Oak Point Association

We had an excellent program at our annual meeting on Saturday the 26th of June. Our speaker was Doug Schultz, Large Lake Biologist for the Minnesota DNR located here in Walker.

The principal item on his agenda during his presentation was the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species. He wants property owners and boaters to be aware of the problem and then what they can do about it here on Leech Lake. Doug thought that our water quality on Leech is generally better then it was in the 1950's and 1960's when untreated septic water was getting into the lake. We do have some limited invasive species in our lake they are the Eurasian Watermilfoil that is some of the harbors, Purple Loosestrife, Curly-Leaf Pondweed, Rusty Crayfish and Chinese Banded Mystery Snails. The best way to protect our waters is to prevent hitchhikers on our fishing boats and trailers. Remove any visible mud, plants, fish or animals before transporting any equipment, eliminate water from live wells, motors and minnow pails. Never release plants, fish or animals into a body of water unless they came out of that body of water.

Doug also spoke to us about an update to the Leech Lake Walleye Management Plan that will become public on July 1st. He reviewed for us the current regulation of the 18 to 26 inch slot fish, the special limit of 4 fish, the Cormorant control program and the fish stocking program. The new plan will have a survey associated with it which is your chance to voice your input about the slot size and the special limit. I will try and send along a copy of the survey when I get one.

Doug also spoke briefly about the status of the Musky in our lake, which he pointed out was still very good. You have a chance to volunteer in the spring when they tag Muskie's which sound like fun. Doug can be contacted at doug.w.schultz@state.mn.us . Very excellent program.

Summer 2010

It must have rained about everyday this week. We had over an inch of rain on Thursday morning. The grass on the lawns is growing very fast, just finished mowing once again. No need to water the garden. Had two meals of lose leaf lettuce this week. Weeds are growing fast.

With all the rains the lake level is up once again. The wheels on my dock have two or three inches of water on top. This is a good sign going into the summer dryer months.

Mayflies

I think we are finally at the end of the Mayfly season, what that means is that now it's time to clean windows and get ready for the 4th of July. Doug Schultz answered a question at our annual meeting about Mayflies by saying that their presences in Leech Lake is a good sign of the quality of water that we have.

Daisies

The wild flower of the week is the common white Daisy which has white petals with a yellow center. They grow in open areas where they can get plenty of sunlight like pastures, ditches, vacant lots, etc. This perennial flower blossoms in June and July and is quite common across most of the midwest states. The Showy Lady Slipper is still blossoming and can be still found.