IMPORTANT NEWS from Otter Tail County Coalition of Lake Associations | | |
E-Newsletter
December 2024
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The Otter Tail County Coalition of Lake Associations Board of Directors wish you and your family the best during this season of Christmas. May the new year bring you good health and happiness.
Ron Christensen, Scott Gaudette, David Helgerson, Roger Neitzke, Sylvia Soeth, Jeff Stabnow, Jeff Vansteenburg
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In This Issue:
- Decade Of Starry Stonewort- Part 2
- Keep Lakes Clean This Winter
- Thank You for OTC COLA Donations
- MN COLA Update December 2024
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DNR Snowmobile Reminders
- DNR New Licensing System
- Seats Offered for 2025 DNR Roundtable
- Get Expert Ice Fishing Tips
- New OTC Ditch and Drainage System Website
- Courts Credited For Reducing DWI Offenses
- AIS Task Force Update December 2024
- AIS Prevention 2023 Report
- AIS Handbooks - Still Available
- OTC Board Of Commissioners Minutes
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www.lakeadmin.org - Featured Posts
- Instant Access Links-
Newsletter Article Index
Water Quality Analysis Reports (2024 Samples)
Lake Property Owner Directories (2019)
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A Decade of Starry Stonewort - Part 2
What are the biological characteristics of Starry Stonewort
Starry stonewort spreads rapidly from lake to lake. It produces oocytes, (cells that may develop into a mature egg cells, which could become fertilized by sperm cells, creating zygotes) as do other charoid algae, and these structures are transported easily on bird feathers or the fur of aquatic animals. They could also be easily transported in aquatic plant debris caught on boat trailers. Often, the presence of public launch sites is associated with the early invasion of alien aquatic plants; however, starry stonewort has quickly become established in many lakes that have no public access. The role of waterfowl in the dissemination of starry stonewort could be very significant.
MORE
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It's Illegal to Place Any Waste On MN Lakes
It’s illegal to place garbage and human/other waste on or under the ice on Minnesota’s lakes and rivers. Garbage, rubbish, cigarette filters, debris from fireworks, offal, the body of a dead animal, litter, sewage and any other waste needs to be stored inside your shelter, motor vehicle or any other conveyance or inside a container that is secured to your shelter, motor vehicle or conveyance. The fine is $100, plus administration and other fees.
Keep It Clean Newsletter
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Thank You For Donating to OTC COLA
OTC COLA appreciates the donations it has received from foundations, Member Lake Organizations and individual lake property owners. It is also very grateful for support from the Otter Tail County Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Task Force.
OTC COLA's 32-year history has proven it to be a major advocate for the protection and preservation of Ottertail Tail County lakes. It serves to inform and educate lake property owners promoting best practices of lake stewardship.
For more information about OTC COLA see our www.otccola.org website.
OTC COLA is a 501 (c)(3) allowing donations to qualify for tax deductions.
To donate to OTC COLA please send your check to: OTC COLA 4302 13th Ave S, Suite 4-333 Fargo, ND 58103 Please direct questions to: John Kruse, OTC COLA Administrative Assistant otccola2@gmail.com
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MN COLA Update December 2024
MN COLA is proud to welcome 11 new lake associations to its membership in 2024.
On December 4, MN COLA presented a webinar to State and Local leaders titled, "Protecting Public Waters." Watch the webinar here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jn8OvYsLV9c
We encourage you to check out MN COLA's excellent newsletter - https://mncola.org/current-waters/
Go HERE for a review of the benefits of joining MN COLA
MNCOLA.ORG
Subscribe to the MN COLA E-Newsletter
David Helgerson, OTC COLA Director Liaison with MN COLA
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DNR Reminders For The Snowmobile Riding Season
As snowmobile riders prepare for the upcoming riding season, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds riders of important dates, safety tips and registration requirements.
While snowmobilers await the arrival of more snow and groomed trails, now is a good time to make sure registrations are current and snowmobiles are in good operating order, review safety training, and check local trail maps for route changes or new trails.
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DNR New Licensing System
The DNR plans to launch a new electronic license system, which will include a mobile phone app, in spring 2025.
The ELS is the primary system that issues angling and hunting licenses and permits to residents of Minnesota and other states. It also registers and titles outdoor recreation equipment, including watercraft and off-highway vehicles.
The new, modern system will make it easier for customers to buy licenses, register their harvests and sign up for safety training. It also will improve the business process for agents, registrars and DNR staff.
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Seats To Be Offered For 2025 DNR Roundtable
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ Roundtable — an annual gathering of conservation partners to discuss fisheries, wildlife, and ecological and water resource topics and encourage partnership — will again include a no-cost, open registration opportunity.
The 2025 DNR Roundtable will be held Friday, Jan. 10. The opportunity to register for one of a limited number of first-come, first-served slots will open at noon on Tuesday, Dec. 10. At that time, a registration link will go live on the DNR’s Roundtable webpage (mndnr.gov/roundtable).
The 2025 Roundtable will include a mix of important topics over the course of the day and an informal early evening reception. Program details will be available closer to the event.
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Get Expert Ice Fishing Tips With DNR
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources invites anglers to join Scott Mackenthun, DNR Area Fisheries Supervisor, for a webinar on ice fishing with tip-ups on Jan. 15.
Participants will learn about the types of fish that can be caught, optimal setup locations, recommended bait, and new regulations. Mackenthun will also share tips on how to enhance catch rates.
To register, visit: HERE
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New OTC Ditch And Drainage System Webpage
Otter Tail County is pleased to announce the launch of a new, user-friendly webpage dedicated to ditches and drainage systems. This online resource gives the public easy access to important information, documents, and services related to the county’s extensive drainage infrastructure.
The new webpage is part of the county’s ongoing efforts to provide residents, visitors, contractors, and local officials with access to resources. It is organized for easy navigation, allowing users to quickly find information about Otter Tail County’s ditches and drainage systems.
News Release
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Courts Credited for Reducing DWI Repeat Offenses
For over 20 years, DWI Courts have successfully reduced recidivism by 60% nationwide. These courts combine strict supervision, frequent alcohol and drug testing, and individualized treatment plans, helping participants recover while reducing crime. Otter Tail County’s DWI Court has achieved great success, reducing repeat offenses by up to 80%.
MORE
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AIS Task Force Update December 2024
SAVE THE DATE! A Lake Stewardship Seminar is being planned for May 31, 2025 at the Thumper Pond Resort in Ottertail city. Lake property owners in Otter Tail and other regional counties will be invited to attend at no cost. Topics to be addressed by field specialists and scientists will include shoreland restoration, aquatic invasive species, septic systems and activities of state agencies, universities and regional coalitions of lake associations. Watch for more news about the event in newsletters, publications, social media and other sources. Invitations for registrations will appear in the monthly OTC COLA E-Newsletter, websites and other media outlets. For more information contact: Spencer McGrew, AIS Specialist
AIS Task Force December 2024 Update
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AIS Handbooks Now Available
The enthusiastically acclaimed AIS Handbook sponsored by the Otter Tail County AIS Task Force is now available. The Handbook will be distributed to lake property owners, resort owners, and civic organizations in Otter Tail County. Quantities can be reserved from Otter Tail County Land & Resource 218-998-8095. Besides disseminating AIS prevention best practices in the Handbooks, the AIS prevention information will also be published in area newspapers and included in social media posts.
AIS Handbook for Visitors and Residents
AIS Handbook for Visitors and Residents Cover
Spencer McGrew, Otter Tail County AIS Specialist
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OTC Board Of Commissioner Minutes
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OTC COLA Board of Directors
David Helgerson ∙ Jeff Stabnow ∙ Jeff Vansteenburg
Roger Neitzke ∙ Ronald Christensen ∙ Scott Gaudette ∙ Sylvia Soeth
OTC COLA Members
Bass Lake Underwood Association ∙ Berger Lake Association ∙ Big McDonald LID ∙ Boedigheimer Lake Association ∙ Buchanan Lake Association ∙ Clitherall Lake Association ∙ Dead Lake Association ∙ Devils Lake Association ∙ Eagle Lake Lakeshore Association ∙ East Battle Lake WS Association ∙ Elbow Lake Association ∙ Franklin Lake Association ∙ Hoffman Lake Association ∙ Jewett Lake Association ∙ Lida Lakes Improvement District ∙ Lake Lizzie Lakeshore Association ∙ Lake Seven Association ∙ Lake Six Association ∙ Leaf Lakes Association ∙ Little McDonald Kerbs and Paul Lakes LID ∙ Long Lake at Vergas Association ∙ Loon Lake Association ∙ Marion Lake Association ∙ McDonald Lake Improvement Association ∙ North Long Lake Association ∙ North Turtle Lake Association ∙ Otter Tail Lakes Property Owners Association ∙ Pebble Lake Lakeshore Association ∙ Pelican Lake Property Owners Association ∙ Pickerel Lake Improvement Association ∙ Pine Lakes LID ∙ Prairie Lake Lakeshore Association ∙ Round Lake 56-214 ∙ Rush Lake Association ∙ Silent Lakes Association ∙ Silver Lake Property Owners Association ∙ South Turtle Lake Improvement District ∙ Spitzer Lake Property Owners Association ∙ Stalker Lake Association ∙ Star Lake Property Owners Association ∙ Stuart Lake Association ∙ Swan Lake Association ∙ Sybil Lake Association ∙ Tamarac Lake Association ∙ Ten Mile Preservation Association ∙ Trowbridge-Leek Lake Association ∙ Wall Lake Association ∙ West Battle Lake Association ∙ West McDonald Lake Association ∙ Wymer Lake Association
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