A couple of weeks ago, I sat in on a presentation on the continuing threat of two invasive species to our lakes, Starry Stonewort and Zebra mussels, in Big Lake.

 

The presenter, a fellow from Wright County, ought to know what he’s talking about. He’s been involved in trying to control the spread of Stonewort into Lake Koronis and six Wright County lakes.

 

Until chemical solutions are found, there is no answer to the Stonewort business. 

 

His message - check the boat launches and do one’s best to find it on boats and trailers before they get into our waters.

 

These invasive species are not carried by birds, as some contest - Wisconsin lakes studies have proven that. They come from man and his watercraft, at the launches.

 

When Stonewort gets established, you’ll find lakes essentially useless, and not even pretty to be looked at. The devasting effect on property values and the economies of area businesses serving the lake trade are, well, you fill in the answers.

 

It is incumbent on our lakes organizations and affected lake owners, our local government groups and others, to rally to this cry. 

We’re talking the Big Eagle Lake Improvement Association, the Big Lake Community Lakes Association, the Briggs Lake Improvement Association - and all the others who are in caretaking roles.

 

We’re also talking the people who sit on the sidelines, not thinking it’s their problem.

 

A point brought up at the Big Lake meeting was that our county boards are not yet touched by this invasion. Sherburne and Wright counties annually receive a small state grant to help with water quality issues - and that money is being spent on public education and water projects.

Sherburne County receives annually about $70,000, based on its number of public landings.

 

But there must soon be a declaration from our county governments, aligned with monies, to fight this.

 

Hoping Zebra mussels and Starry Stonewort don’t come to our lakes isn’t the answer.

 

Stronger actions for public education and pro-active boat launch endeavors, will help the most.

 

But if the species get here, your lakes will be essentially in a losting battle for vibrancy - and usefulness. 

 

Our lake groups have been quite successful, given their DNR restrictions, in fighting Eurasian milfoil and curley leaf pondweed. Chemicals have been developed to combat them, and they have been effective. Will they go away? No, but they can be controlled.

 

But there are no answers to stopping Stonwort and Zebra mussels. That’s our dark cloud.

 

We live on lakes and use them regularly. 

 

That is why we call them our gems, right?

 

There may be a time in the future when they aren’t our gems.

 

 

We have covered a number of appointments to political bodies by members of those bodies.

 

It’s happened in Becker; it occurred again last week in Big Lake.

 

The call for applicants went out following the resignation of Dick Backlund - and seven residents stepped up to apply.

 

I am queasy with the end part of this political appointment process. 

 

Administrators should in these situations interview failed candidates from the previous election and ask them if they want to ascend to a seat. That is what the public wanted when they voted for them.

 

Failing any past candidates to step forward, the government group should take applications.

 

But they shouldn’t do the interviews to determine who should sit among them.

 

A committee of four or five community members should be selected to do the interviews and make the appointment. 

 

In Big Lake’s case last week, a very experienced and well-based candidate was selected to ascend to the council.

 

But let that be the decision of selected community members.

 

Something about nepotism. Nesting with those who agree with you.