Water – What’s The Use?
According to one area farmer, familiar with water numbers (because he irrigates some of his crop land and watches these things closely), one inch of rain produces 28,000 gallons of water per acre. Multiplied by the 1600 acres of Diamond Lake that equals 44,800,000 gallons of water.
At the Aug. 16 meeting we think we heard one of the consultants say that the average home uses 4,000 gallons of water per month, or 48,000 per year. Multiplied by 371 homes around the lake equals 17,760,000 gallons total, or less than one half an inch of rain. Since only about 1/3rd of the homes around Diamond are year round, the number is probably half that.
This calculation helps put into perspective the loss of water that would result from a sewer system constructed completely around the lake.
He also thought that property owners ought to be aware that farm runoff is much diminished with the installation of buffer strips that farmers have introduced, with assistance from the County and the Lake Association. He suggests that the nutrients coming into the lake have their origin in the bird population: one Canadian goose lets loose about 2 pounds of offal daily. 500 geese (or a combination of geese and pelicans) produce half a ton daily – this year there seem to be more pelicans in the feeder lakes than in Diamond itself. Another source of nitrogen and potassium are the carp that live and die in the lake. Runoff from fields, according to this same source, is not in the interest of the farmer.
Any informed comments about this will be considered for future publication.
Cutting The Weeds
by Joan Shultz
Due to the late ice out and the miserable month of May, we only managed to get in 2 cuts before June 15, the last day of the permit. However, it turned out to be a very good cut. June 2nd cutters included Harlan Meints, his grandsons, Becky Ricklefs, Larry (a friend), and Bill Schultz, all on Harlan’s pontoon. On June 7th Bob Spence and sons Mike & Jeff took their pontoon while Bill Schultz, Jim Teschendorf & Dave Denison on the Schultz boat. Each cut was 2 hours or more. A big thank you to all participants!
Background. Weed cutting in the north bay started in the mid 1990s after we received a number of complaints from property owners about weeds in the lake and on shore as well – weeds had, in some cases, piled up in drifts several feet high (we will try to post photos on the website at a later date). Steve McComas of Blue Water Science (St. Paul), hired by the Association, advised that we cut the curly leaf pondweed just before they set their seed pods in about mid June. The curly leaf problem has lessened considerably since then, whether due to the cutting or other factors.
Permit. The permit is only good for 1 season at a cost of $750! It is only issued from April 15 to June 15. No cutting is permitted within bulrush stands or native vegetation and must be at least 150 feet from shore. Permitees must contact Jacqueline Baciagalupo, DNR Region 4 Fisheries Habitat Specialist, as well as the Spicer DNR office, prior to cutting. Every three years signatures must be obtained from property owners willing to allow cutting in front of their place. This is obviously something property owners cannot take into their own hands without proper authorization.
Due to so few people doing the cutting most residents agree to clean up the cut weeds that may drift toward their shore. Weeds may reemerge in late summer and early fall, according to the DNR. Cut weeds at that time may be a result of boating and jet ski action, or to life cycle decay. The Association purchased the cutters several years ago and also pays the permit fee. Individuals interested in their own permits may inquire at the DNR Spicer officer.
Winter Fishing on Diamond
(or The Dark Side of the Ice)
Winter Fishing this past year was reportedly great, especially for crappies and sunnies. Looking out our window we saw what probably were more fish houses than we had ever seen before. However, we sometimes saw other things that surprised us, namely an occasional empty can or plastic bag.
This was noted by another visitor to the lake. John Wogen, writing in the Renville County News, reported on one fisherman’s experience on Diamond Lake that was considerably more unpleasant when he went out in early spring:
As he drilled near a spot occupied by a large mansion fish house, he noticed
that the snow had melted out of a hole and he saw something in it. He saw
lots of toilet paper and human excrement down in the hole. The fishermen who
had used this fish house had used a hole drilled in the ice nearly down to the
water, as a toilet. These irresponsible fishermen had covered the “stuff” with
snow, hoping no one would notice the mess they left. But the warming weather
had melted the snow, even if the ice was not melting.
Ice fishing is an activity enjoyed by very many responsible people. Unfortunately, it only takes a few slobs to give all a bad reputation. Wogen recommends that ice fishermen bring a pail with a snug-fitting cover for hauling out waste. One option for the unhappy discoverer of such treasure is to call the State Patrol (320 255-4224) who may then dispatch the DNR to the spot.
Untreated human waste is not only disgusting, it is also a potential health hazard. Of course, it may be hard to prove who made the mess if not caught in the act. But a knock on a nearby door may remind people of the proper way to behave on the ice. We all can take a page out of the camper’s handbook and resolve to have a minimal impact of the lake by taking all waste and garbage with us when we leave.
MISSILE LANE
Attention Stragglers: there is still time to pay your annual dues is be added to the ranks of those who have stepped up to the plate to do their part to support the Lake Association in its efforts to improve environmental conditions in the Diamond Lake Watershed. Please mail you check for $25.00 to Jon Hanson, Treasurer, Diamond Lake Area Recreational Assn., 15373 NE 75th Ave., Atwater, MN 56209. We will publish a supplemental list of members next spring.
We’ve reported on “Ice Off” dates, but not on “Ice On.” What’s your best guess (the winter get’s nothing)? Ice On may be tough to specify because the standard for icing is unclear: Does all the lake need to be covered? Does the ice need to be so many inches thick? Do we use the first off-share ice fisherman to judge? The first fish house? I’ll say Dec. 15 and then use whatever condition prevails then as my definition.
Remember: Association minutes and lots more can be viewed at our website, thanks to Judy Christensen, www.diamondlakemn.com.
2008 Paid Members
Last NameFirst Name
Aalfs Harley & Evelyn
Abrahamson Rita
AndersonDonald & Arlein
AndersonGwen
AndersonJeff & Joy
AndersonLowell & Barb
AndersonPhyllis
AndersonTodd
Anderstrom Gene & Mary
AngelsonGregory & Karen
Archbold Jon&Susan& Stephanie S.
Bakken James & Maren
Bauge Kenneth & Jean
Becker Steve & Denise
Beekman Kevin & Joanne Schollmeier
Behm Gordon & Betty
Behm Myron & Myra
Behm Vicki
Bernard Bill & Catherine
Bertrand Tom & Carolyn
Bishop Douglas & Denise Stabile
Black Chris & Lori
Black Loren & Betty
Blad Guste & Adell
Blomker Bryan & Jill
Bloomquist Gordon & Laura
Bock Dean & Nancy
Boerner Joan
Bonde Tom & Catherine
Bosch Robert & Lavone
Bourne Roxanne
Breezee Clayton & Donna
Brekke Brent & Kim
BroderiusLloyd & Maxine
Buboltz Jerry & Joyce
Burfeind Phil
Burmeister Jerry & Lila
Carity Delrose
Carity Lee & Konnie
Chancellor Roger & Kathy
Christensen Deborah
Christensen Judy
Christianson Chad & Becky
Christianson Eldonna
Christianson Janice
Cook Michael & Marie
Crist Bert & Mardelle
Cuchna Tom & Linda
Dalton Steve Rivard & Diane
Dean Dale
DeRudder Jacqueline
DeWolfeHerb & Carol
Dexter Bruce & Ginger
Dobberstein Meridee & Lea
Dybevik Herm & Cheryl
Ebersviller Gerald & Diane
Ecker David & Debra
Eischens Georgia Ann
Elam Gene & Janice
Engstrom Richard & Joyce
Evans Kelly & Jennie
Fagerlie Rick & Darla
Forkenbrock Beth
Fromm Jim & Lorene
Garman Jerry & Karen
Garner Ron & Kathy
George Jim & Sandra
Gilmer Jonathan & Diane
Gisvold Dave & Vangie
Glaeser Warren & Cynthia
Groshens Tim & Mary
Grund Raymond
Gustafson Darlene
Gustafson Dwane & Cheryl
Gutzwiller Ken & Jeanette
Hage Robert & Steve
Hagen Ron & Julie
Hammerschmidt Reed & Kristel
Hanscom Banning & Rebecca
Hanson Jon & Odetta
Hanzlik Joseph & Emily
Hartog Daniel & Michelle
Hasse Melvin & Grace
Haugen Reynold & Jane
Hayden Terry & Kathleen
Hayden Tom & Suzanne
Heining Frank & Barb
Hoffbeck Floyd & Joyce
Holien Janell
HolmquistHarland & Karen
Iverson Stephen & Peggy Ann
Janke Arlyn & Eileen
Jensen Daniel & Marlene
Johnson Adeline
Johnson Charles & Jo
Johnson Laverne
Johnson Russell & Sharon
Johnson Tim & Karen
Johnson Warren & Diane
Johnson Wayne & Cathie
Jopp Tim & Kathy
Kahout Angela
Kelm Nancy Schmidt & Barb
Kiecher Scott & Lori
Kodet James & Nancy
Kohout Dennis
Kojetin Wencel & Carol
Kulhanek Joe & Renee'
Kunkel Bruce & Kim
Lang Arnold & Carol
Lange Stan & Carol
Larsen Daniel & Randa
LinsmeierGreg & Kay
Loge Lyle & Karen
Lohre Ben & Joni
Loose Marlene & Willis
LowinskeJim & Patti
Ludowese Loretto
Lund Robert & Susan
Mahn Delwin
MammenVirgil & Mary
Marguth Terry & Linda
MarwedeMae
McCoy Eileen
McCoy Robert & Martha
Meints Harlan & Sherrie
Melbye Lowell & Betty
Meyer Steve & Mary
Meyerson Bob & Suzanne
MichaelisRory & Deborah
Miller Earl & Mark Gregory
Miller Philip & June
Moe Bruce & Theresa
Monson Bruce
Monson Gay & Phyllis
Montgomery Scott & Dede
Mueller Roger & JoAnn
MunnekeAlvina
Nelson Joan
Nelson Stanley & Corrine
NewmanBernice
Nissen James & Jane
Nordby John & Mary
Nordin Scott & Rhonda
O'Brien Patrick & Yvonne
Oie Arnold & Agnes
O'Leary Brian & Colleen
Olmon John & Diane
Olson Larry & Barb
Opheim Mary
OstendorfErvin & Marian
OstendorfRoger
Owen Dale & Shirl
PassmoreVern & Gerry
Perkins Richard & Mary
Peterson Jim & Jean
Pfeffer John & Lauri
Pfeffer Peter
Phillips Richard & Jerily Jean
PiotrowskiJohn & Lisa
Platt Gene & Marlene
Prescott Darin
RadebachMarshall-Buster&Joycelyn
Radtke Rollie & Kim
Radtke Willard & Gloria
Raitz George & Lorraine
Redepenning Larry & Mary
Reich Wayne & Janet
Richards Bob, Sue, Jane
Ricklefs DeWayne & Becky
Rosenau Dennis & Deb
Rothstein Dennis & Debra
Sandman Mike & Judy
SandquistAlvin & Eleanor
Scalzo Steve & Rose
Schnobrich Ronald
Schreiner Alfred & Ethelyn
Schultz Shannon & Susan
Schultz William & Joan
Schweiss Leo & Cindy
SchweissMichael & Julie
Seeboth Dick & Sharon
Serbus Brian & Russell
Simonsen Paul
Skogland Lowell & Ardyce
Slinden Larry & Beverly
Smith Clayton & Mary Ann
Soderling Mary
Solbrack David & Ardella
Soltis Donald & Karen
Sorensen Beverly
Spence Robert
Steinke Roger & Sue
Stifter Arnold
Stockland Veda & Linda Pearson
Stradtmann Mark & Kris
Teschendorf Jim & JoAnn
Tholkes Alan & Monaliga
Tholkes Todd & Susan
Thompson Terry & Audrey
Trelstad John & Carol
Tretbar Robert & Shirley
Tuebert John & Mary Ann
Turtle William & Erma
Ulrich Lester & Edith
Varhol John & Kay
Volk Dean & Andrea
Walsh Mac & Diane
Weist Inez & Darwin
Welle Bob & Lisa
Wellman Allen & LaFaye
Wendland Bernard
Willems Jerry & Elaine
Winkleman Daryl & Arlys
Wittman Gordon & Joyce
Wright Thomas & Beverly
Young Cary
Zeidler Carl & Sandy
Zuidema Arlin & Joyce
