2022 Aquatic Invasive Species Update
by John Hanson, TLA Board President
The boats and docks are stored away, the loons departed. The snow and ice are here, and many of you have retreated to your year-round homes or warmer climes. Personally, I prefer to experience all the seasons here. The weather is surely a bit dicey at times, but worth the general stillness and beauty that usually mark the winter months.
When our lake is quiet and frozen, and most of us have just celebrated Christmas and New Year’s, you may find it a bit unnatural to think much about the state of the water when we most enjoy it. I am asking you to do so because of the very real — and the very unpleasant — fact that, despite our efforts, Aquatic Invasive Species continues to be a serious threat to the quality of Turtle and Hatch Lakes.
Our future use and enjoyment of these interesting, beautiful, and unique bodies of water cannot be taken casually. Most of you no doubt realize that I am referring to things such as lacerating Zebra Mussels and choking Starry Stonewort. And that nearby North Star Lake, for example, already harbors a Zebra Mussel infestation. This is a serious issue facing not just Turtle and Hatch lakes and our area. It is affecting states all across the northern border and all are in some phase of addressing this threat, using information and guidance from the University of Minnesota as well as relevant and respected conservation groups.
The Turtle Lake Association Board/AIS Committee is launching a new phase of our prevention efforts. We need each and every property owner to step up to the commitment of keeping Turtle and Hatch Lakes free of these infestations.
What have we done up to this point?
Under the guidance and significant efforts of year-long residents Cec Reidman and Steve Long, our AIS Prevention Program has already been very active.
We have arranged to supplement county boat inspection hours at the public landing, purchasing enough additional hours to get to about 90% coverage of the boats entering Turtle Lake.
The TLA Board has developed relationships with resorts to help make their guests aware of the AIS threat.
A newsletter has also helped to communicate and educate on this subject.
However, prevention remains an ongoing task — we must continue to be vigilant. The Board has determined that AIS prevention in Turtle and Hatch lakes is of critical importance — now.
We are very grateful for past donations! We need them to continue. But frankly, our efforts are going to require participation from more property owners around the lakes. We also hope for increased donations from those who have responded in previous years.
This is my request to contemplate just how much your lake means to you, to your friends and family, and to future generations.
This year a fund-raising drive will be made to ensure that we are able to continue to cover annual costs of AIS prevention (boat inspectors, training, etc. as described above). Stay tuned for further news on this.
However, if the spirit moves you already, please note that you can submit a contribution for this purpose now, along with your membership dues, on this website or via mail.
In addition, I am always interested in hearing from anyone that could volunteer on any other aspect of AIS Prevention. Please contact me if you could help in this regard, or if you have any questions or suggestions.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
John Hanson, TLA Board President