Lake Level Update

To All TLA Members:

First, thank you to all that took the time to respond with your comments and ideas, via email or Zoom, concerning lake level management. It is very helpful to all of us, that are trying our best, to update and refine how Turtle Lake Association (TLA) will implement guidance given us from the DNR.

While it is clear to us that there are varying opinions on what the ideal water level should be for personal preference, most people seemed to agree we should be working in the DNR range of 1351.0—1351.8 feet above sea level, a range of 9.6 inches. This means sometimes you may find it to be too low or too high to your own idea of what “just right” is.

Some of you mentioned concerns of water levels affecting loon nesting, fish management, etc. It is important for all of us to remember Turtle Lake is a natural lake in a natural environment. It’s what draws us to it! And sometimes Mother Nature is cruel and unforgiving, and we are but a part of it. There have been times, as recent as the mid-70’s, when there was not any dams on the outlet and very little rain, leading to areas that were completely high and dry that would be shocking to us today, but the photos show that evidence. We are certain the opposite has been true as well. Most times it is best when we have minimal impact and let nature do its thing. We can all be more effective and helpful to the lake concerning things more in our control like AIS monitoring and prevention and understanding the lake’s water quality.

With that stated, we as a board think it best to manage the level to the best of our ability, and with as little micromanaging as possible. This may require removal of some dam layers early on, or at any other time during the season, including fall, to maintain the level within the range. Please keep in mind, this does not mean the water level will stay at any particular point of the range.

We will also be adding a second water level gauge that we will seek to have independently calibrated so we can have a backup, and to verify what we get from the DNR calibrated gauge. Also, we will communicate to DNR hydrologists regularly.

The official DNR gauge was calibrated on July 16, 2020. The level of Turtle Lake was 1351.45 ft above sea level after that calibration.

Once again, thank you for your continued support of the Turtle Lake Association.

Turtle Lake Association Board