White Iron Chain Of Lakes Association

Location; Kawishiwi Ranger Station, at the picnic table outside the building (there will be a tent & signs set up at that site). Participants are asked to register online for the event at www.StarryTrek.org

Volunteers from across Minnesota are needed on Saturday, August 17 to participate in a statewide search for starry stonewort, one of Minnesota’s newest aquatic invasive species. Hundreds of volunteers will gather at local training sites statewide to learn how to identify starry stonewort and other aquatic invasive species and search for them in area lakes.

Starry stonewort is an invasive algae that was first found in Minnesota at Lake Koronis in 2015 and has since spread to fourteen Minnesota lakes. Early detection of this species is critical for control. Starry Trek volunteers have found starry stonewort in two lakes – Grand Lake in Stearns County and Wolf Lake at the Hubbard/Beltrami County border – as well as other aquatic invasive species like Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussels during this event.

The 2017 discovery of starry stonewort in Grand Lake led to the lake association and Minnesota DNR rapidly mobilizing to hand-pull the infestation. This early intervention has widely been considered a success, with starry stonewort continuing to be limited to the small area near the public access where it was initially discovered.

“This event is a terrific way for people to get outdoors, get educated about aquatic invasive species, and help protect their area lakes,” said Megan Weber, Extension Educator with the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center. “The information we gain at this event helps researchers and managers understand its current distribution and potentially take action if new infestations are found.”

No experience or equipment is necessary to participate in Starry Trek. Expert training on monitoring protocols and starry stonewort identification will be provided on-site. This event is free, but registration is requested. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

“We’re delighted to be partnering with the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center for this event,” said Sonja Smerud, AIS Coordinator, Lake County SWCD. “Protecting our lakes for future generations is really important to us all, and we want to do make sure we’re doing the best we can to prevent the introduction and spread of AIS.”

There are currently 27 local training sites committed around the state, including one in Fall Lake Township, Lake County, Minnesota.

Again, our local rendezvous site will be at the Kawishiwi Ranger Station, at the picnic table outside the building (there will be a tent & signs set up at that site). Participants are asked to register online for the event at www.StarryTrek.org 

Volunteers will meet at their local site for training, then will be sent to nearby public water accesses to check for starry stonewort. At the end of the day, they’ll return to the local training site to report their findings. For a full list of the sites and other FAQs, please visit www.StarryTrek.org.

The Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center works across the state to develop research-based solutions that can reduce the impacts of aquatic invasive. A portion of the funding for this program is provided by the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. Learn more at www.maisrc.umn.edu.

For statewide information, contact:

Megan Weber, Extension Educator

Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

763-767-3874

For local information, contact:

Sonja Smerud

Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD)

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(218) 834-8513

West Nile virus has been confirmed in two dead loons; suspected in others.

By Tony Kennedy Star Tribune JULY 18, 2019

Arrowhead Lake in Britt, Minn., is home to the Laurentian Environmental Center, where plenty of nature lovers watch the comings and goings of the lake’s nesting pair of loons.

When one of the adult birds died last month, citizen-scientist Sherry Abts of Ely heeded a call to investigate. She paddled out in a kayak to find the remaining adult loon acting strangely. It died within days, despite no visible signs of injury.

Those deaths and six to eight other reports of loons dying this year in St. Louis County have state wildlife officials slightly on guard. Starting this week, the Department of Natural Resources is encouraging lake observers to report unusual loon mortality.

West Nile virus — which isn’t new or preventable — is to blame for at least three of the deaths so far, an expert at the University of Minnesota said Wednesday.

“There seem to be more calls than we normally get of loons dying off,” said Gaea Crozier, a nongame wildlife specialist for the DNR in Grand Rapids. “It’s enough that we’re starting to wonder if there is something going on that we should be concerned about.”

Crozier said the slight uptick in reported loon deaths in May and June has somewhat subsided. But lake residents and other loon watchers are being asked to contact the agency if they see several birds dying on a single lake. West Nile virus in loons can’t be treated, but knowing the cause of death can help rule out other, preventable causes of death, she said.

In addition to hearing about the two loon deaths on Arrowhead Lake, Crozier has received reports of loons dying on lakes around Biwabik, Eveleth, Ely and Hibbing.

Abts and friends from a group known as Ely Field Naturalists collected four of the dead loons on their own and had them delivered for testing last month to the University of Minnesota’s Veterinary Diagnostics Lab in St. Paul. One of the birds, recovered from a nest on Snowbank Lake near Ely, was skeletal, and couldn’t be tested.

Dr. Arno Wuenschmann at the University of Minnesota said the state Department of Health has concurred with his finding that the other three birds died from rapid disease that developed from West Nile, a virus carried by mosquitoes. One of the tested birds was found on Bass Lake in Biwabik.

“I’m not completely shocked,” Wuenschmann said.

Confirmation of the disease in loons is rare, partly because the birds have dense bones that cause them to sink when they die on a lake. Other carcasses are quickly picked apart by scavengers. But 14 years ago, Wuenschmann confirmed that an entire family of four loons had died after being infected by West Nile virus on Sandy Lake near Zimmerman.

He said the virus seems to kill loons quickly, just as it attacks crows, northern owls and other birds.

Crozier said another threat to loons in Minnesota is discarded fishing tackle. Pieces made of poisonous lead are sometimes eaten by the birds. But in the big picture, the DNR said, Minnesota’s loon population has been holding steady at about 12,000 birds.

Still, the DNR is now asking lake watchers who observe two or more dead loons on a single lake with no obvious injury or cause of death to contact the agency for tracking and possible testing. Specimens can’t be tested unless they are preserved and in good condition.

By Kelli Saunders, published July 10^th, 2019  (minor editing for style)

Everyone lives in a watershed and we live in what’s called the Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed, a massive basin, with its beginnings (called headwaters) only a short distance west of Lake Superior. A watershed is like a bathtub or catch basin, defined by high points and ridgelines that descend into lower elevations and stream valleys. A watershed carries water that is “shed” from the land after rain falls and snow melts. Drop by drop, water is channeled into the soils, groundwater, creeks and streams, making its way to larger rivers, lakes and eventually, the sea. Water interacts with all that it comes in contact with – the land it traverses and the soils through which it travels. Most importantly, what we do to the land and air affects water quality for all communities living downstream from us.

The Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed is 69,750 sq. km, roughly 400 km east to west and 260 km north to south. About 41% of the watershed is in the U.S. and 59% is in Canada. If you’ve travelled to Atikokan or Upsala in Ontario or Ely or Cook in Minnesota, you were still in our watershed. If you’ve paddled the Turtle River in Ontario or fished in Vermilion Lake in Minnesota, you were still in our watershed. Approximately 14% of the watershed is open water; where there is land, 93% is covered by forest or grassland, and much of that is within provincial parks and national forests. Only 6.4% of the land base is agricultural, mostly found in the lower Rainy River area.

In our watershed, all the water flows towards either the Rainy River or Lake of the Woods, funnels into the Winnipeg River at Kenora and eventually reaches Lake Winnipeg. About 70% of the water that flows into Lake of the Woods comes directly from the Rainy River, which, of course, is half in Canada and half in the U.S. This truly makes our watershed unique – water knows no boundaries. As demonstrated naturally here, although the water comes from two countries, it meets up in one common place – right here in Kenora where our outlets steer it off to travel into another province to yet again mingle with new water.

Kelli Saunders, M.Sc., is the International Watershed Coordinator with the Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation.

Enjoying Minnesota’s lakes and rivers by boat or canoe is a wonderful privilege. That privilege comes with serious responsibilities. Fun boating is safe boating, so please follow the Minnesota DNR Boating Guidelines and contact the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) with any questions you may have.

NAVIGATION RULES

Passing

• When overtaking another watercraft going in the same direction, the craft being overtaken must maintain course and speed.
• The passing watercraft must keep a sufficient distance to avoid collision or endangering the other craft from its wake.

Meeting

• When two watercraft approach each other “head-on,” each must alter course to the right to avoid collision.
• If the two watercraft are far enough to the left of each other, no change in direction is needed for safe passage. Both watercraft will maintain their course and speed to pass clear of each other.
• Keep to the right in narrow channels.

Crossing

• If two watercraft approach each other at a right angle, the watercraft to the right shall have the right-of-way.

Nonmotorized Craft

• Nonmotorized craft (sailboats, canoes, etc.) have the right-of-way over motorized craft in all situations, except when the nonmotorized craft is overtaking or passing.

Come Visit Us at the Blueberry Arts Festival.

Come by the WICOLA Booth (#172) to visit, check out the AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species) materials, learn how to protect our lakes, and enter the “guess the number of Rusty Crayfish” contest to win a special prize. WICOLA members and representatives from partner organizations will be at the booth to answer questions, to provide updates on AIS in Northern MN and to share AIS prevention information.

Come Volunteer at the Blueberry Arts Festival.

Thinking about becoming more involved in WICOLA and our Chain of Lakes?

You can have a fun and meet a lot of people in just a couple of hours. Consider volunteering at the WICOLA Booth where you will be teamed with experienced members and representatives from partner organizations. You select the days and times you would like. If interested, contact Mary Setterholm; 612-741-8761 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

St. Louis County Planning and Community Development Department will be hosting informational open house meetings to discuss proposed Short Term (Vacation Home) Rental permitting standards. Public input received during development of the St. Louis County Comprehensive Land Use Plan was strongly in support of looking at ways to improve the regulation of short term rentals. St. Louis County has important roles impacting the short term rental market in land use administration, property classification and assessment, and on-site sewage treatment compliance. Please join them to discuss and provide feedback on the proposed short term rental permitting process.

Locations and Dates

• Tuesday, July 9, 2019  
  Open House 4-7 pm
  St. Louis County Public Works Building
  Lower Level Training Room
  7823 Highway 135 
  Virginia, MN 55792
• Wednesday, July 10, 2019  
  Open House 4-7 pm
  Rice Lake City Hall   
  4107 W Beyer Road 
  Duluth, MN 55803

If you have any questions about the Short Term (Vacation Home) Rentals for the upcoming open house meeting, please contact: Jenny Bourbonais, Planning Manager, Land Use Division (218) 749-0629, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Click on the links for more information from St. Louis County; Vacation Home Rentals and Comprehensive Land Use Plan

Also please see the WICOLA Spring Newsletter (Page 3) on this subject; 2019 WICOLA Spring Newsletter

Fire is a natural element to the health of our boreal forest.

There will be four FREE events at the Ely Senior Center on July 15, July 29, August 12, and August 26^th on various aspects of this subject.  Learn how the past, present and the future of Minnesota’s forest has, is, and will be affected by fire. How and what can we do, as landowners, to promote forest health AND live safely with fire.  The session on Fire and Water will be informative for WICOLA shoreline owners. 

Of special interest to pet owners, the presentation on July 29th will be on Pet Evacuation.  The St. Louis County “Pet Sheltering Trailer” will also be on display.

Flyer PDF; SpeakerSeriesflyer_final-2

As part of the ongoing project to recommend water quality objectives and alert levels for the boundary waters of the Rainy-Lake of the Woods watershed, the second series of public meetings are planned for July 8 by the International Joint Commission.  These sessions are an opportunity to hear perspectives from the public on aquatic ecosystem health

The IJC’s Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Board launched a project this year to develop recommendations for water quality and aquatic ecosystem health Objectives and Alerts (advisory triggers) for the Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed.  They would like to hear from you on your perspectives and expectations for aquatic ecosystem health in this basin.  For an explanation of how Objectives and Alerts are used in boundary waters, please go to: https://ijc.org/en/rlwwb/water-quality-objectives-and-alerts.

Please consider attending one of these public sessions:

• Our Public Workshop on Monday, July 8 at 2:30 – 4:00 pm at the Clarion Lakeside Inn (immediately following the LOWDSA Summer Meeting)
• A Community Conversation on the evening of Monday, July 8 from 6:30-8:00 pm at the Clarion Lakeside Inn for those who are unable to attend the workshop.

Clarion Inn Lakeside and Conference Centre overlooks Lake of the Woods located at 470 1st Avenue South, Kenora, ON, Canada, P9N 1W5

If you would like to attend any of these events, please call or send an email to the Project Coordinator, Kelli Saunders at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (807) 548-8002 to secure a spot!

Do you see loons and want to help advance the study of loons?  Fortunately, Ely has Sherry Abts, Loon Ranger.  She has been working to fill a void in the DNR official Loon Watcher Program that has been cancelled.

On March 1^st, the DNR officially cancelled the Loon Watcher Program (attached).   The Minnesota Loon Watcher Survey began in 1979 and has grown to covering 350 to 400 lakes with over 300 volunteers.   The DNR plans to spend time re-evaluating the program and relaunch the program in the future.

Sherry has been a citizen scientist volunteer since 1993. She has worked with loon experts such as Dr. David Evers, Dr.  James Paruk, Dr. Jay Mager, USGS Kevin Kenow, and Erica LeMoine.   Sherry has assisted with loon research on 3 Earthwatch projects, (Seney Wildlife Refuge, Michigan and Lake Jocassee, SC, loon wintering area).  Sherry has assisted with night captures and gathered data on 14 lakes in Oconto County Wisconsin for 10 years under the LOONWATCH program. She also leads local Ely area Loon Observations in Ely, MN. She has given over 20 presentations.

Sherry Abts has developed a local loon watch program here in Ely with a form to use to record your observations.  She has provided training and background at our WICOLA April Spring Meeting, in May at the Ely Tuesday Group, and will conduct another training session June 5^th at the VCC, classroom 104.  This is the Ely Field Naturalist Program.  Please feel free to contact Sherry with any questions about loons or our new Ely area 2019 Loon Ranger Observation sheet. 

The attached Loon Observation PDF contains the form to use to record your observations through 2019 at your home, cabin, or any favorite lake.  If you need a paper form, please contact Sherry, her email and address are in the Observations attachment.   Please help keep building data on loon populations, nesting, and behavior. 

Sherry has some good tips on observing loons in the Observation attachment and in the attached “Loons In May” newsletter.

Loon-watch-cancelled

Ely-Area-Loon-Observations

Loons-in-May

Free event on the UMD Campus!

See 2013 CNN Hero of the Year Chad Pregracke
speak about how one person can make a substantial difference in the world!

Friday, May 17 at 6:30 p.m.

Kirby Ballroom

Chad Pregracke is nationally and internationally recognized for his work on cleaning up the environment. When he was a teenager he started working as a Commercial Shell Diver and witnessed firsthand the distressed condition of the Mississippi River only 30 feet from his family's home.

He established the Living Lands & Waters non-profit in 1998 and since then, more than 10 million pounds of garbage have been removed from waterways by Chad, his crew, and more than 100,000 volunteers. They have held almost 1,100 river clean-ups on 23 rivers in 20 states. Over one million trees have also been planted through the MillionTreesProject, started in 2007.

Chad is speaking at UMD as the keynote presenter for the 2019 Lake Superior Youth Symposium and the public is invited to join in this inspirational and educational event.

Event is free of charge. No reservation or tickets required. If you need disability accommodations, contact Amy Kireta at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 218-726-7409.

The event is presented with support from these major sponsors:

• Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• Swenson College of Science & Engineering
• Living Lands & Waters

Free parking in Pay Lot G or Lot A (Planetarium entrance, just go up 1 flight of stairs and down long hall to the Kirby Student Center- Ballroom is on 3rd floor)

It has been reported to the DNR for White Iron Lake & the Entire Chain; “Ice out on April 28, 2019”.

Much of White Iron has been Ice free since the 24^th with stubborn Ice remaining near Silver Rapids. White Iron Lake is not called ice free until it is clear from the Silver Rapids Bridge across to the public landing across the lake on Pine Road.

For those that may be wondering how this year compares to previous years, Ice Out for dates for previous years for WICOL are as follows;

2019    April28^th

2018    May 7^th

2017    April 14^th

2016    April 20^th

2015    April 17^th

2014    May 12^th

2013    May 14^th

2012    March 25^th

2011    April 29^th

Let's go fishing, boating and canoeing while enjoying and preserving these wonderful waters we call “The White Iron Chain of Lakes”.

The following link provides some additional information from the DNR web site that reports the Earliest, Latest and Median dates that you may also find of interest.

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/ice_out/index.html

WICOLA is excited to announce the release of the 2018 Water Quality Report which analyzes ten years of water monitoring on our four-lake chain.  The report highlights each lake and the entire chain’s water quality trends and makes recommendations for future steps to protect the water.  You can find the report under the Resources Tab on WICOLA’s website or by clicking this link; WICOLA 2018 Water Quality Report.  The report was made possible by the WICOLA water monitoring volunteers who, since 1993, have diligently donated their time to ensure WICOLA’s water monitoring program.

White Iron Lake

The ice is starting to go! These pictures were taken on April 18th and 20th at the White Iron mid-lake narrows. An otter was also out on the lake taking advantage of the open water. He was observed swimming under the ice and then surfacing with food.

If you were not at WICOLA’s spring meeting on April 6^th, you missed a high energy presentation from Sherry Abts on loon behavior, migration, and many other fascinating facts.  The 33 members and guests who were at Veterans on the Lake, enjoyed loon calls, photos, and heard about the latest in loon research.  Sherry is organizing a local loon monitoring program this summer so check back with the WICOLA’s website for more information on the program as it becomes available.

Don’t miss the WICOLA annual meeting, August 1^st at the Grand Ely Lodge.

The WICOLA Spring Rendezvous is on Saturday, April 6, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at Veterans On the Lake Resort.  If you are in the area or within driving distance, please join us for coffee and refreshments and a very engaging program. There is no pre-registration or cost for the event. We encourage you to bring friends and neighbors interested in joining WICOLA.

Our program speaker will be Sherry Abts. Sherry will provide 2018 loon breeding season data for our area lakes. She will also give us an update on the BP Oil Spill funding for "loon restoration & lead tackle replacement”. Additionally Sherry will provide training for the 2019 MN DNR Loonwatch survey. Finally, as time allows, she will handle questions and MC your loon stories.

Have you renewed your 2018 WICOLA membership? If not, we hope that you will continue to be part of our active lake association and help us accomplish our many priorities for 2018. If you have already submitted your membership, thank you.

Veterans On the Lake Resort

161 Fernberg Rd

Ely, MN 55731, USA

Trees help reduce erosion, protect water quality, increase energy conservation, improve wildlife habitat and may increase the value of your property.

Each year both the St. Louis County and Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District sells trees and shrubs, both conifers and deciduous types. Orders are taken beginning in January each year with tree pickup dates in May. For more information on the Annual Tree Sales including Order Forms,

North St. Louis County

- Order Deadline: Monday, May 6, 2019

- Pickup Days: Thursday, May 9, 2019 (9:00 am – 3:30 pm) & Friday, May 10 (9:00 am to 6:30 pm)

- Pickup Location: DNR Loading Dock, 7979 MN Hwy 37, Eveleth (Near intersection of MN 37 and US 53)

https://www.nslswcd.org/programs-services/annual-tree-sale/

Lake County

- Order Deadline: Friday, April 19^th, 2019.

- Pickup Day; Friday, May 10th, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

- Pickup Location: Lake County SWCD office (behind building, in front of garage) 408 First Avenue, Two Harbors.

http://www.co.lake.mn.us/departments/soil_and_water_conservation_district/tree_sale.php

Frequently Asked Tree Sale Questions

When do I need to plant the trees?
Ideally, as soon as you get them to your land. Realistically, plant within days. Much past a week after pickup is pushing it. The trees need to be tended to daily, so it will be easier on you and the trees if you can plant them quickly.

How do I store my trees until I plant them?

Find a cool, shaded spot of earth next to something you can lean the trees against. Set the roots directly on the ground, wrap the outside of the roots in burlap or an old bath towel, and water multiple times a day. Keep the roots and their wrapping wet, as you do not want the roots to dry out. Do not submerge roots in a bucket of water as they will drown. 

How big are the trees? Should I pick them up in a trailer?

No, most of the trees will easily fit in a car.  Look at the order form for the heights of the trees you are purchasing.  We wrap the roots in a bag so your car doesn't get dirty.

Can I order less than a bundle?

Unfortunately we can't break down the bundles. However, you might have a friend or neighbor that would like to split a bundle with you.

What if I can't pick up my trees on the assigned days?

Then you'll need to find someone to pick them up for you. We aren't able to care for the trees after the pickup day.

Will the deer eat my trees?

If they're hungry enough, we've all seen what deer can do to any plant. If deer are a problem in your area, you can build simple cages or put fences up around your trees.

Concerned citizens will meet with legislators and rally to protect Minnesota's water.

Registration is open for Water Action Day 2018!

Water Action Day is a day of public action and advocacy to let lawmakers know Minnesotans care about their water.

The all-day event will include a free breakfast and briefings in the morning, both on how to actively engage and influence legislators and on the water issues Minnesota faces.

Throughout the day, attendees can attend group meetings, meet with legislators to ask them to protect our water, attend important hearings on our bills, participate in a youth summit, and join the Clean Water Rally that will be held in the Capitol Rotunda at 2:00 pm.

Sign up today and find out how you can participate!

Come for all or part of the day!

Schedule

• Free breakfast at home base (church basement): 8-10 a.m.
• Citizen lobbying & policy basics (repeating sessions) 8:30 a.m. – Noon
• Drop-in policy briefings (multiple topics): 9 a.m. – Noon
• Meetings with your legislators: throughout the day
• Free lunch at home base: 11 a.m.-1 p.m
• (NEW): Environmental Town Hall with key state leaders: time TBD
• Water film screening (film TBD): 12:30-1:45 p.m.
• Youth Summit with Walz Administration: time TBD
• #ProtectOurWater Rally in the Rotunda: 2 p.m.
• Committee hearings on key water legislation: time TBD

Location

Minnesota State Capitol & Christ Lutheran Church

105 University Ave W.

St. Paul, MN 55103

Loons could retreat into Canada, leaving Minnesota for good by 2080, if climate change continues to deteriorate the birds’ habitat in the state.

Tamarac wildlife biologist Wayne Brininger says climate change has happened gradually for millions of years, and plants and animals have been able to adapt to the slow changes. The problem is that habitats are beginning to change faster as climate change happens faster, and the flora and fauna can’t keep up.

According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website, the state just keeps getting warmer and is receiving more precipitation. This precipitation seems to come in “hundred year flood events” and then completely stops, causing flooding and then drought, neither of which are friendly to area wildlife. Minnesota’s average temperatures have warmed 2.9 degrees (Fahrenheit) between 1895 and 2017 and the state now gets an average of 3.4 more inches of precipitation, though the most dramatic changes have happened in the last several decades and are expected to continue.

Rob Baden, Detroit Lakes DNR wildlife manager, says many studies are showing that the state is experiencing more extreme precipitation events and droughts, as well as winter freeze-thaw patterns. He says numerous species in the area, including deer, walleyes, ticks, turkeys, pheasants, snowshoe hares, and others as well as a number of plant species, could be affected by these changes.

As the DNR and Tamarac wildlife scientists study these changes in climate, they are also trying to figure out ways to counteract their effects and maintain habitat balance for the wildlife here. Two of the biggest ways they’re looking to do that is by diversifying plants and finding ways to maintain water levels.

“We’re trying to diversify the forests a little bit more and...we’re picking species to replant that tolerate the dryer conditions,” said Baden, though he adds that it’s more complicated than that. There are many factors that go into picking certain seed mixes to plant, so they don’t “put all their eggs in one basket” with one single species.

Adding control structures to lakes to maintain water levels is another way the DNR is counteracting some of these changes, but Baden admits they have a ways to go and, while their actions are based on science, he says it’s not exact.

For more information on how climate change is affecting the state and ways the DNR is working to counteract that change, people can visit; 

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/climate_change_info/index.html

As the first major snows of the season arrive, Minnesotans are thinking about clearing snow and ice from pavement — sometimes with salt. But when the snow melts, de-icing salt, which contains chloride, runs into nearby bodies of water and harms aquatic wildlife.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) recommends a low-salt diet for our lakes, streams, and rivers. Much like table salt, rock salt’s benefits are peppered with danger. Chloride accumulates in the water over time, and there’s no feasible way to treat or remove it. It only takes a teaspoon of salt to permanently pollute five gallons of water. To date, the MPCA has found Forty-seven bodies of water in Minnesota that have tested above the standard for chloride.

Though no environmentally safe, effective, and inexpensive alternatives to salt are yet available, smart salting strategies can help reduce chloride pollution in state waters, while saving money and limiting salt damage. You might think more salt means more melting and safer conditions, but it’s not true! Salt will effectively remove snow and ice if it’s scattered so that the salt grains are about three inches apart. A coffee mug full of salt (about 12 ounces) is all you need for a 20-foot driveway or 10 sidewalk squares (roughly 1,000 square feet).

Do your part by following these nine simple tips:

• Shovel. The more snow and ice you remove manually, the less salt you will have to use and the more effective it can be.
• 15 degrees (F) is too cold for salt. Most salts stop working at this temperature. Use sand instead for traction, but remember that sand does not melt ice.
• Slow down. Drive for the conditions and make sure to give plow drivers plenty of space to do their work. Consider purchasing winter (snow) tires.
• Apply less. More salt does not mean more melting. Use less than four pounds of salt per 1,000 square feet. One pound of salt is approximately a heaping 12-ounce coffee mug. Leave about a three-inch space between granules. Consider purchasing a hand-held spreader to help you apply a consistent amount.
• Sweep up extra. If salt or sand is visible on dry pavement it is no longer doing any work and will be washed away. Use this salt or sand somewhere else or throw it away.
• Hire a certified Smart Salting contractor. Visit the MPCA web site for a list of winter maintenance professionals specifically trained in limiting salt use.
• Watch a video. Produced by the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization, it offers tools for environmentally friendly snow and ice removal.
• Act locally. Support local and state winter maintenance crews in their efforts to reduce their salt use.
• Promote smart salting. Work together with local government, businesses, schools, churches, and nonprofits to find ways to reduce salt use in your community.

Learn more on the MPCA's website.

The mission of the MPCA is to protect and improve the environment and enhance human health.
www.pca.state.mn.us • Toll-free and TDD 800-657-3864 

We hope that you will renew your WICOLA membership or join WICOLA as a new member to be part of our active lake association and help us accomplish our many goals. If you have already submitted your membership for 2019, THANK YOU.

Belonging to WICOLA gives you the opportunity to participate in helping to secure a healthy future for our lakes. Your renewal / new membership and any additional donations assure the continued ability of our organization to be a respected and active voice for healthy water in the Rainy River Watershed.

You can join / renew your membership Online and remit by Credit Card or PayPal,

Or Just Click on the Membership Tab above, “Membership-Online”.

If you prefer, you can print this page (print icon upper left), cut out and complete the Membership Form, and return with your check to; WICOLA, PO Box 493, Ely, MN 55731

Or Click on the Membership Tab above, “Membership-Printable Form”, Application Form,

View or Download