NO WAKE RESTRICTIONS LIFTED

The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office has lifted the special NO WAKE restrictions previously placed on the Chain. For more details, see the News Release here.

Deep Dive 4: Native Buffers - do they make a difference?

With summer officially wrapping up, we're wrapping up our report out on the Survey Results. This is the fourth and final ‘Deep Dive’ into the comments we received with the Survey last fall (here are the full survey results: https://www.srcl.org/s/SRCLA-2024-Member-Survey-Results.pdf).

Some of the feedback we received from last year’s survey had to do with our efforts to encourage shoreline owners to consider installing a native buffer instead of mowed grass to the water’s edge. The general question was “Does it really make a difference”?

The answer is an unequivocal “YES”!  A key cause of poor water quality is the inflow of undesirable nutrients as runoff from lawns, farms and roadways.  One of the most damaging chemicals is phosphorus, which is used in many lawn fertilizers.  One pound of phosphorus enables the growth of 500 pounds of algae, so even incremental reductions in runoff can make a big difference in nuisance algae.

Here’s a link to an informative summary from the MN Natural Shoreline Partnership as found on the Minnesota Lakes and Rivers (MLR) website: https://mnlakesandrivers.org/nsp/

The Minnesota Natural Shoreline Partnership aims to reshape perceptions, attitudes and policies around lakeshore development and stewardship, inspiring the dedication and action needed to protect and restore natural shorelines for the benefit of people, fish, and wildlife habitat, recreation, lake health, and water quality.

And here’s a link to a DNR article with a lot of useful information about the benefits of installing a native buffer zone and other steps you can take to foster a natural shoreline: https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/publications/waters/shoreline_alterations_lakescaping.pdf

If you’re interested in finding out more about options to improve your own shoreline, there are a number of convenient resources available to you.  

1. The Stearns Conservation District (SCD) has a team of specialists that will visit your site and make recommendations about how you can reduce runoff and/or address erosion.  They will draw up detailed plans that you can use to get bids from contractors.  There is a cost-share program that can cover up to 75% of eligible project costs via state funds administered by the county.  For more information on the SCD’s shoreline program, contact Greg Berg (greg.berg@mn.nacdnet.net).  

2. The SRCLA also has a Land Use budget that may provide subsidies of up to 25% of eligible project costs.  Contact Rick Reimer (rick.reimer64@gmail.com), our Land Use/Lake Steward Lead, if you’d like to learn more about our program, which can be used in conjunction with the county program.

3. And then there’s the exciting new Lake Steward program.  The SRCLA is one of more than 50 lake associations that are participating state-wide.  The first step is to take a short on-line “Are You a Lake Steward?” quiz to assess how your property impacts water quality. You’ll be connected with a trained SRCLA evaluator, and they’ll schedule a site visit to view your property and offer personalized tips to restore habitat, reduce erosion and manage runoff. If your property meets the criteria, you’ll proudly earn a Lake Steward sign—a visible symbol of your commitment to protecting our lakes for future generations.  You can find out more about the Lake Steward program (including a link to the on-line quiz) at the Minnesota Lakes and Rivers website: https://mnlakesandrivers.org/lake-steward/

In the first few years since we’ve joined the program, nine properties around the Chain have been awarded Lake Steward signs. See if your neighbors are among them via this link: https://www.srcl.org/lake-stewards  JOIN THE CLUB!

We Take Your Input Seriously!

During our annual meeting in June, we heard concerns about the narrow channel between Horseshoe and Long Lake, which includes a blind corner under a shallow bridge.  While many boaters use their horns to notify oncoming boaters and take turns, some do not, creating a safety concern.  The SRCLA board discussed the situation, and board member Wayne Karg talked to the land & bridge owner, who agreed to let us install a convex mirror and warning signs.  So we bought a mirror and signs and installed them this month.  Hopefully, this will alert boaters to the potential hazards, particularly those who aren't familiar with the channel.  Thanks to the annual meeting participant who alerted us to this issue! Great work, Wayne!

This is an example of how your membership fees help the SRCLA Board make a difference. Have you renewed your 2025 Membership?

Photo by Pam Karg

Your Lake Association Needs You!

Proceeds from charitable gambling at Shady's Longshots provide a significant percentage of the SRCLA's annual budget. Karla Smetana has served as the gambling volunteer coordinator for a number of years and is now enjoying a well-earned rest.

The SRCLA board is seeking one or more volunteers to take on this important role. It involves coordinating the efforts of a list of volunteers to manage three seasonal activities: bingo, meat raffles, and horse racing.. It does NOT involve paper or electronic pull tabs, which are managed via a professional company that we've hired.

Karla did a great job of documenting what the volunteer coordinator(s) need to do, and there's an existing list of 32 people who have been active volunteers in the recent past, so the role doesn't require any recruiting. This can be an ideal activity for a couple or a group of friends to take on.

If you would like more information about this fun volunteer opportunity, please contact Richard Gallea at rjgallea@gmail.com or call him at 612.859.9895.

Water Level Update

As long as the Saul River stays at elevated levels (above 18 feet) and we continue to get precipitation, the Chain is going to stay above 1087.5 feet.

We will keep you posted, and in the meantime, PLEASE SLOW DOWN and OWN YOUR WAKE, especially through the channels.

Have you renewed your 2025 Membership? Do it here: https://www.srcl.org/become-a-member

Minnesota is armoring its shorelines with rocks, but lakes are paying a price

MPR has published an informative article on the use of riprap to address shoreline erosion. While it used to be the preferred method, experts now place riprap at the bottom of the list of options, advocating for the installation of native plants instead.

If you're concerned about shoreline erosion on your property, you can contact the Stearns Conservation District (Info@StearnsCD.org) or the SRCLA's Land Use lead, Rick Reimer (rick.reimer64@gmail.com) for advice.

View the article HERE.

Question on Water Levels

We had a great question from one of our members: "What does the water level need to get to in order for them to lift the no wake restriction?"

From SRCLA Board Member Steve Weeres: In the past, the Sheriff's decision to place/remove no wake restrictions was based on deputies going out on the lake and making visual observations, and providing a recommendation.

Now that we have electronic monitoring, the department is referencing the SRCL level and the gauge at St Martin to gain insight into the level and the trend up/down. At least they are referencing the data!

To date, there has not been a level that has been agreed upon as the trigger point. However, in the last event, it seems that 1088 feet is the level where it gets strong consideration and may have set a precedent. For reference, the annual average over the past few years has been around 1086.75 feet (Horseshoe data).

My guess is that when the level drops back to 1088.0 feet and the level is trending downward, the restriction would be considered for termination. But of course, that is up to the Sheriff.

We will keep you posted, and in the meantime, PLEASE SLOW DOWN and OWN YOUR WAKE especially through the channels. Have you renewed your 2025 Membership? Do it here: https://www.srcl.org/become-a-member

NEW Water Quality Page

💧 Exciting News! We’ve launched a new Water Quality page to help you stay informed about the health of our lake. From clarity and Dissolved Oxygen levels to seasonal updates and tips for protecting our shoreline — it’s all in one place.

Check it out and learn how we can work together to keep our water clean and beautiful for years to come! 🌊

New Study from U of M on impact of Wakesurfing

The St. Anthony Falls Lab at the University of Minnesota has published a second report on the impact of boat-generated waves and prop wash on lake bottoms. Here are a few of their observations:

"Researchers concluded that in depths of 9 feet and 14 feet, the forces created by wake boats operating in surfing mode stir up sediment — tiny particles of sand, silt, clay and organic matter — from the lake bottom and suspend them in the water, turning it cloudy. That makes it more difficult for sunlight to penetrate, potentially affecting fish and plants. Sediment also contains phosphorus, which can spur the growth of algae blooms that turn the lake green."

"The report recommends that while operating in surfing mode — a slower speed that creates a large wake — boats should stay in at least 20 feet of water. That’s twice as deep as the recommendation in a study backed by the boating industry."

Given how much of the Chain has water depths well below 20 feet, there are legitimate concerns about the impact of these watercraft as they become more popular. The SRCLA will continue to monitor ongoing research by the SAFL as well as deliberations by local and state government, and pass along additional information as it becomes available.

Here is the full story on MPR.

Lake Level Update JULY 30

Finally!  The lake level gauges on the river in St. Martin and Horseshoe Lake (part of the Chain) have finally stopped climbing.

Hopefully, we're seeing the latest peak water level on the Chain (see the graphs below). 

Even better, the extended forecast looks like we might not get additional rain for a while, so water levels should start to slowly recede as water moves downriver and also due to normal evaporation.

A reminder...the No Wake restriction within 300 feet of shore remains in effect.  Please be considerate of your neighbors and our shorelines and SLOW DOWN!  When the restriction is lifted by the Sheriff's Department, we'll provide an update via this Facebook page.

You can monitor the two gauges at the SRCLA website:  https://www.srcl.org/water-levels-on-horseshoe

NO WAKE RESTRICTIONS REMAIN IN PLACE

The Stearns County Sheriff's Office has confirmed a decision to leave in place for now the 300-foot no wake restriction for a number of area lakes, including the entire Chain. As you can see from the two graphs, the water level in St. Martin (approximately five miles upstream from Becker Lake) is almost a half-foot higher than it was at the peak in early July that prompted the temporary restriction in the first place. And the gauge at Horseshoe Lake has come up ~5 inches in the past few days.

Hopefully the rains will abate for a while and allow lake levels to recede! We'll keep you posted.

If you have concerns about enforcement, contact Stearns Co. Sheriff Dispatch 320-251-4240.

Meet the NINTH Lake Steward Family!

Congrats to the Krebs family, off Long Lake!

SRCLA offers subsidies to shoreline owners for projects like native buffers, as does the Stearns Conservation District.

Please contact Rick Reimer, Land Use Lead, at rick.reimer64@gmail.com if you’d like to discuss options.

Aquatic Plant Management

Did you get your Aquatic Plant Management postcard in the mail? As a follow-up, the SRCLA would like to continue the conversation about weed disposal.

So, you raked or pulled weeds from your lakeshore yourself - that’s a lot of work!  Now what?  You have a few options for disposing of them properly.  It is important to remember that weeds must be disposed of on land and not returned to the lake. 

Here are some of your options:

1. Compost the Weeds:

• Drain and Dry: Lake weeds are largely water. To facilitate decomposition, it's best to first drain and dry them by piling them on pallets or a raised screen away from the shore.

• Layer with Brown Material: To prevent them from becoming a slimy and smelly mess, layer the drained weeds with dry, brown materials like leaves or straw in a well-aerated compost bin.

• Compost High-Risk Weeds Carefully: If the weeds have gone to seed or show signs of disease, they should be hot composted (maintaining a temperature of 140+ degrees Fahrenheit for at least two weeks) or pre-treated by solarization, fermentation, or baking to ensure the seeds, spores, and other harmful elements are destroyed.

• Mix with Other Materials: Adding ash, soil, animal manure, or other organic matter can enhance the composting process and improve the quality of the resulting compost. 

2. Use the Weeds as Mulch:

Weeds must be allowed to dry completely before using them as mulch in your garden. Dried lake weeds can act as a natural weed barrier, helping to suppress future weed growth and reduce the spread of unwanted plants. 

3. Transport the Weeds to an Approved Site:

DNR authorization may be needed to dispose of the weeds off your property.  If required, download the aquatic plant transport authorization form from the DNR website, allowing you to transport them to a suitable location (see “Application to Collect and/or Transplant Aquatic Vegetation” section).  There is no fee for this permit.  (Hey, we didn’t make the rules.)   Locally, TKI (Kraemer’s) in Cold Spring will accept weeds for a fee.

4. Hire a Licensed Lake Service Provider (LSP):

You can contract with a licensed LSP to remove and properly dispose of the vegetation for you.  We have a list of local LSP on our AIS page.

Important Considerations:

• In Minnesota, aquatic plants in public waters are owned by the state and cannot be destroyed or transplanted without authorization from the DNR.

• A permit may be required. Understand the specific conditions under which a permit is or is not required for aquatic plant removal activities.

• Protect the Ecosystem by responsibly disposing of the weeds to prevent them from washing back into the lake or spreading to other properties.

• Before composting, verify if there are any local city code requirements regarding composting. 

By following these guidelines, you can effectively manage the disposal of the lake weeds you've removed from your shoreline.  For more information, please visit the DNR website, which outlines these regulations.

Bee the Change! Protect Pollinators with a Natural Shoreline

Native shorelines filled with flowering plants, grasses, and shrubs provide critical food and shelter for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators and insects (like dragonflies that eat mosquitos!). These natural areas offer a steady supply of nectar and pollen while protecting water quality and preventing erosion. By leaving your shoreline in its natural state, you create a thriving habitat that supports pollinators and keeps your lake healthy.

This shoreline series is a project with Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates. Go here to learn more about the Sauk River Chain of Lakes Association's Lake Steward initiatives.

Meet our latest Lake Stewards!

Congrats to Tim and Kersten Thellin, off Schneiders Lake, our latest SRCLA Lake Stewards! After years of maintaining a beach on a non-swimmable portion of the lake (the bottom is very mucky), the Thellins were looking for other options to beautify their shoreline. After contacting Richard Gallea and learning about the Lake Steward program, they met with Greg Berg from the Stearns Conservation District to discuss a possible shoreline restoration.

Working with the county's guidelines, Greg and his team are available to assist with technical information, design, cost share (75%), and implementation. Once they had a plan from the county, they met with three contractors and ended up selecting Minnesota Native Landscapes. The plan was to complete the project in 2024, but excessive rain and some travel plans pushed the project to the spring of 2025. "The plantings are just starting to flourish, but so far we're very happy with how this is looking. Working with Greg has been great, and we had complete control over plant selection. I can't wait to see what this will look like once things start filling in.  Not only will we have a beautiful shoreline that will bloom throughout the season, but we’re doing our part to help minimize harmful runoff into the Chain, “ said Kersten.

SRCLA offers subsidies to shoreline owners for projects like native buffers, as does the Stearns Conservation District.

Please contact Rick Reimer, Land Use Lead, at rick.reimer64@gmail.com if you’d like to discuss options.

Blue-green algae recently reported on Horseshoe

What are blue-green algae?

Though commonly referred to as algae, blue-green algae are actually not algae, but are types of bacteria called cyanobacteria. They are often present in bodies of water in Minnesota. This type of bacteria thrives in warm, nutrient-rich water. When conditions are right, the blue-green algae can grow quickly forming blooms. 

Certain varieties of blue-green algae blooms can produce toxins that are linked to illness in humans and animals. Avoid swimming or wading in water that appears to have a blue-green algae bloom. If you do come in contact with algae-laden water, wash with fresh water afterwards.

How can we get rid of harmful algae blooms?

We can't eliminate blue-green algae from a lake — they are an inherent part of the overall algal community. What we really want to do is control the overall intensity and the frequency of the blooms. Since we can't control the water temperature, the best thing we can do is to reduce the amount of nutrients entering the lake. This can be accomplished by reducing the amount of phosphorus and nitrogen from man-made sources such as lawn fertilizer, runoff from cities, cultivated fields, feedlots, and a myriad of other sources. 

For homeowners on the Chain, there are several things you can do to help.  The easiest is to avoid fertilizers near the water - particularly those with phosphorus.  Another thing to consider is the installation of a native buffer zone along your shoreline to filter out undesirable nutrients before they run into the lake and promote algal growth.  SRCLA offers subsidies to shoreline owners for projects like native buffers, as does the Stearns Conservation District.

Please contact Rick Reimer, Land Use Lead, at rick.reimer64@gmail.com if you’d like to discuss options.

Though a reduction of nuisance algal blooms will not be immediate, it is the best long-term solution to minimize the frequency and intensity of algal blooms.

For more information, including how to identify and test, see this page from the MN Pollution Control Agency:  https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air-water-land-climate/blue-green-algae-and-harmful-algal-blooms

NO WAKE RESTRICTIONS

As everyone gets ready to enjoy some much-needed lake time, here are three reminders heading into the holiday and some updates prompted by recent rains.

First:  The Sheriff’s Department has declared NO WAKE within 300 feet of any shoreline until water levels recede - this one DOES impact the chain.. This is a shift from the voluntary no-wake last week now that water levels have increased even more. Please remind your family, friends, and any visitors you may host this holiday weekend.  It may be helpful to visualize 300 feet as the length of a football field. And since many parts of the Chain are less than 600 feet in width, some narrow channels will effectively be fully no-wake until you arrive at a larger basin.  "Slow-no wake" means the operation of a watercraft at the slowest possible speed necessary to maintain steerage, and in no case greater than 5 MPH. https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/6110.1200/

Second: Watching your docks and lifts? Keep an eye on any changes using our gauge on Horseshoe.

Third: The new boating law is now in effect. The new requirement for Youth Water Operators’ Permit went into effect July 1.  Anyone 21 or younger must have a valid watercraft operator's permit.  Even with a permit, please talk with the watercraft operators in your household about the need to own your wake.  https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/boatwater/boater-education-law.html

Lake Level Update JUNE 27

From Steve Weeres, SRCLA Board Member who maintains the LakeScout on Horseshoe: With the recent rains, the gauge at St. Martin is up nearly two feet over the past three days. As a result, the SRCLA's Lakescout on Horseshoe Lake is up nearly six inches and is likely to increase another 4 - 6 inches before peaking next Tuesday. You can monitor both gauges at our website: https://srcl.org/water-level-horseshoe

Please keep an eye on your docks, lifts and other things along your shoreline.

Natural Shorelines = Healthy Lakes June Video

Loons need clean and clear water to dive and find food for their babies. Natural shorelines are crucial for loons to slow and filter runoff to keep our lakes clean and clear for them. Natural shorelines also provide nesting habitat, nursery areas, shelter, and foraging grounds. Loons also use natural shoreline materials to build their nests nearby. You can help your lake and loons by planting a natural shoreline. Become a Lake Steward! It's easy and there's help.

This shoreline series is a project with Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates. Go here to learn more about the Sauk River Chain of Lakes Association's Lake Steward initiatives.

CLP Harvest Update

An update from our partners at WeedsUp! Here are the maps of the areas harvested earlier this week. Great work! You can view the approved treatment plans and the actual treatments on the SRCLA Projects Page. YOUR Membership contributions help make this happen!

If you have questions, contact a Board member: https://www.srcl.org/contact

If you want to learn more about the process for managing AIS and make a positive impact, consider joining the Board: https://www.srcl.org/join-the-board

06/23/25 Harvest on Becker

06/23/25 Harvest on Long