articles from May, 1993 newsletter:
President's Message
They're Ba-a-a-ck! Yes they are -- the navigational lights are going to be back on Lake Vermilion this summer. Thanks to a member of our Club, we were able to purchase liability insurance for the lights so they will be out there all summer just blinking away. And thanks to another member who will be donating all of the time and materials, those lights will be attached to new standards too. From all of us, thank you very much, folks. If I can paraphrase President Clinton in his inaugural speech "There isn't a problem that confronts our Club that can't be solved by the good work and dedication of members of our Club."
Now we're looking for a few more good members in our Club to help. The daily monitoring and periodic maintenance of the lights have put a burden on a few of our board members. We're looking for volunteers to take over that role with a new "Adopt-a-Light" Program. If.you reside near a light or even have one on your property and would be able to help keep an eye on it, replace a battery or bulb (that we provide) several times a season and make sure it's working properly during the boating season, we would appreciate the help. We'll be installing the lights in a few weeks and can then hand the job over to you. A new "Lights" committee is being formed to coordinate the program and they'll be awaiting your call (just call any board member) to sign you up.
There is a ballot for your vote on the Club's bylaw changes in this newsletter. Please fill it out and send it in. There's also an entry form to register your Big Tree in a Club contest, so if you have one, don't let it go unrecognized. Barb, the Club's Treas/Membership guru, has a short story of interest to all. She's calling on some of you for.similar stories, so get them in to her. This lake has a rich heritage and we'd like to share it with all our members, new and old.
Speaking of sharing, how about sharing your thoughts with us? The board of directors would like to know how you feel about the Lake, how you feel about the direction the board should take on projects and Lake issues. It was a member's letter that prompted the article about muskies and walleyes. What other questions do you have that we can try to respond to? We're here because you asked us to be, so what can we do to best represent you to preserve Lake Vermilion, the Lake of the Red Sunsets?
To the Lake,
Rick Pearson
back to table of contents
Repair Work at Sunset Creek
Club member Ray Sampson and Board member Dale Lundblad volunteer their labor to reinforce the dam at the Sunset Creek northern pike spawning area. Rock and gravel for the project were donated by Bill Gruska Construction.
back to table of contents
Status of Lake Vermilion Fish Populations, 1992
Walleye
The walleye population in Lake Vermilion is currently at a relatively high level. Gill netting done in September of 1992 averaged 14.0 walleye per net, which is slightly above the long-term average of 12.4. walleye per net. Lake Vermilion has a relatively high walleye population when compared to similar type lakes in Minnesota. The Section of Fisheries uses a lake classification system that categorizes lakes by physical and limnological characteristics.
Lake Vermilion is classified as a Class 2 lake, which are large, softwater walleye lakes with rocky shorelines. Lake Vermilion usually has test net catches of walleye above the "normal" range for Class 2 lakes. Normal is defined as net catches within the second or third quartiles, a statistical measure which would include 50% of all historical net catches for Class 2 lakes.
East Vermilion (ths Tower end) usually has higher net catches of walleye than West Vermilion (the Cook end), as was the case in 1992. Although the walleye catch for West Vermilion is lower, it is still within the normal range for Class 2 lakes. Alhough West Vermilion walleye are less numerous, they tend to be slightly larger than East Vermilion walleye.
The strongest year classes of walleye present in Lake Vermilion are the 1988 year class and the 1990 year class. The 1988 year class is the strongest in recent years. Walleye from the 1988 year class will be five years old in the spring of 1993 and should dominate the fishery for the upcoming season. These fish will be primarily 13 to 17 inches long this spring, a size desirable by most anglers.
Walleye from the 1990 year class will be primarily 10 inches to 12 inches long this spring and will start being caught this summer as small "cigars."
The 1985 and 1986 year classes have been relatively weak in Lake Vermilion. Although these fish are now good-sized, their numbers are low enough that they will not show up regularly in angler catches. The 1987 year class was very abundant as age 1 and 2 fish, however heavy angling pressure at ages 3, 4 and 5 has greatly reduced the numbers of this age class.
Northern Pike
The northern pike population on Lake Vermilion has been very consistent over the past several years. The 1992 gill net catch of 1.1 fish per net is similar to catches in recent years. Northern pike numbers in Lake Vermilion are usually on the low side of normal or slightly below normal for Class 2 lakes. Age and growth analysis are not done for northern pike because of the small number caught in test nets.
Muskie
Muskie are a relative newcomer to Lake Vermilion, with the first stocking in the lake occurring in 1969. Prior to 1987, muskie stocking was sporadic and consisted primarily of Shoepac Lake strain fish. It was eventually discovered Shoepac Lake strain muskie rarely exceed 20 pounds. The Section of Fisheries then switched to Leech Lake strain muskie for stocking programs. Since 1987, Lake Vermilion has been stocked annually with approximately 5,000 Leech Lake strain fingerlings.
Muskie are rarely caught in any of the standard test net gear, therefore index of abundance, age and growth information are not available. Conversations with resort operators, guides and anglers indicate muskie are probably doing quite well. Reports indicate some muskie now exceed 40 inches, which is the new minimum length for keeping a muskie.
Yellow perch
The yellow perch population is currently quite high in Lake Vermilion. The 1992 gill net catch of 37.7 fish per net is one of the highest in recent years and continues a trend of high catches that began in 1990. Perch catches in Lake Vermilion are usually above normal for Class 2 lakes.
Although perch are not often sought by anglers on Lake Vermilion, they are very important in the life history of walleye. In addition, high numbers of perch can sometimes cause walleye fishing to be poor, since a large forage base tends to make walleys less interested in anglers' baits.
The strongest year classes of yellow perch at the present time are the 1990 and 1989 year classes. Perch from these year classes are primarily 5 inches to 7.5 inches long. Perch from the 1987 and older year classes would generally be of a size acceptable to anglers.
Smallmouth Bass
Since smallmouth bass are not often caught in standard test nets, an electrofishing boat has been used since 1989 to collect information on abundance, size and age.
The 1992 catch of 30.0 fish per hour of electrofishing was similar to past catches. Although there is not much information to compare the smallmouth bass catch with, catches for Lake Vermilion are probably about average for Class 2 lakes.
The strongest year classes of smallmouth bass present in Lake Vermilion are the 1989, 1988 and 1987 year classes. Fish from these year classes will be primarily 6 to 13 inches long this spring. Growth of smallmouth bass in Lake Vermilion is quite slow. It takes 6-7 years for a bass to reach 12 inches in length.
Bluegill
Bluegill have become very abundant in Lake Vermilion over the past 20 years. The 1992 trap net catch of 23.9 fish per net is similar to catches in 1990 and 1991. Bluegill catches appear to have stabilized in recent years after an exceptionally high catch in 1987. Although comparative information on bluegill catches for other Class 2 lakes is not available, bluegill numbers in Lake Vermilion would probably be well above normal for Class 2 lakes.
Bluegill are more numerous in West Vermilion than in East Vermilion.
The strongest year classes of bluegill in Lake Vermilion at the present time are the 1987 and 1988 year classes. Fish from these year classes will be primarily 5 to 8 inches long this spring. There are also fair numbers of fish age 8 and older present, primarily from a strong 1983 year class. The majority of these fish will exceed eight inches in length.
Black Crappie
The black crappie population has been relatively stable since at least 1987, though at a level much lower than bluegill. The 1992 catch of 2.0 fish per net is consistent with catches in recent years. Although comparative information on crappie catches for other Class 2 lakes is not available, crappie numbers in Lake Vermilion would probably be considered normal to below normal for Class 2 lakes. Black crappie are more numerous in West Vermilion than in East Vermilion.
The strongest year classes of crappie at the present time are the 1987 and 1991 year classes. Fish from the 1987 year class will be 10 to 12 inches long this spring. Fish from the 1991 year class will be 3.5 to 4.5 inches long and probably will not show up in angler catches until 1994.
Bullhead
There has been increasing concern in recent years over an apparent increase in the bullhead population. Test nets indicate only a slight increase in bullhead numbers and the gill net catches have been well within normal levels for Class 2 lakes. Test net catches may not reflect the actual increase in bullhead numbers. Few of the test nets are set in the shallow muddy bays where most of the increase in bullhead numbers has probably occurred. It is not known why the bullhead population has increased on Lake Vermilion, although similar increases have been noted in other northeastern Minnesota lakes.
back to table of contents
Lake Vermilion Muskie Management Program
Muskie were originally not present or were very rare in Lake Vermilion. The first biologist who worked on the lake reported in 1943 he had been unable to verify the presence of muskie, however he had heard a couple reports of them being caught. The first recorded stocking of muskie on Lake Vermilion occurred in 1968 when 475 fingerlings were planted. Other small stockings were done in 1969, 1972, 1984 and 1985. These initial stockings were done with a strain of muskie that originated in Shoepac Lake in Voyageurs National Park. Research on other lakes eventually showed the Shoepac Lake strain of muskie rarely exceeded 20 pounds. The Section of Fisheries then switched to the Leech Lake strain of muskie for its statewide stocking programs to insure stocked muskie would have the capability to become trophy-sized.
The current muskie stocking program started in 1987 when nearly 5,000 Leech Lake strain fingerlings were stocked. About 5,000 muskie have been stocked every year since 1987. These intensive stockings have apparently been successful, as reports of muskie being caught are increasing each year. Reports indicate the larger muskie now exceed 40 inches, which is the new minimum length to keep a muskie. Once muskie are well established, stocking every other year may be sufficient to maintain the population.
The next step-in the muskie management program for Lake Vermilion is to evaluate the stocking and determine if they will reproduce naturally. Evaluation of muskie stocking is difficult because they never become very abundant. Even in the best muskie lakes their level of abundance is quite low compared to other fish species. Trap netting after ice out is the preferred method for evaluating muskie populations and we will begin such an assessment this spring. We wiII also attempt to determine if natural reproduction is occurring. If muskie reproduce naturally in lake Vermilion, eventually it may be possible to reduce or eliminate stocking while still maintaining a quality muskie fishery.
Several members of the Lake Vermilion Sportsmen's Club have recently expressed concerns about the possible effects an introduced muskie population may have on the populations of other fish species, particularly walleye. Since the muskie stocking program began, there have not been major changes in the populations of the other species present in the lake. Test net catches of walleye have been stable throughout the period and are currently above the long-term average for the lake. There are several reasons it is unlikely the introduction of muskie will impact the walleye population. Studies have shown muskie and northern pike prefer prey species with soft fins, such as tullibees and suckers. As previously mentioned, muskie maintain a population level much lower than other species and are therefore unlikely to cause large changes. Also, muskie and waileye generaily occupy different habitat types and tend to be geographically separated irom each other. Although muskies probably consume some walleyes, this low level of predation has not affected the walleye population and it is not anticipated that it will in the future.
If anyone has any questions or comments about fish management on Lake Vermilion please feel free to call me at our Ely office (218-365-7280) or write to the address below.
Duane Williams,. Large Lake Specialist
DNR Area Fisheries Headquarters Ely, MN 55731
back to table of contents
Understanding and Protecting Lake Vermilion
Beginning with this issue of the "Vermilion Sportsman" we will run a series of articles reprinted from "A Citizen's Guide to Lake Protection" published by the Freshwater Foundation. These articles are intended to provide information to our members which will allow them to personally participate in protecting Lake Vermilion.
Board member Dale Lundblad
What is a Lake?
It's not as simple as it may sound. A lake is a body of water, but it is also much more. A lake is an ecosystem, a community of interaction among animals, plants, microorganisms, and the physical and chemical environment in which they live. Critical to any lake ecosystem is the lake's watershed, the surrounding land area that drains into that particular lake.
A complex interdependence has evolved among the organisms in a lake community. If one part of the ecosystem is disturbed, it affects other parts. A road, a housing development, a drainage project, a forest fire, acid rain or other such changes in the watershed can alter the delicate balance of the lake ecosystem.
Well-balanced lake ecosystems, however, do change from season to season and from year to year. Short-term events, like a single algal bloom (an unusual or excessive abundance of algae), may not necessarily signal a longterm problem. On the other hand, changes in land use in the watershed may not immediately have a visible effect on the lake. It may take a decade or more, for example, for changes in agricultural practices or urbanization to result in weed problems or fish kills.
Lakes Begin ...And End
Most lakes were created by past geologic events. The vast lake-dotted and marshy landscapes found in North America were formed by glaciation in the relatively recent geologic past - 10,000 to 20,000 years ago. Glaciers formed lake basins by gouging holes in loose soil or bedrock, by depositing material across streambeds or by leaving buried chunks of ice whose melting shaped lake basins. More recently, humans and other animals have created lakes by damming rivers.
Lakes constantly are undergoing slow evolutionary change, reflecting the changes that occur in their watersheds. Most are destined to fill in with sand, silt and topsoil washed in by floods and streams. These gradual changes in the physical and chemical components of the lake affect the development, competition and succession of many different plants and animals.
The natural process by which lakes form, evolve and disappear takes thousands of years. Human activities, however, can change these lakes - for better or worse in less than a single generation.
Lake Stewardship: What Can An Individual Do?
Good stewardship by the individual, whether a lake homeowner or simply a lake user, can do much to enhance the lake environment and serve as a beginning for sound lake management. Although most of the following comments are directed to lake homeowners, many also apply to those who live anywhere within a lake's watershed. One of the most important things an individual can do is to get involved with other concerned citizens. Your collective efforts will yield the greatest dividends for you and the lake.
Here's what you can do to protect and improve a lake by minimizing a polluted runoff into the lake. Many of these suggestions are based on shoreland management laws, such as those in Minnesota.
1. Siting the House and Other Facilities
Don't let your house intrude upon the lake. Locate a new house and any future additions to meet horizontal setbacks and vertical elevation requirements and to avoid damage if the lake rises dramatically in the future. Preserve as much natural vegetation as possible between the house and the lake to filter sediments and nutrients out of surface runoff.
You'll also need to consider other facilities, particularly wells and septic systems, when siting your house. The septic system should receive priority since adequate soil conditions are necessary for its proper functioning. Site evaluators and many sewage system installers can conduct soil borings and percolation tests and consult soil maps and data to determine the best location on your lot. Wells should be located upslope from sewage systems and be deep and cased whenever possible. A site sketch of your lot, drawn to scale, will heip you decide the best locations for all facilities and is often required when obtaining permits. Contact your county zoning officer to determine what permits will be needed and what standards must be met. Take a personal interest in meeting the regulations. Don't leave the arrangements entirely to your contractors. If a standard septic tank and drainfield system is unsuited for your lot, you may have to use an approved alternative system such as a mound system. On some lots a holding tank may be the only feasible system. Make sure your contractors know which trees you want to save. Fence off areas to protect trees and roots from construction damage. Don't put a road or wide path down to the lake.Curve any path you do build to the lake. Consider a wooden stairway rather than a road if you need access along a steep slope.
2. Altering the Waterfront
If you want a sandy beach for swimming, try to buy a lot with a natural beach. Sand dumped on the shore to create a beach can seriously affect the habitat of fish, birds, frogs and aquatic insects. Make waterfront equipment such as docks and boathouses as unobtrusive as possible. Avoid structures that require much tree clearing, excavating or filling.
3. Modifying Yard Care
Think twice before putting in a lawn -- you may not need one in a lake setting. Maintain as wide a buffer zone of natural vegetatian as possible between the lawn and the water's edge. Minimize the use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers, which can harm the lake. Don't burn brush or leaves on a slope from which ashes can wash into the lake.
4. Taking Care of Your Septic System
Don't let your septic system pollute the lake. Have your septic tank checked every other year and pumped when necessary. Use nonphosphate detergents, wash only full loads of clothes, and use water-saving showers and toilets to avoid stressing your septic system. (In Minnesota, phosphates in household laundry detergents have been banned since 1977.) Do not use a garbage disposal, and keep solvents, plastics, paper diapers and other similar products out of your septic system.
back to table of contents
PROTECT YOUR EARTH -- Fact Sheets Available
Shoreland property owners on Lake Vermilion as well as other lakes in the Arrowhead region now have a practical source of information available to them that describes Best Management Practices (BMPs) they can adopt on their property to protect water quality. Within the past year, 13 public agencies have developed the BMPs in an attempt to "speak with one voice" to the shoreland property owners. These are the first BMPs for shorelands to be described in the state. Fact sheets specific to 16 different shoreland issues are available. The list includes:
1. Understanding Shoreland Best Management Practices
2. Maintaining Your Shoreland Septic System
3. Installing A Shoreland Septic System
4. Ensuring A Safe Drinking Water Supply
5. Limiting Impact of Recreation on Water Quality
6. Developing Shoreland Landscapes/Construction Activities
7. Stabilizing Your Shoreline to Prevent Erosion
8. Minimizing Runoff From Shoreland Property
9. Caring For Shoreland Lawns and Gardens
10. Managing Your Shoreland Wood Lot
11. Valuing Your Shoreland Trees
12. Preserving Wetlands
13. Managing Crops and Animals Near Shorelands
14. Reducing the Use of Hazardous Household Products
15. Preventing the Introduction of Exotic Species
16. Accessing Information to Help Protect Water Quality
There is no charge for the fact sheets, but shoreland property owners are asked to pick up the folders at these locations throughout St. Louis County:
Soil and Water Conservation District offices in Virginia and Duluth,
MN Extension Service offices in Virginia, Hibbing and Duluth,
MN DNR area hydroiogist offices near Eveleth and in Duluth,
County health and zoning offices in Virginia, Hibbing and Duluth,
County commissioner's office in Ely,
Tourist Information Center in Orr,
LaCroix Ranger Station in Cook.
St. Louis County residents can order a packet by mailing a check or $3 (payable to St. Louis County) to cover handling and postage costs, to any of the Minnesota Extension Service offices in Duluth, Hibbing or Virginia.
Remember -- Everyone lives in the watershed of some lake or river, even if they don't own property directly on the waterfront. People who own shoreland property must remember Minnesota's lakes and streams are a public resource; they have the right and responsibility to preserve those waters for present and future generations to enjoy.
back to table of contents
DONATIONS
Many of our members, in addition to their regular dues, have been very generous with extra donations. We would like to acknowledge them with a special thank you. They have been recorded as they come in and among the number are . . . The Landing Restaurant, which has donated all the boat launching fees from last summer to the Club; Tom and Gail Johnson, Robert W. Fox (a generous donation to purchase some new navigation lights); the friends of Bert Marconett established a memorial to him; Neal Perlich; Theda Carron; Curtis Kuehn; Ken Grosshauser; James Lemke; Clayton Mars; Dr. Robert Sellers; Tom Tellepson; B.I.C. Realty; Jerome Bolda (in memory of Mary and Clem Bolda); Robert Indihar; Joe Zubert; R.J. Poor;Stan Hildestad; J.W. Dunning; D.A. Fredricks; Howard Metcalfe; LoRetta Seppi; Ann G. Anderson; J.D. McPeak; Ron Rafter; J. McKinney; Roger Kronhoim; Darryl Lisowski; G.E. Wagner; R. D. Kjorsvig; P.A. Ohman; D.W. Anderson; Dr. R.N. Sampson; D.J. McKinney; J.W. Kent; Ken Grabarek; Bruce Raps; Mark Ludlow.
back to table of contents
Big Tree Contest
The Sportsmen's Club of Lake Vermilion is looking for a few good trees - in fact a few good large trees. How about it? Do you have a likely candidate? Hey - let us know about it!
We all know the value of the trees on our shoreland - the shade, the annual mulch, the soil binding root systems, the nesting sites for birds, the oxygen producers as well as pollution filters. Okay,- there's the occasional pollen dust on our newly waxed car, the seeds on the screens, the branches on the lawn, the sap on the lawn furniture and the gunk plugging up the rain troughs But it's still a small price to pay for all the aforementioned benefits as well as the music during those windy evenings.
We, the Club, would like to recognize the monarchs of our leafed friends. And you can help us. We're looking for the biggest trees, on the Lake, and on our members' property.
All you need to help is a tape rule, a pencil, a stamp, and envelope. Get out in your yard, measure the circumference of the trees as noted on the back of this form, write down the dimensions of your candidates and mail it all to us by July lOth. We'll sift through the returns, call you to come out and verify (as well as stand in awe of) the behemoth and award prizes for the winners at our Annual Dinner in August. You don't have to wait until the last minute, hoping for the last fraction of growth to occur. There will be more than one winner in each category. If you're having trouble identifying which tree is which, check elsewhere in this Sportsman for some helpful hints.
back to table of contents
By-Law Revisions
Click here for the latest by-law revisions
back to table of contents
A Story Of Longevity
Once upon a time years ago . . . in the early 1920s to be exact . .. a man, his wife and small son leased an island in Head-O-Lakes Bay. They built a small summer cabin and started to enjoy Lake Vermilion. Their only problem was the fact that to get to the island they had to park their car at what was then Fernlunds Landing, about 1-1/2 miles away. It made the trip to the island a bit "iffy" at times since the boat was a powerful one-lunger.
One day in 1927 the man was in a bank in Virginia and overheard a woman talking to one of the tellers asking if she knew of anyone who would be interested in some property on the north shore of Head-O-Lakes Bay. After talking with the lady, this man made some inquiries at the county office in Virginia and ended up buying the property and also paying some $18.93 in back taxes.
Then came the next problem ... there was no road access to the property, so once again in the late 1930s inquiries were made at local offices and the township board to get permission to build a road. Permission was given, but the man had to be responsible for the road on his property to where it joined state land . . . about a mile or so. The remaining two miles of road from Highway 24 to where it joined his land became a WPA project.
To make a long story short, this piece of land is still in the family and a son and daughter now live on it as year around residents. Who are these people? The father was Conrad Raps and the son and daughter are . . . Greg Raps, past president of the SCLV, and the daughter, Barb Shook, your current treasurer/membership chairman.
Hey . . . that is 65 years worth of family ownership. We know there are many similar series . . . let us hear from you. Drop me a line.
Barb Shook
back to table of contents
Water Testing Program Offered
The North St. Louis Soil and Water Conservation District will be offering water testing for potability of your drinking water. The test will check for Coliform Bacteria and Nitrate Nitrogen.
Coliform Bacteria -- the presence of these bacteria are found in the intestines of humans and animals. If levels exceed safe limits you may have a waste system in need of repair.
Nitrate Nitrogen -- high nitrate levels can indicate contamination from waste disposal, fertilizers, feedlots, silos and other man-made chemicals.
Keep in mind the tests cannot be performed on water supplies that have chlorine added to them. The test period will run on July 12, 13 and 14 for a fee of $17.
North St. Louis SWCD is taking requests now so please send your name, address, phone number, preferred test date and payment made out to North St. Louis SWCD. The mailing address is 401 Sixth Avenue North, Virginia, MN 55792.
Your test kit and instructions will be sent to you a week prior to the date the SWCD office is expecting your water sample.
back to table of contents
Do You Really Know Your Trees? How About Some Tree Trivia?
QUESTIONS:
1. Name two tree species that are known as "pioneer" species.
2. What tree species does the spruce budworm primarily feed on?
3. How long does it take an acorn on the northern red oak to mature?
4. What tree species' twigs have a distinct mint flavor when chewed?
5. What tree species is the most common in Northern Minnesota?
6. What tree species, other than elms, is susceptible to Dutch Elm disease?
7. What cone bearing tree in Minnesota sheds all its needles in the fall?
8. What species of spruce is also called "cat spruce"?
9. How was White Pine Blister Rust introduced into Minnesota?
10. Sugar maple is the only tree species that you can collect sap fram to make maple syrup. (True or False)
11. What is the official tree of Minnesota?
12. What tree species shouid not be planted near apple trees?
|
ANSWERS :
1. Either aspen, jack pine, paper birch or Norway pine. Pioneer means the first species to show up naturally after a major disturbance like fire, land clearing or timber harvest.
2. Balsam fir. Kind of a trick question . . . populations can only build if balsam is available.
3. Two growing seasons. The bur oak has acorns that mature in one growing season.
4. Yellow birch. The American Indians used to tap the yellow birch and boil its sap, just like maple sap, to get a mint flavored syrup.
5. Aspen is found statewide and is very important both economically and for wildlife.
6. None. If you have any trees showing yellow foliage and dying branches, they should be checked. You may have a different disease on your hands.
7. Tamarack is the one and only.
8. White spruce, because when its needles are crushed the odor that is emitted smells similar to cat urine.
9. It was carried into Minnesota on seedlings raised in Europe which were brought here to reforest our cutover lands ...bad idea.
10. False. You can also tap red maple, silver maple and box elder.
11. Norway or red pine, which was designated the official state tree in 1953.
12. Red Cedar is the culprit. It spreads Cedar-Apple Rust which affects the apple trees' leaves, twigs and fruit.
|
back to table of contents
want to go back to the main newsletter directory ?
want to go back to the Sportsmen's Club Home Page ?
