Water Qualty Concerns, Milfoil Threat Discussed at JLPOA Annual Meeting


A couple dozen members of the Johnson Lake Property Owners Association gathered in the Webster Firehouse for the annual meeting. Perhaps most frightening was the news that Eurasian Milfoil is now a problem in some nearby lakes. As more lakes become infested, the odds increase that a boater from one of those lakes could unknowingly spread the weed to Johnson Lake. Also, the Johnson Lake Pig Roast will not take place on July 4th weekend this year. Click the "read more" button to see minutes from the meeting.

Minutes of Annual Meeting of Johnson Lake Property Owners Association
Saturday, May 22, 2004


Dan Young, President, called the meeting to order at 10:20 AM. It was held at the Webster Fire Department.

Dan welcomed everyone and again reiterated that we have no rule making authority, we are a volunteer group with the intent to ensure our lake quality is as high as possible.

Harding Dahlstrom died Wednesday, May 19. He was a great guy and a hard worker. A celebration of his life will be in Roseville, MN, May 24 from 4 to 8 PM.

Dave Blumer, from the DNR, was our featured speaker. He spoke on water quality, testing and interpreting information that is obtained, Exotic species—Ham and Round Lake in Burnett County have Eurasian Milfoil, Shallow Lake on the border is inundated with it too.

The water quality testing and the secci disk measures what chemicals are in the lake and the clarity. Roy Hansen heads a group of volunteers that do the testing.

From the data gathered so far the long term water clarity trend is not good. There is more phosphorus in the lake. If this trend continues for the next 10 years we could have less than 2 feet of clarity. We need to do something about it. Our lake used to be mestropic—it is borderline now, the water quality is getting worse, trend should be reversed. Where are the nutrients coming from? Would be a good idea to try and find out—test in different areas, test bottom, sediment sample, lake has more vegetation than it can handle.

Need to think about buffer zones, fertilizers, poor septic systems, mowing. Website has tons of info on buffer zones, Also Dave Ferris and Cheryl Bersick at the Government Center are contacts for help.

A grant for infrared airplane imaging may be available—Fred Weber said he has a plane that could be used and he knows a photographer. That would help pinpoint the problem of where the worst areas of pollution are.

Eurasian Milfoil is vicious, can grow in 20 or less feet of water. Thick, dense mats, once in a lake it is there forever. Lake owners should be aware and look for any sign of it or any other exotic plant. If unsure of what it is, take a sample, put in plastic bag and take to the DNR.

Any plant material on trailers or boats is illegal--$100 fine initially, but there aren’t any means to enforce the law.

We all need to become educated!!!!

The minutes from last year’s Annual Meeting were read , approved by Dan Young, seconded by Bob Polkinghorn.

Bob Polkinghorn presented the Treasurer’s Report which is attached.

Dick Golding spoke about the NW Lake Leaders Conference to be held at Telemark, Cable, WI, June 25, 8 to 4 PM. JLPOA will sponsor 2 couples (@$40.00 a head). Nancy and Fred Weber and Jeri and Dick Slachta volunteered to go.


The 2004 Pig Roast will not be on July 4th weekend. It will be in August or September, a notice will be sent out. Jane Tomnitz thought it would be nice to invite Dave Blumer and his family. We do need to educate our members about the clarity of the water and the threat of milfoil.

Jon Okerstrum in doing a super job with our web site. Dick Lundberg furnished us with the site, and Jon is managing it. He needs input from all of us and loves comments.

There are 4 positions available for Board Members. Lois Hansen has been nominated, Fred Weber, Corie Dacus and Bob Wagner all said they would run again. A vote was taken, unanimous for all. Approved by Anita Miller, seconded by Dick Golding.

A lot of ideas were tossed around, How would property values be affected if we have milfoil—search the web, Minnesota has a good report.

Can we have higher dues—no—we are a non-profit and can’t carry a balance. (This was in anticipation of any milfoil infestation).

Can we get a grant for better signage at the access—lot of concern about boats bringing milfoil in. A gate, not locked, but would make them get out of their cars and open it, and hopefully look at their boat and trailer.

The Board has to come up with a plan.

We must make members aware that our water quality is going down—use the web site,and newletter.

Bob Polkinghorn made a motion to donate $100 to the Fire Department. Bob Hoff seconded.

Meeting adjourned at 12:40 PM

Respectfully submitted,


Joan Golding, Secretary


Posted: Mon - May 24, 2004 at 08:52 AM      

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