by Jim Seifert, LLAA Foundation Board Member
Since being formed in the early 1900s from five small lakes
dotting the Hubbard Prairie, Long Lake has been one of the premier recreation
lakes in north central Minnesota. Over the past 125 years, since the first
cabins and fishing camps were established, Long Lake’s beautiful and vibrant
ecosystem is increasingly under pressure from the spread of Aquatic
Invasive Species (AIS), recreational use, expanded home ownership, and a higher
number of visitors. Long Lake Area Association’s mission is to keep Long Lake
healthy and thriving. The Long Lake Area Association Foundation (LLAAF) is
central to that mission. The Foundation works tirelessly to protect and
preserve the lake’s natural resources through the generosity of the LLAA member
donors —like you! By supporting the LLAAF, you play a crucial role in
safeguarding the lake for future generations to enjoy. Being a member of
the LLAA (the Association) is important, thank you! However, your
donation to the LLAAF (the Foundation) is crucial in continuing responsible,
proactive stewardship of the lake that we love. Here’s why your donations are
essential.
#1 Ensuring Rigorous AIS Inspections
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) such as zebra mussels and
starry stonewort have been found in Long Lake.They along with other invasive
species can wreak havoc on the health of Long Lake. They disrupt native
ecosystems, reduce water quality, and make it challenging for recreational
activities. According to our recent survey of members, preventing AIS from
entering Long Lake should be THE top priority of the LLAAF, and thorough
inspections at lake accesses are a critical first line of defense.
For the past two years, LLAAF has contributed $25,000
annually to supplement and extend the coverage by 1000 hours for the watercraft
inspection program funded through the State AIS Prevention Aid, administered by
Hubbard County. For 2025, the cost per hour has increased $1 to
$26/hour so LLAAF will pay $26,000 for the same number of supplemental
hours. Without supplemental funding, Long Lake watercraft inspections
would be limited currently to 642 State-funded hours which is 80 days split
between the two accesses. This would work out to be 8-hour shifts on Sat,
Sun, and Holidays for the summer from opening of walleye fishing through the
weekend after Labor Day.
#2 Combating AIS
When AIS prevention efforts fall short (boat inspections,
clean-drain-dry, etc.), direct action is needed to mitigate and manage the
invasive species that have already entered the ecosystem. You may remember from
the LLAA’s communications that Long Lake has been actively engaged in
fighting an infestation of Starry Stonewort at the south boat launch area since
August 2023, which has continued through this fall. The LLAAF employs various
techniques to control invasive species. LLAA member volunteers work
hand-in-hand with the Minnesota DNR to combat invasive species. The LLAAF
contracts AIS mitigation firms to safely and under permit combat AIS
proliferation in Long Lake. This work is expensive but unavoidable. Your
generous donation to fund these critical projects is reducing the impact of AIS
on Long Lake.
#3 Lake Water Quality Monitoring
Water quality monitoring is essential for tracking the
lake’s health. LLAAF regularly tests for contaminants, pollutants, and changes
in pH levels that impact the lake’s ecosystem and water safety. Ongoing
monitoring also enables the LLAAF to detect and address issues early, before
they become larger problems. These tests require significant financial
resources for equipment, lab analysis, and expert staff to interpret results.
Your donation is critical to sustain these efforts to maintain and improve Long
Lake’s water quality.
#4 Preserving Game Fish Populations
Long Lake is home to diverse fish populations, including
walleye, bass, and northern pike, which are vital to the lake’s ecology and
draw anglers to the area. However, game fish populations in Long Lake are
vulnerable to habitat degradation, shoreline erosion, pollution, and
competition from AIS. Global warming and increased recreational activities are
putting more pressure on naturally reproducing fishing stock. In response,
using donated funds to the LLAAF, we actively support fish stocking efforts, looking
into possible habitat restoration projects, and engage in research to maintain
healthy fish populations. Your donation helps ensure that Long Lake remains a
thriving habitat for fish and a premier destination for anglers.
Your Role in Protecting Long Lake
The work of the LLAAF is only possible through our donors’
generosity. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps fund AIS inspections
and mitigation, water quality monitoring, and fish habitat preservation.
By donating to the LLAAF, you are investing in the future health of Long Lake,
supporting biodiversity, and preserving a cherished natural space for all to
enjoy. Long Lake is a treasure that so many families have loved for
generations. Almost everyone that lives on the lake has a story of how they
came to be here. Whether it was grandparents, parents, or a vacation at a
resort that caused you to fall in love with the lake, the generational love we
have of the lake is the constant thread that connects us. Together, we can
ensure that Long Lake remains a beautiful, healthy, and thriving environment
for years to come. Please donate to the LLAAF today to engage in this vital
conservation effort—thank you!
Jim Seifert is a third generation resident of Long Lake.
Jim and his family consider themselves stewards of the family home and the
lakeshore that has been a part of their family’s lives for almost 100 years.
