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$1 on newsstands

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A MAGAZINE FOR LAKE AND RIVER LIVING

Concern for Crow River Crow River Organization of Water works to raise awareness of and improve river’s water quality

DNR confirms AIS

starry stonewort in Lake Koronis & Mud Lake Some lakes set record ice-out dates

ways to buy

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a fishing license: in person, online, by phone

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SPRING 2016 • Vol. 8, No. 1

PUBLISHED BY Litchfield Independent Review P.O. Box 307, Litchfield, MN 55355 320-693-3266 Hutchinson Leader 170 Shady Ridge Road NW, Suite 100 Hutchinson, MN 55350 320-587-5000

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story: CROW brings people together for 16 Cover painting and discussion about the Crow River Currents: DNR confirms starry stonewort found in Meeker, Stearns County lakes

EDITOR Juliana Thill thill@independentreview.net 320-593-4808 Litchfield office 320-234-4172 Hutchinson office

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Doug Hanneman, Kay Johnson, Brent Schacherer

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PUBLISHER Brent Schacherer schacherer@hutchinsonleader.com 320-234-4143

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Kevin True true@hutchinsonleader.com 320-234-4141 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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24 Waterways: Local man tries

to replicate journey described in ‘Canoeing with the Cree’

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Currents: Area lakes experience early ice out

14 Currents: CROW sells rain barrels locally 22 Waterways: DNR offers safety tips before launching your boat or casting a line this spring

26 In the galley: Fire up the grill for a Southwestern Smoky Ranchero Burger with Grilled Avocado, enjoy Smoky Deviled Eggs, or set sail with delicious Italian Herb Corn & Rice Zucchini Boats SPRING 2016 | DOCKSIDE

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WELCOME ABOARD

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elcome back to Dockside! We’re so glad to reconnect with our readers for another year.

We have some exciting news to share with you.

Since we launched this magazine in 2009, we have published three times a year. However, this year, we’re adding a fourth magazine to the line-up. Dockside will come out in spring, summer, fall and winter. We are able to do this because of the growing number of supportive advertisers in our magazine. Please be sure to patronize their business, and thank them for advertising in Dockside. Their advertising allows us to bring you important information about our area lakes and rivers.

We have a boatload of information to share with you in this magazine. Our main story is about the Crow River Organization of Water, which last fall took a step outside the box and came up with a creative way to spread information about the river’s water quality. Read about how a painting event helped draw attention to this important resource.

Another water quality issue surfaced late last summer in Lake Koronis and Mud Lake, where the Department of Natural Resources confirmed the aquatic invasive species, starry stonewort. Read about what the DNR is doing to

get rid of this non-native plant.

Minnesota’s mild winter and warmer-than-normal spring weather caught the attention of many people on area lakes. The Lake Jennie Improvement Association posted a photo to its Facebook page of wide open water on Dec. 16, and said, “I’m dreaming of a ... open water Christmas?” Over on Belle Lake, Tracee and Jeff Strazzinski posted a Juliana Thill photo on Belle Lake’s Facebook page Editor in March, saying this year was a first for installing their dock and boat lift before St. Patrick’s Day. If you want to follow what’s happening on your lake, we have a list of area lake associations’ websites or Facebook sites.

On a related note, as you make your to-do list for the cabin or your lake home this spring, add a reminder to join or renew your membership in your area lake association. Through membership dues, lake association board of directors work hard to preserve and improve the natural resource right outside your door.

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Earth Day organizers ask people to plant trees

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he first Earth Day was celebrated April 22, 1970, and the movement gave voice to an emerging consciousness. Forty-six years later, people continue to honor Earth Day in a variety of ways.

During the next five years, as Earth Day moves closer to its 50th anniversary, Earth Day Network is asking people to help in its goal to plant 7.8 billion trees.

Why trees?

Trees help combat climate change. They absorb excess and harmful carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. In a single year, an acre of mature trees absorbs the same amount of carbon dioxide produced by driving the average car 26,000 miles.

Trees help everyone breathe clean air. Trees absorb odors and pollutant gases (nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulfur dioxide and ozone) and filter particulates out of the air by trapping them on their leaves and bark.

Trees help communities. Trees help communities achieve long-term economic and environmental sustainability and provide food, energy and income.

Earth Day Network is the world’s largest recruiter to the environmental movement, working with more than 50,000 partners in 196 countries to work through a combination of education, public policy, and consumer campaigns.

For more information, go online to www.earthday.org.

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DOCKSIDE | SPRING 2016

Sign up for text messages from DNR for latest news Minnesota Department of Natural Resources now makes information available by text messaging.

People who subscribe to cell phone updates with the DNR, can receive text messages when there are volunteer opportunities arise, new happenings with the eagle web camera, legislative updates, or aquatic invasive species updates. Message and data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, or STOP to cancel the text.

To subscribe to mobile updates send a text to 468311, and then type one of the following words depending on what type of text you want to receive: AIS, VOLUNTEER, EAGLE CAM, LEGISLATIVE.

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Minnesota’s lakes attract an array of anglers

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ith Minnesota being the land of 10,000 lakes, it might not be surprising that the state is first nationally when it comes to sales of fishing licenses per capita.

In 2014, Minnesota sold more than 2.3 million fishing licenses.

Minnesota is home to 5,493 fishable lakes that cover 3.8 million acres and contain 158 fish species.

Who needs a fishing license?

To legally fish in Minnesota, all residents of Minnesota, age 16 to 89, must have a current Minnesota fishing license unless an exemption applies. All non-residents need a license, except those age 15 and younger do not need a license if a parent or guardian is licensed.

Annual licenses allow people to fish from March 1 to the last day of February the following year. Lower-cost licenses are available for shorter time periods. There is an added cost to fish for trout, salmon or sturgeon.

In most cases, Minnesotans don’t need a license if they’re fishing in a state park. The DNR’’s complete listing of fishing licenses can help people decide what to buy.

The DNR publishes an annual Fishing Regulations guide. The online version of the 2016 Fishing Regulations contains the latest corrections to the printed version.

The guide also is mobile friendly. Anglers can get the latest fishing regulations on their cell phone, and search for lake-specific information, including regulations, fish species, stocking reports, and lake maps. LakeFinder Mobile is available at http://maps1.dnr.state.mn.us/lake finder/mobile.

Who doesn’t need a fishing license?

N Residents younger than 16.

N Residents 90 and older.

N Minnesota residents enlisted in the U.S. Armed Forces, stationed outside the state, and home on leave (you must carry leave or furlough papers while fishing or transporting fish).

N A Minnesota resident who has served in federal active service outside the U.S. during the preceding 24 months and is now discharged from overseas duty (you must carry discharge papers while fishing or transporting fish).

N An in-patient of a U.S. Veterans Administration hospital.

N A resident of a Minnesota licensed nursing or boarding care home.

Free fishing weekends The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources offers three weekends when fishing for moms and kids is free.

N May 7-8 — Take A Mom Fishing Weekend. Minnesota resident moms fish free.

Spring is the best season to catch fish due to the fish being hungry after winter, being more active due to warmer waters and laying their eggs near shore. As soon as the ice has melted off the lakes, sunfish and crappies are a great species to fish for.The walleye and northern season does not legally open until mid-May, while bass and muskie season begins in late May or early June.

N June 10-12 — Take A Kid Fishing Weekend. Minnesota residents 16 and older fish free with children younger than 16.

Summer shore fishing is a little more difficult due to thick nearshore vegetation and fish moving to deeper, cooler waters away from shore.Try fishing in the early morning or evening, as well as river fishing, since rivers tend to have cooler waters and less vegetation.

N Jan. 14-16, 2017 — Take A Kid Ice Fishing Weekend.

Minnesota residents 16 an older fish free with children younger than 16.

Winter ice fishing is a great way to catch crappies and sunfish.Try a bucket of minnows or some waxworms to catch fish during the winter months.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

— By Juliana Thill, editor

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People can buy fishing license in person, online, by phone More than 9,500 fishing licenses were purchased on mobile devices in 2015

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eople who decide at the last minute to go fishing or don’t have time to stop and buy a fishing license, can now just pick up the phone or go online to purchase one.

People can now buy a fishing license online or via phone call and start fishing the same day. People can go online to www.mndnr.gov/fishmn or call the Minnesota Department of Natural Resource’s instant license phone number, 888-665-4236.

“Licenses being readily available online or by phone support the Department of Natural Resources goal to make outdoor recreation more accessible to the public” said Col. Ken Soring, DNR Enforcement Division

People can all the DNR’s instant license phone number, 888-665-4236, to purchase a fishing license. director. “Buying a license can take place wherever the person has cell phone coverage and no longer requires a trip to town.”

From July 1 to July 22, 2015, DNR

conservation officers issued 89 citations for angling without a license which carries a fine of about $185 plus restitution for any fish in possession and the fish will be forfeited.

People can avoid these consequences and support fisheries and habitat management by purchasing an angling license (resident adult season license is $22, or $10 for a 24-hour license).

Online sales are on the rise. As of August 2015, about 1 million licenses had been sold. Of that amount 9,513 were purchased on mobile devices.

That compares to 2.3 million licenses sold in 2014, including 13,212 that were mobile license sales.

“The popularity and convenience of online shopping continues to increase and that’s why the DNR has the ‘shop DNR’ link/Web Page,” Soring said.

For more information, go online to www.mndnr.gov/fishmn.

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CURRENTS Open water is seen on Spring Lake in Dassel as ice recedes from the shore on a unseasonably warm afternoon March 10.

DNR sets spring burning restrictions

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ith minimal snow this winter and mild temperatures, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources started burning restrictions in the central part of the state beginning March 21.

“In Minnesota, 98 percent of wildfires are caused by humans and burning debris is the number one cause,” said Linda Gormanson, DNR fire prevention supervisor. “Therefore, the DNR encourages using alternatives to debris burning such as composting and mulching whenever possible.”

The warmer weather and spring winds dry the dead standing grass and brush, allowing them to ignite and spread fire quickly, she said.

Spring open burning restrictions mean residents will not be allowed to burn brush or yard waste. Restrictions typically begin about two weeks after the snow leaves.

Permits to burn vegetative debris will not be issued until summer green-up occurs.

Restrictions normally last from four to six weeks but are dependent on the weather.

In Minnesota, most wildfires occur during April and May. The DNR places restrictions on open burning during this time to reduce the number of wildfires during the spring fire season. These spring restrictions have dramatically decreased the number and size of accidental fires, according to the DNR. Residents should check local requirements, as many cities still require a permit.

Visit the DNR wildfire website www.mndnr.gov/forestry/ fire/firerating_restrictions.html for current fire danger rating and burning permit restrictions.

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PHOTO BY JULIANA THILL

Ice leaves lakes early this year

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fter a quick start to lake ice out, Mother Nature ushered in cooler weather and slowed progress. This year’s iceout will be one of the more memorable early lake ice out seasons in Minnesota history, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reported.

Some lakes set new, record-early ice-out Minnesota Department of Natural dates. Lake Minnetonka had the earliest Resources records ice-out dates for ice out date in 139 years and lost its ice some lakes, including local ones: on March 17. Only 1878 was earlier, Silver Lake in McLeod County on March 11. Warm conditions, Median ice-out: April 14 including some maximum temperaEarliest ice-out: March 7, 2000 tures in the 60s to low 70s in the Latest ice-out: May 7, 1950 south on March 8 and 12 aided ice Period of record: 1941 to 2012 out, along with winds gusting to 40 to 50 mph on March 16.

Swan Lake in McLeod County The DNR provides a yearly Median ice out date: April 8 ice-out map for some lakes on its Earliest ice out: March 7, 2000 Latest ice out: April 29, 2013 website. The map includes icePeriod of record: 1971 to 2013 out statistics and historical median lake ice-out dates using Collinwood Lake in Meeker/Wright counties data archived by the DNR and Median ice-out: April 8 Minnesota Pollution Control Earliest ice-out: March 8, 2000 Agency. A marker is created for Latest ice-out: April 23, 1996 lakes with ice-out data whose Period of record: 1985 to 2014 period of record spans 20 or more Lake Richardson in Meeker County years.

Median ice out date: April 4 The definition of lake ice-out Earliest ice out: March 1, 2000 varies. For some people, ice-out Latest ice out: April 22, 2008 occurs when the lake is free of ice. For Period of record: 1990 to 2012 others, ice out is when navigation is Lake Stella in Meeker County possible from point A to point B. And for Median ice out date: April 7 others, ice-out is when 90 percent of the Earliest ice out: March 16, 2000 lake is ice free.

Latest ice out: May 2, 2013 Due to this subjective observation, participatPeriod of record: ing agencies attempt to contact the same individu1992 to 2013 als each year to maintain a consistent record.

Ice-out dates for local lakes

>> www.dnr.state.mn.us/ice_out /index.html >> www.facebook.com/MinnesotaStateClimatologyOffice

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DNR partners with local governments for watercraft inspectors Watercraft inspectors focus on teaching boaters to clean their watercraft, drain all water by removing drain plugs, and dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.

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he Department of Natural Resources has been partnering with local governments such as counties and cities to increase the number of watercraft inspectors at public water accesses in Minnesota.

This year, more local governments than ever have signed delegation agreements with the DNR, allowing them to hire local authorized watercraft inspectors. These local inspectors are managed by the counties, cities, and soil and water conservation districts and have the same authority as DNR inspectors.

DNR staff has trained more than 660 local government watercraft inspectors since April 2015, in addition to the DNR’s 100 watercraft inspection staff.

“These partnerships have been very successful in increasing the number of inspectors at public water accesses around the state,” said Adam Doll, watercraft inspection program coordinator.

“Increased watercraft inspectors add to

the efforts to protect Minnesota’s waters from aquatic invasive species by adding more eyes in the field and providing valuable education on how to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species,” Doll said.

Under a law passed by the state Legislature in 2014, counties statewide were allocated a total of $4.5 million in 2014, $10 million in 2015, and $10 million each year after that to prevent the introduction or limit the spread of aquatic invasive species at access sites within the counties.

Some counties are using a portion of the money to employ their own local watercraft inspectors. These inspectors receive initial training from the DNR, but they are employed and supervised by the counties or other local governments.

All watercraft inspectors should be clearly identified by hiring unit. Inspectors all ask the same questions and go through the same watercraft inspection process.

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DNR confirms starry stonewort in Meeker, Stearns County lakes DNR uses herbicides to treat aquatic invasive species in Lake Koronis, the first confirmed case in Minnesota

By Juliana Thill EDITOR

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he Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in August confirmed the presence of starry stonewort (Nitellopsis obtusa) in Lake Koronis and Mud Lake, connected to Koronis, in Stearns and Meeker counties.

This is the first confirmed case of this invasive species in Minnesota.

In October, the DNR treated the invasive algae in front of the main public access at Lake Koronis, as part of an expanded effort to reduce the risk that it will spread to other bodies of water.

Starry stonewort Starry stonewort was first discovered in the United States in the St. Lawrence River in 1978 and has spread into lakes in the northeastern part of the country.

Starry stonewort was confirmed in Wisconsin in 2014 and has been reported in Michigan lakes for more than a decade.

The invasive species was likely brought to Lake Koronis by lake users who transported fragments of the plant from an infested body of water.

Lake Koronis property owners contacted DNR fisheries staff and expressed concern about abundant aquatic vegetation.

The plant was widely distributed in high densities in the southeast bay near the public water access off Highway 55. It also was growing out-

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DOCKSIDE | SPRING 2016

What is starry stonewort?

Starry stonewort are grass-like algae that produce dense mats that interfere with recreational use, choke out native plants, and have other impacts that alter lake habitat. Starry stonewort is similar in appearance to native grass-like algae such as other stoneworts and muskgrass. Native stoneworts and musk-grass are both commonly found in Minnesota waters. Starry stonewort can be distinguished from other grass-like algae by the presence of star-shaped bulbils.

Why is it a problem?

Starry stonewort can interfere with recreational and other uses of lakes where it can produce dense mats at the water’s surface.These mats are similar to, but can be more extensive than, those produced by native vegetation.

Dense starry stonewort mats can displace native aquatic plants.

What can be done to reduce starry stonewort?

The potential to manage the plant is not well documented. It appears that treatment with herbicides can suppress starry stonewort. Some states use hand pulling, which may be a way to reduce biomass in small areas. Mechanical removal can also be effective. In the case of a newly discovered population of starry stonewort that has a limited distribution in the lake, mechanical harvesting is not recommended because it might create fragments that would speed the spread of the invasive plant within the lake.

Source: Minnesota DNR

side the bay extending into the main basin, the northeast side of basin and into Mud Lake.

The DNR surveyed all of Lake Koronis, and the results showed starry stonewort across approximately 250 acres and scattered around other parts of the 3,000-acre lake.

The DNR surveyed other lakes in the area, including lakes that are popular destinations for boaters after they

leave Lake Koronis, and did not find it in any other nearby water body.

Treating the invasive species Shortly after the infestation was confirmed, the DNR worked with the North Fork Crow Watershed District to increase inspector hours at the DNR access to 10 hours per day, seven days per week. (Mud Lake does not have

CURRENTS public accesses.)

The DNR also temporarily closed the main Lake Koronis public access off Highway 55 from early October through late December to treat the aquatic invasive species with herbicides Cutrine-ultra and Hydrothol 191. Cutrine-ultra is a copper-based herbicide, and Hydrothol 191 is based on endothall, which is commonly used to control aquatic plants.

“The goal of this treatment to knock back the starry stonewort from the DNR access area, in order to reduce the risk of spread when boats leave the access,” said Ann Pierce, section manager, DNR Ecological and Water Resources Division.

The DNR worked with local governments — including city of Paynesville, Paynesville Township, and Stearns and Meeker counties — to develop a long-term strategy for this species.

“We want to thank the many partner organizations for helping with this effort to prevent the spread and manage the infestation of starry stonewort

Starry stonewort likely is spread from one body of water to another by the unintentional transfer of bulbils, the star-like structures produced by the plant. These fragments likely attach to trailered boats, personal watercraft, docks, boat lifts, anchors or other water-related equipment not properly cleaned. They are small when compared to the size of a penny.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE MINNESOTA DNR

in Lake Koronis,” Pierce said.

Preventing AIS People spread aquatic invasive species, and people can reduce their spread. Vigilance and compliance with aquatic invasive species laws is required every time a boat or other equipment is taken out of a lake.

The DNR reminds boaters and

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anglers to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species by following Minnesota laws: N Clean aquatic plants and animals from watercraft.

N Drain all water by removing drain plugs and keep drain plugs out while transporting watercraft.

N Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.

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CURRENTS Greenleaf Lake State Recreation Area is seven miles south of Litchfield on Minnesota Highway 22 then one mile east on County Road 18.

Visitors can see portions of Greenleaf and Sioux lakes along with several wetlands.There is good panfish and largemouth bass fishing. Sioux Lake, the shallower of the two lakes, supports significant waterfowl populations.

PHOTO BY JULIANA THILL

Minnesota state parks and trails create license plate design contest

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ater this year, Minnesotans will have an option to purchase a special license plate to support Minnesota state parks and trails.

State officials are calling on residents to submit design ideas for the new plates, which will provide free entry to all of the state’s parks and recreation areas.

“We’re looking for an image that captures the essence of Minnesota state parks and trails,” said Erika Rivers, director of the Parks and Trails Division at the Department of Natural Resources. “These special places have been around for 125 years, and purchasing the new license plates will be a great way to show everyone on the road that you ‘go the extra mile’ to support them.”

Entries will be accepted from May 2, until 4 p.m. May 6.

A panel of judges will evaluate entries based on criteria such as creativity, quality, representation of Minnesota state parks and trails and suitability as a license plate image. Three finalists will be selected on May 12, and their designs will be posted online for a public vote to select a winner. The online vote will take place from June 13 to June 19.

All entries will be publicly displayed from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 14 and from noon to 4 p.m. May 15 in the visitor center at Fort Snelling State Park.

The new license plates are expected to be available in October. The cost of the new plates will start at $60, plus tax. This total includes a one-time $10 fee for the plate itself and a minimum $50 contribution (renewable annually).

Entry forms and complete contest rules are available at www.mndnr.gov/parksplate. For more information, contact the DNR Information Center at info.dnr@state.mn.us or 888-646-6367 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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Taxpayers can support Nongame Wildlife Program

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s people complete their income tax returns, they have the opportunity to support nongame wildlife.

Line 21 of Minnesota’s income tax form — marked by a loon — provides people with an opportunity to help more than 800 species of nongame wildlife, including threatened and endangered species.

When taxpayers designate an amount they would like to donate to the Nongame Wildlife Program, their taxdeductible donations are matched 1:1 by state conservation license plate funds, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

“It’s an investment in a future where kids can still chase a frog or a snake through the grass, hear a loon at night or see a bald eagle,” said DNR Nongame Wildlife Program Supervisor Carrol Henderson.

During its 39-year history, the Nongame Wildlife Program has played a role in the recovery of the bald eagle, trumpeter swan, eastern bluebird, peregrine falcon, and many more species. It also provides nature education. However, the Nongame Wildlife Program receives no money from the state’s general fund for its efforts to support animals that aren’t hunted.

Nongame wildlife support To support the Nongame Wildlife Program, look for the line with a loon symbol on your Minnesota tax form (M-1) or property tax form (M1-PR).Write in the amount of money you want to donate (for example, $10). If you are entitled to a refund, your refund is reduced by the amount of the donation, and your donation is tax deductible on the following year’s tax return if you itemize deductions. If you owe money, your donation is added to the balance due.

SPRING 2016 | DOCKSIDE

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CROW sells barrels to capture rain run-off

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IMAGE COURTESY OF MNDNR

The voluntary walleye stamp validation costs $5 but is not required to fish for or keep walleye. For an extra 75 cents, purchasers will be mailed the pictorial stamp.

Walleye stamp for 2016 available as a collectable stamp Hugo artist Nicholas Markell won the 2016 Minnesota Walleye Stamp contest.

The painting was selected by judges from among eight entries for the annual contest sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Markell’s painting of a walleye throwing a lure and poised to escape is featured on the 2016 walleye stamp. He and artist Stuart Nelson are the only two people to win the walleye stamp contest twice.

Markell has also won the 2012 Trout and Salmon, 2013 Walleye and 2016 Turkey stamp contests.

The voluntary walleye stamp validation costs $5 but is not required to fish for or keep walleye. For an extra 75 cents, purchasers will be mailed the pictorial stamp.

A pictorial collectable stamp without the validation is available for $5.75. Walleye stamps are available year-round and need not be purchased at the same time as fishing licenses.

Revenue from stamp sales is used to purchase walleyes for stocking in Minnesota’s lakes.

The DNR offers no prizes for the stamp contest winner, and the winning artist retains the right to reproduce the work.

The 2015 walleye stamp is still available for purchase at all license vendors. More information about stamps is available at www.mndnr.gov/contests/stamps.html.

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DOCKSIDE | SPRING 2016

hether people are concerned about water quality, run-off, conservation or all three, the Crow River Organization of Water sells rain barrels to address each area.

CROW’s rain barrels capture and store roof runoff when it rains.

When rain falls faster than the ground can absorb it, or when rain lands on hard surfaces, it goes directly to area storm drains. Storm drains then run off into area lakes and rivers. As the water reaches the storm drains, it can come into contact with a variety of contaminants such as oil, salt, fertilizers, pesticides, bacteria and trash. As a result, runoff affects local water quality.

Installing a rain barrel not only helps the environment, it also reduces a property owner’s water bill.

Water stored in rain barrels can be used to water flowers, irrigate lawns, or even wash their car.

The more people who use rain barrels, the greater chance of improving water quality in local lakes and rivers.

— By Juliana Thill, editor

Rain barrels are 32 inches tall, 24 inches wide and hold 54 gallons.They are made from recycled materials and include a removable debris screen. Each barrel can connect to another barrel with a link kit.

Distribution sites Crow River Organization of Water encourages people to pre-order a rain barrel.

However, people can attend a distribution event to see if rain barrels are available for purchase.They are not for resale.

Glencoe Distribution from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April 22 at Glencoe City Center/city offices, 1107 11th St. E, Suite 107. Cost: $30 for residents, $55 for non-residents. Limit two per household.

Contact Gary Schreifels at 320-8646954 or email him at gschreifels@ci.glencoe.mn.us.

Hutchinson Distribution will be from 2 to 4 p.m.

April 23 at Civic (Burich) Arena, 950 Harrington St. SW. Pre-order by contacting John Paulson 320-234-5682 or email jpaulson@ci.hutchinson.mn.us.

Cost: $55.

Paynesville Distribution will be from 2 to 5 p.m.

April 15 at the city garage, 235 Railroad St. Pre-order with Charlene Brooks at 763-682-1933 ext. 122 or email Charlene.brooks@mn.nacdnet.net.

Cost: $55.

Delano Distribution will be from 2 to 6 p.m.

April 17 at Delano Public Works Department, 402 County Road 30 SE. Pre-order with Charlene Brooks at 763-682-1933 ext. 122 or email Charlene.brooks@ mn.nacdnet.net.

Cost: $55.

Litchfield Distribution will be in April alongside the Soil and Water Conservation District’s tree sales. Pick up at Meeker County Fairgrounds, 1230 Armstrong Ave. N., Litchfield, MN 55355. Pre-order with Joe Norman at 320-693-7287 Spicer Distribution will be become available in April on a first-come, first-serve basis with the Middle Fork Crow River Watershed District, 189 County Road 8, Spicer. Call (320) 796-0888.

CURRENTS

DNR designates new wildlife lands for public use

O

utdoor enthusiasts now have an additional 5,041 acres of land spread in more than 22 counties where there are opportunities to hunt, trap, hike, cross-country ski and watch wildlife in areas known as state wildlife management areas.

Some of the land in the new WMAs can be found in Kandiyohi, McLeod, Meeker and Renville counties.

“State taxpayers get a great deal for dollars that are spent on WMA acquisitions,” said Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Tom Landwehr. “That’s because conservation-minded groups and individuals who partner with the DNR add a tremendous amount of local expertise and financial muscle that stretches public funding much further.”

The total area managed in WMAs is more than 1.3 million acres in about 1,500 WMAs located in 86 of the 87 counties in Minnesota. A number of

partner organizations helped to acquire 3,099 of the new acres.

“We are grateful for the help of partners in acquiring these critical lands for future generations of hunters and wildlife enthusiasts to enjoy,” Landwehr said. “Both the DNR and partners can simultaneously apply for Legacy funding for land acquisition, resulting in more dollars being spent for this purpose. Simply put, the DNR cannot do it alone.”

Lands in WMAs provide habitat for wildlife species like pheasants, a species that serves as a good indicator of the general health of grasslands and other wildlife that live there, said Ed Boggess, DNR Fish and Wildlife Division director.

“Over 70 percent of these designated lands are within the state’s pheasant range,” Boggess said.

Those looking to find existing public hunting, fishing and trail access can

use the DNR Recreation Compass feature online at www.mndnr.gov/maps/ compass.html, or can purchase DNR Public Recreation Information Maps at several sporting goods and map stores around the state or on the DNR’s website.

Maps of the newly dedicated WMA lands are not yet available, as managers will be posting and developing parking lots and accesses on the lands during the spring and summer.

The new WMA land is made up of 631 acres in three new WMAs, and 4,410 acres in 29 existing WMAs. Expanded WMAs include: N Dalton Johnson WMA, 20 acres, Kandiyohi County.

N Rich Valley WMA, 114 acres, McLeod County.

N Thoen Lake WMA, 60 acres, Meeker County.

N Beaver Falls WMA, 80 acres, Renville County.

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15

PHOTOS BY BRENT SCHACHERER

Participants in the Paint with CROW event put the finishing touches on their “River Sunset” paintings.The event last fall sought to draw new people and new ideas to the cause of improving water quality in the Crow River Watershed.

T Painting with a purpose

Crow River Organization of Water organizes a public painting event to draw attention to the Crow River’s water quality 16

DOCKSIDE | SPRING 2016

he hues of “River Sunset” — vibrant oranges and yellows, rich blues and greens — popped off the dozen or so canvasses at The Paint Factory in downtown Hutchinson, providing idyllic portraits of nature’s beauty.

Rarely, if ever, does the Crow By Brent Schacherer PUBLISHER River appear the pristine blue splashed on those canvasses.

However, events like a Paint with CROW event last fall have helped bring attention to water quality and other issues, including the Crow River whose three forks — North, Middle and South — wind throughout Central Minnesota.

The painting class was, admittedly, a little outside the normal outreach that Crow River Organization of Water does, said Charlene Brooks, water resource specialist, whose idea it was to give Paint with CROW a try.

MAIN DECK

“

We’re working hard on engaging people in different ways.

Paint with CROW was one of those efforts.

CHARLENE BROOKS, water resource specialist for Crow River Organization of Water

And that was OK with her supervisor.

“The goal was for us to connect with people outside of the typical ways,” said Diane Sander, CROW watershed coordinator. “(Brooks) thought this might bring in some new people.”

Both Brooks and Sander were among the students in the painting class led by Tara Tepley, owner and instructor at The Paint Factory.

Participation was sparse and most of the students had organizational connections to Crow River Organization of Water, yet Brooks and Sander couldn’t really say they were disappointed. With a new event like Paint with CROW, it was anyone’s guess what the interest level might be.

Those who did attend participated fully. And that meant more than carefully applying strokes of paint to a canvas.

Prior to the class beginning, participants had the opportunity to mingle and to peruse informational literature promoting water quality issues, such as buffer law and lakescaping ideas.

Each student also received a deck of cards, which were intended as conversation starters to be used during the painting break in the planned twohour class.

With questions like “What Color is Your Water?” and topics like “Managing the Rivers Flow,” the cards and Brooks, who served as a moderator, helped participants move through a wide range of issues.

The “What Color is Your Water?” card drew a variety of responses about the color of the Crow River, ranging from brown to green to green-blue.

Bright blue? No one offered that.

That spun into a conversation about why the water of the Crow River and other rivers and lakes might be a murky brown or green rather than the idyllic blue most chose for their paint-

Charlene Brooks, water resource specialist with Crow River Organization of Water, leads a discussion of water quality and water resources during a break in the painting class. ings.

“What contributes to color?” Brooks asked the group.

Participants responded with “Algae.” “Run-off.” “Pollutants.”

Raising awareness of these issues is what Crow River Organization of Water is all about.

Founded in 1999 under a Joint Powers Agreement between the 10 counties with land in the Crow River Watershed, CROW works with local, state and federal agencies on water quality and quantity issues. A roster of projects completed includes lake/stream stabilization, native lakeshore restoration, wetland restoration, rain garden and infiltration basic and loans for septic system improvements.

In 2013 alone, CROW wrote grants totaling more than $200,000 that helped fund projects that were estimated to reduce watershed phosphorous by 7,952 pounds per year, and sediment by nearly 4,000 tons per year.

Another smaller program with big impact is CROW’s rain barrel program. Area homeowners can purchase 55-gallon barrels from CROW that are designed to capture and store roof runoff during a rainfall. The barrels help the environment and can also reduce a property owner’s water bill, as the water can be used to water flowers, irrigate lawns, or even wash their car.

CROW also has organized and promoted the annual Crow River Cleanup

SPRING 2016 | DOCKSIDE

17

MAIN DECK Jamie Johnson, an AmeriCorps member working with Minnesota Green Corps in Hutchinson during an 11-month program, gives her own flair to her “River Sunset” painting by adding the bow of a canoe in the foreground.

Johnson said she enjoyed the Paint with CROW event, both because it was a fun painting experience but also for the message it held about the importance of water resources.

each September for the past 12 years, bringing together more than 3,000 volunteers, who have removed more than 64 tons of trash from 425 miles of shoreline from the Crow River and its tributaries. Those involved in the cleanup have logged about 11,000 volunteer hours the past dozen years.

For that kind of work to continue, connecting to those who are motivated to protect the natural resource — and maybe even convert more to that way of thinking — is key.

So beyond the fun of painting and

conversation that was part of Painting with CROW, there also brainstorming to figure out the best forms of outreach.

McLeod County Commissioner Doug Krueger, who sits on the CROW board, has called for greater engagement with the public, Brooks said.

“We have been striving to go above and beyond the normal public meeting,” Brooks said. “We’re working hard on engaging people in different ways.

Paint with CROW was one of those efforts.”

Crow River Watershed facts N Portions of 10 counties make up the Crow River Watershed, including McLeod, Meeker, Renville, Wright, Kandiyohi, Sibley, Stearns, Carver, Hennepin and Pope.

N The Crow River has three forks: North, Middle and South.

N The Crow River Watershed drains a 2,725 square mile basin.

N Of the 1.8 million acres of watershed, 1.6 million are privately owned.

N Primary land use in the watershed is agriculture. However, the eastern portion of the watershed is occupied by urban development.

N The Crow River is one of the major tributaries to the Upper Mississippi River Basin, flowing into the Mississippi River near Dayton, Minnesota, approximately 25 miles NW of where the Twin Cities N The Crow River has both local and regional significance. Locally, the Crow River provides opportunities for wildlife habitat and recreation. In Meeker County, the North Fork of the Crow River is designated as Wild and Scenic, and the entire North Fork of Crow River is designated as a canoe route. Regionally the Crow River is important because it feeds into the Mississippi River. The confluence of the Crow River and the Mississippi River is located approximately 25 miles northwest of where the Twin Cities draws its drinking water.

N For more information, call CROW at 763-682-1933, ext. 3 or go online to the website, crowriver.org

>> What is CROW? Crow River Organization of Water was founded in 1999 as a result of a heightened interest in the Crow River. A Joint Powers Agreement has been signed between all 10 counties with land in the Crow River Watershed.The CROW Joint Powers Board includes one representative from each of the county boards who signed the agreement.

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WATERWAYS

Boaters should be prepared before launching a boat

E

ven though Minnesota’s fishing opener, May 14, lands on the weekend after Mother’s Day this year, moms will want their anglers of all ages to follow boating rules when fishing.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds boaters to inspect their boats and boating equipment before launching their boat and review regulations, which can be found in the 2016 Minnesota Boating Guide at www.mndnr.gov/regulations/boatwater.

With lakes and streams open, boaters are eager to get on the water and enjoy the boating season, said Debbie Munson Badini, boat and water safety education coordinator with the Department of Natural Resources. “The best time to make sure boats, equipment, and safety items are in legal and proper working order is before your first launch of the season.”

Before the first launch, boaters should verify their motorboats are equipped with the following: N U.S. Coast Guard-approved wearable life jackets for each person on board.

N A Type IV throwable flotation device on boats 16 feet or longer.

N A horn or a whistle.

N Type B, U.S. Coast Guard-approved fire extinguisher.

N Navigation lights in working order.

N Valid boat registration, with numbers visible.

Watercraft can be registered in person at any deputy registrar of motor vehicles or at the DNR License Center in St. Paul. Registrations are good for three calendar years.

Renewals can be done in person, or online at www.mndnr.gov/licenses.

In addition to making sure boats are equipped with all

While children younger than 10 years old must wear life jackets while aboard watercraft when underway, boat and water safety officials recommend all boaters wear life jackets anytime they are on cold water, no matter their age. required safety items, it’s important to take extra precautions during the cold water season when more than 30 percent of Minnesota’s boating fatalities take place.

While children younger than 10 years old must wear life jackets while aboard watercraft when underway (i.e., not tied to a dock or anchored for swimming), boat and water safety officials recommend that all boaters wear life jackets anytime they are on cold water, no matter their age.

“Wearing a life jacket is an imperative part of staying safe on the water during the spring months when the water is extremely cold,” Munson Badini said.

10 fun fishing facts for Minnesota 4.

8.

1.

5.

9.

2.

6.

10.

7.

3.

In preparation for the 2016 fishing opener, which is Saturday, May 14, here are some Minnesota fishing facts:

The most sought-after fish species, in order of preference, are crappie, panfish, walleye and northern pike.

Most resident anglers — 855,000 of them, in fact — are from urban areas. The remaining 474,000 resident anglers live in Greater Minnesota.

Minnesota ranks second in resident fishing participation at 32 percent, second only to Alaska.

Men account for 66 percent of resident anglers. Women account for 34 percent.

There are 18,000 miles of fishable rivers and streams, including 3,800 miles of trout streams. Significantly more time is spent fishing on lakes than in rivers and streams.

Minnesota is the third most-popular inland fishing destination in the country.

Although not every kind of fish lives everywhere, 162 species of fish can be found in Minnesota waters.

Minnesota ranks sixth among states with the highest number of anglers.

The top three states are Florida, Texas and Michigan.

The average Minnesota angler spends 15 days fishing each year, with 84 percent of resident anglers never fishing anywhere else but in Minnesota.

Minnesota has 11,842 lakes, 5,400 of which are managed by DNR Fisheries.

20

DOCKSIDE | SPRING 2016

Source: 2011 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (www.census.gov)

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A journey made possible with the help of others Rudy Goldstein attempted a voyage in 2010 similar to a trek two Minnesotans made in 1930

By Doug Hanneman and Kay Johnson CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

I

FILE PHOTO

In 2010, Rudy Goldstein, a Hutchinson High School graduate, attempted to replicate the journey described in the book, “Canoeing with the Cree,” by Eric Sevareid. Sevareid and Walter Port used an 18-foot canoe to paddle and portage 2,250 miles from Minneapolis to Hudson Bay. Goldstein talked about his adventures during a presentation in March at the McLeod County Historical Society & Museum.

22

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t was a passing comment from a friend that inspired Rudy Goldstein’s quest to follow in the steps of two trailblazing Minnesotans.

In 1930, Eric Sevareid, 17, and Walter Port, 19, used an 18-foot secondhand canoe to paddle and portage 2,250 miles from Minneapolis to Hudson Bay. Their pioneering journey is commemorated in Sevareid’s classic adventure tale, “Canoeing with the Cree.”

In 2010, Goldstein, a 2005 Hutchinson High School graduate, attempted to replicate the journey described in the book.

The quest was as much an opportunity for selfdiscovery as it was to build awareness of conservation issues in Minnesota.

“I want people to realize how interconnected our water systems are,” Goldstein said at the time. “My parents’ backyard is a waterway connected to Hudson Bay, more than 2,000 miles away. Our actions or inactions affect not only our own lakes and streams, but every lake and stream they are connected to.”

He spoke about his adventure during a presentation in March at the McLeod County Historical Society & Museum. His talk was the second program featuring “Canoeing with the Cree,” which is the Heart of Hutch’s 2016 reading selection for its One Book, One Community project.

Like Sevareid and Port who contacted the Minneapolis Star for sponsorship, Goldstein called Hutchinson Leader Editor Doug Hanneman.

Hanneman was intrigued by the young man’s quest, so an arrangement was made for the kayak-

WATERWAYS er to send periodic updates of his trip from along the way.

In “Canoeing with the Cree,” Sevareid writes about the journey he and Port made during the summer of 1930.

“So I had proof this was possible,” Goldstein said.

Goldstein’s timetable was three months. His goal was 30 miles per day, which factored in a couple of extra weeks for the unexpected.

His route started on the South Fork of the Crow River and progressed to the Mississippi River, the Minnesota, the Red River of the North, Lake Winnipeg, the Echimamish River, God’s River and then to York Factory, where Sevareid and Port ended their trip. It was Goldstein’s goal to press on for another 200 miles to end his trip at Churchill, Manitoba.

Goldstein’s goal, described in dispatches he sent to the Leader during his adventure, was to reach Canada’s Hudson Bay by kayak.

Departing from his parents’ backyard on Otter Lake in Hutchinson, Goldstein launched his 12foot kayak “Dirty Gondola,” on April 25, 2010, and paddled 2,300 miles over 104 days.

But he didn’t make it to northern Canada.

While on Lake Winnipeg, he learned it would be more difficult than previously thought to return from Hudson Bay. So he charted a new route, to Lake Superior via the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, and then through Wisconsin via the Brule and St. Croix rivers. By August, he had reached the Mississippi River and was paddling upstream through the Twin Cities.

“The hardest part of the trip was paddling back up the Crow River,” he said.

His trip was marked by highs and lows. While paddling the winding, muddy Red River along the Minnesota-North Dakota border, he found the travel slow going.

“I was worrying about finding a dry place to sleep at night,” he recalled.

When Goldstein returned from his kayak

adventure, he headed to to the University of Kansas to begin a new quest: a five-year cognitive psychology doctoral program. Goldstein completed it in the summer of 2015, earning a master’s degree and a doctorate degree in psychology.

This past fall, he began working as an assistant professor of psychology at Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin.

True to his roots, Goldstein is enjoying the outdoor opportunities offered on the south shore of Lake Superior.

The best part of his trip, he said during his presentation, was getting to know strangers.

Early in his trip, he spent two days in St. Peter after making new friends with people he met there.

Since then, he has offered his couch to about 50 adventurers also needing a place to stay overnight.

“The kindness of strangers,” he said, “totally changed my worldview.”

Rudy Goldstein, left, talks about his 2010 voyage during a presentation in March. His talk was the second program featuring “Canoeing with the Cree,” which is the 2016 reading selection for Hutchinson’s One Book, One Community project.

PHOTO BY DOUG HANNEMAN

Doug Hanneman is editor of the Hutchinson Leader, and Kay Johnson is a staff writer at the Leader.

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VANTAGE POINT

Collaboration is key to improving water quality in Minnesota Minnesota Corn Growers Association supports innovative research that seeks solutions to water quality problems

By Noah Hultgren

I

’d like to take this opportunity to highlight a few of the farmer-driven efforts to improve our state’s water quality.

I’ll be the first to admit that as farmers, we haven’t done a very good job talking about our conservation efforts. That needs to change. Today’s consumers not only care about where their food comes from, they care about the practices used by the farmers who grow it.

On a personal level, I use several common conservation practices also used on most Minnesota farms. These include grass waterways to reduce soil erosion and buffer strips to keep nitrogen fertilizer and other nutrients that could run off my fields during heavy rains from entering nearby waterways.

By implementing these practices, I’m helping protect water quality in the community where I not only operate our farm, but also raise a family. Furthermore, inputs like nitrogen fertilizer are expensive. I want any fertilizer I apply to be used by the plant, not washed away into the ditch.

On a larger scale, I’m proud to address agriculture and water quality through my role as president of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association. Together with the Minnesota Corn Research & Promotion Council, MCGA supports innovative research through institutions like the University of Minnesota that seek solutions to water quality problems.

Corn farmer-funded research also helps

24

DOCKSIDE | SPRING 2016

farmers better manage their use of nutrients and improve our soils.

Through Minnesota’s corn check-off — a voluntary 1-cent “fee” paid by farmers on every bushel of corn sold to market — corn farmers support about $4 million in research projects and initiatives that address water quality, soil health and other conservation issues. The corn checkoff also supports faculty positions at the University of Minnesota that focus on farming and water quality. Other commodity check-offs support similar efforts.

I’m sharing my perspective not to boast, but to ensure that the voice of the farmer is heard in the ongoing discussion of agriculture and water quality. Too often, farmers’ voices fail to rise above the racket of political rhetoric and finger-pointing.

I’ve talked a lot about farmer-led efforts to address water quality, but I’ll be the first to admit that farmers are not perfect.

When it comes to water quality, we can do better, and we’re working every day to improve.

Speaking of improvement, a recent report from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency showed reductions in five of seven pollutants found in Minnesota waterways over a 30-year span. As a farmer, I work every day to increase my knowledge of good farming practices, take advantage of technological advancements and use the latest research to become a better steward of land, soil and water resources.

I know there are plenty of non-farmers out there doing the same. Yes, we might disagree on a few things, but we all share the same goal: improving water quality in Minnesota.

Minnesotans are sick of political rhetoric and name-calling. They want to see people working cooperatively and thoughtfully to achieve real-world solutions.

Improving our state’s water quality might seem like a daunting task, but we’re making progress and on track to make further improvements.

Noah Hultgren is a family farmer in Raymond, Minn., and serves as president of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association.

“

Improving our state’s water quality might seem like a daunting task, but we’re making progress and on track to make further improvements.

NOAH HULTGREN

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IN THE GALLEY Southwestern Smoky Ranchero Burger with Grilled Avocado Lime Mayonnaise: 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 package McCormick Grill Mates Smoky Ranchero Marinade, divided

halve and seed avocados. Carefully remove peel, leaving each half intact. Lightly season with salt and pepper. Mix cheese and tomato. Set aside. For burgers, mix ground beef and remaining marinade mix until Stuffed Avocado: well blended. Shape into 4 patties.

2 ripe avocados Grill over medium heat 4-6 minutes 1/4 cup crumbled Cotija cheese per side or until burgers are cooked 1/4 cup diced tomato through (internal temperature of 160ºF). Grill avocado halves, cutBurgers: sides down, 30 seconds. Turn over 1 pound 80 percent lean ground avocados. Place 2 tablespoons of beef cheese mixture into each avocado 4 kaiser rolls half. Drizzle with hot sauce, if 1 small red onion, thinly sliced desired. Grill 4-5 minutes. Toast rolls on grill, open-side down, about SOURCE: WWW.CULINARY.NET/ 30 seconds. Serve burgers on rolls MCCORMICK & COMPANY, INC. For lime mayonnaise, mix mayontopped with stuffed avocados and naise, lime juice and 1 teaspoon of onion slices. Press roll gently to the marinade mix in small bowl until well blended. Cover. smash stuffed avocado. Serve with lime mayonnaise.

Refrigerate until ready to serve. For stuffed avocado, Serves four.

Smoky Deviled Eggs 6 hard-cooked eggs, peeled 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Mustard, Ground 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Paprika, Smoked 1/4 teaspoon Lawry’s Seasoned Salt 2 slices bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled Slice eggs in half lengthwise.

Remove yolks; place in small bowl. Mash yolks with fork or potato masher. Stir in mayonnaise, mustard, smoked paprika and seaSOURCE: WWW.CULINARY.NET/ soned salt until MCCORMICK smooth and creamy. Spoon or pipe yolk mixture into egg white halves.

Sprinkle with crumbled bacon. Refrigerate 1 hour or until ready to serve. Serves six.

Tip: Deviled eggs are a snap to customize once you create the base of egg yolks, mayonnaise and ground mustard. Try adding chili powder, red pepper and cumin for a Southwest variation or dill weed and parsley for a Dill Mustard version.

26

DOCKSIDE | SPRING 2016

Italian Herb Corn & Rice Zucchini Boats 4 medium zucchini 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 clove garlic, minced 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 package (12 ounces) Alexia Italian Herb Corn with Sundried Tomatoes 3/4 cup cooked white basmati rice (or quinoa for added protein and fiber) 1 cup shredded partskim mozzarella cheese 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, optional SOURCE: WWW.CULINARY.NET/ALEXIA FOODS

Preheat oven to 425.

Cut zucchini in half lengthwise. Using melon baller or spoon, scoop out zucchini flesh, leaving about 1/4-inch border. Brush zucchini halves with oil.

Sprinkle with garlic, salt and pepper. Place zucchini on parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake 13–15 minutes or until tender. Meanwhile, prepare corn according to package directions.

Toss corn with rice and cheeses. Spoon mixture evenly into zucchini halves. Return to oven. Bake 8–10 minutes more or until filling is hot. Place zucchini under broiler for golden brown top.

Sprinkle with parsley, if desired. Serves four (two halves each).

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

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

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

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

Greater Lake Sylvia Association • Website: www.lakesylvia.org

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

Improvement Association Lake Ripley Improvement Association • Facebook: Lake Ripley Improvement Association Lake Stella Homeowners Association • Website: www.lakestella.com • Facebook: Lake Stella Association Lake Washington Improvement Association • Website: www.lakewashingtonassn.com • Facebook: Lake Washington Improvement Association Koronis Lake Association • Website: http://koronislakeassociation.org North Browns Lake Association • Website: www.northbrownslake.org

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PHOTO BY JULIANA THILL

Anglers spend a spring afternoon fishing near the shore of Lake Minnie Belle.

Area lakes and rivers offer opportunities Whether people want to go boating or fishing, swimming or shoreline camping, area lakes and rivers offer a range of opportunities

Allie Allie is four miles north of the city of Buffalo Lake. A county park with fishing pier and campsites is on the west shore. A concrete DNR boat access ramp is on the south shore. Oakdale Golf Club is on the north shore.

Arville (Arvilla) Lake Arville is five miles north of Dassel and offers a DNR concrete boat access ramp and dock on the north shore.

Belle Seven miles north of Hutchinson, Belle offers Piepenberg Park with a fishing pier, camp sites, fishing pond, county-owned concrete boat access ramp on the southeast

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shore and a DNR concrete boat access ramp on the east shore.

Big Swan About three miles north of Dassel and south of Kingston, Big Swan offers public access at the DNR concrete ramp found along the north shore.

Brooks This small, shallow lake located within the city limits of Cokato has a boat ramp, fishing pier, playground and park on its east side.

Clear Found between Forest City and Watkins, Clear Lake offers a county park on the southeast shore with a fishing pier and concrete plank boat ramp. A second DNR boat access on the north shore has a parking area and concrete plank ramp.

Cokato This lake is two miles north of Cokato and has a DNR concrete boat access ramp.

Collinwood Three miles southwest of Cokato, Collinwood Lake offers a 308-acre regional

park with 49-unit campground with electricity, showers, five miles of trails, boat ramp, fishing pier and swimming beach on the east shore. A DNR concrete ramp is also available on the south shore.

Dunns/Richardson Two miles northeast of Litchfield, Dunns Lake offers a concrete boat access ramp on the north shore. Richardson Lake offers an aquatic management area on the southeast side for shore and wader fishing and a concrete boat access ramp on the southwest shore.

East Lake Sylvia This is a popular lake, along with West Lake Sylvia, for boating and fishing.

Erie Four miles south of Darwin, Erie is an excellent quality lake with deep spots and shallow bays. It offers a DNR concrete boat access ramp on the south shore.

Francis Two miles northeast of Kingston, Lake Francis offers a county-owned gravel public access on the southwest shore.

SHIP’S LOG French

Marion

Three miles southwest of Annandale, this lake offers a public access on the northwest shore.

Three miles north of Brownton, Lake Marion has a large county park on the east shore, with fishing pier, large concrete boat access ramp, campsites, trails and beach.

Greenleaf One mile east of Greenleaf, the lake offers a DNR ramp on the southwest shore and fishing pier at the public access.

Hook Four miles northeast of Hutchinson, Hook offers a DNR concrete plank ramp and parking area on the east shore.

Jennie Four miles south of Dassel, Lake Jennie offers paved access with two ramps on the southwest shore.A fishing pier was moved to the landing from an aquatic management area on the south shore. Shore fishing is possible from a path and benches near the landing.

Koronis Just south of Paynesville, this large lake in northern Meeker and southern Stearns counties has five boat accesses.Tri-county regional park on the south shore offers a concrete ramp. The DNR has two concrete ramps on the east and north shores. A county ramp is on the west shore.A city ramp is on the east shore.

Little Mud About three miles south of Watkins, Little Mud Lake has a public access on the west shore of this small lake.

Long (Grove City) Three miles southeast of Grove City, Long Lake has a concrete boat access ramp on the northwest shore.

Long/Spring (Dassel) Two miles northeast of Dassel, Long and Spring lakes offer boat access ramps in a county park on the north side of Spring Lake and south shore of Long lake. The 13-acre county park has picnic shelters and fishing dock.

Manuella Four miles southwest of Darwin, Lake Manuella offers a DNR concrete boat ramp on the east shore of the lake, and a county park with a swimming beach, bathrooms, changing houses and picnic shelter.

North Browns Lake North Browns Lake is four miles north of Eden Valley.A DNR ramp and public access is on the northeast shore.

west shore is available through a resort, a gravel access on the east shore, a DNR concrete landing on the south shore and a county culvert to Lake Washington on the east shore.

Swan One mile northwest of the city of Silver Lake, Swan Lake has two public accesses. A county concrete plank ramp is on the north shore of the lake and a DNR cement plank ramp is on the southeast shore.

North Twin/South Twin

Thompson

North and South Twin Lakes are located two miles northwest of Buffalo and were possibly connected once.

One mile west of Cosmos,Thompson Lake offers a county gravel boat access on the southeast shore and a DNR concrete plank ramp on the south shore. Water aerating is done to prevent winterkill.

Minnie Belle Five miles south of Litchfield, Lake Minnie Belle offers two public accesses. A countyowned earthen ramp is on the west shore. A DNR concrete ramp is on the northeast shore. An aquatic management area with fishing pier and nature trail is on the north shore.

Ripley Located in Litchfield, Lake Ripley offers a public boat landing and park and beach on the southeast shore.

Round Two miles south of Litchfield, Round Lake offers a DNR concrete boat access ramp on the west shore.

Silver Located in the city of Silver Lake, the public boat access is on the west shore of the lake in a sportsman park.

Stahls Four miles north of Hutchinson, this lake offers a county-owned boat access ramp in a county park on the southeast shore of the lake. Shore fishing benches along a channel inlet are available.

Star Four miles southwest of Litchfield, Star Lake offers a DNR concrete boat access ramp on the southeast shore. Its contour features many points and bays.

Stella Two miles southwest of Darwin, Lake Stella has four accesses: a fee access on the south-

Washington Two miles south of Darwin, Lake Washington offers a small DNR landing on the east shore of the lake, a larger DNR concrete ramp at Ellsworth Landing on the south shore and a county culvert on the west shore of the lake leading to Lake Stella.

Willie Five miles south of Litchfield, Lake Willie offers a DNR concrete boat access ramp on the west shore.A fishing pier is near the boat landing.

Wolf Four miles southeast of Dassel, Wolf Lake offers a DNR concrete ramp on the south shore.

South Fork Crow River (Otter and Campbell lakes) Two reservoir lakes behind the dam in the city of Hutchinson are known as Otter (to the south) and Campbell (to the north). A city-owned concrete boat access ramp in West River Park is along the north shore of the river. The park offers camping, the Luce Line State Trail and the Gopher Campfire Wildlife Sanctuary. A second boat access at Roberts Park is on the south shoreline. It is next to a picnic area, softball fields and paths.

Lake information was obtained from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The DNR website provides more information on each lake at www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind.

SPRING 2016 | DOCKSIDE

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SHIP’S LOG Litchfield High School Jazz Band performs a free concert on the deck overlooking Lake Ripley each spring. The jazz band is scheduled to perform at 7 p.m.

May 27. The deck faces U.S. Highway 12 East in Memorial Park.

PHOTO BY JULIANA THILL

Calendar of lake association events, meetings April Lake Marion Improvement Association meets at 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday in January, April, June and August at the Brownton Rod and Gun Club, County Road 87 at the south bay of the lake.

Lake Washington Improvement Association meets at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month 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, 8209 County Road 3 NW, Annandale.

Lake Stella Homeowners Association meets at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at Litchfield American Legion.

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 Jennie Improvement Association meets the third Saturday of each month, except November and December. Contact a board member for time and location of each meeting.

North Browns Lake Association meets at 9 a.m. on the third Saturday of the month, April through September.

Gopher Campfire Conservation Club usually has its annual Blue Bird Day from noon to 3 p.m. on the first Saturday of April.

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DOCKSIDE | SPRING 2016

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.

Bonfire Bar & Grille, 16818 Minnesota 22, Litchfield.

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 each meeting.

North Browns Lake Association meets at 9 a.m. the third Saturday of the month, from April through September.

May

June

Big Swan Lake Improvement Association’s annual meeting will be the first Saturday in May at the Kingston Community Center.

Lake Washington Improvement Association annual meeting is the first Saturday in May. Social hour is at 5 p.m., with free porkchop dinner at 6 p.m., and the meeting to follow.

Belle Lake Association meets at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at Bonfire.

French Lake Improvement Association meets at 9 a.m. in May/June, July and August at French Lake Township Hall.

Greater Lake Sylvia Association meets at 9 a.m. the second Saturday of each month at Southside Township Hall, 8209 County Road 3 NW. Lake Stella Homeowners Association meets at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at Litchfield American Legion.

Lake Minnie Belle Improvement Association meets at 7:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month at

Lake Marion Improvement Association meets at 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday at Brownton Rod and Gun Club.

Lake Washington Improvement Association meets at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month at Dassel Rod and Gun Club.

Belle Lake Association meets at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at Bonfire.

French Lake Improvement Association meets at 9 a.m. June 11, July 16, and Aug. 20 at French Lake Township Hall, at the intersection of county roads 3 and 37.

Lake Francis Area Recreation and Conservation Club annual member meeting is June 25.

North Browns Lake Association meets at 9 a.m. June 18 at Eden Valley Civic Center for the annual membership meeting.

Lake Jennie Improvement Association annual picnic is in June.

Collinwood Community Lake Association annual picnic is in June.

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