 2009 when rules will change. Even if your system is new, the County’s records may not be accurate.
If your system should need repair or upgrading, it will be advantageous to get a design approved prior to year end. We think new rules going into effect will result in contractor price increases.
The COLA annual meeting program on August 13 featured a new septic technology that can eliminate the need for a drain field. This system is called a ceramic membrane bioreactor and is being made by SJE-Rhombus. It may become the future system for lake shore properties, because it virtually eliminates any possibility of pathogens entering the lake.
In researching the issue of septics, methods of testing lake water were researched. RMB Laboratories recommended testing for phosphorous. Localized above average phosphorous content can indicate lake contamination from runoff or septics. Therefore at the annual meeting the BMLAA approved conducting phosphorus testing at 20 lake sites. In July Chuck Church, Jim Luttrell, and Ray Vlasak took 20 samples from various shore locations for testing.
Initially one high test result was received; however, multiple retests at the same location were in the range of other samples which varied from 0.005 - 0.009 mg/L. These results are statistically consistent with historical chemical testing.
LAKE MANAGEMENT PLAN Ray Vlasak
Plans are underway to update the Bad Medicine Sustainable Lake Management Plan. The historical records will be updated and additional information added. You will be receiving a survey to measure property owner satisfaction and identify opportunities for improvement. Please take time to complete the survey and return it promptly. Opportunities will be prioritized based on your responses. This is the best way for your voice to be heard, especially if you are a seasonal property owner. Committee members are: Ray Vlasak, Steve Lindow, Ray Stordahl, Carol Peterson, Cheryle McFarland, and Rusty McFarland.
Contact information
BAD MEDICINE LAKE AREA ASSOCIATION OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President, Chuck Church, 573-2209, 7/09-6/12, cchurch22@hotmail.com; Vice President Mike Slette, 573-3766, 7/08-6/11,
mike.slette@hotmail.com; Secretary, Carole Olsen, 573-3081, 7/09-6/12, cjolsen@cableone.net; Treasurer, Don Tschudi, 573-3790, 7/08-6/11, dtschudi@eot.com; Rose Andersen, 573-3690, 7/09-6/11, rosander@juno.com; Dollie Becklund, 7/09-6/12, 218-573-2448, dolliebecklund@msn.com; Tom Lorentzsen, 573-3394, 218-233-1623, 7/07-6/10, t4eyes@moorheadvision.com, t4Eyes@Cableone.net; Jim Luttrell, 573-3411; 7/09-6/10, jalut@arvig.net; Rod Syverson, 218-784-3881, 7/07-6/10, adabodsp@loretel.net; Ray Vlasak, 573 -3243, 7/07-6/10, highpines@arvig.net; David Wiest, 701-866- 9374, 7/09-6/12, drdavidwiest@msn.com
BAD MEDICINE LAKE INVASIVE SPECIES PREVENTION PROGRAM REPORT
Bruce Anspach, MnDNR Ecological Resources, Watercraft Inspector Program Assistant
There were 141 inspections through August 2; 33 of these inspections took place over Memorial Day weekend. A lake resident brought a plant for identification that they were concerned about. It turned out to be Canada Waterweed, which is a native aquatic plant. The inspectors have reported that all the people are friendly and very receptive to what they have to say about how to stop aquatic hitchhikers.
FOREST TOWNSHIP NEWS Carol Peterson
4th of July was well celebrated in our Township. Thanks to all that contributed to the success.
1.A motion passed to limit speed on East Bad Medicine Lake Road to 30 mph.Signs will be posted at each end of the road.
2 In 2010 two-township positions will be up for election; township clerk, currently held by Helen Holmer and township supervisor A, held by Don Tshudi. The election will be held November 2010, the same time as the national elections.
3. Minnesota Township Insurance Representative reviewed and recommended that liability and property insurance be increased. The recommendation was adopted at the June meeting.
4. Lisa Marschall, Township Assessor, presented contract options. A two-year contract was agreed upon.
5. Regular scheduled calcium chloride was applied to designated township roads for dust control.
6. Township Supervisors met with a Carsonville Fire and Rescue representative. Issues with Pine Point Township have been resolved so payment for this year will be as billed. Carsonville will send out information updates and schedule a January briefing for townships.
7. Marsha Watland, Becker County Agriculture Agent, assisted with township inspection for noxious weeds. Some areas will be sprayed in September after the first frost. Road mowing was done after August 7 when the danger to nesting “critters” was over. Private landowners can mow their property edges prior to that date. The primary weeds to be concerned about are Spotted Knapweed, Tansy, Hoary Alyssum, and all thistles. They are most prevalent where soil is disturbed. Becker County is responsible for the gravel pits and county roads.
8. Forest Township is requesting road signs for West Gardner Lake Road and East Bad Medicine Lake Trail.
9. End of the summer Amnesty Day is Saturday, August 29th. The Township is opening the town hall for residents to swap, trade, or give away items that are usable. The doors will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and volunteers will be there. All items must be removed from the building when it is locked up. Our hope is to encourage another “green” opportunity. The June Amnesty went very well. Thanks to all!!!
AMNESTY & RECYCLING Tim Holzkamm
Greetings from the Township Trash Supervisor: Please follow the posted rules for the end of summer Township Amnesty Day. The Township appreciates everyone recycling because it saves the Township lots of money in trash removal costs. We need to do it right. Reminders: Becker County recycling only accepts narrow neck, # 1 & 2, plastic containers for recycling; wide mouth containers, pails, plant cubes, packaging film, bags, etc. are not permitted. Cardboard boxes are to be recycled, but must be flattened. Do not put them in the dumpsters. It costs $10 for each cubic yd. of trash in the dumpsters; the dumpsters each hold 6 cubic yards. Brown paper grocery bags should be put in the cardboard drums.
2009 TOWNSHIP OFFICERS
Chair: Don Tschudi, 218-573-3790, 38257 Bad Medicine Resort Rd, 2003 – 2010, dtschudi@eot.com; Carol Peterson, 218-573-2701, 37121 Red Top Rd, 2008 - 2012, carol_pete@hotmail.com; Tim Holzkamm, 218- 573-3442, 39414 Pinewood Rd, 2008 – 2012, tholzkam@arvig.net ; Township Assessor: Lisa Marschall - 15288 490th Ave, Menahga, MN. 56564.
The mission of the newsletter is to provide lake area residents with information to build community. The newsletter will present current lake issues in a non-controversial and positive format.
Newsletter committee: Editors - Rose & Don Andersen: editorial board: Jane Gudmundson, Jim Luttrell, Ed Klepperich, Mardy Dovre, Ray Vlasak, Carole Olsen and Gary Narum.
BAD MEDICINE STATISTICS
Current Level (July 20) 1599.59 feet, MSL
2008 Range 1599.32 1598.73
2007 Range 1599.27 1598.69
2006 Range 1599.74 1598.53
Highest Recorded Level 1600.77 July 10, 2002
Ordinary High Water Mark 1594.86
2009 Ice-out 1599.59 (April 24)
2008 Ice-out 1599.05 (May 9)
2007 Ice-out 1598.95 (April 25)
2006 Ice-out 1599.47 (April 13)
WATER CLARITY Ed Strohmeier
Secchi Depth: June 3 – 30 ft., June 11 – 38 ft.,
June 19 – 30 ft., July 3 – 13 ft., July 20 – 26 ft.,
Aug.8 – 22 ft., Aug.18 – 17 ft.
FISHING REPORT 2009 Steve Lindow
Walleye fishing this spring has been slow. Opening week-end I caught more
eelpout than walleyes! Evidently most of the small walleyes that people were
keeping over the last three years instead of releasing have disappeared. The DNR
continues to stock walleye fingerlings at a rate of 578 pounds on even numbered
years. In 2008 that amounted to about 16,000 fingerlings.
Rainbow trout fishing has been good. Most trout are about 12-14 inches with an
occasional fish between 17-19 inches. Best time to catch them seems to be
between sunrise and 9:00 a.m., and calm days are better than windy days. Most
fish are being caught with downriggers or slip bobbers and worms in 30-35 feet
of water. The DNR stocks 16,000 rainbows every year, 12,000 stocked in the
spring and 4,000 stocked in late fall.
When walleyes and trout are hard to come by, smallmouth bass continue to provide
a lot of entertainment. Many are small but occasional larger bass are being
caught. They really fight with lots of jumping on the surface in an attempt to
throw the bait.
A few sunfish are also being caught. Please, release these fish so they can have
a chance to reproduce and establish a base population. It wouldn't take long to
clean them out if people keep them!
A REMINDER….
NAVIGATION LIGHTS
After
sunset and before sunrise, motorboats must be illuminated by red and green bow
lights and a white stern light visible from 360 degrees. While at anchor,
motorboats are required to be illuminated by the white stern light. Lights
should be placed so they aren’t blocked by passengers or equipment, such as
mounted trolling motors or canopies on pontoon boats. If you can’t be seen at
night, you may get hit by another boater.
ADOPT A HIGHWAY CLEANUP
BMLAA adopted a two-and-a-half mile stretch of County Road 37 that runs from Red Top Road to 113. Fall cleanup is scheduled for October 3rd, weather permitting, alternate date is Oct 10th. Meet at the entrance to Red Top Road at 9 a.m. Call Chuck Church 573-2209 or Jim Luttrell at 573-3411 if you have questions. Just show up to help.
WOW! It was an awesome 4th of July 2009.
Beautiful weather, Family & Friends, & Fireworks. Thanks to: Steve McCormick, Carol & David Peterson & family, Pat Sweeney, and Veronen’s Resort. Veronen’s Resort would like to thank everyone who donated to the fireworks display. The show was created by John Bentley from Lew’s Fireworks in SD. Veronen’s Resort looks forward to coordinating and providing a better show in 2010. They will continue to collect donations for next year.
WEBSITES
BMLAA –badmedicinelakeareaassociation.com Contains BMLAA board minutes and BMLAA newsletters
COLA – www.mnlakes.org/beckercola
MINNESOTA WATERS –www.minnesotawaters.org
MN DNR: www.dnr.state.mn.us
STAR-TRIBUNE ARTICLE
In an article in the Star Tribune on Wednesday August 5, 2009, Ron Schara wrote: “Pursue a different fish species. After weeks of walleye, panfish, and bass seeking, I went trout fishing the other day on Bad Medicine Lake, west of Itasca State Park. Thanks to DNR fish managers, many deep, cold-water lakes in the state are managed and stocked with trout on a regular basis. Bad Medicine is clear, deep, and cold and.. home to lots of plump, feisty rainbows. We found trout cruising in about 30 feet of water, suspended over about 60 feet or more. The best trout bait was – well, garden hackle – so sue me.”
MINNESOTA SEASONAL RECREATIONAL PROPERTY OWNER’S COALITION MSRPO
MSRPO is a non-partisan grass-roots group that advocates for property tax fairness and equity at the Minnesota State Capitol for families that own cabins, lakeshore, hunting shacks, and seasonal property in Minnesota. MSRPO educates legislators, the general public, and property owners on the negative impacts of Minnesota’s antiquated property tax system. Without MSRPO the average cabin owner would be paying at least 40% more in property taxes. Membership is not dependent on any level of dollar contribution but on any amount you contribute. Obtain membership information at www.msrpo.org or 952-854-1317. Join today to help educate the Minnesota legislature in 2010.
A LEAD-FREE LAKE IS A LOON LOVING LAKE Kjersten Skatvold
I, Lucy the Loon, was enjoying a particularly beautiful day riding the waves on Bad Medicine Lake. It was lunchtime and my sights were set on lunching around the island. I peeked into the clear waters and found a few tasty small fish, perfect for lunch. After enjoying my catch, I always eat a few small pebbles to help grind up my food. Unfortunately, this time all of the pebbles were not pebbles, but lead fishing sinkers. They are tricky to tell apart under the water. Many of my loon friends have had problems like this in the past and their outcome has been fatal. There is only one cure to help out my Loon friends and myself…keep Bad Medicine Lake a non lead tackle lake.
Lucy’s story is not too far from the truth for a number of loons in northern Minnesota who succumb to lead poisoning from lead fishing tackle. Lead is a toxic metal that if ingested has harmful effects on birds. The Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative found that the effects on loons may include physical and behavioral changes, loss of balance, gasping, tremors, and impaired ability to fly. The weakened bird is more vulnerable to predators or it may have trouble feeding, mating, nesting, and caring for its young. It becomes emaciated and often dies within two to three weeks after eating the lead sinker.
It is difficult to get an accurate read how dangerous of a problem lead sinkers are for loons. However, research from the Journal of Wildlife Diseases, suggests that loons from six New England states have shown that on the majority of lakes where dead adult breeding loons were found between 1987 and 2002, about 26% of these loons died from lead poisoning. Some lakes were identified as hot spots with lead poisoning causing over 50% of documented causes of death. Those are pretty significant numbers!
Bad Medicine anglers can help prevent lead poisoning to the loons on our lake. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency encourages Minnesota anglers to help safeguard wildlife and human health by:
Talk to your favorite retailers and ask them to stock non-lead fishing tackle. Also, check with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s website www.pca.state.mn.us for a fantastic list of web-retailers to purchase non-lead fishing related items.
Help Lucy the Loon and her friends by informing yourself and others about the dangers of fishing with lead tackle. Encourage others to switch to non-lead sinkers and jigs. We, the residents and loon lovers of Bad Medicine Lake, are the first line of defense to help keep our loons lead-free.
Sources: Cutright and Diehl, Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative, April 2006; Sidor, Pokras, Major, Taylor, and Miconi, Lead poisoning of Wisconsin's birds, 2003; Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Mortality of the common loon in New England, 1987-2000, Journal of Wildlife Diseases 39: 306-315, http://www.pca.state.mn.us/index.cfm
SHORELAND MANAGEMENT TOUR Jim Luttrell
On August 8th the BMLAA sponsored a shoreland management tour at five locations on the lake to help educate those in attendance regarding best shoreland management practices. The sites were at High Pines Resort, Bad Medicine Resort, John and Karen Lafond’s, Rod and Deborah Syverson’s, and Jim and Linda Luttrell’s. The tour included walking the shores of the five sites along with Lindy Ekola, a DNR Shoreland Habitat Specialist who conducted the tours. At each site she identified plants that are desirable and those that are invasive or should be removed. She also talked about what can be done to restore or improve shoreland to help protect the lake. For good shoreland management, Lindy suggested that 75% of your shoreland should be natural vegetation with at least a 25 ft. depth. She also said that riprap is not desirable for your shoreline. Lindy urged the Lake Association to take on the project of gathering seeds from desirable shoreland plants and both distribute them to those who would like to do more to their shoreline and contact a nursery to see if they would grow the seed into plants for eventual distribution. This will likely be discussed by the BMLAA Board in the future. With rain threatening but never occurring, the tour was a great success with about 20-30 attending at each site. The discussion that followed among the attendees was very positive and it was thought that this should be an annual event to be conducted at different sites on the lake.
HAPPENINGS ON THE LAKE
We know there are many family events that are celebrated on the lake during the summer months. Family members from far and near come to enjoy the peace and tranquility of Bad Medicine Lake. Summer is a great time for family events. In addition there were several special social events this summer.
The Andersons organized the second pontoon, “flotilla party” on July 11. It was a beautiful evening and a lot of fun. It was an opportunity to meet and visit with neighbors and friends who shared this wonderful lake experience. Thanks Denny and Ruby!!!
The Vlasak family had a wonderful celebration in honor of Mary Vlasak’s 90th birthday August 2. Many friends and family were present.
Our spring newsletter announced the many events at Bad Medicine Resort that were held during the summer to honor the fact that Bad Medicine Resort has been operated by the Tschudi family for 50 years. There were many activities all summer to celebrate with friends, family, and guests.
The Ice-Off Contest 2009 - Erica Stadem correctly calculated the day the ice went off Bad Medicine Lake this year, April 23, to become the queen apparent for the very first time in 15 years of the contest between the Stadem and Gudmundson families. Ms. Stadem was officially crowned on Saturday, July 25, and accepted the trident of office with grace and enthusiasm. The crowning ceremony was followed by a pontoon cruise around the entire lake followed by a banquet of Mexican cuisine
WHAT HAVE YOU SEEN ON BAD MEDICINE LAKE YOU NEVER THOUGHT YOU WOULD SEE???
Aside from my property taxes now costing more than I used to pay for an entire summer rental season…….Or an occasional nude swimmer which could be characterized slightly differently as something more than I needed to see. Yes, and the water level this high is a surprise and concern as well.
My serious answer is the consistent awesome beauty of nature. I especially love the water clarity with the obvious void of weeds, and abundant tree cover. John Neuenschwander, 37060 Sunset Drive.
AERIAL COMBAT - One quiet June evening there was an amazing display of avian agility over the north bay of the lake. The sight of a bald eagle and osprey locked in a dogfight that went on for five minutes or more was a spellbinder. Eagles often chase ospreys until the osprey drops the fish in its talons which then makes an easy meal for the eagle. This was something more. The fish was not in evidence as the smaller and more maneuverable osprey dipped and dove away from the much faster eagle for hundreds of feet up and then down to lake level and up again. Seemed like there was real animosity here. (I think the osprey made a remark about the eagle’s mother.) Twice there was audible contact with a phht! sound and a few feathers flew each time. I don’t know how this event ended as they swirled around the corner of Evans point and out of sight. I suspect the eagle went off to his anger management session and the osprey went looking for his wingman. Don Andersen, 48019 Whitetail Drive
A couple summers ago Kim and I found a nice sized rainbow trout lying on the ground between our cabin and the garage—and never having caught a trout on the lake it was clearly none of my doing! We recalled seeing a “flash” by our bedroom window earlier that morning and speculated that either an eagle or an osprey caught the fish in the lake, flew by the cabin with the fish in its talons, then lost its prized catch in a place where it didn’t feel safe going back for it. The fish was about 15” in length and showed only slight “grip marks” on its side. We didn’t eat the fish but realized later that we probably could have enjoyed the special delivery meal without concern as the fish looked quite fresh when we found it. How’s that for a fish story! Mike Slette, 37774 Sunset Drive
I never dreamed when we came to Bad Medicine over thirty years ago that I would find myself on a number of occasions looking straight into the eyes of a mountain lion and knowing intuitively that they had seen me first.
I never dreamed that there would be people here with off road vehicles who would view scarring of the woodlands as a great recreational activity.
I never dreamed that we would stand watching a Blue Heron in the process of swallowing a chipmunk -- its little legs hanging just outside that huge beak and still scrambling. When the heron finally had him part way down, it took a long draught from the lake to wash it down. Ahhhhhhhhh.
About the time I think I've seen it all, something entirely unexpected comes. What phenomenal memories we carry with us from this place called Bad Medicine. Kate Jenison, 37895 Red Top Road
YOU SAW A WHAT?? Harvey Johnson
Returning from a recent nature hike, I told my wife about hearing a curious tu-whit-tu-hoo in a nearby thicket. Searching further I had seen a wee bit of a gray bird with a hint of a top knot and furry ankles. “Well, look it up in the bird book,” she said, and I dusted off a copy of A Field Guide to
Western Birds by Roger Tory Peterson. I narrowed my search by finding a picture nearly like my bird, and the textual information on habitat, voice, and field marks also made certain that I had birdwatched a Swainson’s Two-toed Goatsucker.
The Field Guide is a mine of information and in browsing through its pages I came across a treasury of fascinating birds. Some I found interesting because I had seen or heard them, but most of them impressed me with their names.
The naming of birds, I’ve concluded, goes something like this: Let’s say that an American birdwatcher finds a bird that looks something like a European Grebe, but a smaller variety with the same characteristics, and calls it a Lesser Grebe. Finally a little bitty grebe comes along, and it is called the Least Grebe. What a thing! How would you feel if you were a tad small and the birds went around calling you a Least Norwegian?
OK, I was kidding about Swainson’s Two-toed Goatsucker, but there really is a Swainson’s Warbler, a Two-toed Stint, and an unadorned Goatsucker. That is, the name Goatsucker is unadorned by a modifier; the bird itself is sufficiently comely.
So ramble through the following names, and Oh! here’s a game you might play. Decide which of them are real birds and which are the products of a diseased imagination. Here they are then, check the correct choice.
Name Real Invented
Bufflehead ____ ____
Oldsquaw ____ ____
Bristle-thighed curlew ____ ____
Whimbrel ____ ____
Least Bittern ____ ____
Marbled Godwit ____ ____
Black-legged Kittywake ____ ____
Knot ____ ____
Flamulated Owl ____ ____
Got them all sorted out? I think not, Sir! All of the above birds are fully identified and documented in the Field Guide to western Birds. Would Roger Tory Peterson lie to you?
We’ll look at some other names after disposing of a few that are obviously invented. No, there really are no such birds as the Cold-footed Sheetsnatcher, the Full-breasted Pushover, the Mollicoddled Curmudgeon, or the Reticulated Grynch. There could be such birds, but none has been birdwatched as of this writing.
I feel sorry for a few of our birds including the symbol of our
country. Couldn’t this bird have been named the Thinning Eagle, or the Receding Eagle? Maybe the Prematurely Gray Eagle? How would I feel if some smart Alec eagle flew home to his nest and announced that he had spotted a Bald Swede?
One little bird has been called the Common Bushtit. I can just hear his mother. “Stand up straight! You’re a perfectly good Bushtit. No one on my side of the family has ever been called common.”
We’ve all heard the following names, but aren’t you a little confused by:
The Ancient Murrelet (Ancient Mariner?)
The Northern Shrike (Northern Pike?)
The Dowitcher (Dowager?)
The Glaucus Gull (Raucus?)
So….let’s dig out the binoculars and the lederhosen, get out in the furze and the bracken and maybe the voice of the Semi-palmated Dowitcher will be heard again in our land.
COLA Ed Klepperich, BMLAA COLA representative
The Coalition of Lake Associations, COLA, meets the second Thursday of the month at the Detroit Lakes Technical College at 7:00 p.m.. Topics for the remaining meetings are:
Sept 10: Changes in environmental awareness
Oct 8: Lake association initiatives for treating exotics/invasives
If you want to ride along, call Ed Klepperich 573-3869.
COLA is gathering and forwarding information on the “Star Lake Program.” The information defines the requirements of how to become a "Star Lake" which is required in order to participate in the grants made available through the sales tax increase voted into law by Minnesota voters last fall. The BMLAA board is actively working on this. More on this to come.
The President’s letter mentioned that COLA has published the Becker County Shore land Guide to Lake Stewardship which each resident of BML will receive this summer.
Pollution is the most serious danger to our lake. That is the reason for the BMLAA board's concern about the septic systems on the lake. The second danger to our water is the introduction of invasive species. You can learn more about the invasive/exotics on the Minnesota Waters website. Check
www.minnesotawaters.org
BAD MEDICINE BOOK CLUB
The BML Bookies are still alive and well.
September’s book selection is Hornet Flight by Ken Follett. We’ll meet at Strohmeier’s home.
The story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblenski is October’s choice. Ruby Anderson will entertain.
We’d be happy to have you join us.
Marlys Johnson, 573-3732
WILDFLOWERS CONTINUED Mardy Dovre
Oh, the beauty and delight of these past weeks as we saw the spring flowers fade, followed by large
numbers of summer blooms which will be replaced one by one with fall flowers.
Did some of you see the large areas of our state flower, the Showy Lady Slippers, near Shell Lake and Snellman—maybe other places as well? It is the largest and most impressive of the orchids found in the state. It should never be handled or dug up (against state law), as this long-lived plant takes up to 15 years to mature and form flowers.
This info and more that follows comes from the book—Wildflowers of Minnesota—written by well known naturalist, Stan Tekiela. I have found his book to be very helpful in identifying plants with his beautiful color photos and descriptions.
Stan indicates which wildflowers are native or non-native. He cautions against using some of the flowers for medicine or food as it is often difficult to identify edible or medicinal plants and there could be toxic results. We are encouraged to enjoy them with our eyes, nose, or camera. Remember that the flower of a plant is its reproductive structure and thus picking eliminates reproduction.
One flower that I could not remember seeing before is Goat’s Beard from the Aster family. It is non-native, a European import, and looks like a large dandelion common along roads and in open fields. Its large yellow flower head turns to face the sun, opens only on sunny mornings and closes by noon. It is a biennial which means it lives for only two years and blooms in the second year.
Some common native flowers: blue-eyed grass, hepatica, harebell (bluebell to me), blue vervain, lupine, daisy fleabane, Indian paintbrush, trillium, false lily of the valley, violets, bunch berry, pearly everlasting, meadow rue, marsh marigold, goldenrod, coneflower, sunflower and many others as well.
Non-natives include: dandelion (wouldn’t you know), mullein, knapweed, bellflower, tansy, St. Johns wort, birds-foot trefoil, Queen Anne’s lace, valerian, bindweed, white clover, alyssum—not surprising that most have come from Europe.
This is truly a small sampling and much new knowledge for me; I hope many of you continue to learn and enjoy the bounties of nature around us.
WHAT DO YOU DO WITH DEAD SHORE TREES?
When they fall or are cut down, tie them to the shore so they don’t become a boating hazard. This way they become habitat for fish, etc. If you find a tree or log floating, drag it to shore and tie it up.
DNR LEAF REPORTS
To get the latest information on when and where the fall colors are expected to be at their peak, check out the DNR’s Web site: www.dnr.state.mn.us
FRIENDS OF ITASCA STATE PARK
Ray Vlasak
People who love Itasca State Park know it’s more than just another park. The Mississippi Headwaters is the living heart of the continent and a vital source of life and inspiration for the people who visit from all over the world. Founded in 1891, Itasca is home to the Mississippi River headwaters and to 32,000 acres of forest, wetlands, and lakes.
Supporters of Itasca State park organized as the Citizens’ Advisory Board in the 1930’s. That group continued to meet through the years, while a second more project-driven organization came together early in the 1990’s, calling itself the Citizens Association. The two groups merged in the fall of 1998 to become “Friends of Itasca State Park”.
Members pay annual dues or join for life. Friends of Itasca gather at an annual meeting, electing a board to carry out organization business for the following year. Board members meet on an “as needed” basis to respond to park needs such as fund raising, legislative concerns, and such volunteer activities as bud capping of young pine trees or hosting park events.
Friends of Itasca welcome members of all ages and levels of participation. They include people who have camped at Itasca, grown up vacationing at the park, married at Preacher’s Grove, or brought generations of children to scramble across the rocks at the headwaters. Every member helps shape the future of Itasca State Park. Contact Tim Holzkamm, Don Tschudi, or Ray Vlasak for information and a membership form.
COLA RESTORE THE SHORE SEEDING PURCHASE PROGRAM
Becker County COLA has decided to abandon the Restore The Shore seedling purchase program. It turns out that only a few lake associations were participating and BMLAA was ordering 40% of the seedlings. The same seedlings are available through local Soil and Water Conservation Districts at similar prices and are also available from local nurseries.
In conjunction with Lindy Ekola, Shoreland Habitat Specialist, MN DNR and BMLAA a list will be developed with a list of appropriate shoreland shrubs and trees with descriptions for your use. One problem with the previous program was that most of the seedlings were trees that were not appropriate for near shore plantings. It is the near shore areas (within 50 ft. of the water line) that are the most important for good shore management practices.
NORTH COUNTRY NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL Ray Vlasak
In recent issues of this newsletter I have written about the trails construction progress. For this issue I would like to talk about how the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT for short) came to be. The NCT is a 4600 mile footpath crossing the northern US from Lake Champlain in NY, through, PA, OH, MI, WI, MN and ending at Lake Sakakawea in ND. It is intended for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing although is designated for multi use in some areas.
Congress provided for the trail when the National Trail Systems Act was passed in 1968. Initially there were two Scenic Trails, the Appalachian and Pacific Crest, and in 1980 Congress passed the necessary legislation to create the NCT. Now there are eight National Scenic Trails in all. In creating the NCT Congress brought attention to the outstanding scenic and recreational values of the trail and its route. The trail links outstanding scenic, natural, recreational, historic, and cultural areas.
The first section of trail to be completed in MN was in the Chippewa National Forest in the mid to late 80’s. In the early 90’s what is know as the Bad Medicine Section was initiated after a chance encounter between Del Bjerkness and Rod MacRae. Del was leading a local group interested in developing a “Bad Medicine Trail” on an extinct logging rail grade. It just so happened that the route coincided with the intended NCT route. This group developed most of the trail in Itasca Park and west to Clearwater Co. 39.
Local interest waned until 2002 when the Itasca Moraine Chapter was formed and active development in the area resumed. In 2007 the Laurentian Lakes Chapter was formed with responsibility for development and maintenance from Itasca Park to the Ottertail County boundary. Currently both local chapters have 45-50 members and have active construction and maintenance programs underway.
The chapters are affiliated with the North Country Trail Association which is a volunteer organization in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS). The NPS administers and provides the majority of funding for the trail. In addition other Federal, State, and local agencies, private organizations, and individuals including many generous landowners are responsible for the trails existence.
The Chapter continues to sponsor weekly volunteer workdays and monthly weekend workdays. Boy Scout Troup 690 (Frazee), MN CEP, and MCC crews are assisting with construction. Additional volunteer opportunities exist in the area of social and administrative activities as well as trail adopters. Introductory discount memberships are available on request.
The next scheduled social activity is the North Country Hiking Fest on August 29 at Itasca Park. Watch for flyer with details or contact Ray Vlasak. More information is available at the association and chapter website www.northcountrytrail.org/llc, and at the Hwy 113, Co 39, Anchor Matson and South Itasca Park entrance trailheads.
BMLAA BY-LAWS
The proposed new by-laws were passed at the special meeting at 10 a.m. on August 22. The major changes are: change in fiscal year to calendar year, board authority to elect and remove officers, term of board members limited to two consecutive three year terms, use of equal opportunity language, annual review of books and defined a purpose of the BMLAA association. The by-laws have not been revised since the original documents were written over 35 years ago. Committee members are: Mike Slette, Tom Lorentzsen, and David Wiest. Louise Dovre Bjorkman assisted the committee. Revised by-laws are on the BMLAA website.
DIRECTORY UPDATES
Call changes to Jim Luttrell - 218-573-3411 or email jalut@arvig.net . A new directory will be published next summer.
WHY SHOULD I BECOME A MEMBER OF THE BMLAA? Here are a few reasons. To pay my share of what I receive, the newsletter, the directory, invasive species matching grants, water testing and monitoring, COLA membership and newsletter, the North Country National Scenic Trail, the website, periodic mailings concerning lake information and responsibilities, and most importantly, to have a voice in what goes on at Bad Medicine. Remember, think cooperatively and think to the future.
DUES Annual dues to join the Bad Medicine Lake Area Association are $15 per person. Send to BMLAA, 39124 Horseshoe Road, Ponsford MN 56575. Use the application form or send a check, include information requested in the form.
Member’s Name _________________________________________________________
Lake Address ___________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Home Address __________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Lake Phone ______________________ Home Phone _______________________
E-mail Address _________________________________________________________
YOUR BOAT MOTOR AND WATER QUALITY Moriya Rufer
So how do boats affect water quality? The Wisconsin DNR did a study on the effects of motorized watercraft on aquatic ecosystems. Boats can affect water quality in a few different aspects. First, they can add metals and chemicals to the water column. A certain amount of the fuel that enters into a motor is discharged unburned and ends up in the water. Two-stroke motors can emit 25-30% of their unburned gas and oil mixture into the water. In contrast, four-stroke motors emit 97% less air and water pollution than old two-stroke motors. This pollution can affect the pH and dissolved oxygen in the lake, which can influence the type and abundance of fish and wildlife.
Another main impact by motors is churning up the lake bottom in shallow areas. This action stirs up the lake sediment, re-suspending nutrients (phosphorus) that are at the lake’s bottom. When these nutrients reach the surface of the water where the algae are, they can feed algae and cause an algal bloom. This stirring can also decrease the water clarity because of additional particles suspended in the water column.
So what can you do to protect your lake? 1. Establish no-wake zones in shallow areas with waterfowl nesting and bulrush stands. "Slow no wake" means operation of a watercraft at the slowest possible speed necessary to maintain steerage, but in no case greater than five miles per hour; 2. Educate lake users to avoid sensitive areas and drive slowly through shallow areas; 3. Upgrade your boat motor from and old two-stroke engine to a four-stroke engine. Four-stroke engines use fuel more efficiently, produce cleaner exhaust, and run more quietly than traditional two-stroke engines.
To reduce impact while boating, there are other easy changes in behavior we can all practice. 1. Keep your boat property trimmed – an engine in the water makes much less noise and creates less wake; 2. Keep your engine well-tuned so that it runs more efficiently, pollutes less, and is quieter; 3. Be respectful to wildlife and loons, keeping a distance of at least 200 feet away at all times; 4. Consider the size of your boat and motor when choosing a lake for recreation – smaller lakes are not appropriate for large boats or engines.
EFFECTIVE MIXING DEPTH Source: Lakeline, December 1991
Effective mixing depth is the maximum depth at which the engine stirs up the water and in turn the lake bottom sediment. The importance of these findings is that power boating in shallow areas on lakes is likely to stir up bottom sediments, decreasing water clarity and releasing nutrients, like phosphorus, from the lake bottom, which can feed algae blooms.
Effective Mixing Depth by Engine Size: Horsepower Mixing Depth
10 6 feet
25 10 feet
50 15 feet
100 18 feet
Moriya Rufer is the Lakes Monitoring Program Coordinator for RMB Environmental Labsoratories in Detroit Lakes, 218-846-1465 lakes.rmbel@eot.com
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We appreciate comments and suggestions regarding the content of Another Dose of Bad Medicine. Feel free to submit content, please understand we may need to edit if space is an issue. Articles must be consistent with the mission of the newsletter. Rose Andersen rosander@juno.com
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BAD MEDICINE LAKE AREA ASSOCIATION
Chuck Church, 37311 Red Top Road
Ponsford MN 56575