10.6. SR 05-06-2019 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Lake Orono Improvement Association Orono Lake Improvement District Application dredging approximately 130,000 cubic yards of sedimentation impairments and reuse the good soil. Further, establish a plan to maintain its sediment catch basin, fisheries and habitat. *Though the City of Elk River will not be an OLID member, it owns various lake properties. As was the case with our previous dredging project in 1998, the City will be assessed 26 units in total at a currently estimated cost of $99,486. 2. Curly-leaf pondweed (CLP) has been present in Lake Orono since 2003, and when unmanaged chokes out native vegetation and is a nuisance to safe navigation and lake users. We propose expanding CLP remediation to all infested public and private areas lake-wide (approx. 85 acres of 300 acres) through herbicide treatment (which can be done in up to 15% of the littoral area) and either adding mechanical harvesting (which can be done in up to 50% of the littoral area) or working with the MN DNR to ensure that all requirements for a permit with a variance are met. However, a substantial area in western Upper Lake Orono that causes the current need to exceed the standard 15% herbicide treatment limits could likely successfully be addressed through the drawdown and freeze that would occur as part of the LORE project. Related, the LOWQC has appreciated the ongoing support and guidance from MN DNR staff in permitting within standard 15% treatment requirements for both aquatic invasive species and aquatic plant management in public waters and on private lakeshores the last few years. The herbicide treatments have proved to be effective and far more practical than CLP hand-pulling, which prior to treatments was the only available course of action to address these concerns. 3. Lake Orono was placed on the State of Minnesota Impaired Waterbodies List in 2009 for mercury contamination in fish and again in 2011 for excessive nutrients / eutrophication. Annual lake testing data that we have collected since 2003 clearly demonstrates a discrepancy in water quality between Upper and Lower Lake Orono. We intend to target that issue and improve water clarity and quality in both Upper and Lower Lake Orono by further pinpointing harm sources and implement a reduction plan. The City already has been and will continue to conduct water quality sampling for tributaries that drain into Lake Orono. 4. In our 2016 Lake Orono Survey, 46% of respondents fished the lake, 94% of responders said that good fishing is of importance to them, 45% used the lake for passive activities (photography, painting, birding, gardening, enjoying view) and 53% rated scenic environment as very important. That provides evidence of strong local support of our goal to further manage fisheries, habitat and maintain or improve their quality. Please see specific action area details in the included Implementation Plan on pages 65 through 78 and itemized annual expenditures and activities on pages 79 and 80. Other lake improvement and water quality goals that may be considered in the future are as follows:  In addition to Curly-leaf pondweed, monitor and manage (if necessary) additional forms of aquatic invasive species (AIS) should they occur (e.g. Eurasian watermilfoil, zebra mussels). The OLID would then coordinate with the MN DNR to devise, adopt and carry out any additional management actions needed.  Contract additional hours for certified Level 1 AIS inspections at the public boat landing.  Conduct water quality improvement and other conservation programs.  Collaborate with the MN DNR to develop plans to address lake-wide nuisance weed and algae removal (per MN Statute 103G.621). Page 3