8.1. SR 02-01-2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 2. Project Scope The OLID believes it would be appropriate for the City to use LORE funds for fish restocking since Lake Orono is a public lake and all public users would be impacted. If the City feels strongly that some of the funding should come from OLID, the board would consider that as well. The highest amount available being $2,000. However, reserving that amount for future stocking needs may be most prudent. With the higher costs and additional steps associated with the aerator, we believe restocking would be the most cost effective, beneficial and provide the most value to the lake and it’s users, per Joe Stewig’s recommendation. The DNR has offered to conduct a survey to compare how the lake is performing relative to similar lakes and determine how much restocking is needed at that time. The DNR has offered that if we forego the aeration system and that the lake takes some winterkill and/or overfishing occurs they are willing to work with the OLID to restock the lake. They would bring in their shock boat to survey the fish and assist with locating some mature bass and bluegills to stock before they spawn. The DNR provided a list of 6 Fish Distributors in the area and contact was made with 5 to estimate restocking costs, all sources were similar in costs. Ron Rademacher was one of the recommended fish distributors and previously provided stocking to Orono Lake after the last dredge. His previous knowledge and understanding of the lake ecosystem was beneficial when discussing the plan to restock. Per Ron, the cost to restock the lake would be approximately $5,000 based on the 1998 restocking costs. A major fish kill of 75% or more would increase the cost to $7,000 however this may be lower depending on availability of fish from the DNR. Estimates were based on restocking bluegill, black crappies, yellow perch and small mouth bass. The estimated cost of 3-6” bluegill and black crappies were $1.25-1.50 a piece. The cost for a 2-5lb. pair of small mouth bass that can spawn before the end of May was $50. Each pair being capable of producing 5,000-12,000 eggs per nest. Yellow perch were not available from all suppliers however Ron Rademacher would be able to provide them at the $1.25-1.50 pricing. Some restocking may be done in the fall of 2021 or Spring of 2022 depending on the timing of ice out, when the water was brought back to its normal level, when the survey was completed and availability of fish at that time.