RLIA Monthly Meeting Minutes – 2024-01 - Rush Lake Improvement Association

RLIA Monthly Meeting Minutes – 2024-01

Post author:rliawebmaster
Post published:February 18, 2024
Post category:Meetings

2024-01-20-RLIA-Minutes

1 week ago

During fishing opener weekend and always: Clean, drain, disposeThe approaching walleye fishing season comes with a reminder from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to always follow state laws to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.Most anglers and boaters in Minnesota take the clean, drain, dispose steps for invasive species prevention every time they leave a lake or river.“We’re grateful for the partnerships with nonprofits, local governments, researchers, and lake associations, and to the individuals who take AIS prevention so seriously in Minnesota,” said DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen. “Minnesotans taking collective responsibility to keep our lakes clean and healthy has made our state a national leader in AIS prevention. That’s something we can all be enormously proud of.”DNR Invasive Species Program Supervisor Kelly Pennington said people need to take prevention steps whether an enforcement officer or watercraft inspector is present or not.“All anglers and boaters in Minnesota are required to take three simple steps: clean, drain, dispose,” Pennington said. “It’s not only the best way to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, but it’s also the law in Minnesota.”Whether or not a lake has any invasive species, Minnesota law requires people to:Clean watercraft, trailers and gear to remove aquatic plants and prohibited invasive species.Drain all water and leave drain plugs out during transport.Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.Never release bait, plants or aquarium pets into Minnesota waters.Dry all docks, lifts and rafts for 21 days before moving them from one water body to another.These additional steps reduce the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species:Decontaminate watercraft, trailers and gear – find free stations on the courtesy decontamination webpage of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/decon).Spray watercraft, trailers and gear with high-pressure water or rinse with water.Dry watercraft, trailers and gear for at least five days before using in another water body.The DNR appreciates the efforts and collaboration of everyone engaged in aquatic invasive species prevention and management, including Wildlife Forever, Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates, the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Advisory Committee, the University of Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center, lake service providers and other outdoor recreation businesses, lake associations, recreation and hobbyist groups, and Tribal governments.People should contact a Minnesota DNR aquatic invasive species specialist (mndnr.gov/invasives/ais/contacts.html) if they think they have found an invasive species that was not already known to be in the water body.More information is available on the aquatic invasive species webpage of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/ais). ... See MoreSee Less

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RUSH LAKE Improvement Association

1 month ago

DNR: As ice recedes, safe practices around cold water are criticalThe ice is gone from most lakes in the southern part of Minnesota and ice on many northern lakes is melting quickly. It’s already common to see anglers and paddlers on open water, but with water temperatures dangerously low, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds anyone who’s around lakes, rivers and ponds that cold water is dangerous and unexpected falls into the water can quickly turn tragic.Each year approximately 30 percent of all fatal boating accidents occur during the cold-water period, defined as anytime the water is below 70 degrees. Many of these incidents involve victims who weren’t wearing a life jacket. The best way to survive a fall into cold water is to wear a life jacket and make sure it’s buckled or zipped.“We know Minnesotans want to take advantage of every day of open water, and it’s great to see people out on the water, getting an early start to the season,” said Lisa Dugan, DNR recreation safety outreach coordinator. “But the message people need to understand is this: Make sure you have the proper safety gear and don’t put your desire to hit the water over the need to be safe.”As boaters and paddlers head out on water, they should:Wear a foam-filled life jacket, rather than the inflatable type. Cold water can prevent inflatable life jackets from fully inflating.Ensure that watercraft operators meet safety permit requirements.Equip the watercraft with proper safety gear and make sure all equipment is functioning properly.Distribute weight evenly and abide by manufacturers’ weight limits to ensure the watercraft’s stability and reduce the likelihood of falling overboard.Have a means of communication and ensure someone knows their destination and planned time of return.Watch the weather to avoid shifting winds or storms.For more information about staying safe on and around cold water, visit the DNR’s cold water safety webpage (www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/boatwater/cold-water.html).###Rainfall monitoring network seeks volunteersParticipants provide important data about precipitation, climate trendsThe Minnesota State Climatology Office is seeking rainfall monitors for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network, or CoCoRaHS. The network includes more than 20,000 volunteers nationwide who measure precipitation in their backyards using a standard 4-inch diameter rain gauge.Participants submit their precipitation reports online. The data from backyard rain gauges are a critical source of information and it is beneficial to add more volunteer weather observers each year, even in areas where there are already volunteers.“Rainfall and snowfall amounts can vary widely over a short distance, so multiple reports are helpful in the same community or area,” State Climatologist Luigi Romolo said. “We have some areas in greater Minnesota that have very few reporting stations. The more we have across the state, the better information we all have. Over time, as more volunteer reports make our precipitation maps more accurate, these observations provide critical guidance on Minnesota’s changing climate,” Romolo added. “It’s a great educational activity for families with kids, and a rewarding hobby for anyone interested in weather or climate.”Volunteers are particularly needed outside the Twin Cities metro area. Volunteers receive training on how to observe weather trends and how to submit their precipitation and weather event reports. All training material is available online. Participants must purchase or provide a standard 4-inch diameter rain gauge (available at discount through CoCoRaHS) and have internet access to submit reports.For the past six years, Minnesota has won the “CoCoRaHS Cup” for recruiting the most new volunteers of any state during the annual national recruiting drive. Moved from March to April this year, “Rain Gauge Rally 2026” continues through the end of the month. “Year after year, Minnesotans are the best in the nation at stepping up and joining this important effort. Let’s keep the cup in Minnesota as we continue to improve our state’s precipitation recording,” Romolo said.To sign up or for more information, visit CoCoRaHS.org or contact Luigi Romolo at luigi.romolo@state.mn.us.### ... See MoreSee Less

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RUSH LAKE Improvement Association

1 month ago

Happy Easter 2026 from Rush Lake.THANK YOU ALEX REILLY!Keeping up the Easter tradition with a few new drone shots of the lake. It looks like we’ll be seeing docks going in before long. Summer is right around the corner. ... See MoreSee Less

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RUSH LAKE Improvement Association

4 months ago

During Minnesota winters, conifer trees such as pine, spruce and fir provide critical cover that helps wildlife survive cold, wind and deep snow. That’s why the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources encourages the nearly 200,000 woodland owners across the state to consider how conifers fit into their woodland management plans.By including conifers as one aspect of a broader woodland stewardship plan, woodland owners are supporting wildlife. For example, white-tailed deer use conifer cover to conserve energy during deep-snow periods. Turkey, grouse and songbirds rely on conifers for shelter, nesting and food as well.“Conifers are a long-term investment in both wildlife and the land,” said Troy Holcomb, a DNR forestry specialist. “When woodland owners manage conifers, they’re helping provide winter cover not just on their own land, but also for wildlife moving across the surrounding landscape.”Of the more than 17 million acres of forested land in the state, nearly half is private woodlands. How woodlands connect with surrounding forests can help or hinder wildlife movement and access to winter cover.The DNR offers resources, seedlings and forestry services to help landowners plan for how a woodland will change over time. Woodland owners can learn more about trees, forests, and what species would grow well on their land through the DNR Woodland Landowner Handbooks (mndnr.gov/woodlands) or by working with a professional forester to develop a woodland stewardship plan (mndnr.gov/foreststewardship/plan-writers.html). The DNR also offers native conifer seedlings through the Minnesota State Forest Nursery (mndnr.gov/forestry/nursery).### ... See MoreSee Less

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RUSH LAKE Improvement Association

4 months ago

rlia.org/notice-curly-leave-pondweed-clp-and-invasive-milfoil-treatment-2/ ... See MoreSee Less

Notice – Curly Leave Pondweed (CLP) and Invasive Milfoil Treatment - Rush Lake Improvement Association

rlia.org

NOTICERush Lake Improvement AssociationP.O. Box 677Rush City, MN 55069 The Rush Lake Improvement Association has contracted to treat Curly Leaf Pondweed (CLP) and Invasive Milfoil two Aquatic Invasive...

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