Another good dose of BAD MEDICINE   

A NEWSLETTER FOR THE RESIDENTS OF THE BAD MEDICINE LAKE AREA SUMMER 2008

BAD MEDICINE LAKE AREA ASSOCIATION – FOUNDED 1972

Greetings once again.  As the current BMLAA president I want to welcome you back to “the lake.” 

As we all know, this is not an ordinary lake but a very special place we all have come to love and enjoy.  When we consider why we chose this place for our recreation and relaxation, there are several things we can point to that drew us here rather than other lakes in the area.  Clean clear water, pine trees, less noise, and perhaps an atmosphere of caring people.  Since we all have a sizeable investment here, it seems only fitting that we try to maintain the qualities that drew us here in the first place. 

Bad Medicine will likely see many changes in the next 10 or 20 years. It is unrealistic to think change will not happen, it will!  But we do have substantial control over those things we cherish about the lake.  With one mind set focused on things like water quality, the surrounding forests and landscape, pollution from noise, chemicals, septic systems, invasive plant species and other sources we can make a difference by acting responsibly as lake stewards.  Neighbors helping and respecting neighbors and a strong lake association are key ingredients to this continuing effort. 

As we now involve ourselves in our summer routines, we all also need to be engaged in the discussions and dialogue necessary to bring about consensus on issues affecting us and our lake experience.  By doing so the best possible solutions to the problems we face now and in the future will be the end result.  It is my hope that through the cooperative efforts of us all, we can continue to enjoy Bad Medicine.  

I urge all of you to become paying, voting members of the BMLAA.

Have a great summer!

Jim Luttrellbsp;            

BAD MEDICINE LAKE AREA ASSOCIATION

ALL are welcome to the BMLAA board meetings on the 4th Saturday of the month at 8:30 a.m. in the Forest Township Hall. Minutes of the meetings are available at www.badmedicinelakeareaassociation.com .  The following is a summary of topics discussed and acted upon at the April 2008 meeting.

 BMLAA membership as of June 23 is 99 families with a total of 143 members

2007-2008 ASSOCIATION OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS & THEIR TERMS

President, Jim Luttrell, 573-3411-7/07-6/09;  Vice President, Chuck Church, 573-2209-7/07-6/09;  Secretary, Carole Olsen,  573-3081 – 7/06-6/09; Don Tschudi, Treasurer, 573-3790 - 7/05-6/08; Rose Andersen, 573-3690 - 7/06-6/09; Tom Lorentzsen, 573-3394 - 7/07-6/10; Mike Slette, 573-3766 - 7-05-6/08; 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.

 

FOREST TOWNSHIP NEWS - Ray Vlasak

Property Assessment - Lisa Marschall is the assessor employed by Forest Township. The guidelines she uses in determining your property values are controlled by Steve Skoog the Becker County Assessor. The Town Board has been very satisfied with Lisa’s work. We have found her to be cooperative, responsive to inquiries, accurate and unbiased in valuing properties. Her job is not easy, especially because many of you are not around to answer her questions about your property. If you think your valuation is incorrect, the first step you should take is to obtain a copy of your Field Card from the County Assessor’s office. The Field Card will detail your property valuation. You can call Lisa (218 346-5760) or Steve (218 846-7300) with questions.  Those of you who deliberately hide the true value of your property are in effect stealing from your neighbors who pay part of your fair share.

Trash Amnesty Days –  August 30 is the last Amnesty Day of the summer. Please follow the segregation instructions. Last fall the Township had to pay a couple hundred $ extra to have the stuff sorted because some did not follow the directions.  Please lock dumpsters; we have had several incidents of bears getting into the trash containers this spring.

Recycle – We receive many complaints from those who recycle about those who don’t. It is obvious when looking in the dumpsters that we could be doing much more. We pay $9/yd for everything in the dumpsters, whereas we receive payment for everything in the recycle sheds. The Township received over $1000 in 2007 for recycled material. We could easily double or triple this amount if everyone recycled, and we would save thousands of $ in trash charges.

The Town Board is looking for a good recycle slogan to put on the entrance gate to encourage recycling. Send your proposal to Ray.  The person who submits the selected slogan will receive a fabulous prize!!

2009 Levy-Township residents approved the Board proposed 2009 levy at $57,000. This compares with $58,000 in 2008 and $56,500 in 2007.

Roads - In 2007 the following roads were accepted for Township maintenance based on the Township specification: Sunset Drive (north .175 miles), Horseshoe Road, Dolly Trail, Sunrise Lane, and Woodland Retreat.  There is no regraveling scheduled for 2008.

 

FOREST TOWNSHIP HISTORICAL PLAQUE IS DEDICATED - John Backes

 In September of 2007, Forest Township was the recipient of a micro-grant awarded by the state of Minnesota in honor of the state’s sesquicentennial (150-year) anniversary.  The purpose of the grant was to document the history of Forest Township and the Bad Medicine Lake Area.  An historic plaque was designed and built to include a brief narrative on the history of Forest Township and a listing of township officers throughout the years.

The plaque is on display at the Forest Township hall and was dedicated on March 11, 2008 at the annual Forest Township meeting.  It will be a permanent fixture in the township hall and can be viewed there by township residents.

Special thanks to Steve Pachel, owner of SWI Interiors, for his donation of time and materials in the construction of the plaque.  Additional thanks to Mike Swan in his representation of the White Earth Tribe.  Finally, thanks to the many volunteers from Forest Township who assisted in gathering historic information.

 

RESTORE THE SHORE PROGRAM RESOURCES

 ~ Landscaping for Wildlife and Water Quality is a book available from www.minnesotabookstore.com  or by calling 1-800-657-3757.  The      book costs $19.95 and describes how to landscape your shoreline property to prevent shoreline erosion, restore wildlife habitat, wildflowers and clean water. 

~ The Foundation has a copy of the above book and a DVD with information about what can be planted that is lake friendly.  Contact Tim Holzkamm 218-573-3442 or Chuck Church 218-573-2209.

~ A nearby business that stocks a limited number of plants for natural landscaping is The Flying W Gardens, 32517 US Highway 71, 218-732-9782.

~ Becker County COLA provides trees and bushes at a low cost to promote natural shoreland.  25 varieties of trees and bushes can be ordered for spring 2009 planting through Ray Vlasak, 573-3243.  Deadline is September 1; trees will be available in May 2009.

~ For questions or for more information contact Lindy Ekola, MN DNR Shoreland Habitat Specialist, 320-634-4573

 

TOWNSHIP OFFICERS

SUPERVISORS: Ray Vlasak (Chair) 46522 Wildwood Trail 573-3243  highpines@arvig.net  Term expires January 4, 2009, John Backes  39250 Horseshoe Rd, 573-3626   jsbackes@yahoo.com  Term expires January 4, 2009, Don Tschudi   38257 Bad Medicine Resort Road 573-3790 dtschudi@eot.com ,Term expires January, 2011,  CLERK  Helen Holmer 34409 E Bad Medicine Lake Rd. 573-3813, Term expires January, 2011, TREASURER Donna Waliczek 36916 Sunset Dr.  573-3792 badmed@eot.com  Term expires January 4, 2009

 

CHANGES AT WAUBUN-OGEMA-WHITE EARTH COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT #435

 Forest Township pays 20% of the entire levy for Waubun School District #435.  John Backes requested information from the administration of the district for this newsletter. The following was provided by Joe Merseth, Interim Superintendent of Schools

A major change has been to make the full-time position of superintendent a combination superintendent/elementary principal. This change will save the district about $50,000 per year. Mitch Anderson, current elementary principal, has been hired for this job to start in July. Mr. Merseth will mentor him for at least one year. The Waubun-Ogema-White Earth schools do meet adequate yearly progress for student achievement in all areas except for a single citation in high school special education math. The Board of Education elected to levy the maximum. There was discussion of levying less but since the lake residents were not seeing the high increased tax amounts this next year this seemed to be a year that the district could levy the maximum. The district is working towards maintaining the recommended three months of operating fund balance. They have asked for federal forgiveness of excess impact aid. Discussion continues on whether or not the casino is federal trust land. It is not known how much or when forgiveness money will be received. The budget for 2008-09 has been streamlined, scrutinizing expenditures to keep a balanced budget. However, a number of needed building repairs will be made. BML property owners will monitor Waubun school board meetings in November and December when the budget for 2008-2009

is established.

 

US DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION,
OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS (OCR) COMPLETES INVESTIGATION OF WAUBUN SCHOOL DISTIRCT #435 - John Backes

 The OCR Complainant asserted that during the 2007-2008 school year the District inappropriately placed Native American students in the area learning program (ALP) and that their placements were made before they reached the minimum age of 16 required for ALP eligibility.  The Complainant also asserted that the District placed Native American students in the ALP without the knowledge or consent of their parents.  The Complainant further claimed that the District allowed Native American students to receive course credit from the ALP despite their failure to participate in the ALP and complete any of the academic coursework required of ALP students.

The OCR found no evidence to suggest that Native American students were subjected to different treatment on the basis of race with respect to the age eligibility requirement or other requirements for participation in the ALP.  Of the four student records investigated as part of the complaint, no student had a record of graduating from high school.  It should be noted that the OCR investigation included only school district records; and none of the four students specifically named in the OCR complaint or their parents were interviewed.

 

REMINDERS

2008 DIRECTORY UPDATES The Bad Medicine Lake Directory is produced every two years, is updated and was available at the

Annual Meeting. Call correction or changes to Jim Luttrell, 573-3411 or email Jim at jalut@arvig.net  

 WEBSITE BMLAA – www.badmedicinelakeareaassociation.com   

DUES   Annual dues to join the Bad Medicine Lake Area Association are $15 per person.  Send to BMLAA, 39124 Horseshoe Road, Ponsford MN.  Use the application form below or send a check and include information requested in the form.   

 

BMLAA ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FORM

Member’s Name
 ______________________________

Lake Address
___________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________ 

Home Address
 __________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

Lake Phone
 ______________________ 
Home Phone
 _______________________

E-mail Address
 _________________________________________________________

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

Please circle preferred mailing address.

 

 NORTH COUNTRY NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL,

Laurentian Lakes Chapter, North Country Trail Association

 

The newly-formed Laurentian Lakes chapter has been very active building new trail, maintaining existing trail and organizing outreach activities. Four Bad Medicine Lake property owners serve on the board of directors and several others are helping with projects.

The Laurentian Lakes certified section of trail from Itasca State Park to the Co.39 trailhead has received spring maintenance clean up including reblazing and signage improvement. It is ready for hikers. Construction is currently underway between Co 39 and Hwy 113.

Weekly volunteer workdays are Wednesdays and some Saturdays. In addition to the volunteer help, the chapter received a Federal Recreational Trails matching grant that is being used to hire Minnesota Conservation Corps crews to assist with trail construction. The $25,000 grant will be matched dollar for dollar for a total of $50,000. This grant is shared with the Itasca Moraine Chapter east of Itasca Park. Laurentian Lakes will receive over half of the funds. The goal for 2008 is to complete trail construction to the Red Top Trail which represents over five miles of new trail. In addition, the trail route has been flagged and GPS’d all the way to Co. 35.

Upcoming activities include:

National Trail Day Hike was held June 7   National Conference in New York, August 7-11

2nd Annual Trail Fest at Itasca Park, August 23  ND Trail Fest, Sept 13

Tamarac NWR Hike, Oct. 4 Cancer Awareness Hike, Oct. 11

 

VLASAK RECIPIENT OF 3M COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER AWARD

 Ray Vlasak received a 2007 Community Service Award from the 3M Corporation at a ceremony in St. Paul recently. Ray’s nomination was submitted by his son Paul, a research specialist in 3M’s Corporate Research Analytical Laboratory.

The award includes $1000 from the 3M Foundation to go to a nonprofit of the recipient’s choice. Ray has chosen the North Country Trail Association. The money will be used to match a grant to assist with trail construction.

In addition to the North Country Trail, Vlasak presides over the Bad Medicine Lake Area Foundation and serves on the Board of the Bad Medicine Lake Area Association, the Becker County Park and Recreation Board, and the Friends of Itasca State Park. He also is Chair of the Forest Township Board of Supervisors. On most Wednesdays you will find Ray in the woods of the White Earth State Forest maintaining existing, building new, or planning auxiliary trail facilities.

A quote from one of Ray’s support letters reads “I have come to know Ray as one of our ‘super volunteers,’ a term that I use for folks whose contributions far exceed what could normally be expected of a volunteer. Not only is Ray an outstanding asset to the North Country Trail Association, he is an outstanding citizen and an inspiration to many – including myself.”

 

    DOCUMENTING LAKE LIFE   

Sixteen photographers will be exploring Bad Medicine Lake this summer documenting “lake life” as part of a class offered through Minnesota State University Moorhead’s Department of Mass Communications.  From Saturday, August 16th through Saturday, August 23rd these students will be compiling images that will end up in a publication with an essay by writer John Lamb.

In order to allow these photographers a real look at the lake experience I am asking that you invite these folks to share in your time at our lake.   What’s important to you about this unique place?  Is it watching the sunrise with a good cup of coffee, a walk in the woods, landing a rainbow trout, reading in your favorite chair, sunning on the dock, a leisurely pontoon ride, an exhilarating round on water skis.  Perhaps it’s a summer meal with friends and family, an evening dip after a sauna, or watching the kids making smors over the campfire.

To help us document a place we all cherish, please send me a note with your thoughts and availability. 

Thank you.  Wayne Gudmundson, gudmund@mnstate.edu, 218-477-2296 or 218-236-9365 or

218-573-.2242.

 

PROFILE OF A BAD MEDICINE LAKE RESIDENT

Continuing the series of articles on Bad Medicine Lake residents, this reporter recently visited the home of a Mr. and Mrs. Indigo Bunting. The lady in residence answered my knock and the following conversation took place:
 
Mrs. Indigo Bunting: Yeah.  Whaddya want?
Me: I’d like to ask a few questions of you and your husband for an article to appear in the summer issue of The Bad Medicine Lake Area Association Newsletter.
Mrs. I B: Gawd! What a mouthful! An’ if you are looking for my husband, he ain’t here. 
Me: I wanted his input too.  Can you tell me where he is?  I thought he might be helping with the nest and the young ones.
Mrs. I.B.  Fat chance.  That deadbeat!  He’s probably with that bunch that hangs out on Main Street between Amish Oak and that moose place.  Smoking… flirting… carrying on with the young chicks – thinks he’s so darn handsome the girls can’t resist him. 
Me: I suppose he helps around the nest in many ways when he is home.  Gets the eggs ready, plays with the older kids…
Mrs. I.B.: No way you’ll catch Himself sitting on an egg!  Puts on that vibrant blue coat every day, and he’s outta here.
 I had to feel a little sorry for Mrs. Indigo Bunting.  I’m afraid she looked somewhat slatternly after several years of bird-bearing.  Tousled, no apparent style, drab, no makeup.
Me: I must say madam; you have a very nice home.  I’m sure your husband had a hand with the construction.
Mrs. I B:  Wanna bet?
Me:  Tell me about your older children.  I suppose your husband was a great help with they were growing up.
Mrs. I B:  Guess again, Bub.  You been wrong on everything so far.
 Me:  And you have how many children, Mrs. B?
Mrs. I B:  Gawd! I don’t know.  Must be forty or fifty by now.  Been married six years.
Me: Well, I’m sure you’re a very busy woman.  Tell me, does your husband have any hobbies?
 Mrs. I B:  Sings in a couple-a quartets.  Like I said, he’s a darn show-off.  Some of the young gals think he’s got a good voice.  They’re always doing a gig on top of some tree or other.
Me:  Is it true you spend the winters in the south?
Mrs. I B:  Yeah, that’s been kinda fun.  Don’t tell Mr. High-and-Mighty, but I met a Scarlet Tanager in Guatemala last winter and I think we may just get together again this year.
Me:  Mrs. Indigo Bunting!  I’m scandalized!
A crooked grin twisted her lips.  It was the first time she looked at all happy.
Me:  But surely nothing will come of such a romance, I mean, a blue (indigo) bird like you and a red bird like that…. That Scarlet Teenager.
Mrs. I B: That’s Tanager, Honey, not teenager.  And Hey!  Red and blue makes purple, right?  Where do you think Purple Martins come from?
Those Snow Birds!  You gotta watch them every minute when they’re away from Bad Medicine Lake.
Harv Johnson
With some help from Stan Tekiela, Field Guide to Birds of Minnesota.		 Male: Vibrant blue with scattered dark markings. 
Incubation: 12-13 days. Female incubates
Female:  All brown, no descriptive markings.
Nest: Cup, female builds, two broods per year
Fledglings:  3 – 4 per hatch.  Female feeds young.
Stan’s notes:  Male often sings from tree tops to attract mates
Bunting Migration:  Southern States and Central America.
Tanager migration: Central America
  NEWSLETTER MISSION STATEMENT

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

 Editor: Rose Andersen, Editorial Committee: Don Andersen, Mardy Dovre, Ed Klepprich, Jim and Linda Luttrell, Carole Olsen, Gary Narum and Judy Rooney.

 Bad Medicine Lake Area Foundation:

The east side phase of the Bad Medicine Lake Natural Shoreland Preservation Project is moving ahead quickly. This includes the Constans property, Christiansen’s Point, Larson’s Point, and the Nyquist property. At a recent meeting with the Minnesota DNR in Detroit Lakes we learned that the Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) grant is moving ahead much faster than anticipated. The grant has been given an official designation number by the DNR and the land appraisal process has begun. The DNR realty specialist attending that meeting projected a completion date for the east side phase within six months to a year if there are no serious complications.

About $205,000 in donations and pledges have already been raised by the Foundation for the project with individual contributions ranging from $1,000 to $50,000. There is still a need for more to be raised to complete the east side phase.

The restoration of Larson’s Point has advanced substantially. Last fall the Foundation received permission to remove the cabin and other structures from the point. In a massive community effort, volunteers came together on Labor Day weekend and days afterward to demolish and remove them. By the time ice came to the bay, all that remained were the foundation and some concrete work. This spring, just as the ice was leaving the lake, Len Thelen came with a track backhoe and broke up the foundation and concrete, pulled it together, buried it, and smoothed out the surface. The point is once again regaining its natural appearance. Hearty thanks are due to Len Thelen for donating part of his time and cost to the project and to all of the volunteers who worked so hard.  Before and after pictures are below. There still remains much to be done to protect and enhance our lake. The Foundation and the Minnesota DNR are beginning preparation of another RIM grant application for the west side of Bad Medicine Lake. Together with the east side phase this would protect over 1.6 miles of aquatic habitat.

On June 21st the Foundation hosted a presentation on natural shoreland preservation techniques emphasizing native vegetation and shoreland buffers. Buffer areas protect water quality, prevent erosion problems, reduce maintenance efforts, and provide wildlife habitat. It was given by Lindy Ekola, a DNR shoreland habitat specialist.   The main theme of the presentation was to help us develop natural lake front.  The formula to be followed is “Use 25% of the lakeshore for lake access, leave 75% natural.  Natural buffer should be 25 feet deep.

 

 

PERSONAL WATERCRAFT CONCERNS

 Operators of personal water craft should be aware of regulations regarding their use.  Unfortunately, along with the growth in the number of personal watercraft have come accidents and complaints from lake shore residents, other boaters and water recreation enthusiasts The following is directly quoted from the 2008 MN DNR Rules and Regulations Boating Guide.  For more information refer to www.state.MN.US/boating 

RIDE WITH PRIDE

Many water scooter accidents involve new and inexperienced riders who haven’t received adequate training.  If you or your family own a personal watercraft or are going to purchase one, be sure to ask the dealer to provide you with any safety information they may have for your craft.  All machines are supplied with an owner’s manual and many come equipped with a safety video.  Be sure everyone who operates the machine (including friends and guests) watches the video and reads the safety information and knows all the special laws that regulate personal watercraft before they are allowed to operate the scooter.

USE SOUND JUDGEMENT

Personal watercraft noise complaints are one of the most common types of calls received by water safety officials.   Although the sound emitted by water scooters is generally less than the legal noise limits for motorboats, the way that some people operate their machines causes a great deal of concern among other people on the lake.

Some personal watercraft riders tend to run their machines for long periods of time in a relatively small area.  Many of their neighbors find that having to listen to one or more water scooters buzzing around for several hours in front of their property is very disturbing.  In fact, the problem became so severe on one Minnesota lake; local authorities banned personal watercraft operation for more than 30 minutes in one area.

PROTECT YOUR RIDING PRIVILEGES

Water scooters can be safe and enjoyable as long as enthusiasts learn how to operate their machine carefully, become familiar with Minnesota’s personal watercraft laws and respect their neighbors’ peace and quiet by moving around the lake rather than operating in just one small area.  Personal watercraft riders will continue to be able to enjoy their sport without further regulation as long as they obey the laws and ride responsibly.  The law allows operation of personal watercraft only from 9:30 AM to one hour before sunset and shall be run at no-wake speed (5 mph or less) within 150 feet of docks, swim rafts, non-motorized boats and shoreline.

OFF HIGHWAY VEHICLES 

The Becker County OHV Committee charged with recommending policy for OHV use on County public lands was disbanded by the Becker County Board, as a result of what was generally considered ineffective facilitation. The Board has now postponed a decision to gather more input.

The White Earth State Forest Townships (Forest, Round Lake & Eagle View) are on record opposing any designated OHV trails within the Townships. The reasons for this position are; no enforcement resources, ineffective penalties, no provisions for road damage, weed control or emergency services and safety issues. Currently Township property owners are subsidizing this public recreation within the Township through the Township tax levy.
The MN Department of Natural Resources has released its Draft Forest Classification Plan and maps for the White Earth Unit of the West Central Forests.  The Draft Plan covers the White Earth State Forest and scattered DNR Forestry-administered forest lands in Becker, Clearwater, and Mahnomen Counties.  The draft plan provides the Department's recommendations on forest classification, forest road/trail designations, and Areas with Limitations on Off-trail and Non-designated Trail Use for the planning unit.
The Draft Plan and associated maps can be viewed at the following link:
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/input/mgmtplans/ohv/designation/status.html
Scroll down to the bottom of the table to see the information for the West Central Forests - North Unit.  The White Earth Unit documentation is found over to the right in column 5.
The DNR will hold a meeting to receive public comment.  Details for the meeting are:
WHEN:  Tuesday, July 15 2008, 6:00 to 8:30 p.m., Mahnomen High School, 209 First Street SW, Mahnomen, MN
DNR’s Planning Team and Area Staff familiar with the White Earth State Forest, and scattered state forest lands in the planning unit, will be attending.  Staff from Becker, Clearwater, and Mahnomen County Land Departments and White Earth Natural Resources will also be present.

The Department will accept written comments thru 4:30 PM on July 25, 2008.  Comments may be sent to the attention of:

Bill Johnson, Planner, MnDNR Division of Trails & Waterways, Box 52, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN  55155
Email comments may be directed to:  whiteearthunit@dnr.state.mn.us.

 

BML STATISTICS

Ice on 2007 – December 1, Water level 1598.53 feet MSL

Ice out 2008 – May 9, Water level 1599.05 feet MSL

Ice on 2006 – December 2, Water level 1598.53 feet MSL

Ice out 2007 – April 25, Water level 1598.95 feet MSL

Record High Water Level, 1600.77, July 10, 2002

Ordinary High Water Mark, 1594.86

Natural Basin Run out Elevation. 1608.3

ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY

BMLAA adopted a stretch of County Road 37 for twice a year clean up.  A sign marks our two-and-a-half mile area that runs from Red Top Road to 113.  Spring cleanup was scheduled for April 26 but had to be postponed because of blizzard conditions.  Only in Minnesota would we have blizzard conditions the end of April.  On May 5 ten people reported for the cleanup.  A big thank you to all!!!

COLA – COALITION OF LAKES ASSOCIATION

All members of the BMLAA are also enrolled in COLA as part of their dues.  This Association is dedicated to protect and improve the water quality of our lakes. 

The Becker County COLA group meets the second Thursday of the month at 6:30 at the Detroit Lakes Technical College, a program is provided at each meeting.  Everyone is invited to attend.  The May meeting was on lake testing. Bad Medicine has been selected to be tested again this year.  You can review a history of tests at www.rbmel.info. 

The June 12 meeting was on septic systems.  There is a formula to calculate pumping frequency which was available at the BMLAA annual meeting or can be obtained by mail.  Contact your COLA representative Ed Klepperich, 573-3869 for more information.  Website for COLA is www.mnlakes.org/beckercola  

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

TAMARAC NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Join Friends of Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, a group that provides volunteer and financial support to the refuge.  Members facilitate activities and programs that interpret, protect and restore the resources of the refuge.  Information about events and programs, educational and interpretive information, wildlife sightings and resources and photo collections are available on their website www.tamaracfriends.org or by calling 218-847-2641

ITASCA STATE PARK

We contacted Park staff to inquire about volunteer opportunities at Itasca State Park. Specific jobs were not available at that time but we will receive an e-mail when help is needed.  They will send a weekly calendar of events in the park that we will also circulate. This information will be forwarded through Ray Vlasak’s e-mail list.  More information is available at www.mnstateparks.info 

 

PUBLIC ACCESS

MN DOT owns our Public Access, but has signed a memorandum of understanding with the DNR to maintain the area.  That means that the DNR will contract to have the grass mowed and has provided a portable toilet and its maintenance.   MN DOT removed the outhouse.  We have permission from MN DOT and the DNR to have our volunteers repair the rockwork on the sign and plant some trees along the lake shore.

 WELL WATER TESTING – Gary Narum

The Minnesota Department of Health recommends that “At a minimum, private wells should be tested for coliform bacteria once a year and for nitrate every two to three years.” Testing should be done by a state certified water testing laboratory.  Becker County has one “contract lab” for private well testing: RMB Environmental Laboratories, 22796 County Highway 6, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501, 218-846-1465.  Water has to arrive at the lab in a sterile container.  RMB prefers that you use one of theirs.  Pick one up or call the laboratory and they will send you a container along with instructions. The charge for testing for both coliform bacteria and nitrate is $30.  Minnesota Department of Health has a “WELL OWNER’S HANDBOOK:  A Consumer’s Guide to Water Wells” on its website.   http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/wells/construction/handbook.pdf This handbook is helpful to anyone constructing or maintaining a well.    The Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s website also addresses “drinking water testing.”  http://www.mda.state.mn.us/licensing/watertesting/default.htm

ORDINARY HIGH WATER MARK VOTE

The question on the ballot stated: “Should the county proceed with public hearings in order to change the “Regulatory” water mark on Bad Medicine Lake?”  As of June 22 the preliminary results are:  yes 60, no 52.

FISHING AND SPRING 2008–Steve Lindow

DNR stocking: Fall 2007 – 21,150 walleyes (580 pounds)

4,000 rainbow trout (4,000 pounds)

Spring 2008 – 12,000 rainbow trout (6,000 pounds)

Way to go, DNR! We now are getting good stocking numbers of walleyes.  Encourage release of walleyes under 15-16 inches.  Smallmouth bass doing fine, OK to keep smaller bass – release larger. 

Sunfish seem to be coming back in lake, please release larger sunnies to encourage continued population growth.

WATER QUALITY – Ed Strohmeir

Secchi Disc
6-8    35 feet

6-15   38 feet

Ray Vlasak – different location:

5-21   25 feet

6-4    42 feet

6-9    40 feet       OUTSTANDING!!!!

PROTECTING THE LOONS OF BAD MEDICINE LAKE  - Kjersten Skatvold

 Picture our lake without the haunting, mournful call and dignified presence of the common loon. The common loon is still found in most of Alaska and Canada in greatest abundance. However, the common loon’s numbers and range have decreased in the lower 48 states according to statistics from MN DNR.  There are an estimated 15,000 loons in the Upper Great Lakes States of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan.  This estimated total includes nearly three-quarters of the loon population outside of Alaska.

Research from the Wisconsin Loon Watch, suggests that loon populations in Michigan and Wisconsin have rebounded from drastic declines earlier in this century and the loon population in Minnesota is still thriving,.  But many threats to the common loon remain; the main threat of disappearance to the common loon is human activity.  The developmental boom in recent years of shorelines and islands for summer homes, campgrounds and marinas has destroyed traditional nesting areas.  Early spring disturbances during the nesting and after the chicks have hatched can drastically reduce or wipe out loon populations.

Currently, Bad Medicine Lake does not have a program in place for protecting our state bird.  Our neighbor to the southeast, Big Mantrap Lake, established a loon nesting program in 1990.  The program began using rafts designed for loon nesting by the MN DNR.  The lake association identified eighteen nesting sites.  Each spring, the rafts are set out before next nesting period and then taken in three weeks after the chicks have hatched.  The lake association states from their website that there is no guarantee that the loons will use the rafts; however, they do continue to set out seventeen to eighteen rafts each spring.

Useful steps can be taken by Bad Medicine homeowners to respect the common loon.  Wisconsin Loon Watch suggests the following seven steps to protect the loon:

Be sure to spread the word about these issues to your friends and family visiting Bad Medicine Lake this summer.  Protective attitudes will ensure a long existence of the common loon on our lake for years to come.

 BAD MEDICINE LAKE BOOK CLUB – Marlys Johnson

 The Bad Medicine Lake Book Club has been meeting in member’s homes for about twelve years at 1:30 on the third Tuesday of the month.  The word “members” is used, but does not imply that attendees have raised their right hands and were sworn in.  Over the years as many as twenty-five people have attended, with never more than eighteen at any time and as few as five or six at some winter meetings.  About two-thirds of the members are women, a majority necessary to balance the strident men. Most members live near the lake, but anyone may come, enjoy the discussion and pig out on the lunch provided.  The group does not meet in July or December.

We have read about 100 books, almost equally divided between fiction and non-fiction.  Members have equal chances to make selections, often a book that has been read by the selector, but some chosen from published lists.  A number of books have been very well received by all members, and a few were universally disliked.  A common feeling among members is that they have been glad to read something they would not normally have chosen, and that’s one of the best reasons for being in the group.

May, Three Cups of Tea by Mortenson, discussion led by Alice Hagen

June, The Milligan by Jorgenson, Meet at Hagens

August An Incomplete Revenge by Winspear, Meet at Sangers

September, TBA, Meet at Strohmeyers

October, A Tale of Two Cities, Dickens, led by Isabel Johnson,

For information on dates, places and books call Marlys Johnson, 573-3732.

A few of the one hundred books is given as a sample of the things we have been reading: Wuthering Heights, Emily Bronte; Robinson Crusoe, Defoe; Love in the Driest Season, Tucker; Marley and Me, Grogan; The March, Doctorow; Devil in the White City, Larson; The Shipping News, Proulx; Gilead, Robinson; The Widow of the South, Hicks; Inside the Kingdom, Bin Laden; History..Six Glasses, Standage; The Untamed Land, Snelling; Waiting for White Horses, Jorgenson; Hill Country, Windl; The Good Earth, Buck; Angle of Repose, Stegner; Curious Incident..Night, Haddon; Bold Spirit, Snelling; Team of Rivals, Goodwin; The Fountainhead, Rand, Fantasies, McDonald; Return of the Native, Hardy; The World Without Us, Swanson; The Davinci Code, Brown; Rise of Theodore Roosevelt, Morris; Three Cups of Tea, Mortenson/Relin.

HISTORY OF THE LARSON PROPERTY
David Hagen, G. Paul Larson’s son-in-law

    The Larson property is the oldest property on the East Side of Bad Medicine Lake. It was developed and built by C.G. Lindquist of Fergus Falls in the early 30’s. He was an oil dealer in Fergus. He named the area Shangri La evidently after the fictional novel in 1933 called Lost Horizons which pictured a virtual paradise.  The Larsons have an early aerial photo of the lake area around ‘Shangri La’ with early characteristics of the lake.  In it he states the nearest neighbor on the East side of the lake is a farmer 4 miles distant. He does say someone lives on the West side. The photo shows the low elevation of the lake in the 30’s making that peninsula a beautiful place to vacation.

    Elmer G.  Larson purchased the property from Mr. Lindquist in 1961 and added a second story addition for bedroom space as well as a living room with a basement area to the west.  Pastor Larson and his wife, Louella made this their summer home for 25 years after his retirement from Grace Lutheran Church in Ada. While settling his estate in the 70’s, he transferred ownership of the property to his son G. Paul Larson.  As the water continued to rise in the lake, he spent summers for several years picking rocks at roadways to place around the property and then filled it with countless numbers of loads of fill from John Racer. However the water continued to rise until the road was inundated and the well covered with lake water, making the cabin inaccessible.

    G. Paul agreed with the Foundation that they could proceed to dismantle and remove the buildings from the property in June of 2007 and a volunteer crew was put together of Lake residents in September of 2007 to accomplish that purpose. The foundation and basement walls were removed in May, 2008, with restoration completed at that time.

 

Bad Medicine Lake Area Association
Jim Luttrell
39124 Horseshoe Road
Ponsford MN 56575

 

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