LAKE SARAH NEWS
Last Updated May 17, 2012
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Most recent water level reading was 979.77' on May 16, 2012 (east bay gauge). This can be compared to the final reading last fall on November 28, 2011 of 979.02' and the ordinary High Water level (OHWL) for our lake of 979.90'. Thank you to Cindy Keating (west bay) and Fred Lang (east bay) who continue to volunteer their time to monitor our lakes’ water levels for the MN DNR, LSIA, and our website for yet another year! More information and historical water level records can be found on the Water Levels page on this website.
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Zebra Mussels are a hot topic this spring. Lakeshore residents and equipment dealers are reminded to check for aquatic invasive species, such as zebra mussels, before moving docks, swim platforms, towables and boatlifts and boaters are reminded to be extra vigilent to avoid spreading invasives species like zebra mussels when moving watercraft from lake to lake (It's the law!). Some popular Minnesota lakes currently infested with zebra mussels include: Minnetonka, Pelican, Le Homme Dieu, Fish Lake, Prior lake, Gull lake and Mille Lacs. To find out more about this aquatic Invasive species visit the newly created Zebra Mussels page on this website (in the Water Quality section) where photos, information, and links to recent news articles will be archived. Our lake is part of a group of lake associations trying to help slow or prevent the spread of zebra mussels, if you would like to get involved please contact LSIA President Joe Baker. Consider becoming a Zebra Mussel Volunteer monitor, click here to learn how.
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| CLP Assault Team - April 29, 2012 |
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LSIA aquatic vegetation pilot treatment program - (update 4/29/12) LSIA President Joe Baker reports the CLP Treatment has been applied - For the 64 residents who participated in the pilot treatment program, 50 acres of our Curly Leaf Pondweed (CLP) was treated on the morning of 4/29/12. All 5 pilot areas were treated with Aquathol K product at a rate of 1ppm. Above is a photo of the volunteers who applied the treatment. There was A LOT of CLP - some of which was already matting on the surface, however, as we are well before the formation of turions, there will be no seeds generated in our treatment areas. The treatment will take 7-10 days to take full effect.
More detailed information and photos from the application day and archives of past LSIA weed treatment programs can be found on the EWM/CLP treatment program page. Please email Joe Baker if you have questions about the program.
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Aquatic invasive species decal law changes; higher penalties go into effect July 1. Sticker shown on right has been discontinued and is no longer required!
A slate of new laws designed to curb the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) was approved in a recent bill passed by the Minnesota Legislature and signed by Gov. Mark Dayton.
- A program requiring watercraft owners to place an AIS rules sticker on their boats is being discontinued and replaced with an online education program. Watercraft owners will no longer be required to place on their boats the rectangular, silver and black decals, which include a summary of the state's AIS laws.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) began distributing the decals earlier this year and will continue to give them to interested boat owners for informational purposes only.
- A new law, which goes into effect 2015, will require anyone who transports watercraft or water-related equipment with a trailer to complete an online education course. After completing the course, the person will receive a decal that must be placed on their trailer, certifying they have taken the course. People taking the course can receive extra stickers if they own or use multiple trailers for watercraft or water-related equipment.
Other new AIS laws will be instituted July 1, 2012, as a result of the new legislation:
- Civil penalties for violating the state's AIS laws will double. Fines that currently range from $50 to $250 will increase to $100 to $500, depending on the type of violation. For example, failure to remove a drain plug while transporting a watercraft will mean a $100 fine, instead of a $50 penalty. The fine for unlawfully possessing and transporting prohibited aquatic invasive species will increase from $250 to $500.
- Boat lifts, docks, swim rafts and other water-related equipment (except boats and other watercraft) that are removed from any water body may not be placed in another water body for at least 21 days. The drying out period is designed to kill any AIS that might be attached to the equipment that are high risk and difficult to clean. Two zebra mussel introductions occurred last year as a result of water equipment being sold and moved from one water body to another.
- Boat clubs, yacht clubs, marinas and other similar organizations are now considered lake-service providers, requiring permits for the clubs and staff working there to take AIS certification training.
- Portable bait containers used while fishing through the ice do not need to be drained before leaving a water body, unless the water body has been declared to have viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS), a virus that is deadly to fish.
The DNR was given additional authority to require mandatory inspections of water-related equipment before a person places or removes equipment into or out of a water body and to set up inspection stations at a centralized location to cover multiple lakes. The new legislation also allows the DNR to delegate this authority to local governments that have an approved inspection plan.
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April 2012 LSIA Newsletter is now available! Most members and lake Sarah neighbors who are on the Association email distribution list should have received the newsletter electronically, if you did not get a copy you can download one from the LSIA newsletter page on this website. If you're not receiving electronic notices by mail contact any Board member to be added to the email distribution list!
Volunteers needed! LSIA is looking for lake neighbors willing to serve on the 2012 nominating committee and members who are interested in LSIA Board of Directors or officer positions. The nominating committee will be tasked with identifying candidates to be presented at the July membership meeting for election to 2 year terms. Contact LSIA President Joe Baker or any Board Member if you are willing to help!
For Sale by neighbors - Pontoon Boat, 1999 Weeres Fisherman Deluxe 20
1999 Honda 40HP 4- stroke. 2001 Triton tandom cantilever trailer. Additional information and photo can be found on the For Sale by Neighbors page. $7,600 or Best Offer. contact Pat Eichers, 763.479.6789 or email
Looking for a nice used Rainbow Playset? Maloneys have theirs for sale, see the ad with a photo on the For Sale by Neighbors page.
Know anyone who has a used boat lift for sale? the Den Hartigh's are looking for one for their Nautique. You see their ad with contact info on the Wanted to Buy page.
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Many of the questions emailed to this site regard illegal or inconsiderate snowmobile, atv, boat or pwc operation or fishing/hunting violation questions. To report illegal vehicular activity you should contact Hennepin County Sheriff Water Patrol (612)596-9880, or West Hennepin Public Safety (763)479-0500, The Water Patrol will not issue a citation for offenses they do not witness. They may issue a citation if the witness agrees sign the complaint (much like a citizens arrest). If you plan on filing charges against an individual you should make note of the date, time, vehicle description and license number, identity or good description of the operator. A side note; If the offender wishes to appear in court you may be required to appear as witness / accuser. To report hunting or fishing violations call DNR area Conservation Officer Tony Salzer at (651) 773-5514, DNR Enforcement (651)296-6157, or orTIP (turn in poachers) toll free hotline 800-652-9093. Click the blue text for a copy of the 2011-12 Minnesota Snowmobile Regs , Personal Watercraft Regs , 2012 MN Boating Guide , 2011-12 ATV/OHV Regs, or the 2012 MN Fishing Regs, in Adobe Acrobat Reader format (.pdf).
Lake Sarah (MN DNR #27-0191) is located in sections 1 and 2, township 118, range 24; and in sections 34 and 35, township 119, range 24, Hennepin County, Minnesota. GPS 45°4'19"N 93°41'24"W surrounded by the Minnesota cities of Independence, Greenfield, Loretto, Medina, and Rockford. Click here to view a Google hybrid map of lake Sarah. Suggestions for content and services to be provided by this site are always welcome! E-mail this website with your feedback, suggestions, comments or ideas.
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