In place of a meeting, there was a presentation by Chris Holbeck, Voyageurs National Park biologist, Dr. Matthew Julius, Assoc. Professor of Biology, St. Cloud State University, and his intern, Mark.
All have been conducting assessments of Water Quality in Voyageurs National Park, most especially in Lake Kabetogama. Planning Board members present were Paul Kiner, Marlene Tomczak, Phil Hart, Betsey Warrington and Township Board liaison, Bob Nevalainen. Niles Wilkins was absent. Several members of the community were also present.
The speakers explained the various forms of algae present. Following last year’s blue-green algae bloom, there was concern about the health of the lake, however, there was no bloom this year, as was expected following the drought and high temperatures during the summer, leading them to believe that Kabetogama is unique in that it is able to regain its health, under the proper circumstances.
Studies have also been done on the effects of houseboat gray water, campsites and day use sites, houseboats having the most effect, campsites less and day use the least. The houseboat gray water doesn’t seem to effect the entire lake, but does have an impact on the bays where the sites are, most of all the sandy areas. However, the greatest effect on the quality of the entire lake is caused by the resorts and private residents along the south shore of the lake. Many sewers and septic systems are failing and leaching into the lake, emphasizing the need for sewer districts and education for the residents to be aware of the contents of the soaps, lawn fertilizers, etc. that they use, especially avoiding phosphorus, and controlling shoreline runoff.
Ongoing studies and educational presentations will be made.
Respectfully submitted,
Betsey Warrington, Secretary
All have been conducting assessments of Water Quality in Voyageurs National Park, most especially in Lake Kabetogama. Planning Board members present were Paul Kiner, Marlene Tomczak, Phil Hart, Betsey Warrington and Township Board liaison, Bob Nevalainen. Niles Wilkins was absent. Several members of the community were also present.
The speakers explained the various forms of algae present. Following last year’s blue-green algae bloom, there was concern about the health of the lake, however, there was no bloom this year, as was expected following the drought and high temperatures during the summer, leading them to believe that Kabetogama is unique in that it is able to regain its health, under the proper circumstances.
Studies have also been done on the effects of houseboat gray water, campsites and day use sites, houseboats having the most effect, campsites less and day use the least. The houseboat gray water doesn’t seem to effect the entire lake, but does have an impact on the bays where the sites are, most of all the sandy areas. However, the greatest effect on the quality of the entire lake is caused by the resorts and private residents along the south shore of the lake. Many sewers and septic systems are failing and leaching into the lake, emphasizing the need for sewer districts and education for the residents to be aware of the contents of the soaps, lawn fertilizers, etc. that they use, especially avoiding phosphorus, and controlling shoreline runoff.
Ongoing studies and educational presentations will be made.
Respectfully submitted,
Betsey Warrington, Secretary
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