Dockside by Big Fish Works

FALL 2016

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A MAGAZINE FOR LAKE AND RIVER LIVING

The allure of Lake Marion Small lake in McLeod County attracts anglers, campers and visitors seeking a quiet getaway

Volunteers needed for Crow River Cleanup Pollution Control Agency adds McLeod, Meeker county lakes to Impaired Waters List

Buffer law aims to help clean stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s waterways

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DOCKSIDE | FALL 2016

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Currents: Crow River Organization of Water seeks volunteers to help clean the river, shoreline in September

FALL 2016 • Vol. 8, No. 3 PUBLISHED BY Litchfield Independent Review P.O. Box 307, Litchfield, MN 55355 320-693-3266

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Hutchinson Leader 170 Shady Ridge Road NW, Suite 100 Hutchinson, MN 55350 320-587-5000 PUBLISHER Brent Schacherer schacherer@hutchinsonleader.com 320-234-4143 EDITOR Juliana Thill thill@independentreview.net 320-593-4808 Litchfield office 320-234-4172 Hutchinson office

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kay Johnson, Jeremy Jones

Association appreciates its resource, seeks new members

story: Lake 16 Cover Marion Improvement

ADVERTISING Kevin True, advertising director true@hutchinsonleader.com 320-234-4141 Sales representatives Paul Becker • 320-234-4147 becker@hutchinsonleader.com Colleen Piechowski • 320-234-4146 piechowski@hutchinsonleader.com Joy Schmitz • 320-234-4140 schmitz@hutchinsonleader.com Greg McManus • 320-593-4802 mcmanus@independentreview.net SUBSCRIPTION OR ADDRESS CHANGE Michelle Magnuson magnuson@hutchinsonleader.com 320-234-4142 PRINTED BY Crow River Press 170 Shady Ridge Road NW Hutchinson, MN 55350 Dockside is published four times a year by the Litchfield Independent Review and Hutchinson Leader newspapers. It is distributed free to lake and river property owners around Litchfield and Hutchinson. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior consent of the publisher.

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DNR expects good year for duck 14 Waterways: and goose hunting, reminds hunters to be safe Currents: Organizations that want to recruit and retain hunters and anglers can apply for grant money

20 Waterways: Pollution Control Agency adds McLeod, Meeker County lakes to Impaired Waters List

26 In the galley: Serve Rotini with Shrimp and Olives and make S’mores Brownies for dessert FALL 2016 | DOCKSIDE

WELCOME ABOARD

hrough the past several years, I’ve met many people involved with their lake association. Some lake associations are large, formally organized, with websites, Facebook pages, and a long written history. Other lake associations are smaller, less formal, and less social media savvy, but no less passionate about the lake on which they live. The latter would describe the Lake Marion Improvement Association. Sitting in on their annual meeting in August, I could see and hear the concern members have for the lake, for fundraising, for making improvements, and for the water quality as people use it for fishing and recreation. The job of a lake association’s board of directors is never done, and it’s not always glamorous, but nevertheless, it’s important. Read more about Lake Marion south of Hutchinson and the Lake Marion Improvement Association that works to improve the quality of the lake while maintaining and beautifying the areas around the lake. Also in the magazine, we have updates from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources with its

Infested Waters List, as well the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s Impaired Waters List. More local lakes and bodies of water are appearing on these lists. If you want to see cleaner water, the Crow River Organization of Water would appreciate your help on Sept. 17 when it is coordinating the annual Crow River Cleanup Day. Volunteers spend a few hours picking Juliana Thill up garbage from the water and Editor shoreline. We have details about how to volunteer in the magazine, as well. Finally, I want to remind you that you will receive one more edition of Dockside this year, coming out in November. We are publishing Dockside four times this year, thanks to the support of our advertisers. I often hear how much you like our magazine; please tell the advertisers in this magazine how much you like it, too. We appreciate our readers, as well as our advertisers.

CURRENTS DNR doesn’t aerate lakes, but can issue permits to others who make request The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources does not aerate lakes, but the agency does issue permits to lake associations, counties and other local partners who wish to aerate shallow lakes that are prone to fish kills due to lack of dissolved oxygen in the winter. Public safety is the primary concern, so these permits require aerated parts of the lake to be clearly marked with thin-ice signs and located away from high-traffic areas such as boat launches and snowmobile trails. DNR fisheries and wildlife managers often provide guidance on whether aeration is desirable for a given lake.

DOCKSIDE | FALL 2016

DNR to collect groundwater in Meeker County The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will collect and analyze water samples from about 90 wells in Meeker County this fall. The data are being collected for the county’s geologic atlas, an effort involving the Minnesota Geological Survey and the DNR’s Ecological and Water Resources Division. DNR staff has sent postcards to county residents requesting permission for well sampling, which involves collecting a water sample and measuring the depth to water in each well. Tests will profile the general chemical characteristics of area groundwater and will also show approximately how long the water has been underground. Geology, location, well depth and well construction will determine the selection of wells for sampling. Owners of sampled wells will receive a report of the laboratory results for their well. Preserving the long-term quality of the region’s surface water and groundwater requires that policy makers have access to accurate information based on

sound scientific principles. A county geologic atlas is a valuable tool for county planners, resource managers and other local government staff when making general planning, land use management and water resource protection decisions. The Minnesota Geological Survey has published Part A of the atlas, which illustrates details of each county’s geology. In 2018, the DNR will publish the groundwater portion of the atlas (Part B). The Part B reports will include maps and descriptions of the distribution and movement of groundwater, cross sections illustrating groundwater conditions, and the pollution sensitivity of groundwater in the county. The DNR County Geologic Atlas program is funded in part by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. Funding also comes from the Clean Water Fund, which receives a portion of the sales tax revenue from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment approved by voters in November 2008.

CURRENTS

Grants aim to increase number of hunters, anglers Organizations have until Oct. 13 to apply for second round of funds

dozen organizations are receiving funding to help increase how many people hunt or fish — or support those who already do — through a new Minnesota Department of Natural Resources grant program. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources created the Angler and Hunter Recruitment and Retention Grants Program in 2015 to help local groups support Minnesota’s angling and hunting heritage. Grant awards range from $5,000 to $50,000, and require a dollar-for-dollar match of the state grant award amount, or else a match of the value of

labor, materials or services of the state award. Through these grants, the department is addressing growing concerns over declines in hunting and angling participation. The first round of the program was competitive with 35 applicants. The DNR expects to have more than $100,000 to distribute in round two. The application for round two of the grant program can be found online at www.dnr.state.mn.us/angler_hunter_ grants.html. Organizations interested in applying for the grant program must apply by 2 p.m. Oct. 13. Eligible projects have a purpose that supports angler or hunter recruitment and retention. Types of activities could include fishing and hunting educational programs, clinics, workshops and camps, and funding for fishing and hunting equipment and transportation.

“Recruitment” means bringing a person into hunting and/or fishing through their participation in, and commitment to, an activity. A minimum outcome is that the person leaves holding a positive experience and opinion toward hunting and fishing. Recruitment can include invoking a positive change in personal attitude toward outdoor recreation regardless of ongoing physical participation in the activity. “Retention” means maintaining positive, economic, social and/or political involvement in hunting and fishing through a person’s continuing participation in, and/or support of these activities. Second-round projects must be completed in Minnesota and be finished by June 30, 2018. For more information about eligible applicants, eligible projects and the program can be found online.

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Buffer law Minnesota’s buffer law establishes new perennial vegetation buffers of up to 50 feet along rivers, streams and ditches that will help filter out phosphorus, nitrogen and sediment.The law provides flexibility and financial support for landowners to install and maintain buffers.

Buffers are designed to help protect waterways by filtering out phosphorus, nitrogen and sediment. The DNR's role in Minnesota's buffer law is to produce and maintain a map of public waters and public ditch systems that require permanent vegetation buffers. The DNR released a buffer protection map in July. The map will help guide the implementation of Minnesota's buffer law by landowners with the help of the Board of Water and Soil Resources, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, drainage authorities and other local governments.

Buffer law aims to help clean state’s waterways DNR plans to update buffer map in October and January. Landowners must have appropriate buffers in place by scheduled deadlines. By Jeremy Jones CONTRIBUTING WRITER

elle Lake, north of Hutchinson on the MeekerMcLeod county line, was noticeably missing from an earlier draft of the Department of Natural Resources’ buffer strip map. But an official version released for use in July includes the lake, and calls for a 50-foot buffer with a solid blue line. The buffer map shows landowners and local governments where protective vegetative buffer strips are

DOCKSIDE | FALL 2016

required along 90,000 miles of lakes, rivers, streams and ditches. The map is available online at www.mndnr.gov/buffers. “Vegetative buffers help filter pollutants and sediment out of our waterways,” said DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr. “Completing this map is a critical step toward the ultimate goal of protecting one of our most valuable natural resources — clean water.” The map is part of a law passed during the 2015 legislative session. The law establishes new perennial vegetation buffers along rivers, streams, lakes, public ditches and some wetlands The map helps landowners determine where buffers or alternative water quality practices are required and what buffer widths are required: ◆ The map labels public ditches as requiring a 16.5-foot buffer (local ordinances may require wider buffers). ◆ The map labels public waters as requiring a 50-foot average buffer (local ordinances may require wider buffers). ◆ The map also labels a few sites as

“needing field review.” The DNR will organize on-site verification of these public water features and will change this temporary label within six months. Two deadlines have been scheduled for landowners: ◆ By Nov. 1, 2017, buffers must be in place on lands adjacent to public waters as identified and mapped. A 50foot average width with a 30-foot minimum is required. ◆ By Nov. 1, 2018, 16.5-foot minimum width buffers must be in place on lands adjacent to public ditches as identified and mapped.

More work to be done In addition to the missing Belle Lake on the preliminary map, county officials said they noticed incorrect measurements. The DNR implemented about half of the changes recommended by county staff. The buffer map is a work in progress. “The DNR has noticed there is going to need to be some tweaking,” said

CURRENTS Paul Wright, chair of the McLeod County Board. “It sounds like they have realized this is going to need a little more time to get right.” Local Soil and Water Conservation Districts are working with landowners to create the right size buffer or select an alternative water quality practice. If the SWCDs, drainage authorities or other local governments identify errors in the map during landowner conversations, they will notify the DNR. The DNR will make corrections where appropriate. The DNR will release updated maps in October and January.

Other options The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources said the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program is an alternative to buffer strips. Through MAWQCP, farmers and landowners can implement and maintain approved farm management practices to protect water quality.

Ryan Freitag, program administrator for the McLeod County Soil and Water Conservation District, said the U.S. Department of Agriculture costshare Conservation Reserve Program, a previous vegetative cover program meant to stop erosion, provides one exception to the new buffer law. He said similar programs also qualify. While enforcement will fall to the Board of Water and Soil Resources, counties and watershed districts, water conservation districts such as the one he works for will help on the technical end. “We want to get information out, help landowners, and help with alternative practices,” he said. Landowners should be on the lookout for any bodies of water added or removed from DNR protection, Freitag said. Wright encourages landowners to look at the maps and check for errors. “The county can check lakes and measurements, but we really need property owners to come forward,” he said.

Suggest corrections To suggest a correction to the buffer map, contact your local Soil and Water Conservation District. SWCDs are able to work directly with landowners on these issues.

McLeod Soil and Water Conservation District 1103 Gruenhagen Drive, Glencoe 320-864-5176

Meeker Soil & Water Conservation District 916 E St. Paul St., Litchfield 320-693-7287

Wright Soil & Water Conservation District 311 Brighton Ave. S., Suite C, Buffalo 763-682-1970 For more information, go online to www.dnr.state.mn.us/buffers/index.html

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CURRENTS

DNR offers reminders for catch-and-release fishing

PHOTO COURTESY OF MINNESOTA POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY

There are many causes of fish kill, natural and human.

Report fish kills to state duty officer

he University of Minnesota estimates that about 500 fish kills occur in the state every year but few are reported. Anglers and others who see multiple dead fish in one location should report it to the Minnesota State Duty Officer at 800-422-0798. This phone number for environmental and other emergencies is staffed 24 hours 7 days week. (Call 911 for immediate threats to life and property.) Natural causes of fish kills include: ◆ Low oxygen levels due to natural stream conditions and other intrinsic factors ◆ High water temperature ◆ Disease ◆ Winter kill Human causes of fish kills include: ◆ Low oxygen caused by human impacts. ◆ Toxic spills. ◆ Manure runoff. ◆ Pesticides and fertilizers. ◆ Wastewater or stormwater discharges high in temperature. According to a University of Minnesota study: ◆ Runoff, disease, and low oxygen are most common causes. ◆ Fish kills often occur when multiple factors happen at same time. ◆ Low oxygen will affect large bodied fish before small bodied fish. ◆ Fish kills involving few species are often caused by disease. ◆ Toxic pollution or discharges can cause death among multiple species and sizes. ◆ Few fish kills result in total loss of fish community.

DOCKSIDE | FALL 2016

atch-and-release only for smallmouth bass begins Sept. 12, except in northeast Minnesota.

This is a good time, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, to remind anglers that the key to releasing fish without injuring them is to be prepared. Anglers should have the necessary equipment readily available: needle-nose pliers, forceps, line clipper, a soft mesh or coated landing net, and a camera. It is important to minimize the time the fish is out of the water. If possible, unhook the fish while it is in the water. If taking a picture, hold larger fish horizontally with the head and body supported. Do not hold large fish vertically or by the gills or eyes. Play and land the fish as quickly as possible and moisten your hands with water to protect the fish’s slime layer and prevent post-release infections. If the fish is deeply hooked, cut the line inside the fish’s mouth. If it is deeply hooked and bleeding, consider keeping the fish to eat as long as it is of legal size in the open angling season for that species. With the state record fish program now accepting applications for catch-and-release muskie, flathead catfish and lake sturgeon, anglers with a potentially record-setting catch are encouraged to quickly measure and take a picture of the fish before releasing it. Allowing state records to be set via catch-and-release presents an opportunity to recognize Minnesota’s fishing opportunities for these species, while also formally honoring the skill of anglers who catch and release a trophy muskie, flathead or sturgeon. With the increased popularity of catch and release fishing and higher minimum lengths, many anglers are reluctant to harvest record-weight fish. To address this concern, DNR has created a record program for catch-and-release length for three species: muskellunge, lake sturgeon and flathead catfish.

Certified weight In addition to state records for the catch-and-release species, there are state records for catching and keeping the biggest fish in each species based on certified weight. If you catch a fish that you think could be a record, follow these steps: ◆ Weigh the fish on a state-certified scale (found at most bait shops and butcher shops), witnessed by two observers. ◆ Take the fish to a DNR fisheries office for positive identification and a state record fish application. ◆ Complete the State Record Fish submission form that can be downloaded as a pdf from the DNR’s website and send it along with a clear, full-length photo of your fish to the address listed on the form.

CURRENTS

CROW seeks volunteers to help clean up river Volunteers pull garbage from the Crow River and its shoreline during a Crow River Cleanup event.

Annual cleanup day will be Sept. 17, with numerous communities participating By Juliana Thill EDITOR

FILE PHOTO

efore Old Man Winter blows in, volunteers will head outdoors to clean up the Crow

River. The Crow River Organization of Water and numerous volunteers will participate in the 13th annual Crow River Cleanup from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 17. This watershedwide community event is a volunteer opportunity that has resulted in more than 64 tons of garbage being removed from about 424 miles of shoreline on the Crow River and its tributaries since it began, according to Diane Sander, CROW watershed coordinator. In 2014 alone, for example: ◆ Nine volunteers in Brownton/ Stewart collected 450 pounds from a one-mile stretch of Buffalo Creek, which is a major tributary to the South Fork Crow River. ◆ Eight volunteers in Biscay collected 200 pounds of garbage from two miles of shoreline along the South Fork Crow River. ◆ Twenty-seven volunteers in

Cokato found 300 pounds of recyclables and garbage in a half-mile area. ◆ Twenty-one volunteers in Forest City collected 450 pounds of litter in two miles. ◆ Twenty-two volunteers in Hutchinson collected 600 pounds of rubbish from two miles of the South Fork Crow River. ◆ Three people collected 500 pounds of junk from a 13-mile stretch of the Middle Fork Crow River near Manannah. Cleanup activities are planned in several communities. People who want to volunteer should dress appropriately since it is a dirty job. After the cleanup, volunteers meet at a designated location for a free lunch and to assemble for group photo. Each volunteer receives a T-shirt commemorating

the event and as a thank you for their hard work. People planning to volunteer also should call their local contact person so the correct shirt size can be ordered and to make sure enough food is available. Contacts include: Biscay: Patty Dahlke, 320-864-5537 Brooten: Chris Lundeen, 320-3462869 Brownton/Stewart: Gerri & Mike Fitzloff, 320-562-2369 Forest City: Chuck Schoolmeesters, 320-693-2972 Hutchinson: Roger Hartsuiker, 320234-1327 Manannah: Deb McCann, 320-4442291 For more information, call Sander at 763-682-1933 x112 or email her at diane.sander@mn.nacdnet.net.

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CURRENTS

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We are working with bait shops in the county to offer branded bait bags where they got a bobber and a booklet that helps identify aquatic invasive species. — EMILY GABLE, environmental technician for McLeod County

McLeod County’s aquatic invasive species program focuses on education County surveys residents about their knowledge of AIS By Jeremy Jones CONTRIBUTING WRITER

wo years ago, when the state provided money to Minnesota counties to fund the creation of programs meant to battle the spread of aquatic invasive species, McLeod County put its share toward education. “When the dollars became available to the county, we did not want to get too involved in putting an inspector at the boat landings, or investing in a boat wash,” said Paul Wright, chair of the McLeod County Board. At the time the decision was discussed, in November 2014, Board Member Jon Christensen said there were a lot of details boaters may not know about. While on the county’s AIS Task Force, he learned duck lures could contribute to the spread of unwanted species from one body of water to another. AIS are plants and animals that are not native to local lakes. By attaching to boats, they can potentially spread from lake to lake, and drastically change the ecosystem, or create a recreational nuisance. Emily Gable Boaters are advised to check and Environmental clean their boats of mud, plants and technician for animals, and drain them of water. McLeod County Bait and bait water should not be transferred from lake to lake. “Other counties did focus on enforcement,” said Emily Gable, an environmental technician for the county. “We wanted a more positive approach.” The county has tried a variety of methods to educate residents, starting in the schools. “We worked with a theater group called CLIMB,” Gable said. “We went to schools in the county and targeted fifthgraders. The performance involved a game they played. One guy in the middle of the classroom was an infected

DOCKSIDE | FALL 2016

lake, and as students walked by, they got tagged, and they were infected. It was just a model to show, it only takes one person to spread it. “We had a presence at the County Fair. We are working with bait shops in the county to offer branded bait bags where they got a bobber and a booklet that helps identify aquatic invasive species.” Educational signs were placed above gas station pumps around the county, along with tags on the hose. “That repetition will help; that’s what we’re hoping,” Gable said. In June, McLeod County Signs like this are installed at workers checked to be sure lakes where the Minnesota every lake access point had Department of Natural signage discussing AIS, Resources maintains public and how to prevent spreadaccesses. McLeod County has ing them. taken a similar approach to To get a better idea of preventing the spread of which programs are working, a survey was sent to aquatic invasive species by county residents, with 147 focusing on education. people responding. About 71 percent of respondents said their knowledge of AIS had increased in 2015. About 49 percent of respondents categorized their increase in knowledge as “slightly.” “People are thinking more about AIS when they are using the lakes,” Gable said. The survey showed about 62 percent of respondents were moderately or very knowledgeable about AIS. Another 13 percent were “neutral.” According to the survey, boat launch signs and newspaper postings were the most helpful sources of information. Educational displays and promotions at bait shops were of middling success, and open house events and gas station signs were least noticed. Respondents called for higher visibility for education benefits. Others asked for stiffer penalties for those who are not careful to prevent the spread of AIS while boating and fishing.

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CURRENTS

DNR updates Infested Waters List Following aquatic invasive species laws in all lakes will help prevent infesting clean lakes By Juliana Thill EDITOR

ne year after the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources confirmed starry stonewort in Lake Koronis, the aquatic invasive species was found again in northern Minnesota. The second case of starry stonewort in Minnesota was confirmed in August in Turtle Lake, in Beltrami County. Minnesota’s third and fourth cases of the invasive algae were found in Upper Red Lake in Beltrami County and in Cass Lake, within the Leech Lake Reservation in Beltrami County. “It is important that everyone who uses Minnesota lakes follows invasive species laws, whether the lake they use is infested or not,” said DNR invasive species unit supervisor Heidi Wolf. “We strongly encourage anyone who is uncertain of the identity of a species and suspects it may be starry stonewort or any other aquatic invasive species to contact the DNR so we can check it out.” The new AIS findings likely will appear on the DNR Infested Waters List, which contains lakes in McLeod, Meeker and Wright counties. The DNR in mid-August released its updated list. About 5 percent of Minnesota’s more than 11,000 lakes are on the infested waters list. DNR will add a lake, river, pond or wetland to the infested waters list if it contains an aquatic invasive species that could spread to other waters. The DNR also might list a lake, river, pond or wetland as infested if it is connected to a body of water where an aquatic invasive species is present. For example, zebra mussels were found in Lake Stella in 2015. So, when the DNR added Lake Stella to the list, it also included Lake Washington

DOCKSIDE | FALL 2016

Local infested lakes and rivers The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources maintains an Infested Waters List of waters containing high priority aquatic invasive species.The DNR will add a lake, river, pond or wetland to the infested waters list if it contains one of these aquatic invasive species.The DNR may also list a lake, river, pond or wetland as infested if it is connected to a body of water where an aquatic invasive species is present. Data below is based on updates the DNR provided in August.

Lake

AIS found

Year Year listed confirmed

Eurasian water-milfoil

2013

2012

Eurasian water-milfoil Eurasian water-milfoil Eurasian water-milfoil Eurasian water-milfoil Eurasian water-milfoil Eurasian water-milfoil Eurasian water-milfoil Zebra mussel Eurasian water-milfoil Zebra mussel Eurasian water-milfoil

2013 2014 2007 2009 2010 2007 2007 2015 2007 2015 2007

2013 2014 2005 2009 2010 2002 1999 2015 1999 connected to Stella 2005

2008 2016 2009 2007 2011 2015

2008 2016 connected to W. Sylvia 2001 2011 2015

2015

McLeod County Cedar

Meeker County Clear Erie Manuella Little Mud Minnie-Belle Ripley Stella Stella Washington Washington Wolf

Western Wright County West Sylvia East Lake Sylvia East Sylvia (was Twin) French John John

Eurasian water-milfoil Zebra mussel Eurasian water-milfoil Eurasian water-milfoil Eurasian water-milfoil Zebra mussel

Stearns/Meeker County Koronis (includes Mud)

Starry stonewort

INFORMATION COURTESY OF THE MINNESOTA DNR

because the two lakes are connected.

Three steps People can help stop the spread of AIS by taking three steps every time they leave a lake or river,: 1. Clean all aquatic plants, zebra mussels, and other invasive species from boats, trailers, and equipment.

2. Drain water from your boat, ballast tanks, motor, live well and bait container. Remove drain plugs and keep drain plugs out while transporting equipment. 3. Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash. To keep live bait, drain the water and refill the bait container with bottled or tap water.

CURRENTS Map of Minnesota water trails

Online tool provides updates on water trails, river-levels

hose who enjoy canoeing, kayaking and other forms of recreation dependent on river levels now can get more information about current conditions from 120 real-time river-level gauges along many of Minnesota’s state water trails. Although the Department of Natural Resources has been installing and interpreting river-level gauges since 1971, the reporting service recently was upgraded. For the most current statewide river level map — updated hourly — visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/river_levels/index.html. Color-coded dots indicate water levels ranging from “scrapable” (so low that paddlers may have to get out of their watercraft to avoid rocks); to “very high” (where paddling is considered dangerous and not recommended). “Since weather events can vary significantly throughout Minnesota, paddlers should always consider this tool to verify river level conditions and to make an informed decision,” said Stan Linnell, DNR boat and water safety manager. For a statewide water trail facilities map visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/watertrails/interactive_map. For a list of all state water trails and maps visit www.mndnr.gov/watertrails.

MAP COURTESY OF THE MINNESOTA DNR

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WATERWAYS

Outlook good for duck, goose hunting in Minnesota M

innesota’s regular waterfowl season will open on Sept. 24, with similar bag limits and season dates that were in place last year, according to the Department of Natural Resources. “All signs point to this being a great year for duck and goose hunting,” said Steve Cordts, DNR waterfowl specialist. “Many hunters look forward to the duck hunting opener all year. It’s a time to get into the marsh and spend time with family and friends.”

Duck seasons, limits Duck season will be open for 60 days in each of the three waterfowl zones. ◆ In the north zone, duck season is Sept. 24, through Nov. 22. ◆ In the central zone, duck season is Sept. 24, through Oct. 2, closes for five days, then reopens Oct. 8, and runs through Nov. 27. ◆ In the south zone, duck season is Sept. 24, through Oct. 2, closes for 12 days, then reopens Oct. 15, and runs through Dec. 4. The daily bag limits for ducks remains at six per day and individual species limits are identical to those used last fall.

Canada goose seasons, limits Canada goose hunters will see some changes compared to last year. There was no August Canada goose management action in Minnesota. In the Intensive Harvest Zone during the September goose hunt, the bag limit is now five per day, the same as the rest of the state. Previously, the bag limit was 10 per day. “We made these changes for a few reasons. The Canada goose population in the state is near our goal and Canada goose harvest did not increase the past three years even when additional harvest opportunities were offered,” Cordts said.

DOCKSIDE | FALL 2016

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MINNESOTA DNR

Regular waterfowl season opens Sept. 24, with similar bag limits and season dates that were in place in 2015. The early September Canada goose season opened statewide on Sept. 3, and will run through Sept. 18. Bag limits for Canada geese are five per day statewide. A $4 permit is required to hunt Canada geese during the September season. The restriction prohibiting hunting within 100 yards of surface water remains in effect in the northwest goose zone, Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area, Ocheda Lake Game Refuge and an area surrounding Swan Lake in Nicollet County. Early season goose hunters should consult the 2016 Waterfowl Supplement for zone maps and additional details. Minnesota’s regular goose season will open in conjunction with the duck season statewide on Sept. 24, with a bag limit of three dark geese per day the entire season. “Dark” geese include Canada geese, white-fronted geese and brant. Goose season will be closed in the central and south duck zones when duck season is closed.

No excuse for trespassing The DNR reminds hunters to always ask permission before entering private land. Hunters need permission to hunt on agricultural land even if it is not posted.Trespassing is a misdemeanor. If convicted a person could lose his/her license to hunt.All conservation and peace officers enforce trespass laws.

Other seasons Youth Waterfowl Day will be Sept. 10. The season for sandhill cranes runs Sept. 10 to Oct. 16 in the northwest goose and sandhill crane zone only. For more information, the 2016 waterfowl hunting regulations are available online at www.mndnr.gov/ waterfowl.

WATERWAYS

Waterfowl hunters reminded that cold water kills, wear life jacket Wearing life jacket is best defense against dangers of cold water

ate-season waterfowl hunters are reminded that with water temperatures dropping, wearing a life jacket is the best defense against the dangers posed by cold water, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said. In Minnesota, one-third of all boating fatalities occur during the cold-water season, when water temperatures are below 70 degrees. Cold-water shock can cause even the strongest swimmers to drown in a matter of seconds if they fall in while not wearing a life jacket. “If you ask the average duck hunter for safety advice, they will most likely recite firearm safety rules,” said Debbie Munson Badini, Minnesota DNR boat and water safety education coordinator. “But year after year, more waterfowl hunters die from drowning, cold water shock and hypothermia than from firearm accidents. “The importance of water safety and life jacket use needs to be impressed upon waterfowlers in the same manner as the tenets of firearm safety,” Munson Badini said. “Duck hunters are boaters, too, and they are often boating on dan-

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MINNESOTA DNR

Boaters are encouraged to wear life jackets. At the least, all boats must carry one U.S. Coast Guardapproved life jacket for each passenger. gerously cold water.” Since 2010, five Minnesotans have died in duck huntingrelated boating accidents, including two minors. Last year, two drownings occurred; neither victim was wearing a life jacket.

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Small, yet significant Lake Marion attracts anglers, campers and recreationalists throughout the year Motorists rush by Lake Marion on Minnesota Highway 15, some unaware of this miniscule marvel in McLeod County. With the lake one mile long and one-half mile wide, some residents across the lake are more like neighbors than distant lakeshore owners. By Juliana Thill At its deepest, the lake is 15 feet, EDITOR and boasts about six miles of shoreline. “The lake is like a bowl,” said Dave Pedersen, who lives on the lake and enjoys fishing on it. “I step in the water next

MAIN DECK to my shore, and I’m already up to my waist (in water). So I go off the dock, turn and cast toward shore. There’s good fishing here.” With the heavy rains in August, the lake level rose about 10 inches in about one week, putting some docks at or below water level, said Judy Strachan, president of the Lake Marion Improvement Association. Lakefront property owners and area residents come to the lake to fish. “It’s excellent for (largemouth) bass fishing. But we have a little bit of everything,” Strachan said. Among the many fish species in the lake are walleye, sunfish, yellow perch, bullhead, bluegill, northern pike, crappie, common carp, and channel catfish. The lake association’s biggest concern is the high number of carp and bullheads in the lake, she said. A commercial fisherman removed approximately 5,500 pounds of carp in 2010, according to the DNR, and the lake association hired a fisherman to remove thousands more pounds of carp three years ago, Strachan said. “Our philosophy is, a given lake of a given size is willing to support ‘X’ number of carp and no more,” she said, and the numbers had risen too high. The number of carp are down now, but now the lake is seeing an excess number of bullheads, she said. “The walleye population is up now, so is the bass population, and the sunfish and crappies are coming back,” she said. Strachan has lived on the lake for 19 years, and enjoys what the lake has to offer. “I’m not much of a swimmer anymore. I’d rather be on the water than in it,” she said.

Lake concerns The association has been fortunate that aquatic invasive species have not been found in the lake, Strachan said. “We’ve been very lucky so far,” she said. However, she knows the possibility exists for the lake to become infested, as other area lakes have been. As a result, she wants to be proactive. “We’ve been talking to the Brownton Rod & Gun Club about having the DNR put (AIS warning) signs up on

PHOTOS BY JULIANA THILL

Reggie Uecker of Brownton catches sunfish from the fishing pier in Lake Marion Regional Park. “I come out here all the time to fish, from May to November,” said Uecker, 75, who grew up on a farm near Brownton. their landing,” Strachan said. While the DNR has a public boat landing on the east side of the lake, it is steep, she said, so many boaters prefer using the flatter, private boat landing owned by Brownton Rod & Gun Club. She would like to see AIS warning signs for boaters using that access, as well. The association also is looking at the level of mercury in the water after the Minnesota Pollution Control agency recently added Lake Marion — and other area lakes and rivers — to its Impaired Waters List. Lake Marion was listed due to mercury found in fish tissue, and excessive nutrients in the water. Air pollution is the major source of mercury that contaminates fish in Minnesota’s lakes and rivers, according to the Minnesota Department of Health. Once in a lake, mercury is converted to methylmercury. Fish absorb it from their food, and methylmercury binds to proteins in their tissue. There is no method of cooking or cleaning fish that will reduce the amount of mercury in a meal. Strachan said she is concerned about the level of mercury in the lake

At left, Lake Marion sits along Minnesota Highway 15, about eight miles south of Hutchinson near Brownton.

DNR lake survey Lake area: 594 acres Total shoreline: 6.67 miles Maximum depth: 15.2 feet Mean depth: 10 feet Average water clarity: 3.4 feet Major watershed: South Fork Crow River Closest town: Brownton Public boat access: Northeast shore off Minnesota Highway 15. since the lake attracts anglers. She wrote about the subject in the association’s summer newsletter to inform residents of the facts and what they can do. “We can all do our parts to reduce the amount of mercury in our waters by not burning our own waste and properly disposing of products (broken fluorescent bulbs, batteries, thermometers, thermostats, blood pressure cuffs, paints) that contain high amounts of mercury,” Strachan said. “... (T)oo much mercury in our diets and in the air we breathe can harm

FALL 2016 | DOCKSIDE

MAIN DECK Lake Marion Improvement Association Mission statement:The mission of Lake Marion Improvement Association shall be to improve the quality of the lake, maintain and beautify the areas around Lake Marion with the primary goal of enhancing the quality of life in the community. Dues: $25 a household per year

The Lake Marion Improvement Association’s Board of Directors includes, from left, Secretary Cathy Olson, incoming treasurer, Mary Bielke, President Judy Strachan, and outgoing treasurer Sharon Smith. Not pictured is Vice President Rod Wieland. the function of the brain, which can, obviously, be very serious,” she said. However, fish is a low-fat source of protein that is rich in nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, the MDH says. Since any fish — storebought or sport-caught — could contain contaminants that can harm human health, the MDH advises people to make informed decisions about their consumption of fish. Despite the risks, the lake is a favorite fishing spot all year around. Lake Marion has an aeration system, which Brownton Rod & Gun Club installed and the lake association helps pay for. The aeration system is operated during the winter to reduce the likelihood and severity of winterkill. Because the lake doesn’t freeze near the aeration system in the winter, “that’s where most of the fish houses congregate,” Strachan said. Lake Marion is surrounded primarily by farmland and mostly year-round residences. Also along the lakeshore is the Brownton Rod & Gun Club and Lake Marion Supper Club. Along the northeast side of the lake is Lake Marion County Park, one of McLeod County’s six county parks, and one of two regional parks that allow overnight camping.

Lake Marion Regional Park Lake Marion Regional Park is open

DOCKSIDE | FALL 2016

from May 1 to Sept. 30 and offers 45 campsites for tents and RVs. The park features electricity and water hookups in the campground, a picnic area, two shelters available for reservation, sanitary dump station, restroom and shower facilities, hiking trail, cross country ski trail, swimming beach, playground, volleyball court, activities field, two fishing docks and a fishing pier. “The park has a nice big pier for people who want to fish,” Strachan said. “It’s not very deep there, but it’s not very deep anywhere.” McLeod County has managed the park for about 45 years. “It was bought by the county in the early 1970s,” said Al Koglin, McLeod County parks superintendent. “It used to be one of the largest youth ranches in the state at one time.” Lake Marion Regional Park has fulltime caretakers. For more information about Lake Marion Park, people can call the caretakers at 320-328-4479.

Lake association business During the lake association’s annual potluck dinner and meeting in August, those in attendance talked about creating a Facebook page to inform people about the lake. “A lot of different organizations have a Facebook page,” said secretary Cathy Olson. “They’re easier to main-

Lake association member meetings: 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month in April, June and August.The August meeting is the annual meeting with a potluck dinner and election of officers.

tain (than a website). Some other lake associations have Facebook pages. It’s not a bad idea. It would be easy to post the newsletter out there, the agenda, the meeting minutes.” Olson started a newsletter that she prints and mails three times a year as a way to communicate with lakeshore residents. “I thought it would be nice to get something out there to keep people informed,” she said. For Lake Marion Improvement Association to continue making improvements in and around the lake, the association’s board needs lake residents’ support, Strachan said, in terms of money and time. “We always need volunteers to work on projects, and those projects cost money,” she said. The association operates on a limited budget, relying on dues as its major fundraiser, Strachan said. Dues can be paid at the annual meeting but are accepted any time of year, she said during the annual meeting, which attracted about 20 people. The meeting offered the opportunity to mingle and listen to updates about the lake. “The good thing about this meeting is it gives you a chance to meet the neighbors that you hardly ever see except for way back on the lake,” Strachan said. ■

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WATERWAYS

MPCA includes water bodies in McLeod, Meeker counties on Impaired Waters List Mercury in fish tissue, excessive nutrients in water, bacteria found By Jeremy Jones and Juliana Thill

ozens of bodies of water in McLeod and Meeker counties are included on an updated Minnesota Pollution Control Agency list of impaired waters. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency in July released its draft 2016 Impaired Waters List, which includes 318 additional lakes, rivers and streams across Minnesota that fail to meet water quality standards and are considered impaired. This year’s Impaired Waters List identifies 4,603 impairments in lakes, rivers, and streams across Minnesota. The list represents an assessment of how well lakes and streams support fishing, swimming, and other uses. Water bodies that fail to meet standards are considered “impaired.” This assessment is mandated by federal law and requires a cleanup study for each impaired water body. At the request of stakeholders, the MPCA has extended the public comment period for the Impaired Waters List by 30 days. The comment period was to have ended Aug. 31, but the agency will now accept written comments through Sept. 30. Among the new impairments to lakes and rivers that are proposed for the Impaired Waters List are: ◆ 304 stream sections and nine lakes that were too polluted to fully support adequate fish and other aquatic life. ◆ 87 bodies of water with heightened levels of phosphorus and associated imbalances. ◆ 83 water bodies contaminated with bacteria that are hazardous to human health. ◆ 78 bodies of water with elevated

DOCKSIDE | FALL 2016

Area lakes appear on impaired water list The following are some of the McLeod and Meeker County waters included on the MPCA's list of impaired waters: ◆ Bear Lake and Bear Creek from the headwaters to South Fork Crow River are included due to excessive nutrients and the health of wildlife. ◆ Belle Lake is included due to excessive nutrients. ◆ Cedar Lake is included due to excessive nutrients. ◆ Lake Hook is on the list due to mercury found in fish tissue and excessive nutrients. ◆ Lake Marion is on the list due to mercury in fish tissue and excessive nutrients in the water. ◆ Lake Willie was added for nutrient/eutrophication biological indicators. ◆ Little Swan Lake was added due to mercury in fish tissue. ◆ Otter Lake’s main basin and south arm are on the list due to mercury in fish tissue and excessive nutrients in the

levels of mercury, a contaminant that can be harmful to humans. “With mercury, there isn’t a way to get it out of the water,” said Mary Connor, an MPCA information officer. “Unlike things like nitrogen or phosphorus, where there are practices that can help, with mercury there isn’t a ton we can do.” Mercury typically is deposited in waters from the air, primarily from coal burning and power plants, she said. “We’ve made some good strides here reducing mercury emissions, but even if we manage to get it to zero, it won’t get rid of the problem,” Connor said. Excessive nutrients in water are caused by phosphorus runoff, especially cultivated fields, which are a major source of nitrogen. Dissolved oxygen usually is the result of phosphorus from farm runoff, wastewater treatment facilities and

water. ◆ Silver Lake was added due to excessive nutrients in the water. ◆ South Fork Crow River from145th Street to Hutchinson Dam was added due to bioassessments, turbidity and escherichia coli. ◆ South Fork Crow River east of Biscay from Bear Creek to Otter Creek is included due to wildlife health, excessive runoff, sediment levels, bacteria and mercury found in fish tissue. ◆ South Fork Crow River between the Hutchinson Dam and Bear Creek was added due to mercury found in fish tissue, wildlife health, dissolved oxygen, excessive nutrients and Escherichia coli ◆ Stahl’s Lake is on the list due to mercury found in fish tissue. ◆ Thompson Lake was added for nutrient/eutrophication biological indicators. ◆ Winsted Lake is on the list due to mercury in fish tissue and excessive nutrients.

industrial facilities. “Once it gets into the water it promotes growth of plants and algae. The overgrowth robs the water of oxygen which stresses fish and insects,” Connor said. Escherichia coli and fecal coliform bring bacteria into the water, and typically come from manure runoff either from agriculture sites or wildlife. Public comments about the list, which must be in writing, should be submitted by 4:30 p.m. Sept. 30 to: Miranda Nichols, MPCA, 520 Lafayette Rd N, St. Paul, MN 55155 (must provide a return address) or email: miranda.nichols@state.mn.us. After the public comment period, the agency can make changes and then will submit the list, comments received and agency responses, to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for approval.

WATERWAYS

Getting a clearer picture of water quality MPCA works with watershed districts, others to check health of water

tatewide efforts to check the health of lakes and streams are coming to fruition this year with “prescriptions” for healthy waters expected in more than two dozen watersheds. “Our crews and local partners have been taking thousands of water samples, wading into streams across Minnesota to study fish and other creatures, and crunching far more data than ever before. We are building a comprehensive look of water quality across our state,” said Rebecca Flood, assistant commissioner for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. “This year we will turn the corner on

checking the health of nearly all 80 watersheds. With local partners and citizens, we will also have prescriptions to restore and protect our waters in half those watersheds, with the rest slated for completion soon.” Starting in 2008 with funding from the Legacy Amendment, the MPCA started to measure the health of the state’s 80 major watersheds. This approach greatly accelerated the state’s assessment of lakes and streams while saving money, compared to the previous approach of studying one lake and one stream section at a time. It also puts focus on protecting healthy waters, a critical component missing from the previous approach of focusing only on impaired waters.

Four-step process This watershed approach consists of four main steps on a 10-year cycle:

1. Intensive water monitoring and assessment to see if major rivers and lakes meet water quality standards. 2. Identifying conditions that stress fish and bugs, as well as healthy conditions that foster them. 3. Developing Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategies. 4. Implementing changes to restore and protect waters through local water plans. Local partners, such as watershed partnerships and conservation districts, usually play a major role with the MPCA in the first three steps. They take the lead in the last step — implementation. Local partners and the MPCA seek input from citizens, landowners and others throughout the process. Together, they develop strategies that can lead to focused action to protect and restore Minnesota waters into the future.

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WATERWAYS

Cannen Bunnis-Johnson holds up his big catch of the day, a northern.

STAFF PHOTOS BY MARTHA LUEDERS

Austin Lucas watches his dad, Chris, as he baits his hook with a worm.

Kids reel in a good time during police fishing tournament

Carter Massingham brings his latest catch over to his grandma, Ruth Massingham. Carter and his brother Joshua had caught four fish during the first half hour of the Litchfield Police Department fishing tournament.

nglers of all ages lined the fishing pier and docks at Lake Ripley for the Litchfield Police Department’s annual fishing tournament June 15. The fishing tournament draws about 50 kids each year, Officer Gary Gruenke said. Kids paid $3 to fish for 1 1/2 hours around Lake Ripley before returning to the shelter to eat and collect prizes. — By Martha Lueders, staff writer at the Litchfield Independent Review

Painting of brook trout wins DNR trout stamp contest Richfield artist Timothy Turenne won the 2017 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources trout and salmon stamp contest in August with a painting of a brook trout. The following species will be eligible for the 2018 stamp: rainbow, brown, splake and lake trout, coho, pink, chinook and Atlantic salmon. The trout and salmon stamp validation is sold for $10 along with fishing licenses and is required for Minnesota residents

DOCKSIDE | FALL 2016

age 18 to 64 and nonresidents older than age 18 and under age 65 to fish designated trout streams, trout lakes and Lake Superior and when in possession of trout or salmon. For an extra 75 cents, purchasers can receive the validation, as well as the pictorial stamp in the mail. It also is sold as a collectible. Revenue from stamp sales is dedicated to trout and salmon management and habitat work.

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ASHORE

Homeowners can keep Jack Frost from nipping at their septic system F

amilies with septic systems can take precautions in the fall to prevent costly septic system problems over the winter: ◆ Prevent freezing in the first place. Insulation is key to preventing pipes and drainfields from freezing. Allowing grass to grow an extra six inches over the entire system (septic tank, connecting pipes and drainfield/mound) in the fall can protect it from frost. Another good insulator is a layer of mulch (for example, straw, leaves, or hay) spread eight to 12 inches deep over the system. ◆ Don’t be a drip, keep it hot. Dripping faucets trickle water into the system, which can cause ice to build up and eventually freeze a pipe closed, often right where the septic pipe leaves the home. Fix all leaks and keep the system “energized” with regular doses of warm water during the winter. Run a warm/hot load of laundry each day. Use the dishwasher and take hot baths. However, do not leave water running all the time, as this will hydraulically over-

load the septic system. ◆ Keep off the grass (and snow). Keep all vehicle, animal, and human traffic off the system. This is a good rule to follow all year long as compacted snow and soils cause frost to go down deeper and faster. Stay off the area between the house and the septic tank. ◆ Keep it safe. Make sure all septic tank covers are in place and firmly attached to prevent someone from falling in. Make sure all inspection pipe caps are in place and in good shape to keep cold air out. ◆ Keep new systems under cover. A new septic system covered with bare soil can have problems with freezing the first year. Cover a new tank, mound/drainfield with an insulating layer of mulch or similar loose material. ◆ It’s frozen. Now what? If your septic system freezes, call a septic system professional. For Minnesotans, the MPCA website includes a search tool for finding certified professionals in your area. Search online for “MPCA SSTS licensed business search.”

Minnesota’s new license plate honors state parks and trails

ollowing a week of online voting, during which more than 30,000 votes were cast, the winner of the contest to design a Minnesota state parks and trails license plate was named. The plate was submitted by Michelle Vesaas of Coon Rapids. Vesaas’s design received the most votes from among three finalists. The winning plate features an image of a canoe on the water, surrounded by Minnesota’s four seasons. “My design was inspired by being in the outdoors in this beautiful state through all four seasons,” she said. “Even in the coldest days of winter, if you’re dressed for it, there is incredible beauty to be found.” The new license plate will be available from the Department of Motor Vehicles in the fall as part of the ongoing celebration of the 125th anniversary of Minnesota state parks and trails. The cost will start at $60, plus tax. The total includes a one-time $10 fee for the plate itself and a minimum

DOCKSIDE | FALL 2016

The winning license plate design features an image of a canoe on the water, surrounded by Minnesota’s four seasons. IMAGE COURTESY OF THE MINNESOTA DNR

$50 contribution (renewable annually). “Purchasing the new license plate will be a great way to show everyone on the road that you ‘go the extra mile’ to support Minnesota state parks and trails,” said Erika Rivers, DNR parks and trails director. The plate provides their owners with unlimited access to all 75 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas for the year, replacing the need for an annual vehicle permit (a $25 value). Proceeds from license plate sales will help fund the operations and maintenance of Minnesota state parks

and trails. The DNR already has eight Critical Habitat license plates from which Minnesotans can choose. These specialty plates—first offered in 1995— provide an opportunity for citizens to support conservation and show their individuality by purchasing a license plate featuring a loon, a moose or another Minnesota-related image. The parks and trails plate will bring the total number of specialty license plates available from the DNR to nine. For more information, contact the DNR Information Center at 888-6466367.

ASHORE

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Check for aquatic invasive species when removing boat lift, equipment When lakeshore and cabin owners remove a dock, boat lift, swim raft and other equipment from the water this fall, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources asks them to check each item for aquatic invasive species. “Since those items have been in the water for several months, now is the ideal time to spot invasive species that may be attached to them,” said Heidi Wolf, DNR invasive species unit supervisor. “Carefully inspect everything you remove from the water to see if there are invasive species attached. Your observations will provide invaluable information to the DNR in tracking the distribution of AIS — and give us a chance to rapidly respond if new infestations are found.” People should look on the posts, wheels and underwater support bars of docks and lifts, as well as any parts of boats, pontoons and rafts that might have been submerged in water for an extended period. If a new infestation of zebra mussels, faucet snails or other aquatic invasive species is suspected, the exact location should be noted, a photo taken and a specimen should be kept for positive identification. Call 888-646-6367 or contact a local fisheries office.

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IN THE GALLEY Barbecue Popcorn Seasoning Mix 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon paprika 1 teaspoon dry mustard 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon cardamom 1/2 teaspoon celery salt 1 1/4 teaspoons cayenne pepper In small bowl, mix all ingredients together. Store mixture in airtight container. Makes about 1/3 cup. To use: Pour melted butter over warm popcorn or spray popped popcorn with cooking spray. Sprinkle popcorn with 2 teaspoons of seasoning mix for each quart of popcorn.

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Sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;mores Brownies 1 box (1 lb. 2.4 oz.) Betty Crocker Original Supreme Premium brownie mix Water, vegetable oil and egg called for on brownie mix box 2 cups miniature marshmallows 4 graham crackers, broken into small pieces 2 milk chocolate candy bars, broken into 1-inch squares Preheat oven to 350 (325 for dark or nonstick pan). Make brownies as directed. After removing pan from oven, set oven to broil. Immediately sprinkle marshmallows and graham crackers over warm brownies. Broil about 4 to 5 inches from heat 30 to 60 seconds or until marshmalSOURCE: WWW.CULINARY.NET lows are golden brown. BETTY CROCKER (Watch carefully, marshmallows and graham crackers will brown quickly.) Sprinkle with chocolate candy. To serve warm, cool about 30 minutes. Cut into 4 rows by 4 rows. Serves 16.

DOCKSIDE | FALL 2016

Rotini with Shrimp and Olives 1 pound rotini pasta 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoons chopped garlic 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt pepper, to taste 1 cup heavy cream 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish 2 tablespoons prepared pesto 1 can (2.25 ounces) sliced California Ripe Olives Bring large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook 8-10 minutes, or until al dente; drain well and set aside. In large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and stir until golden, being careful not to burn. Add shrimp to skillet and season with garlic salt and pepper. Cook about 5 minutes, or until shrimp are pink, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to SOURCE: WWW.CULINARY.NET/CALOLIVE.ORG. medium-low and add cream to skillet; simmer until thick. Add cooked pasta to sauce and stir in Parmesan cheese, pesto and olives. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Servings: 6-8.

Share your recipes Share your favorite outdoor recipe, whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for scrumptious crusted fish, campfire treats, or garden vegetables salads. Selected recipes will be published in a future edition of Dockside. Email your recipes to Juliana Thill at thill@independentreview.net or send them to Juliana at Hutchinson Leader, 170 Shady Ridge Road NW, Hutchinson, MN 55350 or at the Independent Review, 217 Sibley Ave. N., Litchfield, MN 55355. Include your name, address and phone number.

IN THE GALLEY ▲

Autumn is the time to enjoy the crisp air outside and the aroma of food baking inside

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Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Apple Butter Glaze 1 cup Musselman’s Apple Butter 2 tablespoons Vidalia onion, finely chopped 1/4 cup Dijon mustard 1/4 cup dry white wine or white cooking wine Salt and pepper to taste Vegetable oil 2 boneless pork tenderloins, trimmed (1 to 1.5 pounds each) In medium bowl, whisk together apple butter, onion, mustard and wine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. In small sauce pan, bring apple butter mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Set aside a few tablespoons of the glaze to drizzle on the cooked meat before serving. Preheat grill to medium high. Brush pork with oil and season with salt and pepper. Over direct heat, brown tenderloin on all sides, about 5 minutes total. Brush meat with glaze and, if grill allows, move to indirect heat. Turn every 5 - 6 minutes to prevent glaze from scorching, brushing occasionally with additional glaze. Cook meat to an internal temperature of 160 degrees (cooking time will vary from 25 to 40 minutes, based on thickness of tenderloins and type of grill). Remove from grill, brush again with glaze and let rest for 10 minutes. Slice into 1/2-inch thick slices, drizzle with reserved glaze, and serve immediately. Cook Time 25 to 40 minutes. Servings: 4.

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FALL 2016 | DOCKSIDE

IN THE GALLEY

Author shares recipes from the land of 10,000 lakes By Kay Johnson CONTRIBUTING WRITER

f you watched the movie or TV show “Fargo,” you might think all Minnesotans speak with an accent and only eat foods such as lefse and lute-

fisk. You would be wrong, of course. All you have to do is page through Teresa Marrone’s new cookbook, “Dishing Up Minnesota: 150 Recipes from the Land of 10,000 Lakes,” to know there’s much to choose from when it comes to Minnesota’s favorite foods. The book offers a variety of recipes with a side of history and a dash of culture. It’s as much fun to read as to cook from. The veteran food writer has divided the cookbook into chapters. Among the most interesting: On the Wild Side, which features maple syrup, garlic ramps, morel mushrooms, wild rice, venison, pheasant, grouse, Teresa Marrone has written “Dishing Up Minnesota: duck and more. In this chapter, 150 Recipes from the Land Marrone offers a of 10,000 Lakes.” couple of twists on classics including Tater Tot Hotdish with Ground Venison. With the popularity of farmers markets, co-ops and consumer-support agriculture, it’s not surprising there is a chapter devoted to these local food options. Recipes range from Garlic Scape Pesto and Asparagus Guacamole to Iron Skillet Pizza and Farmers’ Market Chopped Salad. If you’re in the mood to read rather than cook, Marrone includes stories about Lake Superior and the North Shore, ice fishing, Minnesota maple syrup, wild mushrooms, wild rice, the Minnesota beer scene and more. Marrone of Minneapolis packs a lot into this cookbook’s 288 pages. The following recipe is excerpted from “Dishing Up Minnesota” and used with permission from Storey Publishing.

DOCKSIDE | FALL 2016

These crispy potatoes are prepared in the oven rather than on the stovetop. A built-in garnish of bacon and crispy sage leaves adds great flavor. SOURCE: TERESA MARRONE, “DISHING UP MINNESOTA”

Roasted Smashed Red River Potatoes with Sage and Bacon 1 1/2 to 2 pounds small red potatoes, 1 1/2 to 2 inches across Coarse kosher salt 2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more as needed 12 fresh sage leaves, cut in half crosswise 3 thick-cut bacon strips, cut into 1-inch lengths Freshly ground black pepper Place the potatoes in a large pot and add cold water to cover. Season generously with salt. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are just tender when poked with a paring knife, 14 to 17 minutes. Drain and let cool for about 10 minutes. While the potatoes are cooking, position an oven rack at the bottom of the oven and preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Pour the oil onto a heavyweight rimmed baking sheet, distributing evenly with a pastry brush; add additional oil if needed to provide a thick coating of oil. Lay the sage leaf halves singly on the sheet, and cover each with a piece of bacon. Place any remaining bacon pieces on the baking sheet, keeping some space between them. Place a potato on a work surface and press with a potato masher to flatten the potato to about a 1/2-inch thickness; the potato should break apart into large pieces. Transfer the potato pieces to the baking sheet, breaking them apart as necessary so no piece is larger than about 1 inch. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, spreading them evenly on the baking sheet. Drizzle a little oil over the potatoes. Sprinkle lightly with the pepper and salt to taste. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove from the oven. Turn the potatoes, together with the bacon and sage, with a spatula. Return to the oven and bake until the potatoes are golden brown and crisp, about 10 minutes longer. Makes 3 to 4 servings.

SHIP’S LOG

Lake associations, provide information online Editor’s note: If your lake association’s information is not included or if it changes, contact Editor Juliana Thill at 320-593-4808 or email her at thill@independent review.net.

French Lake Improvement Association • Website: http://frenchlake.wix.com/flia Greater Lake Sylvia Association • Website: www.lakesylvia.org

Lake Minnie Belle Improvement Association • Website: https://sites.google.com/ site/lmbiaorg • Facebook: Lake Minnie Belle Improvement Association

Belle Lake Association • Website: www.bellelakeassociation.com • Facebook: Belle Lake Association

Koronis Lake Association • Website: www.koronislakeassociation.org • Facebook: Koronis Lake Association

Lake Ripley Improvement Association • Facebook: Lake Ripley Improvement Association

Brooks Lake Area Association • Website: www.brookslake.info • Facebook: Brooks Lake

Lake Francis Area Recreation and Conservation Club • Website: www.lakefrancisarcc.com/lfarcc • Facebook: Lake Francis Lake Association

Lake Stella Homeowners Association • Website: www.lakestella.com • Facebook: Lake Stella Association

Collinwood Community Lake Association • Website: www.collinwoodlake.com Crow River Organization of Water • Website: http://crowriver.org • Facebook: Crow River Lakes and Streams • Twitter: @crowriverorg

Lake Jennie Improvement Association • Website: www.lakejennie.com • Facebook: Lake Jennie Improvement Association

Lake Washington Improvement Association • Website: www.lakewashingtonassn.com • Facebook: Lake Washington Improvement Association North Browns Lake Association • Website: www.northbrownslake.org • Facebook: North Browns Lake Association

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SHIPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LOG

Calendar of local events, lake association meetings September Lake Jennie Improvement Association meets the third Saturday of each month, except November and December. Contact a board member for the time and location of the next meeting. Annual meeting in June. Lake Washington Improvement Association meets at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday or first Thursday of the month (February through October) at the Dassel Rod and Gun Club. Belle Lake Association meets at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at Bonfire. Greater Lake Sylvia Association meets at 9 a.m. the second Saturday of each month at Southside Township Hall. Lake Minnie Belle Improvement Association meets at 7:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month at Bonfire Bar & Grille, 16818 Minnesota 22, Litchfield. Lake Stella Homeowners Association meets at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at Litchfield American Legion. North Browns Lake Association meets at 9 a.m. the third Saturday of the month April through September.

October Lake Jennie Improvement Association meets the third Saturday of each month, except November and December. Contact a board member for the time and location of the next meeting. Annual meeting in June. Lake Washington Improvement Association meets at 7 p.m. Oct. 6 at the Dassel Rod and Gun Club. Greater Lake Sylvia Association meets at 9 a.m. the second Saturday of the month at Southside Township Hall, 8209 County Road 3 NW, Annandale. Lake Minnie Belle Improvement Association meets at 7:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month at Bonfire Bar & Grille, 16818 Minnesota 22, Litchfield.

November Lake Minnie Belle Improvement Association meets at 7:30 p.m. the

DOCKSIDE | FALL 2016

PHOTO BY JULIANA THILL

As the sun sets, boaters travel across Lake Stella on a peaceful evening. third Wednesday of the month at Bonfire Bar & Grille, 16818 Minnesota 22, Litchfield.

December Lake Minnie Belle Improvement Association meets at 7:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month at Bonfire Bar & Grille.

January Eden Valley Sportsmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club annual ice fishing contest usually is from 1 to 3 p.m. the third Saturday of January near the public access. Limited tickets are sold. Lake Jennie Improvement Association meets the third Saturday of the month. Contact a board member for the time and location of the next meeting. Lake Minnie Belle Improvement Association meets at 7:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month at Bonfire Bar & Grille, 16818 Minnesota 22, Litchfield.

February Lake Jennie Improvement

Association meets the third Saturday of each month, except November and Dcember. Contact a board member for time and location of the next meeting. Lake Washington Improvement Association meets at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month (February through October) at the Dassel Rod & Gun Club. Lake Minnie Belle Improvement Association meets at 7:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month at Bonfire Bar & Grille, 16818 Minnesota 22, Litchfield. Browntown Rod & Gun Club Ice Fishing Contest is Feb. 4. Check their Facebook page for more information.

Have your event or meeting listed free If your organization or lake association has a meeting or event to list in the calendar, contact Editor Juliana Thill by email at thill@independent review.net or call 320-593-4808 or 320-234-4172.

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