Lake Management Plan
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3.5 Current Projects
Current projects undertaken by the PGOLID include:
- Stream and Lake Monitoring by RMB Environmental Laboratories
- Lakes Coordinator Position
- Curly leaf pondweed treatment
- Environmental quality incentives
- Mosquito Control
- Septic System Survey
Stream and Lake Monitoring
Stream and Lake Monitoring is conducted and analyzed by RMB Environmental Laboratories in conjunction with the lake coordinator. Stream monitoring has been conducted for the last 6 years, and lake monitoring for the last 10 years. Lake and stream monitoring is important for establishing a baseline for assessing changes in environmental quality. To see stream monitoring data and results, go to Chapter 8; to see lake monitoring results, go to Chapter 9.
Lake Coordinator
At the annual PGOLID meeting in August 2005 the board recommended the lake coordinator position continue. Residents voted in favor of the recommendation and approved the position. The PGOLID is a large enough body of water to warrant such a position. Duties include such items as continual development, implementation, and maintenance of a comprehensive water plan, writing for grant funding, supplementing the current monitoring program, playing the role of an environmental educator and manager for the PGOLID, fulfilling the responsibilities set forth by state statute, and much more. Currently, Moriya Rufer is the Water Resource Coordinator. To learn more about Moriya and see educational materials and reports, click here.
Curly Leaf Pondweed Treatment
Curly leaf pondweed is an exotic aquatic plant. Due to its low density it tends to float on the surface of the water limiting boating and swimming. To reduce its nuisance to the lake a plan has been approved for the chemical treatment of the plant.
Environmental Quality Incentives
High spikes in fecal coliform from Bob Creek during high precipitation lead to the identification of a cattle operation up stream just south of Burton Lake. The Lake Coordinator, PGOLID, RMB, and Otter Tail County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) are working to begin restoration of the site. PGOLID has approved financial resources to aid in environmental restoration. If successful, EQIP could share the cost of restoration.
In the spring of 2006 the landowner was contacted by mail informing him of the additional loading occurring during heavy rain, and a request to work with PGOLID, RMB and the SWCD to explore additional conservation at no cost.
Mosquito Control
Mosquito control has been, and will continue to be an ongoing project. Mosquito control enhances summer enjoyment. Summers are short and many people enjoy being outdoors during this time. Professional Mosquito Control fogs the area from the roads highlighted in the figure below.
Septic System Survey
There are many components that influence the water quality of a lake. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) ranks septic systems as one of the top 4 influences of lake quality in the state. Systems that are installed and maintained correctly have positive effects on the environment by effectively treating waste. However, waste can escape systems that are not functioning correctly.
The current status of the septic systems on the Pelican Group Of Lakes is unknown. In order to acquire a better understanding of the status of septic systems within the improvement district, PGOLID approved funding of a special project in 2006. Funding was approved for the screening of 150 properties. Jordan Ornquist, PGOLID Lake Resource Coordinator, designed, implemented and managed the project.
A letter requesting voluntary participation was sent to all lakeshore property owners within the improvement district in June of 2006. Nearly 300 property owners responded, requesting that they be considered for the special project. 152 sites were chosen, based upon the project's goals and available funding, and property owners were notified in July. Twenty-five percent of the volunteered sites were chosen from the oldest holding tanks, 50% were chosen from the oldest septic tanks with drain fields, and 25% were chosen by a random selection of newer (10 years or less) septic tanks with drain fields.
As stated within the design of the program, each participant was given a unique ID number in order to keep personal identities and property information strictly confidential. Access to such information was limited to RMB Environmental Laboratories, Jordan Ornquist and A1 Septic. PGOLID Board members were excluded from access to the confidential property information. As initially designed, PGOLID was to receive the facts and findings of the project.
A1 Septic, a Minnesota state certified and licensed septic inspection company, was awarded the service contract to complete the septic compliance screening. On-site screening began in August and was completed on November 28 th . Results were tallied and statistical analysis was completed to identify the current status of the district's septic systems that were surveyed and their effects on Pelican, Little Pelican, Fish, and Bass lakes.
It must be stated that the inspections completed by A1 Septic were for screening purposes alone, and must not be construed as being a complete certified inspection. The septic system screenings included, but were not limited to: tank inspection and probing, soil boring (when applicable), drainfield inspection (yard seepage and drainfield ponding), proper sizing, and potential impact to the water table. General information surveys were submitted by the participants and were used to identify usage and maintenance practices.
Thorough and accurately balanced studies such as this one will begin to assist PGOLID in understanding the potential impact on the Improvement District's water resources and assist the district in making better decisions to preserve the quality of its lakes and rivers.