Press Publications 4779 Bloom Avenue White Bear Lake, MN 55110
PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 9 CIRCLE PINES, MN
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
743736
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 2022 VOL. 126 NO. 38 www.whitebearpress.com $1.00
REGATTA: Watch a sailing competition this weekend PAGE 8
Sunny day perfect for stalking weed
Award winner in action
Like he does every year, aquatic ecologist Steve McComas surveyed White Bear Lake for invasive Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM). The unwelcome weed was present, he said, but not at the highest levels he’s seen, or the lowest. Tools for searching involve a rake, a depth finder and a good eye. Once it’s found, McComas pinpoints the coordinates on a map for the lake management company that treats the milfoil with herbicide. Typically, EWM is found at depths of 12 to 13 feet in White Bear Lake. “There might be some growth at 15 feet, but it never reaches
PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Sue Ahlcrona and Denny Trooien gracefully cruise across the surface of White Bear Lake in a 1937 Hackercraft Triple Cockpit – “Bootlegger.” The vintage craft received the People’s Choice award during the recent 15th annual White Bear Lake Classic and Vintage Boat Show. See a complete list of winners on page 5. Find more photos and a video online at presspubs.com
the surface,” McComas said. “We don’t usually let it get within 4 feet of the surface for navigation and recreation purposes.” The annual treatment program makes the water clear sailing for boaters. Sailors, especially, are aware of EWM, which can be a major drag on race day if left unchecked. Such was the case when lake levels were low and sailboats couldn’t maneuver through the patches of milfoil. “When the lake was down 3 to 4 feet and sunlight was getting through, that stuff was ripping,” said McComas, who owns St. SEE UNWELCOME WEED, PAGE 11
Protecting lake elevation tall order for DNR BY DEBRA NEUTKENS STAFF WRITER
Long term, a protected elevation of 922 feet for White Bear Lake might be tough to maintain. Department of Natural Resources managers shared predictions regarding elevation with members of the North and East Metro Groundwater Management Area advisory committee. The group was established nine years ago when the lake hit historic lows and the department was sued for allowing too much pumping from the aquifer under White Bear Lake. “A lot has been done since then,” observed Jason Moeckel, DNR manager of inventory, monitoring and analysis section. “We’ve been poking and prodding on the technical side. The courts and Legislature have been poking and prodding on the statutory side. How do we deal with issues long-term, like water supply? What are the challenges? There is uncertainty.” The DNR is working on setting a collective annual withdrawal for the lake, per the 2017 Court Order, which will impact municipal water appropriation permits within five miles. A groundwater model created in 2017 helps predict impacts on lake level at differing levels of per capita use. As reported earlier, the model concluded that an annual withdrawal limit of 314 million gallons would maintain the lake above the protected elevation of 922 feet using current census data.
The DNR determined there would be only enough water for household use at that withdrawal limit — 55 gallons per capita per day. All other uses would be cancelled, including water for hospitals, schools, government buildings and commercial use. Of course, that’s not going to happen. The DNR got clarification from the District Court judge that nothing in the order was intended to limit domestic water use to 55 gallons. The court also clarified that the 75/90 per capita goal and residential irrigation ban (below 923.5 feet) was only intended for municipal permit holders. “That puts the DNR in a pickle,” said Randall Doneen, manager of conservation and assistance. “We have a lot of uncertainty as to how to implement collective annual withdrawal CONTRIBUTED limit. We’re not supposed to go to 55 gallons.” Top 14 influencers on White Bear Lake 2021 Yet, the DNR has an obligation to maintain ago – 5.5 million vs. 7.5 million gallons, Moeckel told the lake above 922 feet, Doneen pointed out. “Failure the committee. to comply could leave the DNR subject to sanctions of “If people were using that amount of water then (5.5 $1,000 per day, per the Court.” million gallons), lake levels wouldn’t have gone as Without relief or clarification from the Court, or other resolution identified, the DNR will not be able to low.” The bad news is the model shows under all authorize any additional water use within 5 miles of scenarios, whether 75 or 90 gallons per capita per the lake, Doneen said. The good news is communities within 5 miles of the lake are using less water now than they did 30 years SEE LAKE ELEVATION, PAGE 11
STOP & SAVE
On Sale Now BEST OF THE PRESS
UP TO
BEST OF THE PRESS
THE BEST SERVICE • SELECTION • VALUE
see store for details
Temporary Hours: 7:30am - 5pm M-F • 7:30am - 2pm Sat • GPMINNESOTAWHOLESALE.COM
NEWS 651-407-1230 whitebearnews@presspubs.com
ADVERTISING 651-407-1200 marketing@presspubs.com
OIL, FILTER, LUBE, 4 TIRE ROTATION
2499
$ 743542
3955 Highway 61, White Bear Lake, MN (651) 426-4518
To Protect our Customers and Staff we are following all safety procedures.
CIRCULATION 651-407-1234 circ@presspubs.com
See store for details + 2.00 shop supplies/2.00 waste oil filter disposal. Oil filter: up to 5 qts. of SW30. Rotate 4 tires. Check air pressure. 20 pt. Safety Inspection. Must Have Coupon. Exp. 7/31/22
Offer Excludes
44 $ 99 79 $
CLASSIFIED 651-407-1250 classified@presspubs.com
99
Full Syn Ams Oil
Wheel & Tire purchase
$10000
OFF
ASE Certified Mechanics • Alignment
$1000
OFF
• Select Batteries Napa & Interstate
UP TO
• Brakes $6000 See store for details
OFF
PRODUCTION 651-407-1239 artmanager@presspubs.com
Expires 7/31/22
Find the latest about our events, programs, services, and news online! Nrhiav cov ntaub ntawv hloov kho tshiab tshaj plaws txog peb cov koom txoos, cov khoos kas, cov kev pab cuam, thiab cov xov xwm nyob hauv online! Kuhel wixi ugu danbeeyey ee kusaabsan dhacdooyinkeena, barnaamijyadeena, adeegyadeena iyo wararkeena onlayn ahaan! ¡Encuentra las últimas novedades sobre nuestros eventos, programas, servicios y noticias en línea!
cityvadnaisheights.com
Facebook.com/CityVH
twi9er.com/Vadnais_Heights