Loon Calls
Fall 2010
G R E A T E R
L A K E
S Y L V I A
A S S O C I A T I O N
Zebra Mussels Found in Lake Minnetonka
Inside this issue:
G
Loon State of Affairs . .3
by Joe Lepley
iven the media
coverage in early
August, you may
have already heard
that Zebra Mussels
have been found in
multiple bays of Lake
Minnetonka this summer. With Lake
Minnetonka being so
popular and so close to
our lake, I am very concerned. All it will take
is one uninformed
boater or one careless
fisherman to spread
Zebra Mussels.
Increasing public
awareness and a conscientious boating/fishing public are the only
things that will prevent
the continued spread of this menace. Unfortunately, the DNR cannot quarantine an infected lake,
nor can they close off unaffected
lakes to the boating/fishing public.
Zebra Mussels are spreading
across the state at an alarming
rate. Prior Lake and Lake Le
Homme Dieu in Alexandria were both
found to be infested last year. Mille
Lacs was first found to be infested in
2005 and the problem has spread to
Zebra Mussel Watch
When removing your docks
and lifts this fall, check them for
Zebra Mussels.
If you see anything suspicous,
please contact Carl Swanson
at 763-300-3902 or Joe Lepley
at 320-274-2632.
numerous areas around the
lake since then. According
to the DNR, there are now
15 recreational lakes
infested across the state.
This list does NOT include
Duluth Harbor or the
entire Mississippi River
from Pine City to the
southern border of the
state.
Why should you care how bad can they be?
Zebra Mussels harm lakes
in numerous ways. They
form their shells on any
hard surface – your sandy
lake bottom, your
dock legs,
the bottom
of your
boat, the
lower unit
of your boat
motor.
They also
attach to
aquatic vegetation. The
shells are small, about an inch long, but
have nasty sharp edges which spoil
your shoreline for wading and swimming. Imagine your boat bottom or
dock legs covered with hundreds of
shells. Once present, they are difficult
to remove. They can also spoil the
fishing by competing with small fish
and minnows for food.
There is no viable treatment for
Zebra Mussels. Unlike the chemical
treatments for Eurasian Water Milfoil
or Curly Leaf Pondweed, once Zebra
Mussels invade a lake, there is no cost
effective treatment.
Zebra Mussels continued on page 2
A Word from Your
President . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Advertisers . . . . . . .4 & 5
GLSA Picnic . . . . . . . . . .6
Lake Syliva
History Books . . . . . . . . .6
GLSA Signs Stolen . . . . .6
Common Buckthorn . .7
Area Coordinators
Needed . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Get your
T-shirts, sweat shirts,
caps and anything
else you want
with the GLSA logo
at Annandale
Embroidery!
Al’s
Almanac
Precipitation:
April . . . . . . .1.12”
May . . . . . . .2.03”
June . . . . . . .6.99”
July . . . . . . . .3.67”
August . . . . .5.76”
Sept. 1-10 . . .2.26”
Last summer’s
precipitation for the
same period was . .12.73”
This summer’s
precipitation for the
same period is . . . .21.83”
Page 2
Loon Calls
2010 Executive
Board
Joe Lepley
President
320-274-2632
Lisa Peery
Vice President
320-274-6655
Gary Odegard
Treasurer
952-686-7924
Tom Plihal
Secretary
320-236-4765
2010 Board
of Directors
Pat Beithon
Curt Conrad
Kent Davidson
Jerry Dock
Jerry Doffing
Jan Evenson
Peggyjo Fortner
Carole Gertgen
Nancy Hector
Mike McNellis
Carl Swanson
Harry Wahlquist
Greater Lake
Sylvia Board
Meetings
2nd Saturday
of each month
9 a.m.
April through October
Southside
Township Hall
All GLSA members are
welcome to attend.
GLSA Website
www.lakesylvia.com
Fall 2010
A Few Words From Your President
Joe Lepley
‘Thanks’ to
ALL GLSA
Volunteers!
G
LSA has had another successful
year of preserving and protecting
the beautiful lakes we are all so
fortunate to enjoy. We have made
progress against Curly Leaf Pondweed
and Eurasian Water Milfoil. Our loon
population fared well this summer due to
the help of nesting platforms maintained
by the Loon Committee. The Public
Launch Committee was re-energized with
volunteers spending many hours talking
to incoming boaters and fishermen about
invasive species and the threat of Zebra
Mussels. New directories were printed
and distributed
by our
Membership
Committee. A
new event, “Light
Up Lake Sylvia,”
created by the
Social
Committee, was a
great success.
The Fourth of
July boat parade
had great participation on both
lakes this year. These are just a few of
the highlights – much more was accomplished by GLSA’s committees and their
volunteers.
On behalf of all GLSA members, I
want to say “THANKS” to all of you who
have given your time over the past year to
protect the lake and help GLSA in so
many ways!
Zebra Mussels from page 1
What can you do? There are four
posed by Zebra Mussels. Remember,
things you can do to help prevent the
awareness and conscientious actions are
spread of Zebra Mussels:
the primary tools to slow the spread of
■ Become knowledgeable about how
this destructive invasive menace.
they are spread. Zebra Mussels start
■ Avoid taking your boat to infested
with a larva that is barely visible to the
waters and check with family or friends
naked eye. The larvae can be spread in
about where they have been fishing or
bait buckets, live wells or bilge water.
boating if they want to bring their boat
They can be on your boat hull, motor,
to Lake Sylvia.
anchor, and anchor line if
■ Volunteer to help on
your rig has been in waters
the GLSA Public Launch
already infested with Zebra Awareness and
Committee. Our volunteers
Mussels. The larva can
talk to incoming boaters
conscientious
even be found on fishing
and fishermen about invaactions are the
equipment! The DNR now
sive species and encourage
primary tools to
requires that all boats
them to be sure their rigs
remove their plugs and
are free of all invasive
slow the spread
drain their bilge water
of this destructive species including Zebra
before leaving a lake.
Mussels. A few hours of
invasive menace. your time next summer
There is a $300 fine for not
doing so. Zebra Mussel larwould be a great help. If we
vae or adults can also be
have enough volunteers we
attached to aquatic vegetation, so it is
will be asking 4 hours a month on your
imperative to remove any vegetation
part. You will be trained; you will know
from boats, anchors and trailers leaving what to look for and how to approach
infested waters.
boaters at the launch and you will know
■ Talk to your family, friends and
what to say. To volunteer, contact Carl
neighbors about Zebra Mussels. I have
Swanson at [email protected] or
been surprised by how many lake prop763-300-3902.
erty owners are not aware of the threat
Loon Calls
Fall 2010
Page 3
The Lake Sylvia Loon State of Affairs
by Mike McNellis, the Old Loon Ranger and his faithful sidekick, Lucy the Lab
T
his is the last newsletter of
the year and I’m under a
deadline. I have to assemble
and pour back over my notes from
the Loon Watchers, all the good
neighbors, and concerned lake residents. First off I see my count of
chicks reported born this season
did reach a high point of seven.
That is one of the best years in the
last decade. It’s been an unusual
year with the hatch stretching out
over 35 days. The loons arrived
back from their winter’s trek 2
weeks early but didn’t seem to get
as romantic as quickly as other
years. The bad news is there had
been three confirmed deaths of our
new little babies. Nature can be
but sometimes with other adults.
tough. I believe in one case, a mat- Since the first part of July it’s
ing pair abanbeen seen right
doned a nestnext to shore
ing site, only to
in several locaMy count of chicks reported
re-nest in a
It’s
born this season did reach a tions.
second locanever been
tion, hence the
high point of seven. That is
seen taking off
late hatch
or trying to fly.
one of the best years in the
dates.
It appears norlast decade.
Next I want
mal except for
to talk about
an area on the
the adult loon
right side of its head that has lost
that’s been navigating the shores
its feathers. His nickname is “Bob
of the West Lake, normally alone
the Bald” if you would like to give
him a shout.
The feathers
appear to be
growing back
but not like a
normal molting would fill
in. I must
have had two
or three dozen
calls from concerned Loon
Watchers
about this
bird. He dives
normally and
must be feeding well
enough to stay
healthy, and
“no” we are
not going to
try to catch
him, or her (maybe the nickname
should be Bobbie?), to see if it may
have any other problems. Nature
again may seem cruel, but it’s the
best for this bird. Talking to the
DNR personnel, the bird has a better survival chance at home in the
wild then it has if it is sent to a
bird rehab facility or zoo. Loons,
and some other birds like the
Ruffed Grouse, do not take to capture, and or, a great deal of human
contact.
Now on to the DNR’s concern
for the wintering range on the Gulf
Coast that may or may not be a
catastrophe for the deep diving
loon. They have attached transmitters to three adult loons to see if
they can track them to the gulf
and monitor their progress during
the winter. There have been many
studies of the loon’s migration but
nothing on a large scale like we
see on the duck and goose population. Since 1934, billions of dollars
have been spent tracking ducks
and geese migration and survival
rates in a combined joint effort
with two other nations, Canada
and Mexico. The loon research
projects only get the crumbs that
are left over from state and federal
funding programs. When tax time
comes around, be sure to check the
Non Game Bird Donation Box on
your tax return. Bob, or Bobbie the
Bald, would say “Thank you.”
GUTTERS
Snow Removal
Winter Sand & Rock Services
Tree Trimming & Removal
320-275-9908 • Toll Free: 877-365-4034 • Dassel, MN 55325
www.backyardmn.com
Cottage Gourmets
food for the events in your life
*Catering *Decorating *Event Planning
Susan Hankerson & Barbara Westman
Website: cottagegourmets.com
Phone: 320-493-0416 or 320-236-7743
SEAMLESS
Tom Lundeen
Sales
Winterizing
320-236-7785
Service
Storage
J&J MARINE Inc.
Dock and Lift Service
www.jjmarineinc.com • Hwy. 55 • South Haven, MN 55382
320-236-DOCK (3625)
Mike Anderson
320-274-2424
Licensed & Insured
Lic: #20317643
MIKE’S HANDY-MAN SERVICE
Interior / Exterior Remodeling
Decks & Sheds
Three & Four Season Porches
Windows & Siding
Cabinets & Trim
Ceramic Tile
Kioti Compact Tractors, Stihl, Echo Power
Equipment, Toro Mowers, Hustler Lawn
Equipment, Jonsered, Husqvarna, Chainsaws,
Lawn Mowers, Snow Removal Equipment,
Small Engine Repair with pickup and
delivery service available.
Serving All
Your Outdoor
Power Equipment
SALES, SERVICE & RENTAL
Needs!
530 Division Street • Maple Lake • 320-963-8000
600 East Hwy. 55 • Buffalo • 763-682-5252
www.mmexpresssales.com
ANCHOR
DOCK & LIFT
Office- 320-274-6500
Mobile- 612-961-1000
[email protected]
www.anchor-dock.com
960 Elm Street East (Highway 55)
Annandale, Minnesota 55302
Don Nelson
HOUSE CLEANING
14 Years Experience
Weekly/bi-weekly/monthly
CALL JAMIE
320-764-2156
NORGREN
TREE SERVICE INC.
*Free Estimates
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320-236-7715
Tree Trimming
Removal
Lot Clearing
Fully Insured
Professional Arborist
Jeremy Kaskinen
14799 90th St. NW
South Haven, Mn 55382
Cell# 320-980-5340
“Good Taste is Original”
THE SNOOTY FOX
Gallery & Gifts
320-274-2700
20 East Cedar Street,
Annandale
Open: Tues.-Wed.-Thurs. 9-5, Fri. 9-6, Sat. 9-4, Sun. 10-2
In Hot Water
Coffee & Tea House
Member
FDIC
Equal
Housing
Lender
OFFICE PHONE:
Annandale 274-8216 Clearwater 558-2271
TELEPHONE BANKING:
Annandale 274-8200 Clearwater 558-4600
INTERNET BANKING: www.annabank.com
MN Contractor License # 20634594
Roofing-Siding-Gutters-Windows
Storm damage? We can help!
Bob Adams 320-274-6708
(320) 274-6828
25 East Cedar
Annandale, MN 55302
Located next to City Hall
www.inhotwatercoffee.net
Since 1974
www.oakrealtymn.com
Annandale 274-5737 | Maple Lake 963-2088
Page 6
Loon Calls
Fall 2010
2010 GLSA Picnic
by Jan Evenson, Social Committee
Where did this summer go? The annual GLSA picnic was held at Camp Koinonia on August 15. We
were treated to some “yummy” hot dishes, salads,
desserts, hot dogs and brats brought to us from all
our wonderful “cooks” around our beautiful lakes.
John Swanson was recognized for his many years of
dedication to the GLSA Executive Board and his leadership on several committees.
Thanks to very generous businesses in our
lakes area we had lots of door prizes. Door
prizes were provided by:
• MCP Collision Center
• Kaz Hardware
• Sassy’s Salon & Spa
• Anchor Dock & Lift
• Snooty Fox
• Annandale Embroidery
• RE/MAX Integrity
• Kelly Bergesch - Mary Kay
• “All Things Good”
• Diana’s Artistic Creations
• Country Chevrolet
• Dairy Queen
• Jan Evenson, Realtor (RE/MAX Integrity)
• GLSA
Our attendance was down; however, all that were
there enjoyed the food, visiting with friends and
Lake Sylvia
History Books
The “Remembering
Lake Sylvia Books” are a
great remembrance of
times past. The latest
edition makes a great
gift. If you are interested
in purchasing a copy,
there are now four
copies left. They are
$25.00 each and may
be obtained by calling
Barb Ostlund at 320-2745571.
GLSA has donated a
copy to the Annandale
Library for area residents
to borrow.
everyone appreciated Koinonia for allowing us to use
their facilities. A big thank you to the fine staff. Also,
our thanks go to GLSA volunteers for their help.
We welcome your calls with any suggestions and
ideas for future picnics.
GLSA ‘NO HITCHHIKERS’ Signs Stolen
from Public Launch
by Joe Lepley
This spring, GLSA posted two
sets of Burma Shave style signs
near the public boat launch to
increase awareness of “aquatic
hitchhikers.” The signs remind
boaters to check their boats and
trailers for “aquatic hitchhikers,”
the term now used by the DNR for
invasive species such as Eurasian
Milfoil, Curly Leaf Pondweed and
Zebra Mussels. Over the summer, I
received many positive comments
about the visibility of the signs and
the awareness they generated as
people approach the public launch.
Several area lake associations
called to ask if they could copy our
idea.
Unfortunately, just before the
Labor Day weekend, someone
decided to steal the set of signs
from the west side of Quinn
Avenue. GLSA members that live
near the launch have looked for the
signs in hopes that vandals had
merely pulled them and thrown in
a nearby ditch, but the stolen signs
have not turned up.
Additional funds will be
requested from the GLSA board to
have new sets of signs made for
next season.
We will be sure to put them in
with larger posts for next season in
hopes of discouraging thieves or
vandals from taking them down.
If you have any information
regarding these signs, please contact me at 320-274-2632 or [email protected].
Loon Calls
Fall 2010
Page 7
Common Buckthorn - Invasive Species
by Brian Ruggles
H
aving been born in Cokato,
and having been a long time
resident of Minnesota,
maybe I should have known better,
but I didn’t have any idea what
they were talking about when my
sister and sister-in-law started to
rant about Buckthorn. I
know that they have
been talking about it
for several years in that
they are vigorously trying to eliminate it
(Buckthorn) from their
property in the Twin
Cities.
Well this Fourth of
July they were all excited about Buckthorn
here on the peninsula
road and on my property here at Lake Sylvia.
We went out and
learned to identify it
and spent some time
pulling it out by the
roots.
What is Buckthorn? Buckthorn
is a non-native, low-growing,
shrub/tree that was brought into
Minnesota and the U.S. because of
its pretty green leaves that make
attractive hedges. The leaves are
green early in the spring and
retain their color into the fall. It
produces a dark blue/black berry
that attracts birds and spreads to
new areas when the birds pass the
berry’s seeds through their systems. It spreads locally through a
vigorous underground spreading
root system. A buckthorn plant is
not eliminated
until its roots
are eliminated.
The
Minnesota DNR
lists two species of Buckthorn on
their invasive species lists for our
state; Common Buckthorn (rhamnnus cathartica) and Glossy
Buckthorn (Frangula alnus). Like
all invasives, Buckthorn has no
native predators or controls. It
chokes out native plants and forms
an “impenetrable barrier” on the
forest floor. The only Buckthorn I
have identified on the peninsula is
Common Buckthorn. It has a characteristic, egg-shaped, glossy green
leaf, with unique leaf veins that
follow the lengthwise contour of
the leaf. The Minnesota DNR web-
site has great pictures and information. Check out the information
using this link:
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialplants/woody/buckthorn/index.html.
The purpose of this communication was not to be comprehensive or exhaustive, but to increase
awareness. Buckthorn is here!
Apparently it is widespread in the
surrounding area. We probably
will never be able to eliminate it
completely, but in my opinion, control of this invasive plant is desirable. Especially to one who has
grown up with densely forested
surroundings on the peninsula, the
loss of this beautiful wooded treasure would be tragic.
Area Coordinators Needed
by Nancy Hector
Area coordinators are the neighborhood link
between property owners and GLSA. As part of the
membership committee, their responsibilities are to
notify GLSA of any changes in property ownership,
contact neighbors who may not have paid their annual dues, and encourage new members. The East and
West Lakes have been divided into 27 areas.
Presently we are in need of four coordinators. We are
looking for volunteers for Area 9 (Quiner Ave.), Area
10 (58th St. portion), Area 17 (Osborn Ave.) and Area
21 (74th St.). Wendy Hanson has agreed to take over
the 57th St portion of area 10. Thank you Wendy!
Please contact Nancy Hector at
[email protected] or 952 381-7316 if you are
interested in being a coordinator. Many hands make
light work - VOLUNTEER !
Annandale Community Arts
Needs Your Help
The Annandale Community Arts team is looking
for homes for the Holiday Home tour.
Do you love to decorate for the holidays?
Why not show off your home and your holiday
decorations and help the summer concert series
at the same time? Help with decorating
is available. The tour is held on
Saturday, November 20th and followed
by a wonderful catered dinner by our
own Cottage Gourmets.
All proceeds benefit the summer Music in
the Park series in Annandale. We are in danger
of having to cancel the tour because of a lack
of homes. If you are interested in opening your
home for this wonderful fundraising opportunity,
contact Nancy Hector at 952 381-7316 or by email
at [email protected].
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage Paid
Permit No. 5
Annandale, MN
55302
G R E AT E R L A K E S Y LV I A
A S S O C I AT I O N
PO Box 41
Annandale, MN 55302
Deliver to addressee or current resident.
Editor: Kathy Lepley
Advertising:
Carole Gertgen
Layout & Design:
Annandale Advocate
Mission Statement:
To Maintain and Improve
Lake Sylvia