Aquatic and Upland Plant Management

The Goal “Prevent the introduction of invasive species while preserving and augmenting the native wildlife habitat.

Committee Members

Anne Rykken, chair -  arykken@comcast.net

Your name here?

Aquatic / Upland Vegetation Management Objectives:

1. The property owners and users of Lake Miltona will understand the potential impacts of their land use activities on the lake.

  • Develop an intensive education program.
    1. Contact state and county agencies regarding the use of existing educational programs and materials.
    2. Identify local, and contact county groups who could implement programs and distribute materials (ie Lions, Toast Masters, County Lake Assoc
    3. Identify primary sources of non-point pollution within watershed. Work with landowners/DNR/PCA to mitigate. (rain garden between farm and lake, fence livestock 100 feet back
    4. Inspection of all lakeshore septic systems.
  • Promotional Items
    1. Design and produce booklets specifically tailored to our lake or combine and share cost with neighboring lakes. Produce materials aimed at adults and kids.
    2. Contact Co. Assessor about including materials to send along in tax assessment
    3. Develop public service announcement/infomercials for local /tv stations
    4. Develop email list of lake home owners
  • Plant Lakeshore native vegetation and grasses to increase wildlife habitat
    1. Invite county extension service to present lakescaping workshop
    2. Invite local Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, Waterfowl Association to cosponsor a meeting regarding wildlife habitat
  • Land use practices and the effects on water quality in the local newspaper
    1. Provide a regular column in the Alexandria Echo, and other publications beyond the area, touting the qualities of good lake practice stewardship.
    2. With DNR, make sure to target farmers as well as individual homeowners.

2.       Improve wildlife habitat within the lake shed of Lake Miltona.

  • Nesting structures, bird, and wood duck houses
    • Provide local opportunities to purchase pre-made bird and wood duck houses. (Local business', Lake Association Fundraiser, online order, etc. )
    • Provide plans and/or kits for building bird or duck houses.
    • Offer workshops or clinics in bird or duck house building during key weekends of the year, i.e. holiday weekends or MEA
    • Provide information about the benefits of bird and duck houses in literature and on the website.
    • Explore feasibility of purchasing and/or easements of shoreline critical to production of waterfowl or fisheries.
    • Post "No-Disturbance" sinage in protected areas.
  • Incentives for lakescaping re-vegetation
    • Seek grants to obtain Legacy funding (Call someone in Waters to see what it is called.)
    • Seek Lake Association Board member to initiate Lakescaping on his/her own property.
    • Encourage LMA member to assist others in planning Lakescaping.
    • Purchase Carroll Henderson's Lakescaping book for LMA and or donation to LMA fundraiser.
    • Investigate working with the County to offer tax breaks to Lakescaped property.
  • Minimize ditch mowing and spraying within the watershed to improve wildlife habitat.
    • Enter into discussion with local and county authorities/MNDOT/Public Works about reducing frequency of mowing and insure chemicals nontoxic to wildlife are being used when spraying.
    • Mowing increases ATV use of ditches which contributes to erosion and dicreases water quality.
  • New vegetation planting after road improvements with native vegetation
    • Enter into discussion with local and county authorities/MNDOT/Public Works about replacing vegetation in reconstructed areas with native vegetation.
    • Seek to adopt very strict zoning ordinances in lakeshore development similar to Crow Wing and Cass counties. (see if Douglas Co. has done this.)
  • Regulations/impacts of pesticide, herbicide, and fertilizer use
    • See above

3. Prevent introduction and spread of invasive aquatic and upland species into Lake Miltona

  • Aquatic plant management plan
    • Inventory what is present
    • Identify areas of infestation
    • Identify methods of control
    • Prevent
    • Monitor. Set aside funds to identify source to control further spread.
  • Training in identification of Eurasian Milfoil and other invasive species
    • Start with LMA board members
    • Post images, descriptions and directions on what to do if identified, on LMA web pages.
  • Funding to combat aquatic invasive species
    • Consider lake access hosts, especially on big fishing days.  College students pad and/or volunteers.
    • Consider boat wash or token to local car/boat wash
  • Signage at public accesses
  • Educational information
    • Identify primary sources of non-point pollution within watershed.  Work with landowners/DNR/PCA to mitigate. (rain garden between farm and lake, fence livestock 100 feet back.)
    • Inspection of all lakeshore septic systems

Status and Accomplishments

August ’09 – Developed the detail outline of possible actions listed under the three objectives. 

July ’09 – The committee will be contacting Jerry Haggenmiller to assess damage and control issues especially concerning Zebra Mussels – see home page item.

2008 - Stop Milfoil signs have been installed at the three boat landings [Thanks to Gene Benting and Dick Kuehn for their work!].

 

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