Date: November 30, 2006

To: District Planning Committee

From: T. Roach

Subject: Minutes of Joint Meeting with Polk County, St. Croix Tribe, Blue Water

Science and Lake District in Hertel November 29, 2006.

District Members: Gordon Kill, Dan Bergeron, Sallie Tinkerman, Truman Roach

St Croix Tribal: Martin Shutt, Elizabeth Grieff

Polk County: Amy Kelsey, Jeremy Williamson

Meeting Summary:

Gordon Kill reviewed lake conditions and activities performed this year.

• Lake water levels were lower than normal due to low snow runoff and lowerthan average rainfall during the summer.
• The level of curly pondweed continued to recede esp. from 2003-2004 levels.
• The Lake District contracted with Blue Water Science to perform Plant Surveys and Water Quality tests on Big Round during 2006.
• Paul Garrison (DNR) completed the deep sediment core sampling in early October. He was assisted by Jeremy Williamson and Dan Bergeron.
• We did not obtain the requested grant money for this project due to other priorities from the State budget process. However we are working on some potential partial funding for this project.
• The Fishing Report for Big Round indicates the Walleye numbers were down this year however the Bass and Panfish fishing was very good esp. in spring.
• We are requesting a reduction in Bass size restrictions to allow more Bass to be taken and therefore have some impact on the Bass Predation problem on the fingerlings stocked.

Steve McComas reported on the Plant Survey completed June 6 and August 28, 2006.

· These Plant surveys indicate distribution and density of all submerged aquatic plants present in the lake.

· Of significance is the continued reduction in the incidence of Curly Pondweed. The studies indicated approximately 315 acres present in 2003, 260 acres present in 2005 and 160 acres in 2006.

· Jeremy Willimson indicated the studies provided very good info but would need to increase the number of lake intercept points (sampling stations) to qualify for DNR lake management programs. It would also be helpful in the event of sudden presence of invasive species such as Eurasian Milfoil. This issue will have to be discussed with the DNR.

· Water quality study trends indicate higher algae content in August and early September timeframe. Secchi Disk readings illustrate an average water clarity in June of approximately 10 ft whereas in August approx.2-3 ft are shown.

Beth Grieff presented the Tribal Fish report.

• Spring surveys have indicated approximately 3 walleyes per acre. However, she emphasized that these counts are just a snapshot. For instance in 1989 3.7 per acre, 1991 1.98 per acre, 1997 3.7 per acre. More extensive fish counts planned by the Tribe in 2007.
• Walleye reef built in 2003-2004 indicated some spawning activity in 2004 however, none found in 2006.
• Average fingerling size stocked from 1988-2006 is 2.4in.
• The Tribal Group stocked 2001-102,351, 2003-52,473, 2005-51,567 2006-9,951 fingerlings in Big Round. Normally every other year.
• We can increase stocking numbers, however Big Round lake conditions are not conducive to walleye survival.
• Extended growth walleye stocking (7-9 in.) normally improves survival rate in some lakes but may not be effective in Big Round.

Projects planned for 2007.

• Tribal group needs to decide on continuing grant request for treating Curly Pondweed. In lieu of declining presence of that species the last 2 years it may not be a viable use of the grant funds.
• The Lake District plans on 2 plant surveys in early summer and late summer of 2007.
• A water quality study is planned and continued water sampling and Secchi Disk readings will take place.
• The tribal Group offered some potential funding aid for the Plant Survey.

Dan Bergeron reported his findings regarding the outlet dam on Big Round Lake.

• Some form of the dam was built in the early 1900’s.
• Before the dam the lake level was substantially lower, (4-500 acres).
• The current land on each side of the dam is owned by a Ms. Schilling, a long time lake resident.
• She is vehement about any modification to the dam which would affect her property.
• There is potential legal liability on the owner of the Dam from any flooding which may occur downstream.
• If the dam were to become Lake District property then control would be subject to DNR review, but still the responsibility of the District. The District would be responsible to bring the dam up to State requirements.

The meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted

Truman Roach