Forest Township News

2009 ANNUAL MEETING WILL BE HELD JUNE 20, 2009 at 9:30 AM
Meeting will be held at Bad Medicine Resort not the Township Hall.
Join us for coffee at 9, meeting at 9:30 followed by a program about the
History of Bad Medicine Lake Association and Forest Township
A social and potluck will be held after the meeting.

Greetings to all of you for 2009, With ice off occurring April 24^th and a rather cool start to our spring, summer will be welcomed with open arms when temperatures finally reach normal levels.

Last fall, one of our goals was to begin a voluntary program of testing septic systems on the lake. Since it was late in the year, we have only begun that process but we have obtained a list from Becker County as to when septic systems were upgraded and what types are in place. This will take some time to coordinate as the information received from the county was not up to date. Once we can set up a testing program, please think about volunteering to have your system checked.

This year when you purchase your fishing license, pick up a copy of Minnesota’s fishing regulations and read pages 14-17 concerning Invasive Species. It is a real eye opener as lakes very close to us have invasive species. With that in mind, I am happy to report that through the efforts of Chuck Church and Tim Holzkamm, a matching grant was applied for and approved for the purpose of monitoring our public access for invasive species. Through this grant, the DNR will provide personnel on most of the busy weekends during the spring & summer at our public access to check for invasive species on boats entering the lake. This project is described later in the newsletter. This issue will need our continued vigilance.

Your board has been proactive in making sure we monitor and complete our lake management plan. We are seeking volunteers for serving on a Lake Management Committee. If you are interested, please contact any of the board members or me as we want to keep this process moving forward.

At the annual meeting, three year terms for the following board members expire: Jim Luttrell, Chuck Church, Dave Weist, Rose Andersen, and Carole Olsen. As I said in my fall letter, I will not run for reelection. I will, however, serve another year on the board beyond my presidency as directed by the by-laws. If you or others are interested in running for the board, I urge you to do so through the nomination process at the annual meeting. The terms are for three years. I want to again commend the current board for their work on your behalf as they have been excellent to work with and have represented you well. I would not discourage them from continuing, should they choose to. Also, a big thank you to Rose Andersen for her newsletter work. It has truly helped bring information to all lake area residents.

In closing I want to thank all of the members of the association, 150 as of last years count, for your continued involvement in your association. As I have said in the past, the more members we have the better the dialogue and the more ideas we can share. We are all in this “lake life” experience together and caring for our lake, its resources, and for each other – this needs to be our continued goal.

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 LAKE AREA ASSOCIATION OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS & THEIR TERMS

President, Jim Luttrell, 573-3411, 7/06-6/09; Vice President, Chuck Church, 573-2209, 7/06-6/09; Secretary, Carole Olsen, 573-3081, 7/06-6/09; Treasurer, Don Tschudi, 573-3790, 7/08-6/11; Rose Andersen, 573-3690, 7/06-6/09; Tom Lorentzsen, 573-3394, 7/07-6/10; Mike Slette, 573-3766, 7-08-6/11; Rod Syverson, 218-784-3881, 7/07-6/10; Ray Vlasak, 573 -3243, 7/07-6/10; David Wiest, 701-866-9374, 7/06-6/09.

Ray Vlasak and John Backes retired from their town board positions and were replaced by Tim Holzkamm and Carol Peterson. Don Tschudi was elected Chairperson, Helen Holmer, and Donna Waliczek continue as Clerk and Treasurer, respectively.

Forest Township committee assignments: Trash and Recycle – Tim Holzkamm; Roads – Don Tschudi; Town Hall – Don Tschudi; Planning Commission – Carol Peterson, John Backes, Dennis Anderson, Rolf Christianson, Mark Branstrom; Board of Adjustment – Township Supervisors and Ray Stordahl.

Zoning: A site permit process was developed. Each building permit request will be assigned to a supervisor, and a permit will be provided that will follow the zoning process. As each step is completed it will be signed and dated by the Supervisor. When completed it will be turned in to the Township clerk. This will give the landowner a “roadmap” to follow and assure that the building process is in compliance.

Roads: Contracts for road grading and winter plowing were given to Projects Unlimited. A section of Red Top Road by the old Red Top Resort will be relocated further back from the lake. The Township assisted the landowner in obtaining an easement from the DNR for a small corner of property that it will cross over. The Township will be contracting for gravel making this spring. At the annual Township meeting a proposal was approved to give gas gift cards to private landowners currently plowing their roads that are Township roads.

Weeds: In June, Marsha Watland, Becker City Assistant Agriculture Inspector, will take Carol Peterson on a tour of the Township to inspect for noxious weeds. The Township passed a resolution to participate in the County’s Gravel Pit Program to assure weed free gravel.

Town Hall: The town hall was broken into in March. A window and doors were damaged and were replaced.

Annual Meeting –March 17, 2009 Approved tax levy of $62, 500 for 2010. ATV/OHV was discussed. The Township Board did not take a position on this issue. The 2010 Annual Meeting will be held March 9, 2010; the alternate date is March 16.

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 Marshall - 15288 490th Ave, Menahga, MN. 56564.

The State of Minnesota has passed new septic regulations that the counties must implement by 2010. One thing we know for sure is that current and past state and county regulations have failed to protect our lakes. The new requirements will be much more effective in preventing septic systems that pollute. Failing systems can present a distinct health hazard for lake users. In addition to the health risk, ineffective systems are a leading cause of water quality degradation.

Chemical testing of Bad Medicine Lake is not identifying any problems, but many long term property owners have noted changes. Increased moss-like material on underwater rocks, sediment deposits and jelly-like globules are cause for concern. Keep in mind – Your septic system will have to be brought up to “Code Standard” before you can get a building permit to improve your dwelling or sell your property.

The Minnesota DNR has awarded the Bad Medicine Lake Area Association and the BMLA Foundation a matching grant to provide monitoring of boats and trailers at the BML public access in an attempt to prevent invasive species from entering the lake. Interested persons may stop by the access on the following dates from 8a.m. to 2p.m.: May 9-10, 23-24-25, June 20, July 4-5, August 1-2 and September 5-6-7 to learn more about the screening process and identification of the various invasive species. For more information call Chuck Church – 573-2209. .

Township Amnesty Days are scheduled for June 6 & August 29. Please follow the posted rules.

With spring and summer come bears. It is time for everyone to begin locking the dumpster covers. If a chain or fastener breaks give me a call at 573-3442.

The Township appreciates everyone recycling because it saves the Township lots of money in trash removal costs. But we need to do it right.

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 yds. Brown paper grocery bags should be put in the cardboard drums.

We encourage you to take your appliances, tires and batteries to the transfer station north of Detroit Lakes, phone 218-847-6382. Please take these items to the transfer station instead of waiting for the Township Amnesty Days. This will save the Township having to pay for hauling. Appliances include refrigerators, freezers, ranges, microwaves, washers, dryers, dish washers and dehumidifiers.

1. Use the recycle bins – all clean cardboard must be recycled. Follow the posted recycle rules. Place unbroken fluorescent bulbs in labeled recycle container.

2, Recycling saves the township thousands of dollars every year and is the environmentally sound thing to do.

3. Put only bagged household garbage in dumpsters. Close and secure the lids to keep bears out. Fill dumpsters completely (front and back lids) in order starting from the east

4. Take all other trash to transfer stations – Detroit Lakes, Park Rapids or Elbow Lake.

5. No appliances, TVs, microwaves, electronic equipment, furniture, building materials, steel, etc – take these items to the Becker County transfer station.

6. No animal carcasses, dirt, gravel, leaves, grass clippings, brush or logs – put in woods out of sight from roads and trails.

9. No commercial operation dumping except household trash – hire commercial service if you are operating commercially from your home.

Obtain a key from Don Tschudi, 573-3790, to gain access to the area. You are responsible for everyone who uses your key – be sure they know the rules. Lock the gate when leaving or close the gate if the lock is not present. Fee for replacement of a lost key is $25; each additional key is $5.

The leading cause of wildfires are burning barrels. Burning barrels are regulated by MN statute.

A burning permit is required for all open burning of brush/leaves/wood when there is less than 3 inches of snow on the ground. You can obtain burning permits at Bad Medicine Resort or Veronen’s Resort. A permit is not required when there is over 3 inches of snow on the ground.

NOTE: Several of your lake neighbors can testify to the cost of being cited by the DNR for burning without a permit.

REMINDER TO ALL FOREST TOWNSHIP RESIDENTS: Building permit applications, as well as conditional use permit applications, for projects that are located 267' or more back from the high water mark must be reviewed by the Township Board prior to submitting such requests to Becker County.

As energy prices continue to increase, more of us are trying to find ways to use energy wisely.

Water heating – Water heating accounts for roughly 15 percent of your energy costs. Consider adding a water heater blanket to reduce energy use and turn your water heater thermostat setting to low or medium to save energy

Lighting – While many of us use less lighting in the summer months it’s still a good idea to begin using compact florescent bulb whenever possible. Start replacing blubs in the fixtures you use the most. For example, five 100W recessed can lights in a kitchen operated five hours per day cost roughly 26 cents per day. Comparable CFLs with the same light output will cost roughly seven cents per day.

If you are building, remodeling or interested in saving on electric bills contact the Member Services Department at Itasca-Mantrap Cooperative for energy saving ideas (218-732-3377, 1-888-713-3377). Itasca Mantrap also offers rebates for Energy Star appliances. Forms are available at www.itasca-mantrap.com. Additional information on home energy saving can be found at www.energy.mn.org and www.mnbrighterideas.com .

Webster’s Dictionary defines a wildflower as any flowering plant growing without cultivation in fields, woods, etc. As we walk about our home area and the roads and trails, we are looking for these spots of color in the woods and have been learning names over the years. I am very much a novice in this activity but have been reading some new material and have referred to MN wildflower books many times—some names I seem to forget from season to season!

Each spring we are eager to see the hepaticas, then the Canada mayflowers, wood anemones, violets of purple and pink and white, trillium, false lily-of-the-valley, yellow and pink lady slippers, blue flag, wild iris, marsh marigolds (on the road to Bass Lake), daisies, coneflowers, bluebells, Indian paintbrushes, sunflowers, asters, and many more.

The MN DNR (500 Lafayette Rd, St. Paul, MN 55155. 1-888-646-6367) publication, Lakescaping For Wildlife And Water Quality, is a splendid resource for any who would like more information about preserving our shoreline—one example given is that of a buffer zone on the shoreline of moist-soil wildflowers and sedges (grasses with clumps or tufts) at the water’s edge and dry-soil flowers, grasses and shrubs further up the slope. Area nurseries would also have information for us.

If we are interested in planting such wildflowers, nurseries and the DNR are encouraging us to plant “native” species. These are plants indigenous to North America prior to European settlement. The dangers of planting alien species have been well documented by such tragedies as the loss of wetland plant communities to the aggressive alien Purple Loosestrife! They write that it is illegal to possess, sell, propagate, transport, or introduce purple loosestrife, Eurasian water milfoil, European frog-bit, curly-leaf pondweed, flowering rush, hydrilla, and water chestnut.

I have a lot to learn and would like to hear from some of you. Please let me know what you have experienced, and we can continue sharing information in some later newsletter.

We took a fascinating tour of the Lanesboro Hatchery, southeast of Rochester Minnesota where our trout are hatched. The hatchery is located at the base of a bluff out of which flow springs supplying the hatchery with millions of gallons of constant 48 degree water, the most ideal temperature for the propagation of trout. This temperature is constant year around.

Fish are spawned in the fall and hatched in the winter. They are held until they reach 9 – 11 inches (two to a pound) in size, approximately a year and a half. 12,000 of these “yearlings” are transported to Bad Medicine in late April or early May, and another 4,000 one pounders in late October. The pictures show the stocking process on April 30, 2009. I once heard that the best fishing is preceded by the hatchery truck!!!!

For additional information contact: Hatchery Supervisor, Lanesboro State Fish Hatchery, 23789 Grosbeak Road, Lanesboro MN 55949, Phone 507-467-3771. Hatchery hours: M-F 7a.m. – 4:30p.m.

All of us take a certain pride in the clarity of our lake, but of course, we wonder how we are doing and how we compare to past years. Let’s take a look at the current readings, trends, and water levels over a few years to see how we are doing and where we are going.

Water clarity is measured by sinking a white disc (called a secchi disc) into the lake at a consistent spot and measuring how deep it is visible. Our lake has been measured for a number of years so trends can be determined; for this report we used data from 1998-2008.

It is important to remember that clarity can be affected by fluctuation in water levels. A rise in water level will cause shoreline erosion and lower water clarity. Our lake has been over the ordinary high water level (OHW) for approximately 25 years with the exception of a brief period in 92/93. In the years 2002-2003 (the highest measurements) the lake was approximately 5.7 feet above OHW. Recent years show 2007 at +4.2 and 2008 at +4.3. So at the present time lake levels seem to be going down.

Water clarity also changes during each year due to algae content. In June zooplankton populations are high. They feed on algae and decrease algae populations resulting in clearer water. In late summer zooplankton are reduced by small fish predation. Warmer water and the sun increase algae growth, which in turn reduces clarity.

With all of this in mind let’s look at where we are, where we have been, and what the trends show. In 1998-2000 our disc readings were 15 feet at the lowest and 25-28 feet at the highest. In 2006-2008 the clarity was 17 feet at the lowest and 32 feet at the highest. The month to month variations are typical for deep lakes in our region. The overall 10 year trend shows almost no change using standard trend analysis statistics.

So we are getting no better or worse on the clarity issue. As a disclaimer we should point out that this analysis is water clarity alone and does not address pollution or chemicals in the water…

The Laurentian Lakes Chapter of the North Country Trail Association has grown rapidly to over 50 members and has a friend’s list exceeding 100. The chapter is responsible for the construction and maintenance of the National Scenic Trail in Clearwater and Becker Counties. Like the highway programs, trail adopters are used to assist with trail maintenance.

The chapter had a great construction season in 2008 clearing 9 miles of new trail and building 5 miles of treadway. The newest section between Hwy 113 and SE Juggler Lake Rd. is marked and ready for hikers. The trailhead on Hwy 113 is 0.8 miles west of Co. 37. This is a great hike following the North/South continental divide.

This year volunteer workers have already cleared an additional 3.3 miles, and completed spring clean-up of the entire trail. Grant funds will be again be used to hire Minnesota Conservation Corps for tread way construction. Your lake association, individuals, and several other local organizations including IMC Round-Up have contributed generously to the chapter for the local match to obtain Federal Recreational Trails Program Grants. These funds and other grants through the National Park Service and North Country Trail Association are used to fund tools and other construction materials for bridges, campsites, trailheads, and highway signage.

John Backes, Chuck Church, and Gary Narum have been leading weekly volunteer Wednesday workdays and they also serve on the Chapter Board. These workdays are a fun time. They don’t work too hard, the exercise feels good, and everyone enjoys being out in the forest to say nothing of the pride of constructing a National Scenic Trail that will be around and serve people for years to come. In addition to the weekly workdays, Saturday workdays are scheduled each month. We always need volunteers, call if you want to join us.

The next scheduled activity is the National Trails Day Hike on June 6. This hike will be on the new section of trail noted above. The hike will be followed by a meeting and dinner at Hoot Owl Resort. More information will be sent via email or you can call Ray Vlasak at 573-3243.

The North Country Trail Association 2009 annual national conference will be held in Valley City, ND, July 30 - August 2. A variety of hikes, workshops, and events including evening entertainment are scheduled. You can obtain more information at www.northcountrytrail.org.

For more information about the chapter including a complete listing of activities go to www.northcountrytrail.org/llc. Please consider joining the association if you are not already a member. Take advantage of this wonderful trail for a hiking destination. This is a valuable resource for our lake community. We are fortunate it is so near Bad Medicine Lake…another thing that makes Bad Medicine Lake a special place.

The BML Book club met in May at Chuck and Gloria Church’s home to discuss Harper Lee’s book, To Kill a Mockingbird. In June Whistling Season by Ivan Doig will be discussed at Bill and Sue Sangers. In August we’ll be reading Prince and the Nanny by Odell Bjerkness at Dave and Alice Hagen’s home.

We are a casual group and work best with a leader each month that’s chosen the book for all of us to read. We meet the 3^rd Tuesday of the month at 1:30, skipping July and December, and occasionally change the date to the 4^th Tuesday.

Everyone is invited to attend the Chapel of the Good Creation for summer non denominational worship services on Sundays throughout the summer at 11 a.m. Those who gather at Bad Medicine Resort will participate in fellowship and Christian worship led by a group of volunteers. There is no membership requirement, all are welcome.

A Bad Medicine Lake welcome makes for a good day! Contact Don or Helen at Bad Medicine Resort: Telephone number 218-573-3790 or e-mail Dtschudi@eot.com with questions.

COLA is planning an aggressive year defending our lakes and keeping them for our children. The meetings are the second Thursday of each month at 7 pm in the Detroit Lakes Technical College. All are welcome.

July 10 – Major Lakeshore Development Proposals and Becker County variances

September 10 – Changes in EQB Requirements for Environmental Workshops and Member Development

All previous newsletters and other information about Bad Medicine Lake are available on this website.

Natural Basin Run-out Elevation 1608.3

Last July, a number of lake residents got together for a test run at a pontoon "floaters party." It turned out to be a lot of fun and an opportunity to meet and visit with neighbors and friends who share this wonderful lake experience.

So this year, let's do it again! Mark July 11th on your calendar. Weather permitting, we’ll plan to meet and tie together in a flotilla of boats somewhere on relatively calm water at the north end of the lake at 5p.m. Exactly where will depend on the wind and its direction - something we learned last year. Bring your own beverages and hors d'oeuvres to share - last year's offerings were delicious! Please also bring boat fenders and an anchor.

On July 11th, call Dennis & Ruby Anderson at 573-3502 or Don & Rose Andersen at 573-3690 between 11a.m. to 1p.m. for an update on where we will meet.

Help us keep updated information for the Bad Medicine Lake Directory.
Call correction or changes to Jim Luttrell, 573-3411 or email Jim at jalut@arvig.net

The Bad Medicine Lake Area Foundation [BMLAF] was established in 2004 under the direction and approval of the Bad Medicine Lake Area Association. The Bad Medicine Lake Area Foundation is dedicated to protecting and preserving the diverse water and land resources of the lake area for our enjoyment, as well as those who come after us.

The Bad Medicine Lake Area Foundation consists of a volunteer Board of Bad Medicine Lake Association board members and non-board members who own property in the lake area. The members of the board during the past year have been: Ray Vlasak, Chuck Church, David Wiest - BMLAA Board Members and Roger Olsen, Tim Holzkamm, John Backes - Property Owners.

The Bad Medicine Lake Area Foundation has been established as a fund of the West Central Initiative, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit regional foundation. The members from Bad Medicine Lake are an Advisory Committee which makes recommendations to the Board of Directors of West Central Initiative concerning projects by the Bad Medicine Lake Area Foundation including fund raising, environmental protection, educational, and promotional activities.

The board has devoted considerable time and energy to organization and the development of projects including:

Working in partnership with the MN DNR the foundation has secured a Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) grant and has applied for Lessard Outdoor Heritage Council funds for the East Side part of the “Bad Medicine Lake Natural Shoreline and Aquatic Habitat Project.” The Larson and Constans properties have already been acquired by foundation board members for the project using their own funds. The DNR anticipates making an offer for the Christiansen Point property in the near future. When completed the project properties will become a state-owned Aquatic Management Area [AMA] and will protect our lake quality.

In partnership with the MN DNR the foundation has submitted another RIM grant and has applied for Lessard Outdoor Heritage Council funds as part of the Natural Shoreline Project to acquire the Gigstead property on the west side of Bad Medicine Lake to protect that sensitive area as an AMA.

Last summer the foundation assisted in the production of the new lake book “Bad Medicine at the Lake” created by Wayne Gudmundson and his students.

The foundation has arranged informational presentations on maintaining Bad Medicine Lake’s natural shoreline.

The foundation has applied for and secured an MN DNR grant to provide for 80 hours of inspection at the public access this summer to keep invasive aquatic species out of Bad Medicine Lake.

Developed “Welcome Wagon” type information to help acquaint new lakeshore owners with unique characteristics of the area.

The foundation has developed a pamphlet encouraging courteous and proper use of Bad Medicine Lake by visitors which is distributed at the public access.

We are well on the road to protecting our lake area, but still have much to do. BMLAF foundation members and supporters will be contacting members of the lake community to seek contributions and pledges of support for the Shoreline Project. The continuing support of members of the lake area community is vital. Please contact one of the board members if you want to participate in a project or make a donation to help preserve the Bad Medicine Lake area.

The BMLAF still has about 140 copies of “Bad Medicine at the Lake.” They are available from Ray Vlasak for a donation of $25 per copy. Get yours before they are gone!

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DUES Annual dues to join the Bad Medicine Lake Area Association are $15 per person. Use the application form below or send a check and include information requested in the form. Dues must be paid on or by the annual meeting in order to vote.

Dues Enclosed ($15 per person). Send Membership Dues to BMLAA, 39124 Horseshoe Rd. Ponsford, MN 56575

Bad Medicine Resort has been operated by Don and Carolyn Tschudi and family for 50 years. There will be several activities all summer to celebrate with friends, family, and guests. Everyone is welcome!

May 24th - Memorial Day Weekend – Everyone is welcome to the Chapel of the Good Creation! The Choir will sing with fellowship, coffee, and lunch following. The non denominational chapel service will be every Sunday until Labor Day at 11a.m.

June 13th - Long Lost Lake Historical Marker of the Old Headwater Chimney Dedication. The Park Rapids CCC group will meet at Bad Medicine Resort at 11a.m. for lunch and meeting. The Long Lost Lake Association meeting is at 2p.m. and at 3p.m. the CCC boys will unveil the Chimney site Historic Marker. Everyone is welcome!

June 20th - Annual Bad Medicine Lake Area Association meeting will be held at Bad Medicine Resort, coffee at 9a.m., meeting at 9:30a.m. The meeting will be followed by a social time and a pot luck lunch. Forest Township was formed 30 years ago. All past and current Township Officers and other local area lake area organizations (North Country Trail, the Cultural Center and the Lake Foundation) will be honored. Bing your families; everyone is welcome.

July 5th - The Chapel of the Good Creation service with choir will meet at 11a.m. followed by coffee, lunch, and fellowship. Everyone welcome!

August 2nd - Bad Medicine Resort will be celebrating 50 years of the resort and the organizations in which Don has participated: Don’s Construction, Forestry (Fire Warden), Adopt a Highway, DNR Waters, and Friends of Itasca. We hope to have many past and present friends, family, and guests attend. EVERYONE IS WELCOME; PLEASE PASS THE WORD. A potluck lunch will follow the chapel service about 1 p.m.

August 7th (tentative) – The Lake Country Byway meeting will be at 8:30a.m. The Byway is 88 miles of scenic driving and area sites. The former organizations, The Land of Legends and the Itasca West Recreational Area, will be honored.

August 15-16th - Square Dance Weekend. Sunday service at 11a.m. followed by potluck lunch and afternoon dancing. Jim Koyer will be Host MC plus area callers. Donna Stone will cue the rounds. Come join us.
September 6th - Closing of the Season. The Chapel of the Good Creation service with choir will meet at 11a.m. followed by coffee, lunch, and fellowship. All volunteers past and present that have made the services and fellowship so special will be honored. A history of how services were started will be presented.

We hope many of you will attend different activities. Everyone is welcome to stop in anytime and visit any time. Hope to see you this summer. For more information call 218-573-3790 or Dtschudi@eot.com