Spring has sprung along with lots of debris in the water from spring storms

A mess on our shoreline
Well, these past rains and hail have really created a mess on my shoreline this week.  It appears that the hail broke off the tops of the old brown cattails and now they are deposited on our shoreline, along with the a significant amount of the fall leaves that washed up in the spring winds.  The mess is probably 15' wide.  I think the hail storm also washed a lot of nutrients into the water with all the stripped leaves and small branches.  There is quite a bit of the green slim mixed in with it, which I hadn't seen all spring.  This is probably the worst spring for organic material on our shoreline that I have seen in 17 years.  I have never seen cattail segments before.

Interesting article on water quality
A long time friend of mine, Dick Osgood, is a retired fresh water biologist.  He helped manage lakes on the west side of town, including Minnetonka.  He also writes a blog about lake issues.  I found his latest blog entry to be very interesting.  Here's the link.

Basically, the article states that the only way to really improve the water quality of a lake is to use Alum.  Cleaning up the inflow will not clean it up in our lifetime.  Once the phosphorous is in the lake, it just keeps giving.

Speaking engagment
On Tuesday of this week, I spoke in Burnsville at the Crystal Lake Association meeting.  They have similar issues to us (Curly Leaf, lots of weeds, green water) and their current president, Greg Klaus, thought their members would be interested in hearing our story.  Their members/residents asked lots of questions and were appreciative of my visit.  It was nice to see another association taking charge of their lake.

Tonight's the night!

If you're interested in getting to know some of your neighbors, the Full Moon group, which also does the bonfire the Saturday before the Super Bowl, has their regular gathering at the north sailing bouy, which is north of the island.  If it's a nice night, you will see several pontoons tied up together well into the night.  Just bring a treat to share.  People start to gather at around dusk.

Have a great weekend,

Jim