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

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

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