The Clearwater River Watershed District continued its grassroots outreach Friday, May 14, with its third Citizenship Dinner held at Reichel’s Catering and Event Center. By the end of the evening the organization had signed on a handful of property owners to take part in “lakescaping” projects, they had discussed giving farmers added incentives to encourage buffers for their property, and they discussed septic system alternatives. In addition, the large audience, which included a number of lake property owners, heard milfoil and phosphorus reports. Jerry Truman of Clearwater Lake told the group of the lake property owners association’s efforts to control milfoil. The volunteer efforts are done far more cost-effectively, Truman told the group, saving about $130,000 per year. The organization has also helped other lake associations get started on milfoil control. Presently, the association treats 116 acres per year (the maximum allowed by the DNR). Clearwater was one of the first lakes in Minnesota to be infested with the spiny aquatic plant, and the lake association has been on the forefront of treating it since the late 1980s. Rebecca Kluckhome, district engineer from Wenck Associates, presented information that showed a noticeable decrease in phosphorus loads to lakes within the CRWD. The exceptions were Swart Watts Lake in Albion Township which indicates heavy phosphorus levels. Cedar Lake has experienced increased levels. It was noted that a stream from Swart Watts runs to Cedar. District administrator Merle Anderson had the large group break into small groups and to consider three questions. He also spoke about the organization’s efforts to work with farmers (primarily in Meeker and Stearns County) to create better buffers for their cropland. The questions posed included: o Are you interested in the CRWD increasing the buffer incentive (to farmers)? o Do you feel that there are areas of the CRWD where some method of sewage treatment other than individual system is needed? o Are you willing to use your lakeshore as a demonstration site for a buffer-lakescaping project? The small groups reported to the large group at the conclusion of the meeting; and the general consensus was that all issues are relevant, with about a dozen property owners agreeing to be demonstration lake-shore buffer sites. CRWD manager Roland Froyen conducted the meeting; he thanked everyone for their input and their interest in water issues. For more on the district, visit www.crwd.org or call (320) 274-3935. Anderson can be reached at (320) 202-0554. Other managers include Marv Brunsell, Mark Kampa, Virl Liebrenz and Bob Schiefelbein.
