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Meeting Overview

• Date: December 1, 2025
• Attending:   Paul Hoyt, Dave Skogland, John Tuschner Ted Schnaare, Larry Vollmar, Jim Paulson (board members), James Johnson (Sediment Analysis Expert), Melissa (County Rep), Keegan (Consultant).
• Purpose: Review sediment phosphorus report, discuss lake treatment strategies, grant opportunities, and AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species) management.

Key Discussion Points

• Treasury Report:
  • No spending last month; earned $6.65 interest.
  • CD moved to high-yield account; balance just under $200,000.
• Sediment Phosphorus Study (James Johnson):
  • Goal: Understand phosphorus fractions in lake sediment to inform treatment.
  • Findings:
    • Phosphorus accumulates over decades; top 6–12 inches of sediment is active layer.
    • Fractionation results:
      • Loosely bound & iron-bound phosphorus = most mobile and problematic.
      • Organic-bound phosphorus = partially mobile.
      • Aluminum-bound & calcium-bound phosphorus = largely permanent sinks.
    • Comparison to 2007 data: Overall similar; slight increase (~17%) in mobile phosphorus.
  • Implication: Treatment should target mobile phosphorus to reduce algae growth.
• Treatment Options:
  • Alum vs. Lanthanum:
    • Alum: Historically cheaper but pH-sensitive; recent cost increases.
    • Lanthanum: More expensive but permanent binding, unaffected by pH.
  • Full lake treatment estimated at millions; adaptive approach suggested:
    • Start with $50K–$100K annually for 3–5 years.
    • Focus on deep holes first.
• Curly Leaf Pondweed Control:
  • Current method: Spring open-water treatment with Sonar (Floridone).
  • Proposed innovation: Under-ice treatment (used successfully in Iowa).
    • Pros: Better dispersion, avoids spring rain/wind dilution.
    • Cons: Herbicide needs sunlight for full effect; likely similar efficacy to early spring treatment.
    • Decision pending permit and funding.

Grant & Funding Opportunities:

• LCCMR Emerging Issues Grant:
  • Proposal submitted for boat cleaning stations at two launches.
  • Decision expected December 10; high likelihood of approval.
• DNR AIS Control Grant:
  • Large grant currently limited to milfoil; small grant applied for curly leaf.
  • Potential to advocate for curly leaf inclusion in future cycles.
• Bowser (Board of Water & Soil Resources):
  • Competitive grants available (up to $1M); requires match and alignment with watershed plan.
• Federal Grant:
  • Application in progress; needs phosphorus reduction estimates for curly leaf.

Other Topics:

• AIS Prevention: Boat cleaning stations planned; concern about user compliance.
• Watercraft Inspections: Current funding may end; need alternative funding strategies.
• Next Meeting: January 5, 2026, 6 PM.