Preserving and Restoring Natural Lakeshores in Minnesota

Check out MPR's series on Preserving and Restoring Natural Lakeshores in Minnesota:

Trouble by the water: Minnesota's vanishing natural lakeshores | MPR News

Zebra Mussels confirmed in Cedar Lake, Morrison County

Zebra mussels confirmed in Cedar Lake in Morrison County : Sep 26, 2024 | News release | Minnesota DNR (state.mn.us)

Whether or not a lake has any invasive species, Minnesota law requires people to:

• Clean watercraft, trailers and equipment to remove aquatic plants and prohibited invasive species.
• Drain all water and leave drain plugs out during transport.
• Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.
• Never release bait, plants or aquarium pets into Minnesota waters.
• Dry docks, lifts and rafts for 21 days before moving them from one water body to another.

These additional steps reduce the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species:

• Decontaminate watercraft and equipment – find free stations on the courtesy decontamination page of the DNR website.
• Spray watercraft and equipment with high-pressure water or rinse with water if high-pressure water is not available.
• Dry watercraft and equipment for at least five days before using in another water body.

Annual Meeting 2024

Great to connect with neighbors this weekend at the annual meeting!

Here is the information from our meeting:

Speaker:

Morrison County Soil and Water Presentation from Mike Becker:
Shoreline Stabilization and Restoration

Mike Becker's Slide Presentation

Agenda: 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/16PbauURXUzKT_RUPvueZzhPgtX5C3SR5/view?usp=sharing

Last Year's Meeting Minutes:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mqyiT9XcJHMdYelP_8Lt26i99Ii4NwAm/view?usp=sharing

Treasurer's Report:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1kKDmEqO2Y8Q2cCg0NZEWlw8UJyFnByCu/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=115703565651952615225&rtpof=true&sd=true

Lake Learning:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SHAW5IS_7yGZUbO31gNV3TswD8dWcsZg/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=115703565651952615225&rtpof=true&sd=true

Slides on Plants and Water:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PuOaTaQTGSOMXdKXtJgdJmmKtcbEtF-u/view?usp=sharing

RMB Environmental Laboratories Lakes Monitoring Database to see water testing information about Pine and Cedar Lakes:

Environmental Lab | Detroit Lakes, MN | RMB Environmental Laboratories, Inc (rmbel.com)

Assessments (rmbel.com)

Pine-Cedar Lakes Assocation Meeting at Eagle's Nest, Camp Lebanon, August 3rd at 8:30 am

 

DATE CHANGE: Pine-Cedar Lakes Association Annual Meeting, August 3, 2024!

 

DATE CHANGE: Pine-Cedar Lakes Association Annual Meeting 
will be on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 8:30 am at Eagles Nest, 
Camp Lebanon

Culvert Update

Culvert Update:

At the 2023 Pine Cedar Lakes Association annual meeting, a review was done of the status of the culvert on the south end of Pine Lake. It was determined there had been a culvert present, but it was broken and clogged. The next step was for the township board to submit an application to the Morrison County Soil and Water Conservation District requesting replacement of the culvert. If it was approved, then a new culvert would be inserted based on DNR and soil/water specifications.

This application was submitted. It was subsequently rejected for being incomplete. To move forward, would require a set of engineering plans. "This plan would consist of but is not limited to the size, location, and elevation of the replacement culvert. The plan would need to be developed by the Elmdale Township and a licensed engineer to address the culvert placement details."

A discussion with an Elmdale Township board member suggested they do not have the funds to advance this, as it would likely be greater than $10,000 plus the culvert and placement cost. Therefore, the Pine Cedar Lakes Association Board tabled this item for now.

 July 1, 2023, Annual Pine-Cedar Lakes Association Meeting 

Pine Cedar Lakes Annual Meeting 2023 

To view RMB Lakes Monitoring Database (water testing results): 
Environmental Lab | Detroit Lakes, MN | RMB Environmental Laboratories, Inc (rmbel.com)

Shoreline Restoration

PRESO: Summary Survey Both Lakes

PRESO: Water Level

SURVEY: All Data Compare Lakes

2023 CLP initial results report CEDAR

2023 CLP initial results report PINE

Contact List:

Name	Responsibility	Phone	Email/Internet Address
Eric Altena	DNR Fisheries Manager	320-232-1069	eric.altena@state.mn.us
Mark Anderson	DNR Hydrologist	320-232-1078	mark.anderson@state.mn.us
DNR LakeFinder	An online tool that finds and displays detailed information about most lakes in Minnesota		https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/index.html
DNR Parks and Trails	Contact for issues at the boat landing	888-646-6367	info.dnr@state.mn.us   https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/parks_trails/index.html
Christine Jurek	DNR Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Specialist	320-233-7847	christine.jurek@state.mn.us   https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/ais/contacts.html
Morrison County Sheriff’s Office	Water Patrol Division	Non-emergency: 320-632-9233	https://www.co.morrison.mn.us/179/Patrol-Division
RMB Labs	Water Testing   View lake monitoring data base	218-846-1465	https://www.rmbel.com/lakes-monitoring-database
Nancy Stewart	Public Water Access and Fishing Pier Program Coordinator   Contact regarding signage at a water access managed by the DNR	651-259-5616	nancy.stewart@state.mn.us
Darrin Welle	Morrison County Land Services, Shoreland Specialist   Contact regarding Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Program	320-632-0100	darrinw@co.morrison.mn.us
Shannon Wettstein	Morrison Soil and Water Conservation District, District Manager	320-631-3553	shannon.wettstein@morrisonswcd.org   https://morrisonswcd.org/

 

 

Thanks, Pine-Cedar Lakes Association Members! We had a great annual meeting today. I will be posting the documents/information from the meeting. As always, reach out with questions or concerns. 

Remember--4th of July Boat Parade on Pine Lake, 7/4 at 11 am! Prize awarded for the best-decorated boat!

Have a fun and safe holiday weekend!

Greetings from Pine-Cedar Lakes Association!

We look forward to seeing everyone at the Annual Meeting, Saturday, July 1, 2023, at 8:30 AM at Camp Lebanon Eagle’s Nest. The meeting will have the traditional agenda, updates on the lakes, the election of board members, and door prizes!

Each year Morrison Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) offers thousands of trees to landowners at inexpensive prices. 

Here is the website to learn more: Tree Sales - Morrison Soil and Water (morrisonswcd.org)

Pine-Cedar Lakes Association has hired RMB Labs to conduct a plant survey of both Pine and Cedar Lakes. Here are the reports for 2021 and 2022. Previous surveys have been posted on the blog.

Pine Lake 2021

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dzXuqhNgvWTKqrHIAqYHnFuD-gLsn3rs/view?usp=share_link

Cedar Lake 2021

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y4QZ8jCy5dPmJQK02sB8h8W-Zm3b-LhI/view?usp=share_link

Pine Lake 2022

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_g2PPyNkFwqRJvIWhUQj1usfDp0nL4mA/view?usp=share_link

Cedar Lake 2022

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-1_uLfwTT_Kihg5bx4NxwKIJ9zcogJ9Z/view?usp=drive_link

Aquatic Invasive Species Inspection Reports, July 2022, from RMB Environmental Laboratories, Inc.

Here are copies of the most recent Aquatic Invasive Species Inspection Reports, July 2022, from RMB Environmental Laboratories, Inc. 

Pine:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rfZrQblMhBn_JnR5l-qeblKcl-MH38FA/view?usp=sharing

Cedar:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fOCRFskNyHSpNLZIR1RF5cwvHKxi6DWr/view?usp=sharing

Naturalizing your shoreline is the most important contribution you can make to enhance water quality, maintain fishery resources, and provide wildlife habitat.

With the elevated water level, a number of lakeshore owners are seeing soil erosion. While we explore avenues to address water levels, there are things we can do to help prevent future erosion while improving the quality of the lake.

1. Riprap: Shoreline Alterations: Riprap (state.mn.us)

2. Soft Armor or natural vegetation buffer: Shoreland Restoration — Whitefish Area Property Owner's Association (wapoa.org)

Do I need a permit? | Minnesota DNR (state.mn.us)

"A healthy shoreland supports a diverse community of fish and wildlife by providing native vegetation that fulfills their habitat needs where land and water meet. Native vegetation provides important water quality functions by slowing and filtering water runoff as it moves to the lake or stream. Shorelines with a diverse mixture of native plants extending inland as well as offshore of the bank are more resilient to wave and ice erosion. Our lakes, streams and wetlands need healthy shorelines to reduce runoff, filter pollutants, and provide important habitat functions that benefit fish and wildlife."

Due to high water, a No Wake Zone for Pine Lake was posted today 5/15/22

On May 15, 2022, the Morrison County Sheriff's Department posted a 300-foot No Wake from any shoreline on Pine Lake. The sign is posted at the boat landing. The lake level is high and there is erosion occurring on shorelines from the high water and waves. 

Pine Lake culvert is open and water is flowing.

In response to ongoing concerns about high water on Pine Lake, the Pine-Cedar Lakes Association has established an agreement with the landowner where the culvert is located. The culvert is open and flowing. Please do not trespass on private land. 

 

Spring Time!

Happy Spring! The ice is out and the loons are back on both Pine and Cedar lakes! 

 Vegetation Survey for Pine and Cedar Lakes for 2021

The Pine-Cedar Lakes Association received a grant from Morrison County to do a vegetation survey to monitor Curly Leaf Pond (CLP) weed in the lakes.  A survey was completed for Pine Lake and Cedar Lake again this year.   The survey was done by RMB Labs for the second year.   The reports have a section where the vegetation is compared from 2020 to 2021 especially for CLP weeds (Pages 7 and 11).  Take a look at the report.  It is interesting to know all the good vegetation in the lakes and how it helps to keep the lakes healthy.

Pine Lake Vegetation Survey for 2021

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WDIWU4pgv1085HK-5WDEhq8uRW2OkDmX/view?usp=sharing

Cedar Lake Vegetation Survey for 2021

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tnl4zi0gljbxtskq0VcX8eyfqGDzs6Im/view?usp=sharing

 Water clarity this spring, 2021, in Pine Lake

This spring the water clarity in Pine Lake was very poor.   When a secchi reading (how far below the surface you can see a standard white disk) was done in May, the reading was 8 feet.   This was not typical at all.   Usually, in the spring the reading is 20 feet or more.   The secchi disk reading improved in coming weeks but still remained below normal.   It June and July, the water tests that have been done in the past were done.   The traditional tests that have been done since 2008 are Total Phosphorus, Chlorophyll-a, and Secchi reading and are analyzed and reported by RMB Labs (RMB Lakes Database - RMBEL).  The Pine-Cedar Lakes Association has done these tests for the recommended 10 years to get a good base.   After the 10 year base, the plan is to do them every other year.   This year, 2021. was not planned to be a year to take the tests.   But because of the abnormal clarity, tests were taken for two months.  The following are the results:

                                                        Mean- since 2008            TP-- 6/21/2021        TP-- 7/25/2021

Total Phosphorus                                     14.3 ug/l                       15.6 ug/l                 10.2 ug/l 

Chlorophyll-a                                             2.8 ug/l                            7 ug/l                    3 ug/l

Secchi reading                                           16.6 feet                          13 feet                   N/A

The Secchi reading for 7/25/21 did not make the RMB report.   A reading taken later was 14 feet.   The Secchi reading has usually been in the 20 foot range in the spring and the mid teen feet level in the late summer.  As can be seen by the data, the lake has basically returned to normal with the July reading.  The June Chlorophyll-a of 7 ug/l was the highest recorded since the test started in 2008.   This test reflects algae in the water.  

It is not know what happened in the lake this spring to cause the clarity to change so dramatically.  There was probably a bloom of some sort.   The weather and water levels were not normal in the spring of 2021.   The good news, it has cleared.   

It is, however, good to remember that all activity in and around the lake may affect the lake water eventually.

 Due to high water levels a No Wake Zone for Pine Lake effective May 12, 2021

On May 12, 2021 the Morrison County Sheriff's Department posted a 300 foot no wake from any shoreline on Pine Lake.   The sign is posted at the boat landing.   The lake level continues to be high and there is erosion occurring on shorelines from the high water and waves.  

 Pine-Cedar Lakes Board meeting January 6, 2021

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tHPM3iV9fMoGwbgoAfOcDYymimKYRkkT/view?usp=sharing

Hope everyone is staying safe from the coronavirus and are having a good fall.   Looks like winter is trying to come early.  

A Pine-Cedar Lake Association Board meeting was held on September 19, 2020.   The notes from the meeting are in the attached.  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/13SgEJIdjblJF40ZFkp9uLLFvmWOMEVr7/view?usp=sharing

Treasurer's report for fiscal year ending June 30, 2020

The attached is the Treasurer's report for 2019-2020.   Since the fiscal year end of June 30, 2020, additional members have joined and there are now 71 members for the Pine-Cedar Lakes Association.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rxv5SpV6CBXE-p7PEw3SoVe4r0UA0i4w/view?usp=sharing

Annual Meeting Voting Results for the Pine-Cedar Lakes Association Board.

Thanks to everyone who responded to the Pine-Cedar Lakes Association annual mailing.   We were not able to have a face to face meeting but with the response from members we were able to have the association board voting accomplished.   The mail in date was closed on July 15, 2020 and the votes were counted.   Five people were on the ballot.  The top four votes were for Paul Jahnke--Treasurer, Gary Roerick--Vice President, Tom Lind--Director and Barb Skodje-Mack--Director.  They were re-elected to the lake association board for a two year term.   Thanks to Dave Maty for also running for the board.

Hopefully, we can have a face to face annual meeting next year on Saturday, July 3, 2021. 

Stay safe everyone and have a great summer on the lakes.

The water level on Pine Lake got a little higher on the weekend of July 17, 2020 with several more inches of rain.   As noted in the following post, the water from Pine Lake flows north and there is a culvert on the Northeast corner to Long Lake.   This culvert is blocked from time to time.   This past weekend, Randy Nilson and Travis Mack cleaned the culvert again.  Thanks to Randy and Mark for all their efforts in what is not the best place to work.   The following is a note and pictures that Barb Skodje-Mack forwarded.

Just an update on the Culvert on the north end of Pine Lake. It was clogged up and with property owner's permission, Randy and Travis cleared it out. Water is flowing again--which is good because the lake is up from all the rain.

Have a good week.

Barb

With the annual Pine-Cedar Lakes Association membership drive, there was a note asking if there were questions on lake water levels.   The following are questions received and response from Mark Anderson (DNR hydrologist):

According to Mark Anderson on September 27, 2019:
The average recorded water level is as it sounds, an average of all recorded water level data.  The DNR started recording water levels for Pine Lake in 1994 and Cedar Lake in 1998. 

Cedar Lake

Ordinary High Water (OHW) – 1209.33’

Current (9/27/19) water level – 1209.78’ (The basin is currently above the OHW by 5.4”)

Average recorded water levels – 1209.28’

Highest recorded water level – 1210.18’ (08/17/1999)

Pine Lake

Ordinary High Water (OHW) – 1245.10’

Current (9/27/19) water level – 1245.33’ (The basin is currently above the OHW by 2.76”)

Average recorded water levels – 1244.21’

Highest recorded water level – 1245.41’ (05/26/2019)

General water level questions:

1.       Thank you for the data you reported last September. What are the current levels for Pine and Cedar? I measured Pine Lake on 07/02/2020 and it was at 1245.04.  I have not measured Cedar Lake, but will try to get out there this week to get a reading.  The most current reading was 1209.26 on 06/22/2020

2.       Are there are OHW for Long Lake? There is no established OHW for Long Lake at this point.

3.       Any guidance for lake shore owners concerned about high water levels and erosion?  My first thought is a combination of rip-rap and native shoreland vegetation.  Typically rip-rap does not require a permit from the DNR, however it would require a permit from Morrison County.  I have attached some shoreline fact sheets. 

4.       What were some of the lowest recorded water levels for Pine and Cedar lakes? When was that? For Pine Lake 1242.58 on 08/18/1994 – For Cedar Lake 1208.26 on 10/01/2012

Here are a few Pine Lake Questions:

1.       Was the road at entrance to public access ever lower than now and water, when high, ran over?   This may be back in the 50’s to 60’s or earlier.  There is no evidence of overtopping of the road.  I know various individuals have stated there was an outlet culvert by the public access.  If there was a culvert there it was an “equalization culvert” to connect the two wetland complexes on each road.  Attached is aerial photography going back to the 1930’s and there is not visual evidence of this area ever acting as an outlet to Pine Lake.

The official OHW survey for Pine Lake was done in 1986, and they identified the norther route as the outlet for Pine Lake. 

2.       If the water flows north, what is route to get to Swan River?   Are there any blockages (like plugged culverts, beaver dams) on route?  Once water flows through Long Lake it travels via small streams and wetland complexes.  From there it can deposit into County Ditch 13 and County Ditch 8 which deposits to the Swan River. 

I do not know about blockages, my guess would be there are most likely some restrictions given the marshy nature of the outlet.  Perfect for beaver activity.

3.       Before roads were built around the lake on the southwest and southeast side, what direction did water flow out of Pine Lake?   Like in the 1800’s.  Unknown.  Given the aerial information I sent there is a lack of any evidence (channel) that water ever flowed to the southeast.  (see aerial link below)

4.       If water does not go down, what are options to manage lake level?  There might be an option of temporary pumping of up to 50 million gallons.  However, this is a one-time permit and a long term solution would be more challenging. 

Changing of an outlet is a time consuming and costly endeavor.   So, if there is a desire to lower the existing culvert, be prepared for a multi-year process and the costs associated with the permitting process. 

A centerline “equalization” culvert could be re-installed along the township road, with the Township approval.  This culvert would have to be set above the OHW of Pine Lake.

Here are a couple Cedar Lake Questions:

1.             How much lower is the current Culvert in the south east corner of Cedar Lake after the road reconstruction project than the previous Culvert was? If I recall correctly the culvert was inadvertently dropped approximately 5”.  This was corrected by installing a weir to match the previous elevation.

2.             Could somebody do soil and water testing on Cedar Lake to determine how much chloride is in the water/soil and then we could use that as baseline information when testing in the future, as they continue to put chloride on the road each year and that eventually some of it leeches and/or gets sprayed into Cedar Lake? The chloride water/soil tests would need to specifically be done along the South Shore adjacent to the road in the soil and along the South Shore in the water, since the chloride bonds to soil and other particles and stays there for ever and does not leech away.  This would be a question for MPCA, it might be something the Lake Association would like to take on.   Abaca Road (CR19) runs a distance of approximately ½ mile along the southern boundary of Cedar Lake.  This is significantly less than the basins in the metropolitan area where road infrastructure is considerably more.  I suspect the impact to Cedar Lake to be negligible. 

Questions gathered from Facebook:

1.             Is there algae on Pine Lake known to be toxic to humans or pets at this time?  Not that I am aware of.  I have not heard of any blue-green algae issues on either of these basins.

2.             Is it possible to have DNR monitor our public access so our waters remain free of invasive species? Are any other lakes doing that and how?  I would direct you to Adam Doll, he is the watercraft inspector coordinator.  His information can be found here:  https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/watercraft_inspect/index.html

The following link are a series of aerial pictures that are referenced in Mark Anderson's comments for the area by the Pine Lake public access.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1C2BGxFOa2FLnsASt-4oVEQwHa95LVsAb/view?usp=sharing

The following links are articles from Mark Anderson related to shoreline issues.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Yw7YskwL8b1JmmuqUn6KZrQbFJYNzPrW/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Zo6hxUC_LlOLpe_aYmkEPBEHpuIh0ocL/view?usp=sharing

The following link is a mapping system that can be searched to find the Pine Lake and Cedar Lake areas.   It allows you to see elevations.   If you scan the map you can look at areas over a large distance.

http://arcgis.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/mntopo/