White Iron Chain Of Lakes Association

Several WICOLA Board members report Lake Ice Observations to the Minnesota DNR. Their observations will occasionally be posted here as a reference to WICOLA members.

Remember, there really is no sure answer as to when Ice is safe. You can't judge the strength of ice just by its appearance, age, thickness, temperature, or whether or not the ice is covered with snow. Strength is based on all these factors -- plus the depth of water under the ice, size of the water body, currents, water chemistry, movement of fish, and the distribution of the load on the ice.

For more information on Ice Safety, follow this link to the Minnesota DNR website; http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/ice/index.html

White Iron

Ice In; November 14th.

On November 9^th, ice began forming along the shore, especially in protected bays. The South end of White Iron mimicked Farm and Garden Lakes with a thin layer of ice on November 10^th. However the North End of White Iron continued to remain open until November 14^th when Ice In was declared.

As a point of reference, Ice In for White Iron over the last few years;

2015 November 29^th

2016 December 9^th

2017 November 10^th

Garden

Ice In; November 10th

Garden Lake was covered with a thin layer of ice on the morning of November 10^th, even where the current of the Kawishiwi River runs in front of Deer Ridge Resort. There was sufficient ice to declare Ice In.

Farm

Ice In; November 14th

Farm Lake was also showing signs of a thin layer of ice on the morning of November 10^th. However Ice In was not declared for Farm Lake until 11/14 when it became impossible to navigate a boat from shore to shore.

As a point of reference, recent early Ice In’s for Farm Lake;

2014 November 8^th

2017 November 10^th

Want to help Minnesota attract some Deep-Water Horizon Oil Spill" remediation" funding?

Carrol Henderson (MN DNR) has crafted & submitted a very comprehensive proposal. 

Take a few minutes to write a comment on the following National Park Service link; parkplanning.nps.gov/document.cfm?parkID=534&projectID=81144&documentID=90936

(Click on the green “Comment Now” box found in the lower left) 

Please support the full proposal as written. It includes documentation that "our" loons migrate in large numbers to the Gulf each winter.

It also includes strong citizen participation / lake associations in assisting with enhancement of loon breeding / nesting habitats. And it contains efforts to get lead sinkers out of circulation with lead poisoning as key element in loon mortality.

For more information on the National Park Service; nps.gov

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is reminding lake property owners to carefully check boats and trailers, docks and lifts, and all other water-related equipment for invasive species when closing cabins for winter. Several AIS confirmations were initially reported by people making end of season inspections of docks, boats and boat lifts.

“A few simple steps now can help prevent the spread of zebra mussels and other aquatic invasive species” says the Minnesota DNR.

The DNR recommends these steps for lake property owners:

• When removing docks, lifts, or other water-related equipment from lakes and rivers, carefully inspect everything to make sure there are no aquatic invasive species (AIS) such as Zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, or New Zealand mud snails.
• Look on the posts, wheels and underwater support bars of docks and lifts, as well as any parts of boats, pontoons and rafts that may have been submerged in water for an extended period.
• Hire DNR-permitted lake service provider businesses to install or remove boats, docks, lifts and other water-related equipment. These businesses have attended training on Minnesota’s aquatic invasive species laws and many have experience identifying and removing invasive species.
• If you plan to move a dock, lift or other water equipment from one lake or river to another, all visible zebra mussels, faucet snails, and aquatic plants must be removed whether they are dead or alive. You may not transport equipment with prohibited invasive species or aquatic plants attached. The equipment must be out of the water for 21 days before it can be placed in another waterbody
• Contact an area DNR aquatic invasive species specialist http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/ais/contacts.html or WICOLA This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you think you have discovered an invasive species that has not already been confirmed in our chain of lakes. You can also report new AIS sightings by calling the MN DNR at 888-646-6367 or 651-259-5100.

For additional information, resources, and links on AIS, click on the “Educational Tab” on the WICOLA Homepage and then “Aquatic Invasive Species”.

For additional information on Aquatic Invasive Species including how to identify, go to: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/aquatic/index.html

Did you know there are over 40 lake associations in the Rainy Lake of the Woods Watershed – some in Canada, some in the United States? On Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018 the 2^nd Binational Lake Association Networking Event was held so watershed associations could learn from their neighbors more information about their successes, programs, membership engagement and more.

WICOLA members Teresa Sagen, Dolores Delaney and Charlene Mason represented WICOLA at this event in Ft. Francis, Canada. 

Guest Speakers included Jeff Forester, Executive Director, Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates and Todd Sellers, Executive Director, Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation.

University of Minnesota and Minnesota Homeowner Seminar

The UMN Onsite Sewage Treatment Program, along with Lake County and Lake County SWCD, offering a FREE septic system and private well homeowner education class in our area on October 9, 2018. It will be held at the Fall Lake Township Town Hall from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. This class will cover the basics of how septic systems function, well water testing, and how to help protect your well from contamination sources.  It will also provide property owners information on chemicals of emerging concern (CEC) including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and the potential impact on ground and surface water. Information on proper maintenance of both septic systems and private drinking water systems will be covered to help property owners protect their investments and the environment.   Christine McCarthy, the Environmental Services Director for Lake County, will be present to answer any questions you may have related to the local ordinance and related programs.

Date: Tuesday, October 9

Time: 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Location: Fall Lake Township Town Hall

Presenter: Sara Heger of the University of MN Twin Cities

Participants are encouraged to sign up at the following link, however walk-ins are welcome;

 https://lakecountyswcd.wufoo.com/forms/p12f73lu0mshkw5/

For Lake County Residents that sign up early on the above link, Lake County will assemble a packet with people’s personal septic system and well information.

Contact Lake County SWCD for more information. (218) 834-8370 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For additional information, resources, and links on septic systems and water wells, click on the “Educational Tab” on the WICOLA Homepage and then “Septic Systems” and “Water Wells”.

Over 225 volunteers across the state turned out on Saturday, August 18 to participate in Starry Trek, a statewide search for starry stonewort that was organized by the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC) and University of Minnesota Extension in partnership with Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Here in Lake and St. Louis Counties, 2 volunteers participated. After being trained to identify starry stonewort and other aquatic invasive species, volunteers fanned out and checked 2 lakes in the Ely area.

After volunteers searched over 225 public accesses on 187 water bodies statewide, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirmed the invasive algae starry stonewort in Wolf Lake in Hubbard County. This is the third new confirmation of starry stonewort in a Minnesota lake in 2018. Volunteers also discovered a new zebra mussel infestation in Lake Isabelle in Dakota County. No new aquatic invasive species were found in lakes and rivers searched in Lake County.

The lakes that were searched had been prioritized as potentially high-risk for a starry stonewort infestation based on a model created by MAISRC researchers along with local use information from Starry Trek local coordinators.

“These discoveries by volunteers participating in Starry Trek highlight the importance of reports from members of the general public,” said Megan Weber, MAISRC Extension Educator. “We need as many eyes on the water as possible to help identify new invasions as early and provide the best opportunities for response.”

Starry stonewort is an invasive algae that was first found in Lake Koronis in 2015 and has since been found in 14 Minnesota lakes, including Wolf Lake. Research into control options is ongoing at the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center.

Starry stonewort can grow tall and dense, forming mats on the surface that interfere with recreation and potentially displacing native plant species.

“We can’t thank the local coordinators and all the volunteers across the state who make this event possible enough,” added Weber. “They are truly making a difference in the health of Minnesota’s lakes and rivers.”

“On behalf of Lake County, I’d like to thank all of the volunteers who came out to help check our lakes, and our AIS Sentries and Detectors who keep an eye on our lakes and rivers throughout the season” said Sonja Smerud, AIS Coordinator, Lake County SWCD. “Protecting our lakes for future generations is really important to us all, and we want to make sure we’re doing the best we can to prevent the introduction and spread of AIS.”

The Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center works across the state to develop research-based solutions that can reduce the impacts of aquatic invasive species in Minnesota by preventing spread, controlling populations, and managing ecosystems; and to advance knowledge to inspire action by others.  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 SWCD

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

(218) 834-8513

For local information, contact:

Emily Nelson

North St. Louis SWCD

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

(218) 471-7285

Posted August 22, 2018 on The Quetico Superior Foundation website.

While a new copper-nickel mine near the Boundary Waters could cause a temporary growth in jobs in the Ely area, the benefits would eventually be outweighed by the harm done to the recreation and tourism industry, and the region’s ability to draw new residents.

That is according to a study conducted by a Harvard economist and graduate student. The pair conducted the work on their own, without compensation.

They say their report is unique in looking two decades ahead under the dueling scenarios of an operational Twin Metals mine along the South Kawishiwi River, or if mining is blocked.

To produce their forecast, the economists ran a model 72 times comparing the scenarios. To come up with conservative estimates, the model excluded many economic benefits of the Boundary Waters.

“In all but three of scenarios, the 20-year ban produced greater economic benefits,” the Save the Boundary Waters campaign wrote. “This means that in almost 96 percent of the scenarios, protecting the Boundary Waters from sulfide-ore copper mining won out, even under some of the most conservative circumstances.”

‘Negative effect’

Commenting on the Forest Service’s proposed 20-year prohibition on mining in the wilderness watershed, the report’s authors said it would have a greater economic benefit than letting mining happen.

“We find that, over the 20-year time horizon of the proposed withdrawal, introducing mining in the Superior National Forest is very likely to have a negative effect on the regional economy,” the authors said. “We reviewed the relevant literature and conclude that our findings are consistent with the literature, most notably the history of boom-bust economies associated with resource extraction that leave the local economy worse off.”

Lead author Dr. James Stock is a member of the faculty at the Harvard Kennedy School. He served on President Obama’s Council of Economic Advisers from 2013-2014. The authors sent their report to Superior National Forest supervisor Connie Cummins earlier this month for consideration in the agency’s decision about the proposed moratorium.

A narrower study released last year by the Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness, based on surveys of spending by wilderness visitors, estimated the Boundary Waters produced $78 million of economic input in northeastern Minnesota in 2016.

To Read the entire HARVARD UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS report; Download here (PDF)

A highlight of the WICOLA August 4^th Annual Meeting was the star studded presentation by Bob King. Bob shared with the attendees a presentation on all the wonderful things visible in the night sky along with the importance of outdoor lighting that reduces light pollution and its harm to the environment and how everyone can make a difference.

Some of the references Bob provided on this important topic are;

• The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) is the recognized authority on light pollution and is the leading organization combating light pollution worldwide; http://darksky.org/about/
• Bob also writes a Regular Astronomy Blog that also includes Astronomy and Lighting Links; https://astrobob.areavoices.com/
• The Abrams Planetarium Sky Calendar promotes skywatching for people of all ages. As its name implies, the sheet for each month takes the form of a calendar. Diagrams in the boxes invite the reader to track the moon's rapid motion past the planets and bright stars of the zodiac, as well as to follow the more leisurely pace of the planets in their gatherings with bright stars and other planets. The reverse side consists of a simplified star map of the month's evening sky. The sky maps are designed for use at a convenient time in mid-evening, for a latitude useful for the entire continental U.S. (40 degrees north). The Sky Calendar is published in loose-leaf form and mailed quarterly (Feb-Mar-Apr; May-Jun-Jul; Aug-Sep-Oct; Nov-Dec-Jan). A subscription may start anytime and consists of twelve issues. Sky Calendar prices are $12.00 for a year’s subscription; http://www.abramsplanetarium.org/

​​​​​​​

WICOLA has now made it easier for existing members to renew their membership and for new members to join WICOLA and pay their annual dues. There are now 2 ways to join.

• NEW Option –  Complete membership form Online / Remit payment electronically
• Current Option – Download the membership form and send in with check payment

On the WICOLA website, under the “Membership” tab, there are now 3 menu options.

• Donate – Online
• Membership – Printable Form
• Membership – Online

With the new online option, once the application form is completed, the member presses “select” and will be directed to PayPal to pay your membership dues.  Payment on PayPal can be made with a Credit Card or member PayPal account.

The member will receive an e-mail confirmation from WICOLA confirming their application as well as confirmation of payment from PayPal.

As a reminder regarding security, the WICOLA website is also now secured with an SSL certificate / encrypted data transmission. Note the padlock symbol next to the WICOLA web address. Also, no member data is stored on the WICOLA website. PayPal also provides a secure website and transaction.

Attending the Blueberry Festival?

Come by the WICOLA Booth (#172) to visit, check out the AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species) materials, 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.

Additional Training Date for Citizen Sentries has been scheduled!

The White Iron Chain of Lakes Association’s Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) focus this summer is to train and develop more volunteer “Sentries” to monitor AIS across our chain of lakes. By each of us keeping our eyes on the condition of our little corners of the lake, we can have a big impact on the prevention of AIS. If you see something unusual in the lake, we have a process for confirming your findings and reporting it to the DNR for immediate action. The faster we identify an infestation, the quicker we can respond to keep it localized or to eliminate it.

By becoming a volunteer Aquatic Invasive Species Sentry, participants will learn:

1. How to distinguish AIS from native species
2. The top AIS threats and the possible impact on our chain of lakes
3. Early detection techniques and how to communicate potential sightings.

In addition to the June training session, WICOLA has now scheduled an additional July Sentry Training Session which is once again FREE for any members who are interested in becoming a Sentry;

Saturday, July 21^st. Sentry Volunteers will meet at the Kawishiwi Ranger District at 9:30am and then head over to Farm Lake for Training.

Included in the training, all participants will go home with:

• A manual of native and invasive species comparison
• A pocket guide to native and invasive species for use at the lakeside
• A special rake for collecting plant samples

If you missed the June Training Session, make sure to attend the July Citizen Sentry Training!

For additional information, resources, and links on AIS, click on the “Educational Tab” on the WICOLA Homepage and then “Aquatic Invasive Species”.

Many lake property owners may wonder what permits are needed to do certain alteration activities on their lakeshore.

According to the Minnesota DNR, work that is proposed below the ordinary high water level (OHWL) of public waters and public waters wetlands may require a DNR public waters work permit, and should be coordinated through the DNR area hydrologist representing the area where the work is being proposed. Examples of activities include excavating rocks and material or providing fill.

In addition, local units of government, watershed districts, water management organizations, or conservation districts regulate activities both above and below the OHWL of a water body or watercourse. You should contact your local unit of government, who administer ordinances regulating shoreland areas.

Also, if your proposal involves work on the upland portion of a riparian (river) property, you should contact your local unit of government, who administer ordinances regulating floodplains and shoreland areas.

St. Louis County’s “Land Alteration” webpage & “Zoning Ordinance #62, effective October 1, 2016”

Filling, grading, or excavating on shoreland property requires a land alteration permit if the activity exceeds certain limits.

Permit Required:

1. Any alteration of the natural topography located within the shore impact zone or within 50 feet of the shore, whichever is more restrictive.
2. Any alteration of natural topography, located outside the shore impact zone or bluff impact zone that exceeds 50 cubic yards of material.
3. Shoreline riprap projects that do not follow DNR permit requirements or do not comply with state rules for shoreline alterations.

Lake County “Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Ordinance #12, effective June 23, 2017”

Filling, grading, or excavating on shoreland property requires a land alteration permit if the activity exceeds certain limits;

Sec.  6.13 Soil Disturbance Thresholds

Shore Impact Zones - Land located between the vegetation line of public water and a line parallel to it at a distance of 50 feet

1) Under 10 cubic yards of material disturbed - no permit required.

2) Ten to 50 cubic yards of material disturbed - Land Use Permit required.

Sec.  7.09 Shoreland Excavations:

In addition to grading and filling requirements above, the Commissioner of Natural Resources must issue a permit for work in the beds of public waters under Minnesota Statutes 103G.245.

For assistance in permit requirements in St. Louis County;

• Technical Assistance Toll Free: 1-800-450-9777
• Duluth Government Services Center, (218) 725-5000   
• Virginia Northland Office Center, (218) 749-7103 

For assistance in permit requirements in Lake County (Two Harbors);

• Environmental Services Planning & Zoning, (218)-834-8327  Fax: (218)-834-8365

Questions can also be sent to;

• The Minnesota DNR; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

 Important: This article is not intended to be a definitive guide on permit requirements. Rather it is intended to offer some basic insight into permits and to demonstrate that permits are required for some basic shoreline alteration. Permits are designed to protect our lakes and the lifestyle they provide. Permits are “tools” to sustain and enhance our lakes and shorelines so that residents and visitors can enjoy. Permits and Approvals may be required from federal, state, and local units of government, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, watershed districts, water management organizations, counties, townships, and cities.

Starry Trek 2018

Join us for a day searching for one of Minnesota's newest aquatic invasive species, starry stonewort (and other AIS). Starry stonewort is an invasive algae that was first found in Lake Koronis in 2015 and has since spread to 11 Minnesota lakes. Now we are asking for your help in searching other lakes to better understand its distribution in Minnesota. You can learn more about starry stonewort at; https://www.maisrc.umn.edu/starry-stonewort as well as a February 23 2017 Latest News Post.

You will be teaming up with volunteers across the state as well as volunteers in Wisconsin participating in a sister event (AIS Snapshot Day) to help in the early detection of aquatic invasive species. As a result of a discovery in Grand Lake (Stearns County) last year, the local lake association and MN DNR teamed up in a rapid response plan to remove the small patch of starry stonewort. Starry Trek will take place on August 18^th and rendezvous at Semer’s Park/Shagawa Beach. All participants get a tote bag & rake.

Visit; https://z.umn.edu/StarryTrek2018 to register! 

For additional information, resources, and links on AIS, click on the “Educational Tab” on the WICOLA Homepage and then “Aquatic Invasive Species”.

The Ely Area Invasives Team      Dedicated to preventing the spread of Invasive Species to and from the Ely Area.

The Ely Area Invasives Team (EAIT) is a local group that is organizing to bring together technical knowledge and public awareness in an effort to prevent the spread, manage the impacts and mitigate the effects of invasive species. Current partners in this effort include the Ely Field Naturalists, Burntside, White Iron Chain, Eagles Nest and Vermilion Lake Associations, Shagawa Lake Marina, Ely Community Resource, Lake and St. Louis County SWCDs, and the 1854 Treaty Authority.

EAIT will be sponsoring a 5 minute Q and A every Thursday at 10:00am on WELY (94.5 FM or listen on the internet @ http://www.wely.com/listen-live ) following Trader Craig. The Q and A will be part of WELY’s new Wilderness segment.

Schedule of speakers beginning next week.

• Thursday June 28th -Sonja Smerud / Sentry Training by Lake & North St. Louis County, what is the training and why we are training people to become sentries.....
• Thursday July 5th - Emily Nelson / Inspectors and Decontamination program, why, where and what
• Thursday July 12th - Bill Tefft, EFN and their support work on invasives and their new lab
• Thursday July 19th - Julie Hignell, ECR and water projects

You are invited to join the Ely Area Invasives Team, a group interested in keeping our lands and lakes free from Invasives. We meet at the Ely Folk School on the third Thursday of every month at 11:00 am to share information, efforts and stories. We also have an email group set up to communicate timely information. You can request access at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For additional information, resources, and links on AIS, click on the “Educational Tab” on the WICOLA Homepage and then “Aquatic Invasive Species”.

Many lake property owners may wonder if a permit is required to cut, clear, or eliminate the vegetation (trees and shrubs) along their lakeshore.

According to the Minnesota DNR, your property may be within a shoreland zoning district that prohibits intensive vegetation clearing in shore impact zones, bluffs impact zones, and steep slopes.

Steep slopes average 12 percent or more over a 50 foot horizontal distance. The shore impact zone is half the distance of the structure setbacks. The bluff impact zone encompasses slopes over 30 percent over a 25 foot rise, and includes all applicable setbacks.

Intensive clearing is allowed outside of these areas for residential lots. The DNR recommends to preserve and enhance vegetation near the shore to the greatest extent possible to reduce soil erosion and the movement of sediment into the water.

Limited clearing and trimming of trees and shrubs in the shore impact zones, bluff impact zones, and steep slopes is allowed to provide a view to the water from the principal dwelling and to accommodate the placement of stairways, landings, lifts, picnic areas, access paths. Check with your city or county planning/zoning authority to verify the limitations on vegetation removal for your property.

From the Lake County’s “The Property Owners Resource Guide” & “Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Ordinance #12, effective June 23, 2017”;

Alteration of vegetation is regulated.

Selective removal is allowed to provide a view corridor to the water and also to accommodate placement of stairways, picnic areas, access paths, watercraft access, etc. However, that removal must leave sufficient cover to screen cars, dwellings, and other structures from view from the water.

Sec.  7.08 Shoreland Alterations:  Alterations of vegetation and topography shall be regulated to prevent erosion into public waters, fix nutrients, preserve shoreland aesthetics, preserve historic values, prevent bank slumping and protect fish and wildlife habitat.  

Removal of Natural Vegetation:

1. A vegetation management plan will be required for total vegetation removal of over ten thousand (10,000) square feet or twenty-five percent (25%) of lot area, whichever is lesser.
2. Selective removal of natural vegetation shall be allowed in order to provide a view corridor to water; however, such removal shall leave sufficient cover to screen cars, dwellings, and other structures from view from the water and selective vegetation removal shall be allowed in order to accommodate the placement of the following additional uses:  placement of stairways and landings, picnic areas, access paths, livestock watering areas, beach and  watercraft access, permitted water-oriented accessory structures.
3. In no case shall intensive vegetative clearing be allowed within the Shore Impact Zone (50 feet from the vegetation line)

From St. Louis County’s “Shoreline Vegetation Alterations Administrative Standards”;

Minimum Standards for Vegetation Alteration: The removal of natural vegetation within the shore impact zone is subject to the following standards:

1. There shall be limited removal, pruning and trimming of trees to provide a view to the water from the principal structure site and to accommodate the placement of stairways, landings, recreation areas, access paths and watercraft access areas.
2. One access path is allowed per residential lot or parcel and shall not exceed a cleared width of 12 feet.
3. One shoreline recreation area that includes the access path shall be allowed within the shore impact zone per lot, parcel or group of contiguous non-conforming lots in the same ownership. The area shall not exceed 15 feet in depth by the width in the Vegetation Alteration Maximum Width of Alteration Allowed Table.
4. Authorized removal of vegetation shall be accomplished using human means (for example, hand, ax, or saw) and shall not be done by heavy equipment.
5. Screening of structures and vehicles as viewed from the water during leaf-on conditions shall not be substantially reduced. The maximum view corridor between the shore impact zone and required principal structure setback shall be 50 feet or 30 percent of the parcel width, whichever is less

For assistance in permit requirements in St. Louis County;

• Technical Assistance Toll Free: 1-800-450-9777
• Duluth Government Services Center, (218) 725-5000   
• Virginia Northland Office Center, (218) 749-7103 

For assistance in permit requirements in Lake County (Two Harbors);

• Environmental Services Planning & Zoning, (218)-834-8327  Fax: (218)-834-8365

Questions can also be sent to;

• The Minnesota DNR; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

 Important: This article is not intended to be a definitive guide on permit requirements. Rather it is intended to offer some basic insight into permits and to demonstrate that permits are required for some basic shoreline alteration. Permits are designed to protect our lakes and the lifestyle they provide. Permits are “tools” to sustain and enhance our lakes and shorelines so that residents and visitors can enjoy. Permits and Approvals may be required from federal, state, and local units of government, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, watershed districts, water management organizations, counties, townships, and cities.

University of Minnesota and Minnesota Homeowner Seminar

The UMN Onsite Sewage Treatment Program, along with Lake County and Lake County SWCD, offering a FREE septic system and private well homeowner education class in our area on October 9, 2018. It will be held at the Fall Lake Township Town Hall from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. This class will cover the basics of how septic systems function, well water testing, and how to help protect your well from contamination sources.  It will also provide property owners information on chemicals of emerging concern (CEC) including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and the potential impact on ground and surface water. Information on proper maintenance of both septic systems and private drinking water systems will be covered to help property owners protect their investments and the environment.   Christine McCarthy, the Environmental Services Director for Lake County, will be present to answer any questions you may have related to the local ordinance and related programs.

“Save the Date” and mark your calendars

Date: Tuesday, October 9

Time: 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Location: Fall Lake Township Town Hall

Presenter: Sara Heger of the University of MN Twin Cities
 

Contact Lake County SWCD for more information. (218) 834-8370 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For additional information, resources, and links on septic systems and water wells, click on the “Educational Tab” on the WICOLA Homepage and then “Septic Systems” and “Water Wells”.

The White Iron Chain of Lakes Association’s Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) focus this summer is to train and develop more volunteer “Sentries” to monitor AIS across our chain of lakes. By each of us keeping our eyes on the condition of our little corners of the lake, we can have a big impact on the prevention of AIS. If you see something unusual in the lake, we have a process for confirming your findings and reporting it to the DNR for immediate action. The faster we identify an infestation, the quicker we can respond to keep it localized or to eliminate it.

By becoming a volunteer Aquatic Invasive Species Sentry, participants will learn:

1. How to distinguish AIS from native species
2. The top AIS threats and the possible impact on our chain of lakes
3. Early detection techniques and how to communicate potential sightings.

There will be a FREE Sentry Training session for any members who are interested in becoming a Sentry;

Saturday, June 23^rd. Sentry Volunteers will meet at the Kawishiwi Ranger District at 9:30am and then head over to Garden Lake for Training.

Included in the training, all participants will go home with:

• A manual of native and invasive species comparison
• A pocket guide to native and invasive species for use at the lakeside
• A special rake for collecting plant samples

For additional information, resources, and links on AIS, click on the “Educational Tab” on the WICOLA Homepage and then “Aquatic Invasive Species”.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) gypsy moth aerial treatment project Update

Aerial Operations

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is in the process of treating four areas in North Eastern Minnesota to eradicate the Gypsy Moths detected last fall. The location of aerial operations will be the cities of Cloquet, Duluth, Two Harbors and for an isolated block along White Iron Lake in northern Lake County (See Map Below).

FIRST ROUND OF GYPSY MOTH AERIAL OPERATIONS COMPLETE

On Monday June 4^th the MDA was able to complete the Lakeside, Duluth, Two Harbors, the block near White Iron Lake in northern Lake County and a portion of the Cloquet block.  The Cloquet block was completed on June 5^th.

SECOND ROUND of APPLICATIONS SCHEDULED

The MDA plans to conduct the second and final application either June 12-14, or June 18-19. 

NOTES from the MDA:  

• The MDA will be utilizing a fixed wing aircraft that will be very low flying, approximately only 50 feet above the tree tops.  It will be loud.
• The product being applied is a biological, organic certified insecticide that can be used up to the date of harvest on feed and food crops.
  • Foray 48B, active ingredient: Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk).
• It has no known health effects to humans, pets, birds, fish, livestock, and bees.
• Residents can avoid the application by staying indoors during the treatment and keeping windows closed until a half hour after application. Any residue, which does not cause damage to outdoor items, can be removed with soapy water.
• The low-flying fixed wing airplane will be traveling up to a half mile outside the treatment areas as it navigates through the gypsy moth infestation sites. Therefore, residents may see and hear the plane but will be outside the treatment areas. For the project the MDA will be utilizing two different aircraft.  Duluth: red/white aircraft, other blocks: yellow aircraft.

To help area citizens stay informed, the MDA has set up an Arrest the Pest Info Line at 1-888-545-MOTH. The info line will offer the latest details about treatment dates and times.

The MDA's website (www.mda.state.mn.us/gmtreatments) also has information about gypsy moths, control efforts and the ability for individuals to sign up for an automatic email/text notifications.

This is the best way for citizens to follow the operational plan throughout the project.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) gypsy moth aerial treatment project

Aerial Operation to Begin

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is preparing to treat four areas in North Eastern Minnesota to eradicate the Gypsy Moths detected last fall before they spread. The location of aerial operations will be the cities of Cloquet, Duluth, Two Harbors and for an isolated block along White Iron Lake in northern Lake County (See Map Below). On Monday June 4th, the MDA is planning to begin aerial operations beginning as early as 5:15AM!  At this time the MDA is planning to treat all four NE MN blocks starting that day. Treatments are weather dependent and may be delayed at any time. If the weather cooperates the MDA could complete the first round of applications in one day; ending operations around the noon hour on Monday.  However if weather is not ideal for completion on Monday, operations will commence at 5:15 am on Tuesday, June 5.

NOTES from the MDA:  

• The MDA will be utilizing a fixed wing aircraft that will be very low flying, approximately only 50 feet above the tree tops.  It will be loud.
• The product being applied is a biological, organic certified insecticide that can be used up to the date of harvest on feed and food crops.
  • Foray 48B, active ingredient: Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk).
• It has no known health effects to humans, pets, birds, fish, livestock, and bees.
• Residents can avoid the application by staying indoors during the treatment and keeping windows closed until a half hour after application. Any residue, which does not cause damage to outdoor items, can be removed with soapy water.
• The low-flying fixed wing airplane will be traveling up to a half mile outside the treatment areas as it navigates through the gypsy moth infestation sites. Therefore, residents may see and hear the plane but will be outside the treatment areas. For the project the MDA will be utilizing two different aircraft.  Duluth: red/white aircraft, other blocks: yellow aircraft.

The MDA has been in contact with the local emergency management, including 911 dispatch in all three counties and the MN Poison Center to assure they too are aware of the project.  It is not uncommon during these low flying aerial projects for citizens to reach out to their local 911 dispatch.

To help area citizens stay informed, the MDA has set up an Arrest the Pest Info Line at 1-888-545-MOTH. The info line will offer the latest details about treatment dates and times.

The MDA's website (www.mda.state.mn.us/gmtreatments) also has information about gypsy moths, control efforts and the ability for individuals to sign up for an automatic email/text notifications.

This is the best way for citizens to follow the operational plan throughout the project.

Twin Metals announced on May 24th it will open an office in Babbitt and wants to locate its processing facility east of Birch Lake.

Twin Metals, a subsidiary of Santiago, Chile-based Antofagasta, said it has been conducting environmental studies for more than seven years in the area, though a formal Environmental Impact Statement process for the mine has not yet begun. The project is not as far along as the nearby PolyMet copper-nickel mine, which has been through the environmental review process and is now seeking permits from the state.

Twin Metals officials said plans to locate the processing site east of Birch Lake differs from previous proposals. Before, the company had planned to build it south of the Ely airport and west of Birch Lake. Company officials said mine employees will access the underground mine from the processing site. The facility would be built on about 100 acres of land owned by Twin Metals. As far as storage for its tailings, Twin Metals said about half of its tailings will be stored in the proposed underground mine as permanent cemented backfill, while the remaining tailings will be stored adjacent to Northshore's Peter Mitchell Mine, southwest of Babbitt. 

In addition, officials said opening an office in Babbitt will allow the company to reduce traffic to the mine site, because employees can be shuttled there. They expect the project will create 650 direct jobs.

According to a spokesperson for the company, the new project information does not represent the formal project proposal, and the information is subject to change as the project development process moves forward.

The company plans to submit a formal mine project proposal to state and federal agencies in approximately 18 months.