Hubbard County/Belle Taine Lake Property Owner E-Mail AIS Funding Sources

Belle Taine is one lake labeled at a high risk for getting AIS. The Belle Taine Lake Assc wants to step up the effort.
Here is what this property owner thought would be a way to generate more funds.
1) Charge $5.00 with every fishing license.
2) Resorts with private launch ramps, pay for inspectors.
3) Every fishing tournament participant pay $10.00 a event for inspectors.
4) Charge $5.00 with every watercraft license (don’t know if he means to the already existing fees)
5) If inspector isn’t present close the access

Hubbard County gets approximately $250,000 from the state and $35,000 from the county. $285,000 without funds from the township or lake assc. which comes later, total varies by the level of donations from township and lake assc. Townships and lake assc
will be asked to donate in the next few months for more funds.

This was a e-mail was from an individual asking my thoughts on the five points he outlined. Being a local fishing columnist and long time angler is a reason he sent the e-mail to me. He did copy it to the President of the Belle Taine Lake Assc.

What are your thoughts/or in the areas you fish what are you experiencing. Thanks gary

My thoughts:

WHO IS GOING TO STOP THE DUCKS AND GEESE FROM POND JUMPING? until someone can answer this we are wasting millions of dollars in an impossible task…

For item #2, why can’t the resort owner or employee inspect a boat rather than have a hired AIS inspector sitting there? Does seem to be worthwhile to have someone else there for the number of boats relative to those at public landings.

I’m pretty sure there is already costs figured in to a watercraft registration for AIS funding, and maybe fishing license too.

I’ve wondered how practical it could be to use a simple sand point well with a single water spigot for bait, and maybe a hose to quickly rinse down a boat/trailer. You’d probably have to put up a sign for non-potable water.

TripleA wrote:

My thoughts:

WHO IS GOING TO STOP THE DUCKS AND GEESE FROM POND JUMPING? until someone can answer this we are wasting millions of dollars in an impossible task…

Take a look at the list of infested waters and you’ll notice that highest concentration of infested lakes are in the metro area and spread out from there, and most of the outstate infested lakes are very popular recreational boating and fishing lakes. Hubbard county is lucky that only 3 lakes are deemed infested, and only with faucet snails, two of which are 1st and 2nd Crow Wing. Yes, I’m sure it’s possible that wildlife can transport AIS, but we can’t control that so why don’t we put effort into what we can control and what I believe is by far the largest carrier of AIS, humans.

Delaying the inevitable at insane costs to the taxpayer is typical government throwing money at the effects of a problem instead of focusing on the cause of the problem. Fix the cause or save the money. Once every lake is infested they will work on fixing the cause, we will simply have more taxes to pay for future generations that will NEVER be taken off the books. Taxes are added but never rescinded, they simply repurpose the money they take. Beino a good sportsman you will ensure your boat is clean, why pay to have a 16 year old babysitter look it over for you?

Sounds like this property owner is out of touch on the funds already being generated to combat AIS. Ask him to go to the county and ask what the county is doing with the $250,000 given to them by the state and if he does not like how their useing it get involved in the process no need to generate more revenue for inspeftions or decontamination stations. Also, there already is an AIS fee for a fishing license and that $250,000 comes out of the general fund not from fishing licensees or the AIS fee.
Tis the season of jockying for legislation.

Per #3, you can tell the guy has a thing against fishing tournaments. First he charges the fishermen $5 for their fishing license. Then another $5 for their boat tags. Then on top of that another $10 PER TOURNAMENT to pay for an inspector, that, from his own rules, should already be there for the launch to be open.

The BTLA should go down the road to Potato Lake and see what their Lake Association is doing to raise their own money, and they aren’t taxing the fishermen to death.

QUOTED form above….Yes, I’m sure it’s possible that wildlife can transport AIS, but we can’t control that so why don’t we put effort into what we can control and what I believe is by far the largest carrier of AIS, humans.

That makes no sense… control what we can, just because we can What proof do you have of your last statement ? Ever think about the turtles ?

I don’t see any assessments or fees for the members of the lake association and/or the property owners with lake frontage for AIS
on the list.

big_g wrote:

QUOTED form above….Yes, I’m sure it’s possible that wildlife can transport AIS, but we can’t control that so why don’t we put effort into what we can control and what I believe is by far the largest carrier of AIS, humans.

That makes no sense… control what we can, just because we can What proof do you have of your last statement ? Ever think about the turtles ?

No 100% proven proof so that’s why I said “I believe”. My belief has come from looking at the list of infested lakes which I see a strong correlation of heavily used, popular lakes and high concentrations near the metro area. There is an Excel spreadsheet on the DNR’s site that you can sort by various fields, as well as listing if it’s listed because it’s a connected water or if there was an actual discovery. Also, I’ve seen plenty of negligent boaters drive off with weeds hanging off the trailer and/or motor, plug still in, etc and seeing such boats going down the road with such violations as well. I’ve also noticed that there are folks on these fishing forums who seem to get offended by the efforts to try and limit the spread of AIS as if it’s an attack towards them. Sure, we fellow fisherman are well aware of the situation, but think of all of the recreational boaters who aren’t or those who are just plain lazy/careless/apathetic.

blank wrote:

lazy/careless/apathetic.

I guess you can count me as one of those. Or…. you could say I’m A) sick of the “sky is falling” mantra or B) I’m tired of paying for everybodys problem.

I remember milfoil which was suppose to be the end of the world as we know it. I also remember having to pay for that. I’m sure we are still paying although it’s really been more of a inconvenience for some folks then a end of the world thing. Zeebs has cleaned Lake Erie to the point thats it hasn’t been this clean in over 100 years. As was mentioned birds, animals, people move the stuff around. Instead of nailing sportsman for the fee’s nail every single person in the state with a fee. Hell, nail every person in the country. Not all people use freeways, not all people have kids in schools. But we all pay. This should be the same way.

Who cares if they drive off with water or weeds? They should be inspected BEFORE entering waters! most folks surely could do a better job at home rather at the boat ramp.

Should be stopping Lake Owners Watercraft first, as transient watercraft really are not the problem and with continuous movement are unlikely to be the transporters of the Big One – ZEBRA MUSSELS.

Watercraft moored in the laws will be first to be contaminated with Zebra Mussels.

The Law was just changed and each and every watercraft owner is responsible for knowing the law and keeping their watercraft clean and in compliance with the laws.

As far as assessing fees as described, NO, No, NO, were already paying through license fees.

To Charge Tournament Anglers more would violate state laws. To single out a group and say you’re guilty with no reason would not fly in any court.

Most of Money for AIS now comes from the Legacy Funds, the 3/8 of 1% Sales Tax divided among the Counties based on number of Lake Accesses and Number of Parking Spaces at those Accesses. Other funding comes from Fishing Licenses, Watercraft Licenses, etc.

This is an Election year, Very little will be done in the name of Fee & Tax Increases.

“According to the MnDNR the number one most identified cause of Zebra Mussel Infestations is Lake Shore Owners buying and installing Docks & Lifts from Infested Lakes.”

I could continue, but if you need more, message or email me.

I’m standing beside Dutch boy whether he likes it or not.

No plug has been taken out of my boat for transportation in ten years. I know for a fact it hasn’t infected anything ever.

One of the first questions I’ll be asking people I vote for will be their stance on wasteful ais spending.

Lakeshore associations need to realize just because the bought lake shore property doesn’t make it their lake.

Munchie question……………………

Per #3, you can tell the guy has a thing against fishing tournaments. First he charges the fishermen $5 for their fishing license. Then another $5 for their boat tags. Then on top of that another $10 PER TOURNAMENT to pay for an inspector, that, from his own rules, should already be there for the launch to be open.

The BTLA should go down the road to Potato Lake and see what their Lake Association is doing to raise their own money, and they aren’t taxing the fishermen to death
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Don’t read his proposal as being anti tournament instead the belief by many that more boat/fisherman traffic increases the threat of aquatic invasive specie infestation.

What is the Potato Lake Ass doing to raise more money? I do know that several are very active in the effort, are property owners on Potato. What Belle Taine Lake Assc needs is a additional $8,000 for inspection efforts.

carroll58 wrote:

Should be stopping Lake Owners Watercraft first, as transient watercraft really are not the problem and with continuous movement are unlikely to be the transporters of the Big One – ZEBRA MUSSELS.

Watercraft moored in the laws will be first to be contaminated with Zebra Mussels.

The Law was just changed and each and every watercraft owner is responsible for knowing the law and keeping their watercraft clean and in compliance with the laws.

As far as assessing fees as described, NO, No, NO, were already paying through license fees.

To Charge Tournament Anglers more would violate state laws. To single out a group and say you’re guilty with no reason would not fly in any court.

Most of Money for AIS now comes from the Legacy Funds, the 3/8 of 1% Sales Tax divided among the Counties based on number of Lake Accesses and Number of Parking Spaces at those Accesses. Other funding comes from Fishing Licenses, Watercraft Licenses, etc.

This is an Election year, Very little will be done in the name of Fee & Tax Increases.

“According to the MnDNR the number one most identified cause of Zebra Mussel Infestations is Lake Shore Owners buying and installing Docks & Lifts from Infested Lakes.”

I could continue, but if you need more, message or email me.

“According to the MnDNR the number one most identified cause of Zebra Mussel Infestations is Lake Shore Owners buying and installing Docks & Lifts from Infested Lakes.”

I could continue, but if you need more, message or email me.
—————————————————————————————————
Like all comments on here very good points>

A recent research study by in cooperation with the Minnesota DNR, Sea Grant and University of Minnesota supports your point:“According to the MnDNR the number one most identified cause of Zebra Mussel Infestations is Lake Shore Owners buying and installing Docks & Lifts from Infested Lakes.”
At a town hall meeting when the Pelican Lake Assc was trying to stop a 37 year musky stocking program, one point they raised is increased boat traffic by musky fisherman increased risk of AIS infestations leaving Pelican Lake going to other lakes. The Fisheries Chief with the Commissioner present, [pointed out that docks and lifts/watercraft are high risk transport mediums)

But when lake groups are confronted with this little bit of information, quiet.

A couple of points to consider…..non compliance is down around 10% so what are we willing to pay in a effort to get those that don’t get it do.

or is it a money grab…………..recalling last January a town hall style meeting on AIS, purpose… to get input and communicate the importance of getting the word out. Skeptical…I am…when the cost to attend the town hall meeting was around $200.00 per person and was scheduled at a time people are working….and those that spoke have vested personal interest, like pressure washer companies or expert consultants from other states to give their advice…..doing the math the effort took in around $60,000 not an official number…wonder where those funds went…..no one ever heard a follow up…..
in my mind breeds skepticism.

Am all for town hall meetings to get everyone together and share information but price it affordable for everyone at a time a majority can attend….

They just can’t help themselves (The Lakshore Associations) the AIS people want SO MUCH to believe that its a human problem and if EVERYONE was just more educated and spent more money on needless feel good appearances they can then sleep better with their guilt at night. All i ever see at the launches are a bunch of nosy, crooked fingered busy body retirees with nothing better to do then hassle people. I say, continue to increase their property tax for their huge cabins, destruction of shoreline habit (which I might add has a HUGE impact on fisheries), mongo sized floating docks, boats that pollute, noisy irritating jet skis. Fine them everytime they move their boats, boat lifts, etc between lakes, Maybe then we can get some peace and quiet from these cry baby scam artists.

Brian Klawitter wrote:

I’m standing beside Dutch boy whether he likes it or not.

No plug has been taken out of my boat for transportation in ten years. I know for a fact it hasn’t infected anything ever.

One of the first questions I’ll be asking people I vote for will be their stance on wasteful ais spending.

Lakeshore associations need to realize just because the bought lake shore property doesn’t make it their lake.

Wanna bet you get the Deer in the headlight look. These people don’t know or understand whats going on. It’s a select few on the state level and the Lake Associations doing all the pushing.

FOLLOW THE MONEY.

Nothing so far has been effective to stop the spread of AIS. The attitude is we have to do something even if it is wrong. I don’t see this is a prudent way to spend tax payers dollars.

Boat inspections are a good way to stop the spread of AIS, whether you do it yourself or have it done by an inspector. We still need more folks to “Get It”. I’d like to see a show of hands, of those who have said something to someone at a ramp about their being more lawful? I continue to see folks arriving and driving away with a trailer loaded with weeds. Others haven’t even heard of the pull your drain plug laws. If I see some of this, I’ve walked over and had a conversation with them. How many have done the same?

Crickets.

Leaving a plug IN the boat is more safe for the spread of AIS then pulling it out. For a couple of reasons.

‘course, I don’t “get it” although someone is getting my money…they “get it”.

If a boat shows up and it’s as dry as a bone and the trailer is clean, I agree it doesn’t pose a threat. But if it shows up with an inch or two of water, whose to say that was rain water or lake water from an infected lake? I don’t assume that these types of laws are 500% or absolutely 100% effective. What is? But do they get you on the paper and close to the bulls-eye? I think so. And so what if we spend some dollars paying college kids to be at a ramp? I’m more concerned with the Corporate greed that is costing our economy billions.

I don’t assume that these types of laws are 500% or absolutely 100% effective

If the plug is in, whether it’s rain water or lake water it won’t get out and contaminate another lake. If it does there’s other leaks and pulling the plug won’t make a difference.

Ballast water for ski boats? Different story.

At $60,000 or better for each decontamination station, I think I could even find a better trash can to throw my (and your) money into.

I don’t know, “Control the thinks that you can control, and accept the thinks that you can’t.” I live on a small lake < 200 acres. It has a lake association. Last year the the DNR installed a beautiful new hard surface public access, I know most of the boats and a lot of the shoreline owners. There has always been private and pay private accesses to the lake. There have been more fisherman and boaters on the lake since the access was installed. Not a lot but some. I am sure that this increases the risk of AIS. I have a 16′ Lund that I use to fish other bodies of water in the area. I always try to respect the waters that I fish and hope that others do the same to my home lake.

I’ll raise my hand.
I had a conversation with a fellow in the parking lot of a large store this last summer. Saw him drive in with his boat plug still in the boat. It was Pleasure Ski boat that had larges tubes stowed away in the front of the boat which were for towing people around. We had a talk in the parking lot about the spreading of invasives, which he was clueless about.

I knew I had you hooked LOL, if I pull my boat out and pull the plug; there still is water in the hull. It’s not until I’m going up a hill does it drain completely. So if I leave it in and launch in another lake then hit the bilge, I’m pumping lake water out – possibly from other lakes. This law is likely a very good indicator if a person understands the rules. Those that comply either by compliance or insight demonstrate an understanding that respects the resource.

Since my boat doesn’t see any water other then Pool 4 (or the connecting St Croix) and I won’t buy gas or groceries in MN because of this law,

how does that make not understand the law or not respect the resource?

I got off the hook at the boat Buzz.

Also you’re assuming that I think zebra mussels are bad.

Gary Korsgaden wrote:

What are your thoughts/or in the areas you fish what are you experiencing. Thanks gary

My folks live on Belle Taine and I have a number of opinions, which generally agree w/ Brian and Dutch on this one. One easy change would be to educate the “inspectors” (this applies to almost everyone I meet but esp on Belle Taine) as to what they should be looking for. Like looking under a boat for weeds, making sure wakeboard boats bilge tanks are empty, and making sure the motor is lowered while out of the water and then raised prior to driving off or launching etc. etc.