articles from December, 2000 newsletter:

** President's Message
** Lessons from the Story of Noah's Arc
** WATCH OUT FOR THIN ICE!
** Hypothermia Prevention Tips
** POSSIBLE FISH LIMIT CHANGES
** Summary of Public Input Process to Review Fish Limits in Minnesota
** DNR CONFIRMS PRESENCE OF NEW FISH PARASITE IN LAKE VERMILION
** WE NEED YOUR INPUT!
** LAKE VERMILION COMFORT FOOD
** Look for the line with the loon
** UNDERSTANDING THE IMPORTANCE OF SHORELlNE VEGETATION
** The Forest on the Water's Edge
** Projects that CAN be done without a protected waters permit
** Questions You May Have




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President's Message
Greetings.
The Board wishes you a very pleasant and happy new year. The Board looks forward to preparing for our next summer season.
The 32nd Annual Meeting was held during August. The meeting was well attended. Two new members were elected to the Board. Paul Hanson, 4520 Wilson Point Road, was elected to a two-year term. Steve Towle, 2401 Deerwood Lane, was elected to a three-year term. Welcome to Paul and Steve. They are both already contributing significantly. Paul will be co-chair of the Water Quality Committee with me. Steve is heading up a review of the Bylaws, and equally important reviewing our Mission Statement. The Board desires your important opinion regarding the future direction and emphasis the Club should pursue regarding stewardship of our favorite lake.
We especially thank Jack Sparks and Rick Pearson who served the Club as Board members for many years and in many ways. Their wise counsel on the Board will be missed.
During the Annual Meeting, we announced two new picnic sites: one east and one west. The locations can be seen on our web page. Thank you, Rick Pearson, for the informative and attractive web page which is valuable to our members and an outreach for the Club.
More recently the Board has ordered more solar powered navigation lights. We have provided opinion to the DNR fisheries regarding possible changes to bag limits. And also we are evaluating the data from this past summer water quality samples.
Please contact any Board member with your suggestions and offer of help for our several projects. There will be many opportunities for volunteers.
Thank you for supporting your Club.
Willis Irons, President
1793 Everett Bay Road
irons@duluthsuperior.com



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Lessons from the Story of Noah's Arc






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WATCH OUT FOR THIN ICE!
Before venturing out on the ice, take note of these guidelines from our DNR. These are recommended minimum ice thicknesses and intended as rough guidelines for new clear ice only.
If the ice is 2 inches or less - STAY OFF! The ice should be:
4 inches - Ice Fishing
5 inches - Snowmobile or ATV
8-12 inches - Car or small pickup
12-15 inches - Medium truck or van

The DNR also offers the following suggestions for safe ice travel:



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Hypothermia Prevention Tips


Fall weather brings with it prime conditions for hypothermia. Hypothermia is a condition where your body can no longer warm itself enough to keep its core temperature at 98.6 (often called 'Freezing to death"). Hypothermia can occur both in the water or on land. Water, wind and cold (or a combination of those factors) can cause hypothermia. Most often people pursuing outdoor activities in spring or fall are caught by a sudden change in the weather. The day may start out pleasant and sunny, then change to windy and rainy or blowing snowand catch people unprepared. The symptoms of hypothermia include continual shivering, numbness, poor coordination, slurred speech and personality changes. In some cases, hypothermia can take hours or even days to creep up on victims. On the other hand, cold-water immersion hypothermia usually happens very quickly. Remember the following tips when you are hunting, fishing or hiking this fall: Being aware and prepared can save your life.



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POSSIBLE FISH LIMIT CHANGES
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is considering statewide changes in bag limits for various fish species. Public input will play a significant role in deciding if bag limits will be changed and what those changes should be.
The following is a brief discussion of the pros and cons of changing bag limits and a summary of the public input process.
Potential Changes in Statewide Fish Limits

General background:
  1. Most are not based on scientific research
  2. Generally set by defining how many fish an angler can/should keep
  3. Most common sportfishing regulations in North America
  4. Few anglers catch their limit on a given day
  5. May be effective at distributing fish among more anglers
  6. May reduce harvest during periods of high catchability
  7. Existing limits have not been able to maintain the quality of fish that anglers want on many lakes
  8. Data suggests that bag limit reductions must generally be substantial to save significant numbers of fish
Potential benefits of limit changes:
  1. Remind anglers that fish are a finite resource and have value
  2. May reduce total harvest of some species, such as panfish
  3. May reduce harvest for some heavily fished species where many anglers catch their limit
  4. Potentially distribute fish to more anglers during periods of high catchability
  5. May reduce harvest during multiple-day angler trips
  6. Promote a conservation ethic (for example, more selective harvest)
  7. May play a role in reducing harvest if technology enables more anglers to catch their limit
Potential shortcomings of limit changes:
  1. Total harvest, size of fish, catch rates may not be measurably changed on many waters
  2. Foster the public perception that limit reductions are all that is needed to improve fishing
  3. May negatively affect resort and bait industry economies
  4. May reduce angling participation or negatively affect angler behavior (for example, not comply, stringer sorting)
  5. Anglers may anticipate greater benefits than may actually occur
  6. May increase public resistance when implementing other regulations




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Summary of Public Input Process to Review Fish Limits in Minnesota
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Division of Fisheries (11/1/00)


The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Fisheries is currently undergoing an extensive public input process to review statewide fish limits. As part of this process, the Division of Fisheries is also compiling information on the potential effects of limit changes for some of our major game fish species. The DNR has not yet decided whether or not to change limits for any fish species. The agency will not decide until it goes through the entire process outlined below and carefully considers public comments and other information.

What's Occurred Already What's Ongoing What Will Happen Now



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DNR CONFIRMS PRESENCE OF NEW FISH PARASITE IN LAKE VERMILION



Duane Williams, Large Lake Specialist with Mn DNR - Fisheries, attended the Club's November board meeting to discuss a number of issues which could impact the Lake Vermilion fishery. In a new development, he announced that the DNR had confimmed the presence of parasite not previously seen in Lake Vermilion fish. An angler turned a 16 inch walleye in to the DNR after cleaning it and noticing that the meat appeared opaque, like after being cooked, as opposed to the normal transparent appearance. Upon laboratory analysis it was discovered that the fish was infected with the parasite Heterosporis. This and similar parasites have been associated mostly with Yellow Perch in other Minnesota lakes and only one infected fish from Lake Vermilion has been identified. The following is a description of this parasite provided by the DNR:

Heterosporis sp. infections in fish -- Heterosporis is a microsporidean parasite of fish. It is similar to another fish parasite known as Pleistiophora.
In Minnesota, this organism may have been around since the late 1980s. In 1990 we received a sample from Leech lake and identified the organism as Pleistophora. In 1999 samples were again sent examined and this time Wisconsin DNR also had similar findings in their Eagle River chain of lakes.
Samples were sent to a specialist in this area, Dr. Lom in Czech. He identified it as Heterosporis. These parasites have only been found in cichlids from Germany, angelfish in France and eels from Japan and Taiwan, never North America.
As of now we have found the organism in yellow perch, walleye and northern pike.
Samples of the infected fish tissue were sent to the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta for studies regarding human health and safety. The CDC did not issue any warnings for fish consumption due to these parasites.
Currently, we have dedicated some funds for research on the organism and have contracted with a researcherfrom the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. This work is a joint effort between Minnesota DNR and Wisconsin DNR.
Anyone who sees this condition in fish they are cleaning are asked to report it to a Club board member or to:
DNR Pathology Lab 651-296-3043 or joe.marcino@dnr.state.mn.us.




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WE NEED YOUR INPUT!


Over the coming months, the Board of Directors will be discussing ways to improve "The Vermilion Sportsman," the Club's newsletter. Since this publication is the Club's primary means of communicating with its membership, the newsletter committee feels it is very important to ask you, our members, how we can better serve you.
One idea under consideration is increasing the number of issues during the summer months, when activity and interest in the lake are at their peak. Currently, we publish issues in May, July and December. Perhaps an additional issue in June or two additional issues June and August would better serve members' need for information.
Another idea would be to expand the content of the publication to include articles on a wider range of topics which would better reflect the interests of our members. For example, newsworthy articles written by members who visit or live on the lake, could add a new dimension to reader enjoyment and understanding. Other topics could include lake history, personal experiences, fish tales or letters to the editors. We will consider almost anything.
In order to make some decisions regarding these issues, we need to hear from you. Please, mail or e-mail your ideas and they will be presented at upcoming board meetings. Thank you for taking the time to help us make this important informational resource even better.

Dale Lundblad - Chairperson, Newsletter Committee
9082 Little Sweden Rd., Cook, MN 55723
e-mail - Lundblad@LakeVermilion.com




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LAKE VERMILION COMFORT FOOD


Hi, Sportsmen's Club of Lake Vermilion Fans!
The weather is changing. Winter is coming on and it's time to dig out ourfavorite cold weather recipes. You know, the ones that warm us from the toes up after a day of walking in the snow, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, snowmobiling or whatever your favorite winter pastime is.
You come inside the cabin all rosy-checked and chilled, put another log on the fire and sit down to a supper of something comforting like stew, cornbread and salad.
Thought we might share some recipes from time to time. Here's a couple of ours. If you've got a favorite recipe you'd like to share during the changing seasons, send them to SCLV, P.O. Box 456, Cook, MN 55723 and we'll try to include some in the newsletters.
EASY WINTER STEW -- Serves 8
2 Ibs. stew meat in 1-1/2" cubes
1 20-oz. can tomatoes - undrained
1 box frozen peas
6 carrots - sliced
3 small onions - chopped
1 cup celery - sliced
3 cups medium potatoes - diced
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon dried crumbled basil (optional)
1/4 cup quick tapioca
1/4 cup dry red wine
1 5-oz. can water chestnuts - rinsed, drained and sliced (optional)

Mix together and put into a covered casserole. Bake at 275 degrees - 5 hours or longer. Do not need to brown the meat. This stew also freezes well.

OLD-FASHIONED CORNBREAD -- Serves 6
1-1/2 cups yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon soda
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 egg
1-1/4 cups sour milk
3 tablespoons bacon grease with several crisp bacon strips crumbled into it

Mix together and put into a lightly greased 8x8 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes and 'til lightly golden brown.
To make sour milk: 1 cup sour milk is 1 cup of sweet milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar. Let stand 5 minutes.

Green Onion Dressing -- 1-3/4 cups
Lightly toss over your favorite salad greens
4 green onions - cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

Combine all ingredients in electric blender or food processor and pulse 3 times or until green onions are chopped. Refrigerate in covered container.



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Look for the line with the loon

Every year at tax time, Minnesota taxpayers have an opportunity to make an income tax donation that will benefit the state's nongame wildlife -- the thousands of species of animals, such as loons, that are not pursued by hunters or anglers.
Hunters and anglers support hunting and fishing through the federal tax they pay on the purchase of firearms, ammunition, fishing tackle and other equipment. That federal tax generates hundreds of millions of dollars annually for fishing and hunting projects throughout the country, and Minnesota shares in the proceeds from this tax-generated fund.
Nongame wildlife species in Minnesota do not fare so well financially and depend to a large extent on the generosity of taxpayers. The DNR's Nongame Wildlife Program protects habitat for 800 species of nongame animals. Donations by Minnesota taxpayers have historically provided 90 percent of the program funding, with the remaining 10 percent coming from the lottery's Environmental Trust Fund.
Here's how to make a donation. Look for line 12 on your Minnesota Individual Income Tax Return that shows the silhouette of a loon. Fill in an amount, and the Department of Revenue will do the rest.



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UNDERSTANDING THE IMPORTANCE OF SHORELlNE VEGETATION
The following article is reprinted from the publication, Arrowhead Currents



Q. I am thinking about clearing the natural vegetation in front of my lakeshore cabin for a better view of the lake. Is this good for the lake? Why, or why not?
Although it does create a better view from your cabin to the lake, the practice of removing most of the natural vegetation in the area in front of a lakeshore cabin is highly discouraged. The area of land close to water bodies is referred to as the riparian zone. An intact natural riparian zone is extremely valuable for a healthy lake environment. The natural vegetation in this area provides an effective filter that absorbs runoff and prevents erosion from human activities. This helps the lake stay clear during the dog days of August. Trees that fall into the water provide much needed habitat and structure for fish. Additionally, a natural shoreline offers many species of birds and wildlife a native environment in which they will thrive.
So, what should a person do to minimize their impacts? We do not propose that shoreline owners avoid the use of their property, but, rather, suggest they think about the impacts of their activities before embarking upon a project in the riparian zone. To increase the view of the lake while maintaining natural shoreline vegetation, consider selectively trimming shrubs and branches. For lake access, consider constructing a small path or stairway, leaving the majority of the lakeshore in its native state.
For further questions on this topic, contact your local county and zoning planning office, DNR office, or the University of Minnesota Water Line (1-800-455-4526). Remember, if you do extensive work on your shoreland, a permit is needed.



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The Forest on the Water's Edge



When we think of the lakes and rivers of northern Minnesota, most of us also think of the trees -- the pine, birch, and cedar that lean out over the water, along with the other vegetation that occurs along shorelines. The waters of these lakes and rivers and the plant life that occurs along their shores are "connected" -- ecologically and visually. These vegetated areas next to lakes, streams, and rivers provide habitat for wildlife and affect the water quality and structure of these bodies of water.
Resource managers refer to these areas next to bodies of water as "riparian areas." Riparian areas include more than just the immediate shoreline vegetation; they extend several hundred feet on either side of a body of water.
Why are riparian areas important?
These vegetated areas adjacent to bodies of water serve several important functions. Riparian areas provide erosion and pollution control, wildlife habitat, recreation and scenic opportunities, and a variety of forest products. Whether it is a lake, small stream, or large river, the vegetation surrounding a body of waterfunctions in the same way.
Riparian areas help filter sediment and nutrients from runoff. The dead leaves and stems of shoreline plant life help slow the flow of water on the ground surface and allow the plant to absorb nutrients in the runoff. In general, tree roots are deeper than those of grasses and herbaceous plants and therefore use more of the available water and facilitate greater water storage capacity by the soil.
Trees can also affect the rate of snowmelt. Older forests shade the ground, thus slowing the rate at which snow melts. A mixture of old and new forests can spread out the
streamflow over time. (However, too large a component of young forests can cause an increase in spring peak flows.)
Tree roots stabilize stream banks and lake shores. Trees and tree limbs that fall into a stream also help stabilize portions of stream banks by diverting the current away from the bank. The dead leaves and logs in the water provide habitat and a source of food for many aquatic animals. The trees along the shore shade streams and lake shores, keeping water temperatures cool.
Riparian areas provide a variety of habitatfor a variety of animals. These areas support a diversity of plants that provide food and nesting sites. Many animals, such as bald eagles, nest in riparian areas because of their location near food sources. Other animals, like turtles and salamanders, depend on a source of water and/or high moisture levels for their survival. The riparian areas also serve to connect various parts of the landscape, providing safe travel corridors for wildlife.
Are all riparian areas created equal?
Riparian areas are complex ecosystems where aquatic environments meet dry upland sites. In some cases, the change from a wet, water-logged soil to dry droughty sites can occur in as little as a few yards. In other cases, the change is gradual and extensive wetlands can surround a body of water. In these areas, shrubs and trees like alder, willow, and silver maple are common. Different species of wildlife also depend on these different forest types. For example, the northern water thrush is found in a mixed forest of conifers, willow, aspen, and aider thickets, while the red-shouldered hawk requires cool, moist, mature lowland forests.
How can riparian areas be managed?
When working in a riparian area, the key management guideline is to be careful and avoid undue disturbance of the land. Have a management objective(s) in mind and pay attention to a particular site's "place" in the larger landscape.
1n Minnesota, a significant portion of the state's forestland is found near water. In addition to their value in protecting water quality and providing wildlife habitat, they serve as a valuable resource of wood products and timber. Some tree species, like silver maple and black ash, are found predominantly in the wetter soils of riparian areas.
It should be noted that being "careful" and "avoiding undue disturbance" does not mean "hands off" forest management. Many species are maintained by forest management activities and disturbance. The stands of birch found on the shores of many lakes in Northern Minnesota probably resulted from a disturbance such as fire. A timber harvest can duplicate such disturbances. Oak, red pine, and aspen are other examples of tree species requiring management; in this case, a significant removal of the overstory. Thinning a forest stand can also enhance the benefits of the riparian-forested areas by increasing the tree size and increasing the production of wildlife foods such as nuts and berries.
Riparian areas are complex and important ecological areas providing a variety of resources, including wildlife, water quality, recreation, and timber. These areas require special attention and management. Much is still to be learned about the management of these areas. Look at each riparian system individually and evaluate it based on its own unique set of characteristics.
By Dana Raines, University of Minnesota - Extension Specialist




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The Projects that CAN be done without a protected waters permit



Any project constructed below the ordinary high water mark (OHW), which alters the course, current, or cross-section of protected waters or wetlands is subject to the regulatory jurisdiction of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
For lakes and wetlands, the OHW is the highest water level that has been maintained for a sufficient period of time to leave evidence upon the landscape. The OHW is commonly that point where the natural vegetation changes from predominantly aquatic to predominantly terrestrial. For watercourses, the OHW is the elevation of the top of the bank of the channel. For reservoirs and flowages, the OHW is the operating elevation of the normal summer pool.
We hear a lot about the activities we cannot do along our lakes and streams without permission, a permit, or special privileges. However, there are many projects that can be undertaken, as long as certain conditions are met.
Following are seven shoreline or riverbank projects that do not require permits from the Minnesota DNR, providing that the conditions listed are met. However, local units of government and other agencies, such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, may still require permits for
these projects.
This information describes work that can be done "waterward" of (below) the OHW mark without a protected waters permit. Any work done "landward" of the OHW mark is subject to approval from the local unit of government's zoning authority. These projects will not require permits from the DNR, provided all listed conditions are met:
1. Seasonal Docks and Floating Structures
  • Removed from water on a seasonal basis (before winter freeze-up).
  • All components removable from lake or stream bed by non-mechanical means.
  • Will not be a hazard to navigation or endanger public health and safety.
  • Site is not a posted fish spawning area.
  • Will not include fuel handling or sewage facilities.
  • Is not used or intended to be used for human habitation, as a boathouse or as a marina.
  • Allows for free flow of water beneath it.
2. Permanent Docks (on lakes only)
  • Dock is a single linear structure not more than 6 feet wide.
  • Does not exceed 50 feet in length, or extend into water that is more than 4 feet deep, whichever is less.
  • No more than one dock per waterfront lot.
  • Will not obstruct navigation or create a water safety hazard.
  • Site is not a posted fish spawning area.
  • Will not include fuel handling or sewage facilities.
  • Is not used or intended to be used for human habitation, or as a boathouse, or as a marina.
  • Allows for free flow of water beneath it.
  • Lake must be 500 acres or larger if dock is built on wood pilings.
  • Lake must be 2,500 acres or larger, and site must preclude the use of a dock on wood pilings if dock is built on rock cribs.
3. Rock Riprap (lakeshore protection)
  • Natural rock only, may be placed on top of geotextile fabric or a granular filter blanket.
  • No more than 5 feet waterward of OHW mark.
  • Conforms to natural alignment of shore and does not obstruct flow of water.
  • Minimum finished slope no steeper than 3:1 (horizontal to vertical).
  • Site is not posted fish spawning area, designated trout stream, nor along the shores of Lake Superior.
4. Boat Ramps
  • Privately owned ramps: - Site can support ramp without pilings, dredging, or other special site preparations. - Constructed only of gravel, natural rock, concrete, steel matting, or other durable inorganic material. - No more than 6 inches thick, 12 feet wide along shore, and 10 feet waterward of the OHW mark or into water depth of 4 feet, whichever is less. - No more than 5 cubic yards of excavation and 5 cubic yards of fill allowed for a stable base. - Site is not a posted fish spawning area.
  • Publicly owned ramps: - Same as above, except ramp can be up to 24 feet wide and 20 feet waterward of the shoreline or into water depth of 4 feet, whichever is less, with up to 30 cubic yards of fill and 60 cubic yards of excavation.
5. Beach Sand Blankets
  • Clean, inorganic sand or gravel, free of pollutants and nutrients.
  • No more than 6 inches thick, 50 feet wide along the shore or one/half lot width (whichever is less), and no more than 10 feet waterward of the OHW mark.
  • Local watershed district and zoning officials given at least 7 days prior notice.
  • Site is not a posted fish spawning area.
  • Installation of sand or gravel may only be repeated once at same location, not exceeding same amount and dimensions of the original sand blanket.
  • Sand may not be placed to achieve vegetation control.
6. Debris Removal
  • No permit is required to remove debris, such as trees, logs, stumps, and trash as long as the original alignment, slope, or cross-section of the lake, marsh, or streambed is not altered.,
7. Removal of Existing Structures
  • The original lake, marsh, or stream is restored. Al1 parts of the structure, including footings or pilings, are removed.
  • The structure is not a water level control device and waters are not an officially designated trout stream.
For more information on permit requirements, contact the following Department of Natural Resources-Division of Waters specialists:
  • Itasca and Koochiching counties: Area Hydrologist Howard Christman, 1201 E. Hwy 2, Grand Rapids, MN 55744; phone (218) 327-4106.
  • Lake and Cook counties: Area Hydrologist Cliff Bentley, 1568 Highway 2, Two Harbors, MN 55616. (218) 8346623.
  • Carlton County and Duluth Metro Area: Area Hydrologist Mike Peloquin, 1568 Highway 2, Two Harbors, MN 55616. (218) 834-6621
  • St. Louis County outside Duluth Metro Area: Area Hydrologist Amy Loiselle, 2005 Highway 37, Eveleth, MN 55734. (218) 744-7450
  • Aitkin County: Area Hydrologist Lonnie Thomas, 1601 Minnesota Drive, Brainerd, MN 56401. (218) 828-2605



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    Questions You May Have
    Listed below are some common questions people have
    and which agency would be the most appropriate to contact.



    Is my water supply safe for an infant to drink?
    Minnesota Department of Health or County Health Department

    What are the requirements for a new well?
    Minnesota Department of Health

    How do we keep exotic species out of our lake?
    Minnesota Sea Grant Extension Program or
    Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - Exotic Species Program

    Do I need a permit to install a new dock?
    Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - Division of Waters

    How can I keep the lake from washing away my yard?
    Soil and Water Conservation District or
    Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources or county zoning

    How many fish can my family eat without getting mercury poisoning?
    Minnesota Department of Health or Minnesota Sea Grant Extension Program

    How do I know if I have a wetland on my property?
    Soil and Water Conservation District or
    Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources

    How can I get rid of weeds in my swimming area?
    Minnesota Department of NaturalResources - Section of Fisheries

    Where can I buy one hundred trees to plant on my property?
    Soil and Water Conservation District

    Where can I get information on building a compost heap?
    Minnesota Extension Service or Western Lake Superior Sanitary District

    What can I do about the beaver dams flooding my property?
    Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - Section of Wildlife

    How do I know if my lake might be susceptible to acid rain or other pollutants?
    Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

    How can I make sure my septic system keeps working?
    County Health Department or Minnesota Extension Service

    Who controls the water levels in our reservoir lake or river?
    Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - Division of Waters
    or Minnesota Power

    What are the guidelines and regulations for paving my driveway?
    Soil and Water Conservation District or county zoning department

    To whom do I report a violation such as dumping into a lake or river?
    Minnesota Pollution Control Agency




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