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: (9) Heidi Annexstad, Erik Peterson, Ray Penwarden, Margot Kohl, Walt Smith, Sharon Smith, Carl Swanson, Deanna Kern, Ken Kern

Sharon started the meeting at 10:04

Today’s Meeting Agenda: Sharon added AIS Update to the topic of New Business and January Outcomes were accepted without changes.  

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

Correspondence: Sharon talked about Jeff Forester’s recent email encouraging the public to write to Governor Tim Walz and let him know we would like to keep funding for AIS prevention to keep lakes in Minnesota clean.  This fund also covers education and staffing at boat launches.  She said he is trying to cut costs by 50% and she hopes others will take action to write to the governor to share their opinion to try to keep 100% funding.  

Civic Organization

Ann Lake Township Meeting: Sharon did not attend the February 3^rd meeting but did attend the March 3rd Ann Lake Township meeting.  Sharon said there will be an election on Tuesday March 11^th for township secretary and for one of the supervisor positions.  Following voting an annual meeting will take place to go through the budget. She said this is the meeting where people can bring proposals for donations to the township.  She said it’s best to send a written request to the township ahead of time so they can talk it over before the meeting. Examples of some donation requests include Sherriff’s deputies and senior citizen support.  The typical donation requests are usually around $300.

Bingo: The Tower Bar in Ogilvie is willing to let us hold Bingo and possible Bingo dates were discussed.  The group decided to try for the weekend of May 17-18 (weekend after opening fishing/Mother’s Day weekend) then also hold another Bingo at the end of July, possibly the weekend of July 26^th or August 2 and then a third Bingo towards the end of September (27^th or 28^th).  Walt said he would check on possible permits for these.  We would like to hold a meat raffle and a 50/50 raffle during the Bingo events. 

Scholarship Payment: ($500) was made to our awardee Lola Schwinghammer for achieving good grades.

Curly Leaf Pond Weed Treatment Grant: Walt applied for a grant again, but was not successful to get one this year, like last year.  He said he would continue to apply in the upcoming years.   He said the cost to treat this year will be $6700 and we pay 10%, Soil and Water picks up the remainder.  The permit has been obtained, and an inspection will take place in the spring. 

Check In New Business: Mary Poelman, along with Jaren Peplinski have taken over for Deanna Pomije at Soil and Water and contacted Sharon to discuss doing another TMDL (Total/Max/Daily/Load) study with a company called Stantec.   Mary heads up One Watershed, One Plan which decides how to use funds to clean up the whole watershed and they will use TMDL results to help determine costs to clean up the phosphorus in our lakes. Sharon said a previous TMDL study proved the phosphorus in Ann Lake was caused by internal load mostly.  She provided contact for Jaren Peplinski:  Jaren@kanabecswcd.org

Ken asked who to talk with to get their shoreland pond checked out to see if it was working as expected and if the water was flowing in the culvert correctly.  He was directed to contact Mary or Jaren or Paul Hoppe. 

Ray provided an update from the recent COLA meeting.  The lakes are gearing up to do their regular treatments.  He said Fish Lake did sample netting a couple of weekends ago to try to eliminate carp because they stir up the muck and there’s a market for carp.

Evaluation:   No evaluation was made but it was a lively meeting with lots of discussion. 

50 cent Drawing: Was not done.

25 Dollar Incentive Drawing: $25 would have won by Tony Hass but he wasn’t in attendance.  

The meeting was adjourned at 11:00

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

We look forward to seeing you again at the next meeting on April 12- 10 am at Ann Lake Town Hall.  1448 240th Ave, Mora, MN 55051  

https://maps.app.goo.gl/d1kfY5FLZWiiL3Fe8

ALWA Dues (January through December each year)

$15.00 per individual per year

$25.00 per couple/family per year

$100 individual lifetime membership

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

https://maps.app.goo.gl/d1kfY5FLZWiiL3Fe8

(See map below)