February 2009
The Stearns County Commissioners have scheduled a public hearing to gather comments on the need for an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for March 3, 2009, at 10:05 a.m. at the Stearns County Administration Center Board Room. If you are unable to attend the hearing please send your comments directly to: Don Adams, Environmental Services Director, Administration Center – Room 343, 705 Courthouse Square, St. Cloud, MN 56303, or Fax # (320) 656-6484 Phone (320) 656-3613 E-mail: don.adams@co.stearns.mn.us
You need to attend this meeting.
Letter from Association President Rena Weber
I never thought that being the president would involve so much time, but I have come to the realization that God must have told me to go to the meeting that Saturday morning last June. There was a reason and that was that Big Fish Lake is about to see the biggest change it will ever see. We, as stewards of the lake, must take an active role in the outcome.
I am referring to the proposed 21 lot development to be known as Alexander Point. The Board went on record last summer as recognizing that Alexander family has a right to build, however, we just want it developed in a conservation design way. Since the land has all been rezoned to R-1, Single Family Dwellings the family is asking for approval to plat out 21 homes on 44.69 acres of 100% wooded land. Within the plat, wetlands have been identified. The property is located in the Avon Hills Conservation Area of Stearns County’s Comprehensive Plan.
The problem is that Stearns County has not developed their ordinance to regulate “conservation design” and that is not expected to happen until 2010. When one looks at conservation design, the homes are situated differently (clustered) to preserve the open space. They may be required to share a common septic and/or well. There is no clear cutting of trees all the way to the lake; rather a narrow view corridor is created.
Due to the fact that the approval process was moving rather quickly, the Board put together a petition seeking approval for an EAW (environmental assessment worksheet) to be done. This petition required 25 signatures (obtained in less than 24 hours) and was submitted to the Environmental Quality Board. They have reviewed the petition and have approved it being sent to Stearns County as the RGU (Regulatory Governing Unit) to decide if the EAW is necessary. The following is part of the petition that was submitted:
POTENTIAL IMPACT/MATERIAL EVIDENCE
The constructed road (Alexander Point Road) will cross through a wetland that currently acts as a watershed to the lake. The natural setting and effectiveness of this wetland to support wildlife, filter runoff water and remain an active ecosystem will be diminished or eliminated by the density of housing, proximity to roads, lawn chemicals, street cleaning salts and other degrading factors associated with high-density development and intrusion of the road. The proposed development, as submitted to Collegeville Township and Stearns County, is overwhelming, permanent, and irreversible to the ecosystem(s) on the property.
We need a strong show of support. Please make every effort to attend this important meeting, 10 o’clock a.m.
Loon Update, by Jim Sand
Over the winter I attended the Avon Hills Conference at St John’s University and one of the breakout sessions dealt with Loons. Pam Perry of the DNR spoke about the many factors that affect a lake having a strong population of Loons. BFLA has three Loon nests and over the past few years we have had success with Loons nesting on a least one nest per year. Last year two chicks were hatched and survived through the Fall. The nests will be placed on the lake as soon as the ice is out, male Loons will show up then and start looking for nests with the female to follow a short time later. One of the most important factors in having successful in Loon nesting is leaving them alone once a pair of Loons sets up house. Please remind your family, relatives and friends who visit our lake to make every effort in staying away from the nests while boating or fishing. Loons look for “clean, unpolluted water” and like many of us, “peace and quiet”. We are looking into having a sign about Loons at the boat landing and possible buoy markers near the nests.
CORRECTION TO FALL MEETING NOTICE
In my letter to you last fall I reported that the standpipe on Hidden Cove Road wetland was completed shortly after the June Association meeting. It was not an Association project. Two sentences were added to that report that I did not say and want them retracted: It failed to reduce the crop runoff pollution during the first rainfall following installation. Dozens of photos are posted at www.minnesotawaters.org/bigfishlake I am not an expert to say that the standpipe failed and besides I believe it takes time for the vegetation to re-establish. Patience.
HERE ARE SOME SIMPLE, IMPORTANT “BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES? FOR YOUR LAKE PROPERTY
- Septic systems should comply with local ordinances and be properly operated and maintained.
- Do not use a garbage disposal. Raw, undigested food can float to your drain field and plug the system.
- Practice water conservation in the home. Run only full loads in the laundry and dishwasher
- Use only phosphorus-free soap in the dishwasher, laundry and bathrooms.
- Pump your septic systems at least every three years, and more often depending on use & occupancy.
- Practice good lawn maintenance.
- Limit fertilizing. Use only zero-phosphorus fertilizer. Soils in our region are naturally high in phosphorus.
- Do not fertilize within 50 feet of the lake shore.
- Do not fertilize your drain field.
- Set your mower high.
- Keep grass clippings, leaves, ash, charcoal, and pet waste out of the lake and away from the lakeshore.
- Reduce or eliminate pesticide use on the lawn and garden.
- Pump lake water instead of applying fertilizer.
- Maintain or establish a shoreland buffer zone of natural vegetation.
- Buffers prevent erosion and infiltration of nutrients into the lake.
- Buffers should extend a minimum of 30 feet from your shoreline to maintained lawn areas.
- Encourage woody vegetation and tall grasses to stabilize the shore land. Do not disturb embankments.
- Minimize the disturbance of aquatic plants as they help to stabilize shorelines.
- Are trees blocking your view? Trim them up, don’t cut them down. Consider planting another
- All shore line alterations require a Stearns County permit. Call (320) 656-3613 before disturbing soils or cutting trees and other vegetation near the shore line.
March 2009
Letter from Association President Rena Weber
Alexander Point Update
To all – Needless to say Tuesday, March 3rd was a very disappointing day for Big Fish Lake. Stearns County Commissioners failed to follow their own Comprehensive Plan and recognize that this project is in the Avon Hills Natural Resource Area. The vote was 3 to 1 to deny the request for an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW). Approximate cost $2,500.
First of all – It was too bad that the timing of this was in the dead of winter when most residents are not here or maybe that was “the plan”. I personally want to thank each and everyone of you that either signed the petition for the EAW, wrote letters and/or appeared at the County Board meeting. The attorney for the developer sure had a way with words and pretty much degraded people’s efforts by stating things about failing septic systems and picking and choosing what was in my request to the county. In my job as Zoning Administrator I know what the county uses to consider approval of developments. I simply pointed out areas where by their own words this should be looked at in a special way. I tried to present our side in a positive way.
If you want to view the hearing go to: www.co.stearns.mn.us Under Search (top right) type: Live Broadcast – then click “go” Click on Board Meeting Webcasts. You might have to download Real Player which has a free download, upper right corner
WHAT DO WE DO NEXT? Good question. Vice President Jim Sand is taking steps to talk to neighbors about possible easements to establish a buffer whereby crops are not planted and the wetland are extended further north from this project.
Residents can attempt to follow up on the plat approval process and voice their concerns. Upcoming approvals that we know of are:
- Preliminary Plat approval – Stearns County (should be soon since the EAW is not going to happen)
- Final Plat approval – Collegeville Township
- Final Plat approval – Stearns County
- CUP Hearing – for the road being built 3/19/09 – 7:00 P.M. – Stearns County Board Room #109
If we can establish an e-mail list we can notify you all with that information as soon as it is known. Please e-mail MPeters998@aol.com so he can set that up. The Board is also taking a more active roll in the web-site www.minnesotawaters.org/bigfishlake and will post information there as well.
Also, I have been assured by Randy Schreifels, Stearns County Auditor-Treasurer that the developers will not get a break on the back taxes for this property. I will get that information and pass it on as soon as I know what it is. Supposedly the Commissioners can’t change that…
OTHER UPDATES –
DRAINAGE PROJECT – The Board will be working on a drainage project (NW side of the lake) this summer so don’t be surprised to see a bunch of us piling rocks by Bill Schnettler’s house some Saturday. Stop in and help. There will be some chicken and maybe some beer for the workers. This is a 75%/25% grant from Stearns County Soil & Conservation District to prevent runoff water from getting into the lake without having been filtered out first. Greg Berg indicates an 80% nutrient removal. Great News!
DNR PUBLIC ACCESS – Scott Schroeder from the DNR indicates they will be making some repairs at the public access. I asked him to do something to catch the rain water running straight down the hill and into the lake as there are things they can do. The DNR has a plan and recognizes what can be done!
LOON NESTS – The Board at the 2/21/09 meeting approved the purchase of buoys to be placed around the 3 loon nests. It is like a “no wake zone”, but for loons. Jim Sand has taken this on and we applaud his efforts.
JUNE ANNUAL MEETING – Just a reminder the next meeting is Saturday, June 6, 2009 at the Collegeville Township Hall on County Road 50, 10:00 o’clock a.m.
HERE ARE SOME SIMPLE, IMPORTANT “BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES” FOR YOUR LAKE PROPERTY
- Septic systems should comply with local ordinances and be properly operated and maintained.
- Do not use a garbage disposal. Raw, undigested food can float to your drain field and plug the system.
- Practice water conservation in the home. Run only full loads in the laundry and dishwasher
- Use only phosphorus-free soap in the dishwasher, laundry and bathrooms.
- Pump your septic systems at least every three years, and more often depending on use & occupancy.
- Practice good lawn maintenance.
- Limit fertilizing. Use only zero-phosphorus fertilizer. Soils in our region are naturally high in phosphorus.
- Do not fertilize within 50 feet of the lake shore.
- Do not fertilize your drain field.
- Set your mower high.
- Keep grass clippings, leaves, ash, charcoal, and pet waste out of the lake and away from the lakeshore.
- Reduce or eliminate pesticide use on the lawn and garden.
- Pump lake water instead of applying fertilizer.
- Maintain or establish a shoreland buffer zone of natural vegetation.
- Buffers prevent erosion and infiltration of nutrients into the lake.
- Buffers should extend a minimum of 30 feet from your shoreline to maintained lawn areas.
- Encourage woody vegetation and tall grasses to stabilize the shore land. Do not disturb embankments.
- Minimize the disturbance of aquatic plants as they help to stabilize shorelines.
- Are trees blocking your view? Trim them up, don’t cut them down. Consider planting another
- All shore line alterations require a Stearns County permit. Call (320) 656-3613 before disturbing soils or cutting trees and other vegetation near the shore line.
June 2009
The Annual Meeting of the Big Fish Lake Association will be held Saturday, June 13th at 10:00 a.m. at Collegeville Town Hall on County Road 50. The agenda includes election of officers and board members; discussion of rezoning and development of Alexander wooded lake property; and more. Beverages and goodies will be provided.
Letter from lake association president Rena Weber
There was a time when I felt that I did not have time for this, but I soon learned that if I did not take the time to get involved I may never pass onto my children and grand children the enjoyment I receive now. My dad’s greatest wish was to live out his life at Big Fish Lake. I am living that dream for him. To wake up each morning and look out to the east and see the sun rise over the beautiful trees or hear the loons in spring, summer or fall is the best. This is what it is all about. To see people enjoy the lake means we all have a do our part. So what can we do?
Here is something easy to do and hopefully will better our communication process. Submit your e-mail addresses to Matt Peters at MPeters998@aol.com or Big Fish Lake Association. P.O. Box 458, Cold Spring, MN 56320. There were times this winter when it would have been so helpful to get mass notices out to our community and we did not have that capability.
The Alexander family is working through the process of platting their acreage into 20 new residential lots. The Board has always said they have a right to do this; however, we just want to ensure the lake is preserved in whatever ways that can be done. Big Fish Lake is deteriorating. There is a major wetland that drains into the lake and acts as a watershed that filters runoff and maintains an active ecosystem. Wildlife has been using this area as their home for years and that will change. It is up to us to keep an eye on the approval process to make sure it is done with the quality of water being preserved.
Thanks to all of the residents who were able to speak up at the hearings and/or write letters. I know the Board appreciated it.
Upcoming approvals:
- Wetlands replacement – Stearns County Wetland Rules Committee meets the 4th Tuesday of each month. This was approved with conditions;
- Stearns County Platting Committee will review the plat when all required information is submitted. This is not a public hearing but meetings are open and held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. Stearns County Planning Commission public hearing will occur after the Platting Committee review. Meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month – evening. If the Stearns County Planning Commission recommends approval of the plat, the Final Plat will be prepared and final approval by Collegeville Township Planning Commission and Town Board will be required. If the Stearns County Planning Commission recommends denial of the plat, the preliminary plat will be considered by the Stearns County Board of Commissioners. If the Board Commissioners does not concur with the Planning Commission’s decision, it is the Board’s policy to hold their own public hearing. If the preliminary plat is approved by Stearns County Board of Commissioners, they will take action on the final plat.
Public Access – Scott Schroeder from the MN DNR has informed me that they are designing a “fix” to the access into the lake. We talked about pervious pavers and what that can do in addition to making some areas into rain gardens. The association may want to consider petitioning the Township and/or Stearns County with restrictions to trailer parking on Big Fish Lake Road. If anyone is interested in seeing something like this, let the Board know.
Loon Update by Jim and Rose Sand
This past winter I attended a workshop on Loons and found that there are many things we can do to increase the chances of Loons making their homes on Big Fish Lake. The most notable change you will see as you cruise the lake are the Caution Loon Nesting Area buoys that should help keep folks away from the nests. Along with the purchase of the buoys we also upgraded the anchoring system for each nest. We will be looking at a netting canopy for next year so that our Eagle will not be able to have any baby loons for a snack. As of Friday evening May 22, 2009 we have two of our three nests being used, the nests are in the bay near Chuck Daniel’s home and one just south of the nun’s retreat center. The third nest is located just north and west of the sandbar. I am still hopeful that this nest will be used since we still have a pair of loons fishing in that area and loons did chase geese off of the nest earlier in the Spring.
Dues are Payable!
It’s time to renew your membership by paying dues when you find a red ‘X’ next to your name on the mailing label. Please mail a check to the Big Fish Lake Association at Post Office Box 458, Cold Spring, MN 56320, or bring your remittance to the June 13th meeting, 10 a.m. at the Collegeville Town Hall. Dues are $15/year, $12.50/year for seniors. Your dues help pay for production and mailing of this newsletter, and other Association projects. Thank you!
Here are some Simple, Important “Best Management Practices” for your Lake Property
- Septic systems should comply with local ordinances and be properly operated and maintained.
- Do not use a garbage disposal. Raw, undigested food can float to your drain field and plug the system.
- Practice water conservation in the home. Run only full loads in the laundry and dishwasher
- Use only phosphorus-free soap in the dishwasher, laundry and bathrooms.
- Pump your septic systems at least every three years, and more often depending on use & occupancy.
- Practice good lawn maintenance.
- Limit fertilizing. Use only zero-phosphorus fertilizer. Soils in our region are naturally high in phosphorus.
- Do not fertilize within 50 feet of the lake shore.
- Do not fertilize your drain field.
- Set your mower high.
- Keep grass clippings, leaves, ash, charcoal, and pet waste out of the lake and away from the lakeshore.
- Reduce or eliminate pesticide use on the lawn and garden.
- Pump lake water instead of applying fertilizer.
- Maintain or establish a shoreland buffer zone of natural vegetation.
- Buffers prevent erosion and infiltration of nutrients into the lake.
- Buffers should extend a minimum of 30 feet from your shoreline to maintained lawn areas.
- Encourage woody vegetation and tall grasses to stabilize the shore land. Do not disturb embankments.
- Minimize the disturbance of aquatic plants as they help to stabilize shorelines.
- Are trees blocking your view? Trim them up, don’t cut them down. Consider planting another
- All shore line alterations require a Stearns County permit. Call (320) 656-3613 before disturbing soils or cutting trees and other vegetation near the shore line.