INFORMER

BIG SAUK LAKE ASSOCIATION

SPRING EDITION 2016

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Presidents Message

This is the time of year when lake shore owners see the
lake
come alive with activity. Fishermen are busy casting
President
lures
in an attempt to catch a walleye, northern, crappie or
Tim Weir
(320)352-3318
sunfish. Loons, mallards and wood ducks have made their
Vice President
nests and their offspring are ready to emerge into the
(612)710-9866
Jeff Mayer
world. The woods along the lake are bursting new leaves
(Lake Watch North Half)
and alive with the sound of songbirds conducting their
spring mating ritual. The lake itself is cool, clear and appears pristine. There
Secretary
isnt a better time of year to experience nature coming alive for a new season.
(763)560-8615
Wayne Yokiel
One question will linger with us for the foreseen future. That question is
Treasurer
will Sauk Lake be affected by a new Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)? There
Rick Jennissen (320)260-3229
has been a lot of discussion at all levels of government on the AIS topic.
According to Minnesota Statute, an Aquatic Invasive Species is; a plant or aniVern Beckerman
mal, including algae and submerged, floating leafed, or emergent plants, that
(Lake Watch S. 1/2)
(320)352-3732
naturally grow in water, saturated soils, or seasonally saturated soils that is a
nonnative species that invades water beyond their natural and historic range
Mike Blenkush
(320)290-2496
that: 1) Causes or may cause economic or environmental harm or harm to
(Membership)
human health; or (2) Threatens or may threaten natural resources or the use
Jerry Beuning
(320)352-3921
of natural resources in the state.
Eurasian Milfoil, Zebra Mussel, Starry Stonewort are examples of a wave
Kevin Baartman
(612)369-2725
of the invasive species that have been making their way across our area.
Eurasian Milfoil was identified on Sauk Lake in 1994, but has not been found
since. However, Little Birch Lake to the east of Sauk has
provide the fish habitat and water clarity that is desired
been fighting this AIS since it was discovered in 2003.
in Sauk Lake.
Zebra Mussel was discovered last year as close to us as
Preventing new species from inhabiting the lake takes
Lake Sylvia. Starry Stonewort was discovered in Lake
a whole different approach. Typically, the introduction of
Koronis in 2015. The one invasive species that is prevaa new species comes about by transferring the AIS from
lent in Sauk Lake, and a number of other lake throughanother infested lake. Most often this transfer occurs
out Minnesota, is Curly Leaf Pondweed (CLP). In 2015
when boats are moved from lake to lake. Both of our local
Sauk Lake experienced nearly a 150% increase in the
Counties are very involved in the prevention of the spread
level of CLP growing in the lake. The two major areas are
of AIS. For example, in 2016 Todd County will spend
on the north end of the lake near the mouth of the river
nearly $250,000 on education, monitoring and inspecand in an area east of the Hwy 71 bridge (Narrows) near
tions. Of that total amount, $30,000 will be spent to monthe public access. Other smaller clusters of the weed are
itor the public accesses of 4 lakes in the SW Region where
scattered near shorelines.
Sauk Lake is located. Stearns County is doing much the
There is action being taken to arrest the introduction
same and once again will have monitors at the southern
of new species and to try to control existing species.
boat accesses during the summer. The Stearns County
Regarding the latter, the Lake Association in conjunction
monitors spent 677 hours at Sauk Lake boat accesses last
with the City of Sauk Centre has signed an agreement
year and checked over 520 boats entering and exiting the
with Clarke Aquatic Services to apply the DNR approved
lake. Be sure to follow state law when trailering your
chemical (Aquathol) to approximately 27 acres to help
boat.
control the CLP population. Both the north end and the
1.CLEAN all visible aquatic plants, zebra mussels and
area near the narrows will be the focus. The DNR conother invasive species like CLP from your watercraft
ducted a survey of the lake during mid April of 2016 and
and trailer.
granted a permit for application of 140 acres of CLP con2. DRAIN your boat, ballast tanks, portable bait
containers, bilge, livewell and baitwell by removing the
trol. Neither the City nor the Lake Association felt comdrain plugs before leaving a water access. Keep plugs
pelled to go to that extent with the control. The decision
OUT
was made to target dense areas within the boating chan3. DISPOSE of unwanted bait, including minnows,
nels of each of the two areas mentioned above. The cost
leeches and worms in the trash. It is illegal to release
of this will be borne by the Sauk River Watershed District
bait into a waterbody. If you want to keep your bait
and will be just under $9,000. As I mentioned in our last
you must refill the container with bottled or tap water.
newsletter, the hope is to keep the CLP population low to
let the good native weeds have a chance to grow and
Presidents message continued on page 2

Presidents message continued from page 1

Finally, we would love to see you at our annual

meeting Saturday May 28th at 8 AM for breakfast.
Clarke Aquatic Services will be giving a presentation
on the procedure and process involved with applying
weed killer to aquatic vegetation. We hope you will
show up. As always if you are not a member please
think about joining your association, and better yet,

become a board member. Everyone has an opinion

and we would like yours. Remember there are three
types of people. Those that let it happen, those that
make it happen and those that wonder what happened.

Have a Great Summer,

Tim Weir

What's New In Carp Control?

To all the faithful readers of THE

INFORMER, there may have been a
time when you were tired of reading
about our ignoble lake dweller, the
common carp. Well, it turns out that
diligent researchers at the U.M., over
the last decade, have discovered not
only what makes the carp invasive but
what measures can keep their populations in check.

Studies have focused on examining tiny bones in carps's inner ears

called otoliths. The accrue annual
growth marks (analogous to tree rings).
The age of a carp can then be determined by the number of these growth
marks. Examining them revealed histories of several carp populations in the
Metro area, sometimes going back
more than 50 years! Many of these
populations were dominated by two or
three age classes e.g. Lake Susan in
Chanhassan, where nine and sixteen
year-old carp dominated. Natural
processes are at work limiting survival
of carp eggs, larvae and fry during
most years. This observation has been
verified by DNR data from more than
500 lakes! The fish surveys indicated
that young-of-year carp were present
in less than 10% of the lakes.

These observations were puzzling

to researchers. Finally, a break-thru
occurred when spikes in carp ages
were correlated with marshes adjacent
to lakes becoming anoxic (without oxygen) due to snow and ice cover. This
results in die-off of native fish . This led
to a hypothesis that native fish control
the survival of carp eggs, and fry in
most lakes and years except when
native fish perish in a winterkill. A second hypothesis was proposed that
adult carp, which are very mobile, can
migrate out of lakes and into such post-

winterkill marshes in the spring and

use them as nurseries. Hatched fry can
then disperse into warming lakes completing their life cycle.

Research in 2012 and other years

corroborated the first hypothesis when
surveys found carp fry in almost every
winter-killed marsh but none in waters
where fish die-offs did not occur.
Researchers also found that bluegills
were the main predators of carp eggs
and larvae in lakes but were absent in
winter-killed marshes.
Continued
research done with telemetry showed
"that up to 90% of adult carp leave
lakes in the spring and migrate to adjacent marches to spawn. Then juvenile
carp move out of the marshes and into
adjoining lakes over time." This verified the second hypothesis.

Readers should be reminded that

these research studies were done on
Metro chains of lakes having relatively
few and small winter-kill prone marshes or ponds. "If those systems could
be stabilized (e.g., via winter aeration,
or blocked off, carp recruitment could
be stifled." "Once the production of
young is under control, adults could be
sustainably removed." "This can be
relatively easy as adult carp form tight
under-ice aggregations that can be
found using telemetry" and under
water sonar. The latter was used on
Big Sauk Lake during the winter of
2012 resulting in a substantial harvest.
(Due to failure to produce authentic
weigh-slips, our contract was not fulfilled and no monies were expended.)

Two more positive outcomes from

carp control have been documented.
One study done on a chain of metro
lakes in and near St. Paul showed a
significant increase in non-invasive

aquatic plants. Elimination of carp

diminished up-rooting of young plants.
A second result came from carp
removal in Lake Casey in Little
Canada. This effort showed a decline
of 40% in phosphorus. Carp removal
was an economical strategy to reduce
nutrient loading.
Locally, are there marshes bordering Big Sauk Lake subject to occasional winter-kill? Would investigations
show a large population of carp fry in
said marshes after a spring thaw? If
the marshes were not subject to winter
kill, would populations of blue gills be
found feeding on the deposits of carp
eggs and subsequent fry?

U.M. scientists will be continuing

to develop management solutions to
carp in prairie lakes in southern
Minnesota. Pilot experiments are
planned to asses "whether biocontrol
or toxins delivered in a species-specific manner could be used to control
carp in combination withe the strategies we have already developed."
Note: Credit for this article is given to
Shore to Shore, Issue 123.
Principle author: Dr. Przemek Bajer,
Research Assistant Professor, U of
M, Minnesota Aquatic Invasive
Species Research Center,
bajer003@umn.edu
Some material has been paraphrased for brevity.

Ed. Note: These Headlines appeared on the Internet with someone's

commentary underneath.
Proofreading is a Dying Art
Wouldn't You Say?

Something Went Wrong in Jet Crash, Expert Says

Really? Ya think?
Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers
Now that's taking things a bit far!
Miners Refuse to Work After Death
No-good-for-nothing' lazy so-and-so's!

Juvenile Court To Try Shooting Defendant

See if that works better than a fair trial!

For information on advertising in the

INFORMER call:
Mike Blenkush at
320-290-2496 or
E-mail: mikeblenkush@gmail.com

For BSLA information, notices, and lake-related links

or to contact us.

Red Tape Holds Up New Bridges

You mean there's something stronger that duct tape?
New Study of Obesity Looks for Larger Test
Weren't they fat enough?

Hospitals are Sued by 7 Foot Doctors

Boy, are they tall!
Kids Make Nutritious Snacks
Do they taste like chicken?

Local High School Dropouts Cut in Half

Chainsaw Massacre all over again!

Last One!
Typhoon Rips Through Cemetery; Hundreds Dead

This site is courtesy of the

World Wide Web Foundry, LLC.
A BIG thank you to BSLA member,
Lynn Woodward.

17 1/2 x 21 1/2 Map

Fully Laminated$5
26 1/2 x 34 Map
Not Laminated$
Send check or money order
along with your name, address,
and phone number to:
Big Sauk Lake Association
Box 282
Sauk Centre, MN 56378

! "

ED. Note: The following article is a bit different from our usual narratives. This one
is titled "Measuring the Height of a Tree". It is much safer than climbing through
branches to the top and dropping a weighted line through the branches to the ground!
It can be done as a fun activity if a family is camping in a wooded area or at home
if your home is on a wooded lot. Some other activities are suggested at the conclusion of the "Height" activity. Have fun!

For this activity you need a tree, level ground, a partner and a
12" ruler. There should be a clear, level area between you and
the tree.
Step 1: Your partner should stand on level ground near the base
of the tree.

Step 2: Hold a 12" ruler (A) at arms's length and walk backward until the top and bottom of the ruler line up with the top
and bottom of the tree. The zero end of the ruler should be down
with the markings facing you.

Step 3: Note where the top of your partner's head appears to

line up with a mark on the ruler. This mark becomes measurement (B). Express to the nearest 1/4" if possible.

Step 4: Measure the height of your partner - or perhaps he/she

already knows this. If uncertain, remeasure the partners height.
This value becomes (C). Express this also in inches.
Step 5: These 3 numbers can be substituted into the following
formula:
A (length of ruler)
_________________

B (height of partner as
it appeared on ruler)

H(height of tree)
_____________________

C(actual height of partner)

Solving for H, we cross multiply giving A X C = B X H

Therefore, H =

AXC
_____
B

Example: A= 12"; C= 67 "; and B = 2.5" (Note: all

measurements must be in the same unit (here, they are inches). Using the numbers given, 12x67 = 804; Then 804 divided by 2.5 equals 321.6 ". Converting 321.6 " to feet, we must
divide by 12'" per foot giving the tree height H = 26.8 feet.

This method compares the height of a person in proportion to

the height of a tree. Foresters use a device called a clinometer which measures the angle (in degrees) from the eye to the
top of the tree. If the forester measures the distance from the
base of the tree to where he/she is standing, simple trigonometry allows them to calculate the tree height , "H" . Unless the
forester is laying flat on the ground to measure the angle,
he/she would have to add their height to the measurement.

If readers studied trig in their HS math courses, I would encourage them to recall the definition of the sine, cosine and tangent
of the angle being measured to see which definition would be
used. Remember that the base of the right triangle formed is
the distance of the forester from the base of the tree. Good Luck!

Foresters also measure other properties of trees. One is the

circumference. They wrap a measuring tape around the tree at
a height of 4 1/2 feet off the ground. (This is a standard height.)
From this, the diameter and the radius of the trunk can be found.
The volume (V) of the trunk can be calculated using V= pi x radius
squared x height. Recall that pi = 3.14 (rounded off)

A final extra measurement can easily be done. It is the crown

spread. The crown is all of the branches and leaves extending
from the main trunk. Two persons can do this with a tape measure. They would stand opposite each other under the tree holding the tape. Each would move looking straight up until they
are under the outermost edge of the crown (the widest edges!).
Stretch the tape and read the measurement. Repeat at right
angles to the first measurement and average the two distances.
These measurements can be used to find "Champion Trees".
They are the largest specimens of that species. Readers can
learn more about Minnesota champion trees at
dnr.state.mn.us/trees_shrubs/bigtree.

Credit for Information related to this article is credited to

the Minnesota Conservation Volunteer magazine, July-August
Issue, 2015.

($25 per Year: Jan. 1Dec. 31, 2016)

Name:__________________________________________________________
Mailing Address:__________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Phone No:_______________________________________________________
E-mail Address: __________________________________________________
Please cut out and include with your payment to:

BSLA, Box 282, Sauk Centre, MN 56378

The Big Sauk Lake Association is a Minnesota nonprofit corporation, and a tax-exempt, environmental
organization under Article 501 (c) (3) of the U. S. Internal Revenue Code.

MB Mail 5-16

Below is a listing of BSLA Residential and Business members who have paid dues for calendar year 2016 as
of May 6, 2016.
!
" #$% for your support of Big Sauk Lake and the Sauk Centre community!

Alice & Jim Abraham

Frank & Nancy Ademite
Ed & Beth Ampe
Dennis M. Anderson
Kevin & Leisa Baartman
John & Cindy Banovetz
Kevin & Mari Banz
Tim & Jeni Barker
Rick & Jodi Bass
Dan & David Beck
Vern & Sue Beckermann
Jerry & Renee Beddow
Betty Lou Berg
Ron & Ann Bergemann
Linda Besse
Jerry & Kaye Beuning
Roger & Susan Beuning
Marian Bielke
John & Gail Bieniek
Bob Bjork
Jim & Bernice Blacksher
Mike & Betty Blenkush
Edith Blue
Eric Blue
Al & Joleen Blue
Jim & Clare Boyer
Mark & Brenda Breitbach
Andrew & Teresa Burlet
Rick & Janet Byland
Dick & Sue Cardinal
Barbara Carlson
Kyong Choi
Wendell & Clara Christensen
Dennis & Kathy Christianson
Joan Clark
Nathan Cole
Big Sauk Lake Coop
Ken & Sara Cornell
Richard & Linda Cross
Ervin & Raeanne Danielowski
Chris & Katie Determan
Robert & Colleen Diercks
John Dierks
Michael & Debra Disher
Jon & Charlotte Dockter
James Dolan
Michael J. Duffey
John Ebner
Philip Ehresman
Tony & Irene Felling
Mike & Judy Felling
Cyril & Deb Felling
Jean & Pat Fiedler
Tom & Edie Fischer
Marty & Deb Fitzgerald
Kitty Fobes
Robert Friedl
George S. Gallagher
Jason & Marisa George
Greg & Darla Gilb
Linda Gilmore & Randy White
Dawn & Carl Gordon

Bonnie & Roger Grapper

Gary & Lois Grave
David & Kathy Grussing
Larry & Mary Gustafson
Ed & Sara Hackenmueller
Benedict & Claire Haeg
Jack & Karen Haley
Richard & Barbara Halvorson
Heather & Tom Hamilton
Kristine Hansen
Harry & Alta Hanson
Rick & Cindy Haroldson
Cindi & Jerry Hefferan
Bob & Kandy Heinen
Maggie Heinen
Scott & Abby Henderson
Richard & Grace Henning
Larry & Debbie Herke
Bill & Deb Hildebrand
Barb & Mark Hilgers
Jim & Liz Himanga
Alyce Hintzen
Paul & Shawn Hintzen
Lawrence & Barbara Hittle
Ken & Kathy Hoeschen
Kris & Chrissy Hokanson
Randy & Denise Hommerding
Stan & Dorothy Hortness
Jared & Erin Howe
Gary & Renae Illies
Rachel Jackson
Tim & Mary Janish
Dan Jaros
Rick & Laurie Jennissen
James & Bernadette Jennissen
Brenda & Patrick Jennissen
Elaine & Dean Jensen
Derek & Kim Johnson
Mike & Lori Jost
Craig Kasch
William Kellogg
Greg & Jeanie Klasen
James & Val Kluver
Dennis L. Korte
Kenneth Korte
Edward Korteum
Chuck & Bev Kortuem
Mark & Gwen Kranz
Ron & Carol Kuffel
Marge & Bob Lackmann
Bill Lanik
Robert & JoAnn Larson
Tim Larson & Erin Ralph
Larry & JoAnn Lawinger
Roy Lenander & Gail Kayfes
John & Laura Lepowsky
Duane & Bonnie Leukam
MeRoy & Carol Lillehaugen
Maxine Lobejko
James & Mary Maddox
Skip & Lyn Manoski
Darlene & Dave Mareck

Lucas Martin & Sara Olmanson

Jeff & Carol Mayer
John & Karla McCarey
Steve & Fran Messerli
John & Jo Ann Meyer
Patricia Meyer
J&J Miller Family Trust
Marlene Mohr
Lanny & Darlene Moyer
Gary & Nancy Mueffelmann
Patricia Musenbrock
Roland & Sherry Musolf
Ken & Judy Nelson
Hilding & Deanna Nelson
Jack & Cindy Nelson
Bob & Carrie Nelson
Ken & Mary Nelson
Gerry Newgaard
Chereen Norstrud
John Olson & Jeanne Lally
Kathy & Tom Oschwald
Treonne Panitzke
Herb & Alice Peters
Rod and Jeanne Pettit
Ed & Sue Pfeifer
Mary Ann Polipnick
Dale & Nancy Primus
James & Shana Rachey
Roger Reinardy
Joe & LuAnn Reznicek
John & Sue Rick
Stephen & Amy Rothstein
Art & Lorraine Schapp
Tony & Allison Schelitzche
Mark & Shellie Schreier
James & Jenny Scoates
Ellie Scott
Doris Scott
Tom & Joyce Sedgeman
Tom Shaw
Paul J Sieben
Don & Jan Spehn
Jason & Minnow Speidel
Dorothy Stadther
Arnold & Joan Sticha
Warren Stone
Wanda & Jim Storie
Kathy & Dale Struffert
Bob & Linda Swanson
Lawrence & Dolores Terwey
Rodney & Maren Thornbloom
Robert Tomsche
Mark Tomsche
Lorrayne Traut
Dwayne & Judy Trisko
Joe & Katie Uphus
Dennis & Dorothy VonBank
Roy Walz
Bruce & Barb Wanquist
Dwayne Weiner
Brian Weinzierl
Tim & Jo Weir

Marcia & Chuck Weisbrich

John Welle
Cathie Wendell
Gary Winter
Leroy Wolbeck
Lynn & Lynn Woodward
Candi Woodward
Bill Wroge
Joe & Sharon Wyffels
Lyle & Lynn Yackley
Wayne & Mary Jo Yokiel
Dale & Jan Zaczkowski
Victor & Trisha Zeiher
Jim & Mary Zilka
Kevin & Joan Zimmer
Jim & Connie Zuccaro
Patrick Zwilling
Jean & Virgil Zwilling

%
AmericInn Lodge & Suite
Ann R. Mitchell, Attorney
Birchwood Resort
Centre Sports, LLC
City of Sauk Centre
Country Cat, Inc
Felling Trailers, Inc
First State Bank
Gateway Resort
Godfather's Exterminating, Inc
Greystone Golf Course
Jitters Java Caf
Mainstreet Press
Minnesota National Bank
Mitch's Dyno Tuning
Motor Vehicle Department
Sauk Centre Conservation Club
Sauk Centre Public Utilities
Commission
Saukinac Campground
Schurman Excavating
Tree Top Nursery & Landscaping
Worms Ready Mix

LA
KE

Saturday, May 28, 2016

SAUK

8 amBreakfast Served By Youth Group

(Free Will Offering Appreciated)
8:30 amBusiness Meeting
First Lutheran Church, 304 Elm St. S. & Sinclair Lewis Ave.
Please enter via southwest entrance to basement.
GUEST SPEAKER: Rob Olson, Control Consultant,
Clark Aquatic Services, will give an update
on the control of aquatic invasive
species such as Curly Leaf Pondweed in Big Sauk Lake.

Big Sauk Lake Association

TAKE
ACTION
CLEAN, DRAIN,
DRY

Box 282
Sauk Centre, MN 56378

MOVE A

Sauk Centre, MN 56378

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

PRSRT STD
PERMIT NO. 15
U. S. POSTAGE PAID

MOVE A

Box 282
Sauk Centre, MN 56378

TAKE
ACTION
CLEAN, DRAIN,
DRY

Big Sauk Lake Association

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Sauk Centre, MN 56378

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