With the lake dotted with fish houses and snow mobiles darting about, open water and warm days seem an eternity away. Even with much winter left to go the GLA is busy planning the 2011 treatment season. In recent months invasive species that plague our lakes has received more press and awareness is growing greater than ever before. This is do to the increasing number of lakes being infested with Milfoil and Zebra Muscles. The

GLA has worked for over a decade on keeping Milfoil and Curly Leaf at bay in Green Lake. This effort will continue in 2011. Our focus will be on Milfoil this coming season.

I am sure most of you are aware of the foot hold Milfoil is taking in Little Green. This is of great concern to the GLA and we will be treating a large area in Little Green for Milfoil along with the south bay of Big Green. Other areas of infestation will be evaluated for possible treatment. There have been proposals by the DNR and the Pollution Control Agency that may affect the amount of acreage the association can treat in 2011. We will map the areas we identify to treat and submit for appropriate permits. The DNR response to the permit applications will either result in treatment of all areas requested or partial. We will have to see how this plays out. At this point in time there is still no cure for the invasive species that infest our lakes. The only coarse of action is annual treatments to attempt to keep the worst infested areas under control. In doing this

there is betterment to the water quality, lake access and algae formation is lessened. The Green Lake Association has worked hard over the years to preserve the quality of our lake and through its diligence Green Lake remains the best recreational lake in the area.

It is the responsibility of all who live on and use Green Lake to get involved in some capacity to retain its legacy as a clean and safe lake.

Dan Standish
GLA President

2011 will be a pivotal season for the Green Lake Association. After three consecutive terms the current board will be stepping down. It is time for new concerned and dedicated individuals to take over and continue the work the GLA has done for over a decade. There is a growing concern by property owners on all the Chisago area lakes about the explosion of Eurasian Water Milfoil and Curly Pond Leaf in the lakes. These invasive weeds are choking the waters, impacting water quality and decreasing property values for those who have lake frontage. There is no cure at this time but with seasonal treatments of the worse areas these exotic weeds can be kept at bay.

Green Lake has had Milfoil and Curly Leaf for years but remains the cleanest of the area lakes. This is due in part to the ability of the GLA to treat for invasive weeds on its own. Being able to do this can only be envied by other lake associations. The GLA’s expertise in this area is well respected by the DNR. The Green Lake property owners should be proud of their association and the work it has done over the years to preserver the quality of the lake. The GLA has been conscientious stewards of Green Lake and has made a positive impact on its well being. The loss of this asset would be devastating moving forward. When other lake shore owners and lake association grapple with how to deal with invasive weeds the Green Lake property owners have a viable organization in place to help deal with the problem. This comes at a tremendous cost savings over commercial treatments which is the only current option other than self treatments.

I have deep pride in the Green Lake Association and its accomplishments and hope its work can continue for many years to come. The positions of President, secretary and treasurer must be filled by Nov 1, 2011 or the Green Lake Association will cease to exist. There is also a need for committee members to support the board. Should the GLA be forced to disband its assets will be sold and the treasury proceeds donated to a selected non profit. This is the worse case scenario and should not have to happen. The 2011 season will be a transition time for new volunteers. Current position holders are willing to work with perspective replacements until they are comfortable. Don’t let Green Lake succumb to invasive weeds as some area lakes have. Volunteer for one of the board positions and keep your lake association alive and well. The more volunteers the less time commitment there is. For more details on any of the positions listed feel free to give me a call. Let’s work together to keep this valuable asset serving those who live on and enjoy Green Lake.

Dan Standish
GLA President
651-275-7910

Summer is coming to an end and what a summer it has been. It’s hard to remember the last time we had a summer this warm. Usually with such heat there is a drought associated but not this time. There has been a fair amount of moisture which has kept the grass and plantings looking good. The water quality in Green Lake has also been a surprise this summer. The heat and heavy rains are usually a contributor to algae blooms from runoff and accelerated weed growth. The typical dog days of summer green water condition has been minimal and late season weed growth has been much less than last year. Over all the water quality has been very good this summer all things considered. We still have major Milfoil issues in areas of Big and Little Green. This is an ongoing battle and will be addressed aggressively in 2011. Preliminary plans will be to treat more Milfoil than Curly Leaf next season. Milfoil has become the primary invader and must get the most attention. I would suggest that any shoreline owners who do not currently treat their frontage through a commercial applicator consider doing so. This in conjunction with the GLA off shore treatments (150ft out from shore) will help greatly in curbing the spread of Milfoil. There has really been no gain in water level even with the rainfall we have had. Green Lake remains low but not as bad as the surrounding lakes. You could sure tell by the activity on the lake this summer that hot weather naturally draws people to the water. We are very fortunate that even with the issues Green Lake has with invasive species it remains a beautiful relatively clean recreational lake. To maintain this quality it will require participation by all who use the lake. Residents and visitors need to be conscientious not to litter the waters or shorelines and be involved in supporting all efforts to fight invasive weeds such as Milfoil and Curly Pond Leaf. We all have a responsibility to the lake we live on to do what we can to preserver its cleanliness and beauty for current and future generations. The GLA would like to thank past and future supporters of the association and hope you all had a safe and enjoyable summer. See you at our Fall Festival Oct. 9th.

Dan Standish
Green Lake Association President

Spring has sure been interesting so far. We have had our usual Minnesota weather ups and downs but overall it has been  beautiful.  Summer is upon us and with it comes much activity on Green Lake. There is good and bad with the increased activity. The good is that we all look forward to the warm weather and getting out on the water. The bad is that with increased boat activity Milfoil is being spread to areas that were not infested in the past. This is especially evident in Little Green. The GLA treated 20 acres in Big and Little Green for Curly Pond Leaf on 5/17. A twenty acre treatment in the south bay of Big Green for Milfoil will be done the first part of June. We are fighting a huge battle with limited resources and funds. Every season brings new trouble areas and the GLA has to pick and choose where the treatments will be for that given season. A couple of seasons ago the predominant problem was Curly Pond Leaf. The association focused it’s treatments on this invasive weed. Since then Eurasian Milfoil has taken over as the biggest threat. This said the 2011 treatment season will see greater areas of Milfoil treated especially in Little Green. Invasive weeds are and have been a very serious threat to the water quality and well being of our lake. Until there is a permanent cure annual battles must be waged against these invaders. Complacency will result in the lake we love
succumbing to the choking effect of these exotic weeds. Even if you do not partake in water activities and live on the lake for its visual beauty, this is also in jeopardy. The solvency of your lake association is paramount in addressing invasive weeds in Green Lake. The GLA is also involved in other activities that positively affect the lake and those who live around it. I am asking that all who are concerned about the well being of Green Lake do the following. Support your lake association by becoming a member, Volunteer to take a board position or committee position, Treat your shoreline frontage. This will help with the fight. If we come together we can hold invasive weeds like Milfoil and Curly Leaf at bay in Green Lake. Let’s do what we can to keep the quality of our lake what we have become accustom to. If you have any questions feel free to call or email me any time. My number is in the back of this news letter. Have a safe and enjoyable summer.

Dan Standish
GLA President

The winter of 2009/2010 has brought much activity to Green Lake. The cold temperatures and reasonable snow cover has made for thick ice and great conditions for all kinds of winter fun. Ice fishing, snow kiting, cross
country skiing and snowmobiling are a few of the activities taking place. Winter can be long for some but for many it is the season most anticipated. The Green Lake Association is anticipating a season of its own. The treatment season of invasive aquatic weeds in Green Lake. For years the GLA has treated for Eurasian Water Milfoil and Curly Pond Leaf in Big and Little Green. This is an annual undertaking to keep these invasive plants from overtaking our lake. Currently there is no permanent cure for these exotic weeds. Treatment strategies are being reviewed and permits will be applied for from the DNR. Be assured your lake association is well versed in the treatment of invasive weeds and will treat to the maximum acreage that is financially feasible. There are more changes being proposed by the DNR. Last year we saw the the amount of shore line footage a property owner can treat cut in half. This year hearings are being held to discuss the DNR’s proposed treatment permit
fee increases. For those who have a commercial company treat your shoreline the permit would go from $35.00 to $90.00. This cost will be passed to the property owner.  The increase will also be felt by the GLA. The treatment of invasive species continues to get more difficult each year with new DNR restrictions and increased chemical costs. That said we must not succumb to these pressures. It is imperative that we continue the fight against Milfoil and Curly Leaf in Green Lake. The general health of our lake depends on it. It appears at this time that if adopted the DNR fee increases will not go into effect till the 2011 season. The GLA continues to seek support financially and through volunteerism. If you are a current GLA member please continue to be one. If you are not a member, become one. We can not continue with out your financial support through membership and support of our fundraising activities. The GLA also needs volunteers. If you can donate some time to a good cause please contact my self or any board member listed in the back of this news letter. For those who have supported the GLA and continue to do so, thank you.  I wish you all a fun and safe summer in 2010.

Dan Standish
Green Lake Association President

This spring and summer has been interesting to say the least. Many temperature ups and downs and a sever moisture deficit. Because of this the summer season seems to have been very short.

We have enjoyed some benefits of the weather along with some frustrations. On the positive side the lack of runoff due to low rain fall has minimized algae blooms. Because of this, water clarity has been the best I have seen in some time. There are a few heavy weed pockets in Big and Little Green but the overall condition of the lakes in respect to Curly Leaf and Milfoil is good.

On the negative side the low water level has played havoc with docks and boat lifts. I am sure anyone with this equipment has had to move to deeper water one or two times. Also getting from Big to Little Green has been more of a challenge than normal. All this said we can be thankful it has been a relatively severe weather free season and I’m sure everyone has taken advantage of the few summer like days we have had. The GLA is working hard to continue being stewards of our lake. This has become a difficult task do to lack of volunteers and financial support. I personally want to see this organization continue to treat for invasive species in Green Lake and other special activities the association becomes involved in. Sorry to say we are approaching a cross roads on whether The GLA can continue in the same capacity as in the past.

Without volunteers the Green Lake Association will cease to exist. The current board members have served multiple terms and several committee members commitments have ended. We are in need of new faces to replenish our committee member ranks and individuals who would consider taking on the following board positions: President, Secretary and Treasure. Filling of board member positions will not be an overnight expectation. Anyone interested in any of these positions will have ample time to work with the current position holder to get comfortable. These positions do require a small commitment but a commitment never the less. As in any volunteer organization the more individuals that are involved the less is required by any one person.

From its resurrection almost ten years ago the GLA has made great strides forward in the treatment of invasive weeds in Green Lake. Given the ability to chemically treat for Curly Leaf and Milfoil using our own association treatment boat and expertise saves the lake shore property owners thousands of dollars per season over hiring a private company to do the treatments. The GLA is of great importance in helping to maintain the general health of Green Lake. Be aware without your lake association there is no one else who will be stepping forward to watch out for the well being of the lake. I will end my article with a plea for volunteers who care about the quality of the lake they live on and are willing to commit some of their time to preserve this special resource. The GLA will monitor the responses to this request and the results will dictate what the association will be capable of in 2010. Please consider becoming involved and preserving the Green Lake Association and the valuable work it does. Contact me or any of the board members listed in the contacts section of the news letter. I wish you all a safe and fun remainder of the summer and a great future for the GLA.

Dan Standish
GLA President

Summer is approaching fast and with it water activities will abound. The Green Lake Association works diligently to do what it can to keep our lake clean and safe. Water
quality is a priority when putting together our strategy for treating Curly Leaf and Eurasian Water Milfoil. These two invasive weeds play a large part in our ability to enjoy
all that lake living has to offer.

On May 14th the GLA treated thirty-one acres of Curly Leaf under the supervision of the DNR. Seven acres were treated in Little Green and the remaining twenty-four in Big Green.  In mid June twenty-four acres in the south bay will be treated for Milfoil. Do to budget constraints we will be treating twenty-five less acres than last year. In dealing with the drop in acreage we have tried to be more strategic in the areas treated. Bands were treated 150ft out from shore in an attempt to hug the line where private spraying leaves off. The mindset is to give an extra thirty to sixty feet of clear water from the 150ft mark of the areas treated. The GLA is hoping for better results this year. We treated at a water temperature five degrees warmer then last year. Mother Nature may also have given us a break. Thick ice and heavy lake snow block the sun light and curb the weed growth. The combination of treating at a warmer water temperature and getting some help from nature may give us a good season of weed control in the treated areas. Treating for exotic weeds is not an exact science. There are many factors that can affect the outcome and each season involves trial and error in trying to perfect our treatment process. We all can agree that without ongoing treatments for these invasive weeds there is a good chance our lake will succumb to their choking reality.

Please support your lake association’s efforts by becoming a member and volunteer. The GLA can’t do it with out you. Have a great summer and I hope to see you at our one of our events.

Dan Standish
President

Presidents Corner:

It won’t be long and winter activities will be replaced with fun in the sun. Ice fishing and snowmobiling will become just a memory while boating and swimming take their place. With the onset of open water comes the annual concern about invasive weeds and how they will effect our enjoyment of the lake. For those who are not aware the DNR has been proposing for some time to make major changes in their aquatic plant management program. A hard fought battle by many individuals and lake associations was waged to try and stop the proposed changes from being adopted. Unfortunately the proposed changes appear to have gone through. As most
fights against large government agencies go, it seems some decisions are predetermined.  Under the new guide lines private property owners will only be allowed to treat one half of their lake frontage up to 100FT maximum. Though this is a blow to the fight against invasive weeds it is not a knock out punch. We must not let our frustration turn to complacency when it comes to treating what we can. Fortunately the new rules do not appear to have as major of an effect on the GLA’s ability to treat off shore. The Green Lake Association will continue to treat as many acres of Curly Pond Leaf and Milfoil as is permissible and financially feasible. Our goal has always been and will be to do what ever we can to improve the water quality of our lake and promote a safe and clean environment for all. 2009 will bring challenges for the GLA with the current economic conditions. As you know the acreage we treat is directly related to funds raised. Currently the association does not have the funds to treat the same acreage as the past two seasons. We will treat what we can afford and hope that more financial support will come in the future. If you are not a member please consider becoming one. Membership dues are a major source of treatment funding. Treating for invasive aquatic plants is an expensive endeavor but lack of action will cost much more in many ways moving forward. Support the efforts of your lake association by becoming a member and volunteer. We all have a common love of our lake so we should work together to preserve it. Thank you for your current and future support of the Green Lake Association. Have a safe and enjoyable summer and I hope to meet more of you at some of our summer events.

Dan Standish
Green Lake Association President