A Friendly Guide for New and Established Lake Residents
Summer 2021 Edition from Your Long Lake Association
Dedication
This booklet is dedicated to Arlene Lee (January 3, 1929 – August 23, 2020) who cared deeply about Long Lake and preserving the lake’s quality for generations to come. Arlene Lee spent 62 of her 91 years of life on Long Lake. She and her husband, Dick, bought a lot on northwest Long Lake in 1958. Arlene, Dick and their three children spent time at the lake every summer in a small trailer. In 1971, the family sold their home in Bemidji and built a permanent home on Long Lake.
Arlene was a charter member of the Long Lake Association, and she served as treasurer for many years. She enjoyed the meetings and potlucks where she could catch up with fellow Long Lakers. Long Lake and its residents brought much joy to Arlene’s life, and her support of the Long Lake Association and its work will long be remembered.
Contents
Greetings!
First of all, if you are new residents of Long Lake, WELCOME! If you are already residents, cheers to you too and welcome to this booklet. We are the Long Lake Association, a group of your neighbors formed over 40 years ago. The purpose of the Association is to protect Long Lake’s purity and tranquility. There is room on Long Lake and in the Association for all. Working together, we can sustain the quality of our lake for us, our children, and future generations to come. To help us in this vital task, we give you this booklet. Information about the Long Lake Association and its activities can be found on page 15.
The booklet takes the form of a series of questions and answers about how to enjoy Long Lake in ways that preserve it for our children and grandchildren. Technical information comes from the Beltrami County Environmental Services Department and the Minnesota DNR as well as state lake and river associations. Our home-based source of valuable information is the Long Lake Association website: (https://longlakeassoc.com), which includes past issues of our wonderful newsletter, The Sentinel. We hope you look at our website and The Sentinel issues and “read more about it.” So let’s begin.
Natural History, Topography, and Classification
How did Long Lake form?
About 10,000 years ago the last of the ice age glaciers melted back into Canada. In their advance and retreat, the glaciers ground out holes and deposited debris to form hills and ridges. Like most lakes in Minnesota, Long Lake is the result of glacial grinding and the fill water that followed.
What are the sources of water for Long Lake?
Three main sources of water feed into Long Lake.
First is run-off from rain and snow from its shores. Long Lake has an established runoff setback area of 1000 feet, but the actual shoreline run-off area is considerably narrower than that, contributing to our water’s clarity. Where any lake has developed landscaping such as lawns, farm fields, and hard surfaces such as for boat landings, run-off can become a source of pollution. The large amount of natural vegetation around our lake is important in keeping the water clean.
Second are the springs in various parts of the lake. Spring water generally is clear because it gets filtered by the substrata it passes through. One spring, northwest of the Oman island about in the middle of the lake, is over 80 feet deep.
Third is the lake’s inlet creek at the southwest end, but the creek is small. Long Lake is totally different from, for instance, Lake Bemidji, where a river passes through the lake, keeping sediments churned up and the water murky.
How clear is the water?
A standard tool for measuring water clarity is the Secchi disk. About the size of a salad plate, the disk is lowered into the lake until it can no longer be seen, and the rope length is then measured. According to the late Bill Beck, longtime Secchi disk reader “emeritus,” Long Lake readings are usually 30-35 feet in late spring and about 18-20 feet in late summer. In contrast, Secchi disk readings for Lake Bemidji typically range from about 21 feet in late spring to 2-3 feet in late summer. For a number of years now the readings for Long Lake have stayed consistent–an indicator of the care Long Lakers have taken not to pollute with lawn fertilizer, potash runoff from fire pits, septic system leakage, etc. Our aim is to keep the lake sustainable, clear, and clean into the future.
What are the main fish species in Long Lake?
Main species include Big Mouth Bass, Northern Pike, Rock Bass, Blue Gill, Sunfish, and Walleye. We also have the occasional bottom feeders. For years residents have debated whether to pay to stock Walleye. Because the lake has no developed public access, the DNR does not provide free stocking. The late Professor Chuck Holt, a freshwater biologist at Bemidji State, lived on Long Lake for many years. As much as anyone, Chuck established that Long Lake does not have the shallow waters and sandy/rocky lake bottom that form a spawning habitat for Walleye. Holt maintained that Walleye stocking would have to be done annually to maintain a fishable population. For this reason, the stocking of Walleye in Long Lake has not occurred in over 30 years. Still, once in a while the lucky angler reels one in.
What is the “State Classification” for Long Lake and what does it mean?
According to a Wikipedia List of Lakes in Minnesota, there are 269 lakes in Beltrami County—including three “Long Lakes.” Each lake has one of three state classifications. The classification for our Long Lake is recreational development, the most common designation for a lake of our size. As a recreational development lake, houses on Long Lake must have a 100-foot setback, and property sizes need to be at least an acre with a minimum width of 150 feet. Some houses on Long Lake do not meet these designations because they were built mainly before Minnesota’s lake classification system was put into effect.
At the northwest end of the lake, a small outlet flows (mainly trickles) into Gallagher Lake (also listed as Rhoda Lake) just across Long Lake Drive. Gallagher Lake has the classification of a natural environment lake with a special county designation of “special protection.” Unless built before the classification system, houses on Gallagher Lake must have a setback of 300 feet, and property sizes must be a minimum of three acres. The State of Minnesota long has recognized that the smaller the lake, the more that lake needs protection from potential misuse and pollution. For more information, contact the specialist for our area at the Beltrami County Environmental Services office in Bemidji.
What is the county setback area and why is it important?
Within an area 1000 ft from our shore – and based on the classification of the lake – the county has established a setback ordinance that controls, among other things, structure placement and size, landscaping, tree removal, agricultural disturbances, and road, driveway, and boat ramp construction. The run-off area that is located within this setback must contain a maximum of natural vegetation that acts as a filter for run-off water. The county setback requirement limits the amount of nutrient rich run-off that enters the lake. Uncontrolled nutrients are a main source of water pollution causing, among other things, unnatural plant growth—think gross-out factor for swimmers here.
Thoughtful Use of Long Lake
Why do we need to worry about taking care of our lake?
The simple answer is that what goes into Long Lake stays in Long Lake. As mentioned, a small outlet located on the northwest side flows under Long Lake Drive and into Gallagher Lake. The outlet is only a trickle most times of the year. So, except for evaporation and inflow replenishment, the same water is always in the lake. Long Lake certainly does not get the ongoing flush that Lake Bemidji does thanks to the Mississippi. This means our water is clear. But pollution from shoreline properties and watercraft is a danger we all need to guard against.
Why are loons our “canaries in the coal mine”?
Each year we have three or four pairs of nesting loons on the lake. We all know their haunting calls. Loons dive to catch fish and need clear water and lots of little fish. Loons are easily spooked, especially by watercraft that speed by or come too close. The loon is the Minnesota State Bird and is iconic to most Long Lakers. Minnesota Watercraft Regulations (p.36) state that it is against the law to harass wildlife. Please remind your family and friends: No one should bother any bird or mammal that is a resident or visitor on our lake. The Association does a count each year to ensure the number of loons is remaining steady and, hopefully, increasing.
Why are expanses of lawn down to the lake shore a potential problem for lake purity?
The matter comes down to the shallow root systems of grass and the use of fertilizers with phosphorus. Because lawns have a much shallower root system than natural trees, bushes, and wild plants, lawns absorb much less water than do areas with natural vegetation. As a result, the excess water is carried to the lake, causing erosion along the way. Discarded materials and liquids on lawns as well are more likely to end up in the lake.
As to the matter of fertilizing, the chemical phosphorus is a powerful stimulant to aquatic plant life, causing it to grow, bloom, and pollute bodies of water. Phosphorus serves like an unhealthy steroid for excessive plant growth. A long time Long Lake resident wrote in the 2018 Sentinel newsletter, “It never occurred to me early on that regular lawn fertilizer that washes into the lake is a major threat to water clarity. Since 2005, fertilizers containing phosphorus cannot be used on lakefront lawns and turf anywhere in Minnesota unless some special situations exist (https://mda.state.mn.us/phoslaw). On the fertilizer bag, look for the middle number. A zero in the middle means the fertilizer is phosphorus free and that is the one to use.”
Why are lakeside fires not a good idea?
Wood ash is full of phosphate, the “country mouse” sibling of phosphorus in fertilizer. The cumulative effect of phosphorus and phosphate together is that they can cause unwanted water vegetation to explode, ruining swimming, choking propellers, and disturbing the lake’s natural defense system against Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). Better to move fire pits and bonfires away from the lake. (To make up for the natural bug repellent of those breezes close to the lake, you could use more repellent, set a box fan on high, or sit on the smokey side of the fire – and go for a swim later to get the smoke smell off. ☺
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS): What’s the big deal?
The word “alien” is sometimes used to describe invasive water pests. “Alien” here does not mean “it came from outer space.” Rather, the term has to do with plants and animals that are native to other parts of the world but not here in northern Minnesota. When alien species are brought here, they are invasive because they do not have natural enemies to control them. These alien species grow and spread doing great damage to their new water habitats by choking out natural aquatic plants and animals. Sound kind of wonky? Let’s get real by looking at this list of water clogging AIS, some found in lakes very near Long Lake!
Curly-leaf pondweed is a rooted, submersed aquatic plant that can grow in water up to 15 feet. Its leaves look reddish in the water and have a sharp shape.
Eurasian watermilfoil is a prolific aquatic plant that makes swimming impossible. When pieces break off, they root and grow, coating the surface of the water.
Purple loosestrife is a perennial plant found in a range of wet soil habitats. It can grow in a couple feet of water or on dry shore near the water line. It quickly forms thick patches above and below the water line.
Starry stonewort is a macro-alga. Each stem is a single cell. The plant is most obvious and plentiful in late summer. Starry stonewort may form a dense carpet in shallow areas, enough to stop a boat motor prop.
Zebra mussels attach to and kill native mussels. Being sharp they encrust docks and swimming areas and cause cuts and abrasions. Zebra mussels filter fish food sources out of lake water and can destroy native fish populations. Once established, like all AIS they are difficult to impossible to get rid of.
You can learn more about these AIS and others by going to our website (https://longlakeassoc.com) and to the Minnesota DNR website: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/ais/id.html
How do we keep AIS out of Long Lake?
The only way to solve the alien species problem is to keep AIS out of the lake to begin with. Though common myth blames the spread of AIS on bird droppings while flying overhead, the truth is that “boat hopping” from one lake to another is the main source of spread for AIS. For years the Association has asked Long Lakers to keep invasive species out by following a pledge that comes down to “No gear except for here.” If watercraft and accessories stay only in Long Lake, chances are no alien species will invade. Along these lines, the Association asks Long Lake residents who have watercraft, trailers, docks, etc. that have been in other lakes to keep them out of Long Lake for the rest of the season. The Minnesota winter will then do its thing with any AIS that are so expert at clinging to things.
A lot to ask? Yes, we know it is, but the matter of preventing AIS from invading Long Lake is that important. Some folks maintain that following the state mandated boat cleaning procedure before you put your boat back into Long Lake is good enough. But the mandated boat cleaning procedures set by the state are well known to be insufficient, even if perfectly followed. It is impossible to totally clean some boats, especially the on-board tanks in many boats. Likewise, it is very difficult to totally clean a boat trailer (such as the wheel wells). In addition, microscopic zebra mussel “veliger” can come in through boat engine cooling chambers, also difficult to clean completely. This is why we ask all Long Lake residents, old and new, to take the Long Lake Pledge printed on the last page.
Does Long Lake really have a “wake” problem?
Yes it does. There has been a large increase in recreational watercraft on the lake in the last 20 years. In addition to traditional fishing boats, more and heavier pontoons, wave runners, and ski- and tube-towing leisure craft are cruising our narrow lake. These watercraft are everyone’s right to own and operate. But what we and all other residents should be concerned about is erosion of shallows and shores due to wakes caused by more and heavier watercraft.
In addition, a new type of watercraft, “wakesurf boats,” are making an appearance in Minnesota and other states. These boats are engineered to generate extra surf so that persons can ski or surfboard free style in their wake. There is concern about the potential damage to Long Lake that wakesurf boats present. Research is currently being done to study wake damage in Minnesota including by wakesurf boats. We look forward to the results and possible new laws that result from them. We can protect against the eroding of our shallows and shores by avoiding wake production close to land.
Please:
- Confine wakes to the widest parts of the Lake.
- Reduce wakes in the narrow parts of the lake, some of which is only 800 ft to 880 ft across (such as parallel to Marcella Drive).
- Regard lake surfaces close to shores and behind the island as “sanctuary areas” for use by people-powered vessels, and travel at low speed on power craft.
- Avoid running “speed circles” (power circles) with any craft but rowboats, and don’t allow it by family members. Speed circles churn up compounded waves that cause erosion to shorelines and damage to nesting areas of waterfowl.
- Please do not use wakesurf boats that churn up excessive wakes for “free style” surfboarding and water skiing on our narrow and fragile lake.
Why did the Long Lake Association contribute to Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory?
This laboratory, part of the University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering, has a project which our Association and many other Minnesota lake associations are interested in. Namely, the lab is studying the environmental impact of boat-generated wakes and propeller wash. Residents of lakes across the country are becoming concerned about the effects of wakes and propeller wash on shores and lake bottoms at different depths. Visit The Lake Study Project website. LLA looks forward to the research findings.
What about fireworks on the Lake?
First of all, fireworks that rocket or explode are illegal in Minnesota. As much as for the safety factor, we think the disturbing effects on many pets, children, older folks, people who battle PTSD, and those sensitive to loud sounds have a lot to do with the law. Still, fireworks at any time of year are spectacular, especially over our lake at night. But Long Lakers also need to be aware of collateral damage from the chemicals in fireworks. The chemicals that cause those colors and explosions are toxic even in tiny amounts, especially to wildlife, pregnant moms, and young children. Over time, the chemicals accumulate in the water, lake bottom, and fish. Like too many harmful materials, they don’t go away. So please limit fireworks on Long Lake in the amounts and the occasions in which we are tempted to use them. It is another one of those sustainability issues—protecting the lake for our grandkids. Former Long Lake resident Wendy Larson has an informative write-up about fireworks in the 2011 edition of The Sentinel (online).
What else should we be aware of to thoughtfully use our lake?
Protect the east-end beach. Some years ago, a Long Lake resident paddled with family members to the beach on the east end of the lake adjacent to Denny and Jane Carlson’s house. He remarked that this was federal land [The Chippewa National Forest in some places borders the east shore of Long Lake. But not here.] Not until two years later did he learn that this shoreland belongs to Jane and Denny. So sorry! The berm there is relatively thin, and with erosion there is a significant chance that the berm will be breached. If this happens, the swamp behind the berm will no longer serve to filter the run-off water that flows into the lake at this location. We Long Lakers have unrestricted access to all surface water but need to stay off our neighbors’ shores.
Monitor salting the water. This is a tough one. Once the salt reaches our lakes it doesn’t flush downstream to the ocean. Salt water is heavier than fresh water, so it simply sinks to the bottom of the lake and affects aquatic life. In addition to road salt, Minnesotans use a great deal in their water softeners. A typical resident might purchase 25 40-lb bags of salt over a year. Assuming similar use by somewhere around 120 houses around the lake, we Long Lakers are sending approximately 60 tons of salt into our ground water every year. Modern systems that soften water by demand instead of a timer reduce salt wastewater. Even though salt is in the liquid portion of household waste and goes into the groundwater, keeping our septic systems up to date is always a good move to protect our lake.
Follow the Turtle River Township Dog and Cat Ordinance. This ordinance protects fellow Long Lakers walking or on bikes, animals, and property. The township bans the abandonment of animals and animals causing “nuisances” defined as running at large, damaging others’ property, and chasing pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles. Animal control officers can impound animals that are running at large or are deemed “potentially dangerous” by attacking or threatening to attack persons or other animals. See further turtlerivertownship.com/dog-cat-ordinance. Please help out by managing your pets when outside.
Is there assistance available for getting our boat in and out of the lake?
There is no public boat access on Long Lake, but there are a few private boat accesses on Long Lake private properties. The Executive Committee has developed a system that brings some helpful organization to the launch/retrieval process while reducing the potential for introduction of AIS into Long Lake. Certain property owners have volunteered access to their ramps under specific conditions that vary with the ramp owner. The Association also has a list of boat trailer owners willing to lend their equipment. Using Long Lake only trailers keeps AIS from sneaking in through commercial [rental] vendors. Many thanks to the contact persons and to the Long Lakers who are willing to share their ramps and trailers! Please visit the Long Lake Association website (https://longlakeassoc.com) to contact a board member who will assist you in finding and scheduling the proper lake access. You can also reach a board member by emailing longlakeassoc@gmail.com.
So, what is a bottom-line benefit for my family in doing all this stuff to protect the lake?
An important answer is property values. Studies show that when alien species invade a lake, property values go down, greatly. We who live on the lake should all want to avoid this economic catastrophe. Residents can’t miss the fact that lakeshore property on Long Lake is expensive. Our lake is clean, pure, and aquatic invasive species free. As long as we keep it this way, Long Lake will remain a sound long-term investment for all of us who live on its shores.
About the Long Lake Association
How can new Long Lake residents get acquainted with the Association and its members?
A member of the board of the Long Lake Association looks forward to welcoming all new residents of the lake. If you are a new resident, please feel comfortable contacting the board by using the CONTACT US feature on the website (https://longlakeassoc.com). The Association also puts out a DIRECTORY of its members, updated regularly.
What are annual events sponsored by the Long Lake Association?
See the Long Lake Association website for dates and locations of our annual events, which include but are not limited to:
May: SPRING ROAD CLEANUP– Bring gloves and appropriate footwear.
June: WELCOME BACK WINE & CHEESE
July 4th: ANNUAL BOAT PARADE
August: LONG LAKE ASSOCIATION ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING
September: FALL HOT DOG ROAST
October: FALL ROAD CLEANUP– Bring gloves and appropriate footwear.
Special Family Outings: In recent years a family has organized informal, part day nature outings on and around the lake that all residents young and old are invited to join. See the Long Lake Association website for more information and to see if/when an outing is planned.
How do I join the Long Lake Association?
Visit the website at https://longlakeassoc.com to find instructions for contacting the board or you can email to the attention of the treasurer at longlakeassoc@gmail.com, who will let you know how to become a member. Annual dues to belong to the Long Lake Association are currently $20 per family.
Long Lake Association Pledge
To keep our lake free of invasive species, I pledge to never put
ANYTHING in Long Lake that has been in another body of water since
the last deep freeze.
This booklet is written, published, and distributed by the Long Lake Association Executive Committee in the summer of 2021. Thanks to Dan Gartrell, Gant Wegner, and Leah Pigatti for writing and editing, and to the Bemidji State University Printing Service.
For submitting their personal photos, a special thank you goes to: Bill Beck, Lori Bott, Denny Carlson, Brad Erpelding, Kathy Faver, Dan Gartrell, Carol Hoyem, Peter McDonald, Gregg Ovsak, Barb Schueppert, and Karin Snortland.
To obtain copies of the booklet, download from website:
Long Lake Association: https://longlakeassoc.com
