ALWA Identity Statement: Concerned citizens using civic governance as an approach to policy making that produces the sustainable civic infrastructure needed to govern for the common good.

ALWA Purpose Statement: To develop the civic imagination and organize the civic capacity and infrastructure needed to partner with local government and restore the waters of Ann Lake to the MPCA standards for nutrients and to protect and preserve the water quality of the Ann Lake watershed.

Civic Standards:

1. All those impacted by the problem are stakeholders and help define the problem in light of civic principles and the realities of their situation.
2. All stakeholders are accountable for contributing resources (leadership/time, knowledge, constituencies and dollars) to solve the problem.
3. All stakeholders are engaged in decision-making and policy-making that contributes to the common good.
4. All stakeholders implement policies grounded in civic principles in the places where they have the authority to act.

The following people were present: (10) Tracy Hass, Linda Knosalla, David Knosalla, Rich Anderson, Walt Smith, Sharon Smith, Ray Penwarden, Ken Kern, Deanna Kern, Margot Kohl

Sharon started the meeting at 10:03

Today’s Meeting Agenda:  The topics of roadside cleanup, Secchi disc, Nanobubbles were added to the agenda and there were no changes to the outcomes of the last meeting.

Treasurer’s Report:   Ray presented the treasurer’s report.

Correspondence:  Rich shared information from the Conservation MN Fall Newsletter about MN Lottery proceeds that comes up for vote every 12 years and is up for vote this year.  The newsletter encourages us to vote to support the continuation of Lottery proceeds going towards Minnesota environmental conservation.   Sharon received an email back from Division of Fish and Wildlife about the worms found in fish caught in Ann Lake this past summer and forwarded it via email.  A copy of the email is attached/included.

Civic Organizing: Sharon said she attended the October Ann Lake Township meeting and learned that they have done the plowing mileage.  She asked about the possibility of ALWA holding monthly meetings in Ann Lake Town Hall, but they didn’t have an answer about this yet.  The next township meeting will take place Nov 4, at 7:00 pm.  ALWA members discussed other potential sites for monthly meetings such as:  Ogilvie Town Hall, Ogilvie School, McBees, the basement of the Mora Library, Freddies, the Crystal, etc. 

Fall Bingo and the Ice Fishing Contest:  Sharon reminded the group that as a 501c3 organization we are tasked with holding 1-2 social events per year but due to the Firepit being unexpectedly closed, the group discussed postponing and rethinking how we could hold events such as Fall Bingo and the Ice Fishing contest.

Water Clarity of Lake Minnie Belle:  Sharon looked into the topic Roy brought up during the last meeting: of how Lake Minnie Belle went from swamp to clear during the summer of 2024 and found it was due to several factors:  a step-down water filtering process used by surrounding farmers and zebra mussels (invasive species) were found in the water (which also clarifies the water).  www.lakeminniebelle.org  then click on 2024 Summer Newsletter

Nanobubbles:  Sharon and Walt attended the meeting at Lake Pokegema about Nanobubbles and said:  It looks promising but is costly.  They were impressed with the potential to clean up the water and learned, even a homeowner could purchase a smaller model to install on their shoreline.  If you’d like to check out the information, here’s a link: www.moleaer.com > moleaer >nanobubbles 

Water Sampling:  Walt put together a report with results that reflect the past 5 years data (2019-2024) and it reflects increasing phosphorus, declining water quality.   Check the attachment or click here for more information. www.rmbel.com/lakesmonitoringmain

New Business, Secchi Disc information: Tracy Hass shared the Secchi Disc water clarity information Tony collected in 2024 and sent to the MPCA, that reflected:  in spring the clarity distance was 3 feet and now the distance is 1.5 feet.   Discussion occurred and floating bogs were also mentioned.  

https://webapp.pca.state.mn.us/vmp/stations?wuType=Lake&cmpStationId=33004000

Good to the Order: Dan and Mary have allowed us to store ALWA property in the Firepit Bar and it was recently cleaned out.  Some of the stuff will go up to the ALWA shed to be stored.   Sharon brought ALWA cookbooks to share with the meeting attendees from about 15 years ago.  (see Sharon if you would like a cookbook).  Ray suggested the group send Dan and Mary a letter of appreciation for all the help over the years and the group supported the idea.     

OLD Business:  Rich shared news that the Highway 47, roadside cleanup paperwork and approvals were obtained and accomplished for the new 2-year contract with Ogilvie Schools, OWN IT Group.  He said the ditches are mowed, he has picked up the bags and is in the process of obtaining the vests for the group.  They plan to do the work on October 20^thand called for other volunteers to cleanup other adjacent roads like Ann Lake Rd, etc.  He said they could place filled bags at Olson’s Lot on Highway 47 to be collected after the 20^th.  The proposal was made, and the group voted to increase the payment to the OWN IT group from $100-125.  

50 cent Drawing:  was won by Sharon.

25 Dollar Incentive Drawing:  Would have been won by Bonnie Berg but she was not in attendance. 

Don’t forget to check out the website:   https://annlakewatershedalliance.org 

We look forward to seeing you again at the next meeting on November 9, 2024 – 10 am at Sharon and Walts house. 

Please take note, due to the closing of the Firepit, the November 9^th meeting will take place at Sharon and Walts, at: 1440 – 216^th Ave, Ogilvie, MN 56358?

ALWA Dues (January through December each year)

$15.00 per individual per year

$25.00 per couple/family per year

$100 individual lifetime membership