Water Quality Sampling – Rush City High School - Rush Lake Improvement Association

Water Quality Sampling – Rush City High School

Post author:rliawebmaster
Post published:April 30, 2018
Post category:Project Updates

Check out this short video about the Rush City High School Introduction to Environmental Science class, led by instructor, Eric Telander, testing the water quality entering Rush Lake. The project was funded by an RLIA grant given in 2017 for $500.

RUSH LAKE Improvement Association

17 hours ago

Minnesota DNR encourages residents to water residential trees during dry summer weather.Minnesota’s summer heat and unpredictable rainfall are creating drought conditions across much of the state, which can stress neighborhood trees. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources encourages homeowners, residents and community tree caretakers to help newly planted and established residential trees stay healthy during dry conditions.Unlike trees growing in forests, residential trees – such as those in yards – often face additional stress from compacted soils, limited rooting space, reflected heat from pavement and competition from other vegetation. Drought stress can make trees more susceptible to insects, diseases and other environmental challenges. During extended dry periods, supplemental watering can help reduce stress and improve tree health.“Watering trees during extended dry periods is one of the simplest and most effective ways people can support the health of their landscapes and communities,” said Rachael Dvoracek, DNR community forestry project specialist. “A little attention now can help trees thrive for years to come.”Newly planted residential trees need extra careNewly planted residential trees need 15-25 gallons of water once a week for the first three to five years after the ground thaws in the spring and until the ground freezes again in fall. People can skip watering if more than one inch of rain has fallen in the previous week.Effective watering methods include:Setting a garden hose on a slow trickle for one to two hours and moving it around the tree periodically.Slowly pouring water around the base of the tree using a large bucket.Using a tree watering bag and refilling it as needed.Watering during the early morning or late evening helps reduce evaporation and conserve water. Also be mindful of any watering restrictions in place.These guidelines may vary depending on tree size, species, planting site, or environmental condition. If trees are showing signs of stress, people can contact a local arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture, or a Tree Care Advisor (mntca.umn.edu/find-tca).Don't forget mature treesEstablished trees also benefit from supplemental watering during prolonged dry spells.Water the soil beneath the entire canopy, a few inches away from the trunk to the outer edge of the branches. A soaker hose works well for this purpose, or homeowners can use a garden hose set to a slow trickle and move it periodically around the tree. Water long enough to moisten the top 6 inches of soil.Mulch mattersProper mulching helps trees retain moisture and moderate soil temperatures.Apply mulch about 3 inches deep in a donut-shaped ring around the tree, keeping mulch several inches away from the trunk. Avoid piling mulch against the bark, which can contribute to decay and pest problems.Healthy trees benefit everyoneHealthy community trees provide shade, reduce energy costs, improve air quality, intercept stormwater and make neighborhoods more comfortable during hot summer weather. Protecting trees during dry periods helps communities continue to receive these benefits for years to come.More information about tree care, watering and pruning is available at the DNR’s Residential tree planting and care webpage (mndnr.gov/treecare). ...

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RUSH LAKE Improvement Association updated their status.

5 days ago

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RUSH LAKE Improvement Association

2 weeks ago

Minnesota DNR accepting feedback on Lake Shaokatan Vegetation Management PlanPlan dictates how often lake can receive herbicidal treatmentLake ShaokatanResidents and visitors of Lake Shaokatan (also known as Shaokotan Lake) in Lincoln County are encouraged to provide their feedback on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ Vegetation Management Plan for the lake. Feedback will be accepted through Monday, Aug. 31.The Lake Vegetation Management Plan, initially developed in 2016, seeks to accommodate herbicidal control of native vegetation on the lake, while minimizing damage to water quality. The plan was created as a result of numerous lakeshore owners on Shaokatan expressing a desire to treat vegetation and allow the full length of the lake to be boated, while other users indicated they don’t want the lake to be treated often or at all.“With the 10-year update to the plan we’re doing now, we’re seeking any feedback the public might have,” said Nate Hodgins, DNR regional assistant fisheries manager. “We will take all feedback into account, and if there is a significant amount, we can hold a public meeting to discuss any ideas or issues at hand.”The plan sets a system: Each year, DNR staff check the levels of vegetation in the lake — specifically submerged vegetation — via a point-intercept survey; if 85% or more of survey points show common or abundant levels of vegetation, treatment is allowed that year; if less than 85% are common or abundant, no treatment is allowed."Treatment of native vegetation offshore is rare in public waters, because vegetation is habitat," said Craig Soupir, regional fisheries manager. "However, in shallow lakes, like Shaokatan, dense vegetation can form across the entire body making recreation difficult. The LVMP sets conditions for treatments, in order to balance the need for recreational access with the positive habitat value that vegetation provides to lake ecology."No changes have been made to the standards in the ...

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