8.5.D. SR 06-06-2005
Item 8.5.D.
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Mayor and City Council
FROM:
Stephen Rohlf, Building and Environmental Administrator
DATE:
June 6, 2005
5,<
SUBJECT: Lake Orono Update
The Lake Orono Water Quality Task Force is working on the following projects at this
time with staff s assistance:
Fish stocking - Rademacher Ponds recently stocked 2,100 sunfish in Lake Orono at a
cost of$2,000. The City of Elk River budgeted $2,000 in cost share money for such
projects in 2005. Staff recommends the city reimburse the Lake Orono Improvement
Association half the cost of the fish stocking or $1,000. The check for this
reimbursement is part of the Check Register to be approved as part of this same agenda.
Curly LeafPondweed - The Lake Orono Water Quality Task Force recently met with
Wendy Crowell from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Ms. Crowell, a
specialist on aquatic vegetation, did a survey ofthe Lake for Curly LeafPondweed. She
found very little ofthe invasive plant. Consequently, it will not be necessary to take steps
to eradicate it in 2005 (no draw down).
Goose Trapping - A survey of the goose population will be conducted between now and
June 8 of this year to determine if it is necessary to reduce their numbers. The city
contracts with of Dr. Cooper from the University of Minnesota for this service. Staffwill
provide preliminary results from the goose survey at the Council meeting. There is
$2,000 in the city's 2005 budget for this activity, if it necessary.
Sherburne County Local Water Management Plan Update - The Sherburne Soil and
Water Conservation District is in the process of updating the Local Water Management
Plan. They have asked for comments from local units of government. Staff commented
on the need for an ordinance and enforcement to keep livestock from the entering the Elk
River, a suspected cause of high fecal coliform ~ounts in Lake Orono. Staffs comments
are attached.
Priority Conc~rns Input
Sherburne County Local Water Management Plan Update
Agency I organi za tion City of Elk River and Lake Orono Water Quality Task Force
Submi tted by Stephen Rohlf
Submission deadline: Mav 31, 2005
Priority Concern 1: There is no ordinance that prohibits or
regulates domestic livestock in pasture areas from entering
rivers or waterways that contribute to public waters.
Regarding this concern please answer the following:
Why is it important the plan focus on this concern (include or cite relevant data)? It is a
significant public health concern and is suspected to be a primary contributor to high fecal coli form
counts in Elk River Watershed, including Lake Orono. Due to high fecal coliform counts, the Lake Orono
Beach has been closed multiple times to public use.
What actions are needed? Continue and preferably expand the existing monitoring program and
create an ordinance and enforcement mechanism to control the issue.
What resources may be available to accomplish the actions? Elk River Watershed Board (cost
share grants and financial aide).
What area(s) of the county is high priority? The entire Elk River Watershed as it directly feeds
Lake Orono.
!
Priority Concirrns Input
Sherburne County Local Water Management Plan Update
Agency /organization City of Elk River and Lake Orono Water Quality Task Force
Submi tted by Stephen Rohlf
Submission deadline: Mav 31. 2005
Priority Concern 1: There is no ordinance that prohibits or
regulates domestic livestock in pasture areas from entering
rivers or waterways that contribute to public waters.
Regarding this concern please answer the following:
Why is it important the plan focus on this concern (include or cite relevant data)? It is a
significant public health concern and is suspected to be Ii primary contributor to high fecal coli form
counts in Elk River Watershed, including Lake Orono. Due to high fecal coliform counts, the Lake Orono
Beach has been closed multiple times to public use.
What actions are needed? Continue and preferably expand the existing monitoring program and
create an ordinance and enforcement mechanism to control the issue.
What resources may be available to accomplish the actions? Elk River Watershed Board (cost
share grants and financial aide).
What area(s) of the county is high priority? The entire Elk River Watershed as it directly feeds
Lake Orono.
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