10.6. SR 05-06-2019 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Lake Orono Improvement Association Orono Lake Improvement District Application Proposed Water Related Management Programs to be Undertaken The primary and initial goals of the Orono Lake Improvement District is to assist in implementing a comprehensive program to alleviate current ecological stressors and recreational impairment on Lake Orono, brought about by aquatic invasive species, native plant overgrowth, algae proliferation, excess nutrients and sedimentation. Additional goals are to improve water quality, fisheries and habitat. The methods for achieving these goals included in our attached Lake Management Plan are: Lake drawdown, lake restoration through sedimentation removal and reuse, standardized plant point- intercept and pre-treatment surveys, herbicide treatments, hand-pulling of plants, signage and education. Detail for each goal area is included in a unique section of the Lake Management Plan and also in the Alternative Analysis (pages 55-64), Implementation Plan (pages 65-78) and budget sections (pages 79 and 80). Current and Projected Funding for AIS: Current and previous activities to control AIS have been funded and implemented by the LOWQC, including annual surveys, herbicide treatments for CLP, private property owner lakeshore treatments, hand-pulling, and education. CLP treatment funding sources include individual, LOIA and City of Elk River donations and Sherburne SWCD grants (funded through Minnesota’s Aquatic Invasive Species \[AIS\] Prevention Aid program, MN Statutes 477A.19). CLP has been present in Lake Orono since 2003 with hand-pulling being the only containment method available until the last two years due to budgetary constraints. At present there is no evidence of zebra mussels or other AIS in the lake, based on data from point-intercept surveys and volunteer conducted zebra mussel veligers plankton net testing conducted the last few years. The LOWQC and LOIA have determined that sustainable and predictable funding is critical and necessary to address the growing AIS problems and challenges.  Without continued herbicide treatments, survey documentation and potential mechanical harvesting CLP will be unmanaged and continue spreading.  Though laudable, individual CLP fund donations are trending down and are not sustainable.  Costs for lake vegetation management plan elements and herbicide treatments are increasing.  LOIA dues, donations and publicly available grants are not sufficient to address the growing AIS problems and challenges. Proposed Method of Financing the Orono Lake Improvement District Operations The LOIA and LOWQC recommends a variety of sources be considered in funding the operations of the proposed OLID, including an equal pay assessment on all properties within the proposed district when needed. Other funding sources such as federal and state grants or existing recurring lake management plan fund contributions will be the first choice as sources of financing programs and projects. Additional funding methods include fees to affected properties, general obligation bonds, grants (federal, state, non-profit) and other donations. In addition, existing funds through or obtained by the LOWQC partnership will continue to complement those generated by the OLID to support our Lake Management Plan. Procedures for Planning, Decision Making, Public Involvement and Program Monitoring Four public open house information and feedback sessions regarding OLID needs for establishing, purpose and procedural steps for creation have already been conducted. Organizational procedures and processes will be developed within the OLID's by-laws, and will include regular and special meetings, annual meetings, official notices, mailings and a website. Page 5