articles from December, 1992 newsletter:
President's Message
First of all, let me express my appreciation to the executive board for selecting me to be the next president of the Sportsmen's Club of Lake Vermilion. And as president, extend a thank you from all of us on the board and in the Club to outgoing president Jack Sparks. "Sparky" has ably carried the mantle for a long line of distinguished presidents. I can only wish, with the help of the executive board and all our members, to carry on the tradition.
Weil, winter has come to the Lake. The clouds of November have blown south carrying with them a taste of cold to our southern friends. The cold air wants to join our snowbirds in their new warm climes. Gone too are the summer sounds -- mallards and robins and loons, waves on the beach and kids in the water. In their place are new ones -- chickadees and nuthatches and woodpeckers at the feeder, ice leads moaning and cracking on clear nights. And when the snow machines aren't ripping up the silence, the solitude of our great Lake preparing for next season.
And preparing it is. Beneath a layer of ice and snow, fish are feeding to fulfill spawning needs next spring. Crayfish crawl about looking for a meal while trying not to become one. And the nymphs of mayflies grow and molt in anticipation of their early summer ephemeral flights. Even in winter, the Lake is ever changing.
Some of those changes may not be for our best though. Effluents from faulty septic systems are being absorbed into plant and animal life. Toxins from outboard motors, runoff from lawn and garden fertilizers and who-knows what from that acid soup we call rain add their mix to what we call our Lake. On the whole, the Lake sure takes a lot of abuse. Abuse that's changing it, aging it. We've all seen examples of the process, in lakes closer to metro areas with heavy weeds and water that isn't quite clear or even clean.
Now the Lake isn't like a stone, aging away as it is weathered by rain and wind and temperature. Our Lake has the capability to recover a little from abuse. Like a tree with a scrape, it can grow over the injury and continue to live. But its ability to recover is limited. What's needed for continued life is a limiting of its injuries. That's where we in the Sportsmen's Club have a role in the life of our Lake.
We are not watchers to the scene unfolding, chronicling the changes taking place. I see the role of the Sportsmen's Club as that of a watchdog, protecting our Lake and crying out the alarm when intruders threaten.
During the past election season, every candidate expressed concem for our ability to leave a better life for our children, better than we had. Doesn't that also include those parts of their lives spent on the Lake? Aren't those the underlying goals of our Club?
This winter, on a bright and warm afternoon, I hope to be skiing up into Black or Norwegian Bay and see again the wolves crossing in front of me. Yes, wolves, and hallelujah, I live here where the wild things live. And beneath me the fish that I can eat swim and the water that I can drink flows. I am truly blessed as you are to be a part of this great Lake. And I am truly responsible for its well being for I am but a guest and now a leader of the group of guests.
To the Lake, Rick Pearson
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Welcome to Joe E Cantrell -- Your New Board Member
Joe Cantrell has been a resident of 6197 Pike Bay Drive, Lake Vermilion, Tower, since July 19, 1979. He has been a member of the Sportsmen's Club and Penguin Snowmobile Club since 1979. He served on the Tower District 708 School Board from July 1986 to Dec. 30, 1989, and again from August 1990 to Dec. 30, 1991. Joe has always been willing to provide volunteer services whenever requested by either of these organizations.
Joe retired from General Electric Company, Mountain Iron plant, in March 1986 after 40 years of service. He had been plant manager of General Electric apparatus service operations in Dallas, Texas; Arkansas City, Kan.; Kansas City, Mo.; Minneapolis; and Mt. Iron. These operations repaired and serviced jet engines, locomotives and all types of industrial electrical and mechanical equipment. No home appliances were included!
His wife, Donna, was born in Buhl, so she is no stranger to the Iron Range. She converted Joe, born and raised in Texas, to the good life of the Range. Donna also is willing to volunteer for the Sportsmen's Club. They have six children, 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren (at such a young age). All of them enjoy Lake Vermilion.
We believe Joe will be a great asset to our organization.
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Recycle Your Christmas Tree
Already trying to think of a way to get rid of your Christmas tree when the holidays are over? There are a couple of options open to you.
Old Christmas trees make good cover and perching areas for winter songbirds--positioned near a feeder or on a protected side of the house they will be used by winter birds.
Old Christmas trees can no longer be deposited in landfills, but some areas will have collection points for recycling. Recycling by chipping is the cheapest method. Chips made from old trees make excellent mulch.
This year, why not consider a way to recycle your tree.
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St. Louis County Sheriff's Department Promises Greater Presence on Lake Vermilion
Sergeant James P. McKenzie of the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office attended the November board of director's meeting to discuss coordinating efforts to promote greater boating safety on Lake Vermilion.
McKenzie was recently appointed to oversee the county's buoy program on the lake and will also be in charge of boating and snowmobile safety in the area. He will be seeking ongoing input from the Sportsmen's Club on issues relating to buoy placement, boating and snowmobile safety.
The Sheriff's Office recognizes there has been a dramatic increase in boat traffic on Vermilion in recent years.
The safety of boaters is being affected by the increasing size and power of boats and also by the proliferation of personal watercraft.
McKenzie discussed county plans to deploy a greater number of enforcement personnel on Vermilion during the 1993 boating season. He is hopeful the higher visibility of Sheriff's Officers will reduce boating violations and other irresponsible behavior in dangerous, high traffic areas.
Sergeant McKenzie also announced plans for a Sheriff's snowmobile patrol in the Lake Vermilion area this winter. Officers will be doing security inspections of lake homes and cabins around the lake. They will also check snowmobile operaters on the lake and trails for current licenses and intoxication.
The Board of Directors views McKenzie's appointment as the beginning of a new era of greater cooperation between the Sportsmen's Club and the Sheriff's Office on matters affecting Lake Vermilion.
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Annual Loon Survey Report
For those of you unable to attend the annual meeting, at which time we give the results of the year's loon survey . . . now hear this . . .
Th e Club initiated the survey on our own in 1983 and we have done a survey each year since then and it is such a pleasure to report the Lake Vermilion loon population is not only viable and healthy . .. but increasing. Our total lake count this past summer was 184. That is up five from last year, but up over 25 from the year before.
It is interesting to note the last two years have been good ones for raising chicks and those numbers are reflected in the large number of singles counted this past summer. Late this fall it was not unusual to see groups of 7-10 swimming together and in Head O'Lakes Bay there was one single doing his/her thing until the 8th of November!! Those of us who were aware of her/him had visions of some morning having to put a boat in the water in order to rescue him/her from the newly-forming ice . . . but . . . sometime during the night of 8 November it took off for warmer climes.
It is apparent our constant reminders to people to observe and enjoy . . . but from afar . . . have paid dividends.
Many, many thanks, loon lovers!
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Danger! Thin Ice!
Cross-country skiers, ice skaters, fishermen, and snowmobilers - beware! That solid sheet of ice may not be as strong as it looks. Here's why.
When is ice safe? There is no safe answer. Ice is tricky, and just because a lake or stream is frozen doesn't mean the ice is safe.
To understand the factors involved in the strength of ice, it's necessary to understand how ice forms on lakes and streams and a few of its physical properties. Here are points to consider, some based on research by the U.S. Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory in New Hampshire.
You can't tell the strength of ice just by its appearance, the daily temperature, thickness, or whether the ice is of isn't covered with snow. Strength of ice, in fact, is based upon all four factors -- plus the depth of water under the ice, size of water body, water chemistry, distribution of the load of the ice, and local climatic factors.
Generally speaking, new ice is much stronger than old ice. Direct freezing of lake or stream water will be stronger than ice formed by melting snow, refrozen ice, or ice made by water bubbling up through cracks and freezing on the surface. Several inches of new ice may be strong enough to support you, while a foot or more of old, "rotten" ice may not.
Ice seldom freezes or thaws at a uniform rate. It can be a foot thick in one spot while, 10 feet away, only an inch thick.
A layer of snow insulates ice, slowing down the ice forming process. In addition, the weight of snow can decrease the bearing capacity of the ice.
Ice near shore is weaker. The buckling action of the lake or stream over the winter breaks and re-freezes ice continually along the shore.
If you hear ice "booming" or cracking on cold days or still evenings, it doesn't necessarily mean the ice is dangerous, merely that it's changing shape as the temperature changes.
Ice formed over flowing water can be dangerous near shore, around inflowing or outflowing streams, or on lakes containing large numbers of springs. River ice is generally about 15 percent weaker than ice on lakes. Straight, smooth-flowing stretches are safer than river bends. River mouths are dangerous because the current undermines the ice and creates unsafe pockets. A potential danger spot on lakes is an open portion completely surrounded by ice. Winds will force exposed water beneath the ice and rot it from below.
Other factors which weaken ice are water level fluctuations and the actions of birds and fish. As an example, schools of carp create thin ice spots or even open water by congregating in one location while circulating the water with their fins.
ICE TIPS
Once you understand the physical properties and problems with ice, you can understand why ice is so unpredictable and why the only absolute safety factor on ice is to stay off. If you are an ice fisherman, cross-country skier, ice skater, snowmobiler, or ice boater, however, staying off the ice is going to crimp your winter fun. So, for those who venture onto the ice, whether on foot or in a vehicle, here are tips to lessen your chances of a breakthrough:
1. Clear, solid ice at least two inches thick is usually sufficient to hold a single person walking on foot. Ice fishing requires at least four inches, and a snowmobile five inches. Automobiles and light trucks require at least eight inches to a foot of ice. (Remember, however, these are merely guidelines; the factors mentioned previously must be considered.)
2. Before you head onto ice, check with a local bait shop operator, resort owner, or angler for known thin ice areas, or aeration operations which have created open water.
3. Refrain from driving on the ice with your car or truck whenever possible. Travel in a vehicle, especially early or late in the season, is simply a matter of an accident looking for a place to happen.
4. If you must drive a vehicle, be prepared to leave it in a hurry. Unbuckle your seat belt and have a simple plan of action in case you break through. Some safety experts recommend the doors be left open and windows down for an easy exit.
5. Parking a vehicle in one spot tends to weaken ice. When ice thickness is marginal, prolonged parking is not recommended. Vehicles should be moved from time to time so the ice can resume its "normal" position and shape.
A car parked on ice one-foot thick will depress the ice an inch within a diameter of 200 feet. Cars parked close together may increase the load beyond the bending limit, causing the ice to break. Bending, however, gives added buoyancy since the ice becomes somewhat boat-shaped as it rests on the water underneath. But if the ice cracks, the added buoyancy is lost. A car surrounded by ice cracks has only the buoyancy of that single piece to support it. In any case, when driving across ice which has cracked and refrozen, cross the cracks at right angles and avoid parking near them.
6. If you drive on ice, remember it is only a film across a water surface. Weight moving across this film causes it to bend up and down in the form of long waves which roll out and away from a vehicle as it moves across the ice. U.S. Army researchers discovered that wave action may crack the ice if the vehicle is moving at a "critical speed" (see table).
Speeds above or below this critical speed substantially reduce the danger of cracking. Higher speeds are usually not recommended for other reasons, except over very shallow water. So drive slowly. Following closely behind other cars is not recommended, since you may intermpt their wave action with your own, causing a break in what would otherwise be safe ice.
7. Often cars will establish roads from shore to the current fishing "hotspot." After repeated use, these roads may cause the ice to weaken. Therefore, they may not be the safest route.
8. If you're on a snowmobile or driving a vehicle, be especially cautious at night or wh n it's snowing. The falling snow or darkness obscures thin ice or open holes.
9. Should you break through the ice, proper clothing can increase your chances of survival. An ordinary nylon snowmobile suit, if it is zipped-up, can trap air and slow the body's heat loss. Snowmobile suits are available with inflatable flotation elements. You can also use one of the newer vest type, foam, personal flotation devices (PFD or life preserver) from your boat. One of these devices worn under your outer clothing will keep you warm (like an insulated vest), help conserve body heat, and keep you afloat.
(Caution. Don't wear a PFD if you are inside a car or truck traveling on the ice. If your vehicle submerges, the PFD could hamper your escape.)
10. Carry a couple of large nails and a length of light nylon rope in your pocket. The nails can help you pull yourself out of the water and onto the slippery ice. Use the line to rescue someone else.
BREAKTHROUGH
Having taken all precaultions, your're now going to try your luck at ice fishing. Let's suppose it's a smaller lake and you have decided to walk to your fishing spot. As you walk, you hear a crack and break through the ice. Suddenly you find yourself immersed in water so cold it takes your breath away and becomes painful. If you break through while on foot, don't panic (which is easier said than done). Your heavy clothing, especially a snomobile suit, will not drag you down. Instead, if you remain calm it provides excellent flotation.
To climb out, turn toward the direction you came from. Place your hands and arms on the unbroken surface (this is where the nails come in handy). Work forward on the ice by kicking your feet. If the ice breaks, maintain your position and slide forward again. Once you are lying on the ice, don't stand. Roll away from the break until you're on solid ice. Once you're on safe ice get to a shelter and ward yourself immediately.
What should you do if you spot someone who has fallen through the ice?
Resist running to the hole to give the victim a hand. Use a rope or look for a light boat to push across the ice ahead of you. If this isn't possible, organize a chain of rescuers lying prone on the ice. If you are sure the ice will carry your weight, lie on your stomach and extend a ladder, pole, or other object ahead of you for the victim to grasp. Keep calm and think out a solution. It will do the victim or you no good to endanger your life unnecessarily.
Victims of ice accidents may also require artificial respiration as well as treatment for hypothermia (exposure). So seek immediate medical attention.
VEHICLE ESCAPE
If your car or truck plunges through, your problems are compounded. You now must escape from the vehicle in addition to getting out of the water. To understand the problems of escaping from submerged vehicles, studies were done in Michigan and the Netherlands. From these studies, the following characteristics were noted when the vehicle entered the water:
Vehicles with all windows closed will float longer than those with all windows open. Vehicles with engines in front will descend engine first at a steep angle. In water 15 feet deep or more, such a vehicle may rest on its top at the end of the descent.
Doors cannol be opened until waler pressure inside the car is equal to that outside. When the vehicle is completely filled, doors can be opened if there is no structural damage.
The best time to escape from a vehicle is when the car is still afloat, not, as has been reported in the past, after the car has sunk. Depending on the car and circumstances, floating time will vary from a few seconds to two or three minutes. The more airtight the car, the longer it remains afloat.
While the car is still afloat, the best escape hatches are the windows. Water pressure from the outside will make it impossibe to open the doors. If side windows are blocked, try to force the front or rear window out of its frame by pressing against the corner of the window with feet or shoulder.
Once the car starts to sink, the amount of time and air left to work with is greatly reduced. Water will rapidly displace the remaining air which will escape through the cab and trunk.
An air bubble can remain in a submerged vehicle, but it is unlikely that such a bubblewould remain after the car reaches bottom. Thus, escape chances have greatly diminished.
Once the car is filled with water the doors will be a little easier to open. But the time you need to remove children or injured persons is no longer available. This underscores the importance of beginning excape procedures through the windows whole the car is still afloat.
Even if you escape (with no more harm than a cold bath), your problems aren't over. According to salvage experts, it will cost you from $300 to $2,000 or more to get the vehicle out of the water and refurbish it. Sometimes a tow truck can't do the job and a helicopter is required. That really can be expensive?
Remember, common sense is your greatest ally in preventing ice accidents. Assess ice conditions calmly and prepare yourself before venturing out on a lake or stream. Five minutes of checking ice from shore, as well as systematic checks while on the ice, can make the difference between an enjoyable outdoor experience and a tragedy.
CRITICAL VELOCITV OF MOVING LOADS ON ICE
Water Depth (feet) | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 30 |
|
Critical Velocity (mph) | 9 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 17 | 19 | 22 |
This article was written by Kim Elverum, DNW Boat and Water Safely Coordinator. It is reprinted from The Minnesota Volunteer.
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WiII Lake Vermilion Have Night Navigation Aids in 1993?
Almost every Lake Vermilion boater has, at some time, found himself or herself out on the lake after dark. For many years, those familiar blinking yellow lights have helped boaters to find their way home safely. That could change in 1993.
Since the late 1960s, the Sportsmen's Club of Lake Vermilion has placed and maintained this system of approximately 20 lights. This has been an invaluable service to the boating public. The locations of these lights are noted on the official W.A. Fisher Printing Company set of Lake Vermilion maps, along with a Sportsmen's Club designated number on each hazard buoy. This effective system allows for safe navigation of the lake both day and night.
A few years ago, however, the Sportsmen's Club began having trouble maintaining its liability insurance coverage. The insurance carrier no longer wanted to provide coverage because it felt the night navigation aids created too much liability exposure for the Club. These lights have never created any problem and the Club has never made any type of claim on its insurance policy.
In spite of this, the Club has so far been unable to find a new insurance carrier that will write a policy so long as the Club is engaged in maintaining these lights.
Because the Sportsmen's Club needs liability coverage to continue its many other productive activities on Lake Vermilion and to protect its financial assets, it had no other choice than to terminate its involvement with these lights and remove them from the lake in September. This was a sad day in the long and proud history of the Club.
The Club consulted with attorneys, insurance experts and government officials and was advised the only way to keep the lights operating is to form a new non-profit corporation not associated with the Club and devoted solely to the operation of the night navigation aids.
This corporation may not be able to get insurance coverage either, but it would have few or no assets. The members of the Board of Directors and any volunteers who help with the lights would be exempt from any liability under state statute regarding non-profit corporations.
The Sportsmen's Club has, therefore, challenged concerned citizens to come forth and volunteer to form and operate this new corporation. Wally Snyder, owner of Smith's Landing, has volunteered to be the corporation's initial chairman. Jim Galonski of Tower has also volunteered to serve on the board. Other citizens have expressed interest but many more volunteers from both ends of the lake would be needed. Involvement could range from serving in an administrative capacity on the board or to maintaining just one light throughout the boating season.
The Sportsmen's Club would sell the lights, equipment and batteries to this new corporation for a nominal fee. It would also provide partial funding for this effort. Scott Neff, a local attorney and Club member, has offered to donate his legal services to set up this new corporation. The success of this effort would depend upon enough volunteers coming forward and upon financial contributions.
If you would like to support this important public service, please contact Sportsmen's Club board member Dale Lundblad for information on how you can help. He can be reached during the day at B.I.C. Realty (218-666-5352) or in the evening at 218-666-2316.
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Vermilion River Classification Update
The Board of Directors wants to take this opportunity to advise the general membership of SCLV of an issue which is coming to the front. As far back as 1986, our lawmakers in Washington made a decision to have all the major rivers in our country evaluated as to being included for Wild and Scenic designation. Congress commissioned the American Rivers Society to undertake this study. Some 27 rivers in Northeastern Minnesota were included in the evaluation; of specific interest in this area are the Cloquet, St. Louis and our own beloved Vermilion River. In fact, I have now learned the Vermilion River is the number one priority to be included in all of Minnesota.
In light of an explanation of the system, it is my understanding there are three classifications under which a river might be placed. They are: wild; scenic; and recreational; or any combination of the three. By way of definition, a wild river will have no motorized travel, limited access, no adjacent private land ownership with very little, if any, commercial enterprise allowed. Wilderness? Yes. The scenic designation could be described as having restricted motor travel, controlled access, no adjacent timber harvest or farming, with restricted and limited private land ownership. A recreational description would leave the river much as it is now. Have you seen it lately? It is beautiful.
It is my further understanding the American Rivers Society has issued a recommendation that the Vermilion River be designated as scenic from the Vermilion Dam up to the bridge at Highway 26. From that point north to Crane Lake it would be recreational. This may be all well and good with the exception that once the river is placed under federal control, those designations could change at any time.
There is an alternative. Many local governments across the nation have undertaken their own river initiatives. St. Louis County may be in a position to sponsor a local advisory board for the Vermilion River. That board could consist of people who now use and love the Vermilion, with environmental respect, and safeguards would be put in place to keep it as it is now -- unspoiled.
We on the Board of Directors of SCLV are soliciting your advice on this issue. Should we as a group become involved in this issue? We want to know how you feel about this, so please drop me a note and give us your recommendation. Respond to:
Jack Sparks
1753 Everett Bay Rd.
Tower, MN 55790
Thanks, folks. See you on the lake.
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Thoughts on Membership
As the Club year comes to an end, our membership stands around 1,800. A true count would show probably more than that as many have taken advantage of our "family" memberships. Of course I have no way of knowng whether that "family" consists of three or maybe six or more. If you are considering a family membership, when you send in your dues . . . let me know just how many are in your family. Maybe I can come up with a more accurate membership total.
The billing statements will be mailed to you in January and since our Club year runs from Jan. 1 to Jan. 1, it is important for you to respond as soon as possible.
This year our membership is the highest it has ever been, but remember we have over 4,000 property owners on the lake. Why not check with a neighbor or friend and urge them to join? Help us preserve and protect all of what we enjoy on this beautiful lake.
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