December 6th, 2011 Dear Mooney Lake Association (MLA) Members, Over the last couple of months there have been a lot of changes with Mooney Lake and at the association: 1) we are finalizing our revised lake management plan and our new lake vegetation management plan (LVMP), 2) a new depth map of the lake is complete, 3) a fish survey was conducted in September, 4) we have obtained aerial photos of the lake dating back to 1937, and 5) we wrapped up our lake monitoring program for the year. All of the above information will be available on our website at www. mooneylake.org/. If you have no internet access please contacts me if you would like a hard copy sent to you. When I last sent out a lake update in June, the lake water conditions were the best we had seen in many years. However, by the middle of August, lake monitoring data showed lake clarity went from a visibility of 3 meters to less than 1 meter. This was due to phosphorus levels jumping from 29ug/L to 93ug/L (standard limit = 60ug/L), causing the lake to turn a lime green color due to active algae growth. Luckily, unlike previous years, thick floating mats of filamentous algae were not present on the surface of the lake, and there were no reports of blue-green algae formations. Mooney Lake is a nutrient impaired (eutrophic) lake that is affected by external and internal sources of nutrient loading (phosphorous) and contaminants (salt, oil, etc.). The heavy and frequent rains in May and June contributed to an increase in phosphorous loading mainly from storm water runoff from impervious surfaces. The winter fish-kill played a significant role on water quality this year. Although the DNR classified Mooney Lake as having a complete winter kill, the September fish survey which took into account our restocking (Bass, Crappie, and blue gill) this spring revealed only a partial kill. Many black bullheads which are less affected by oxygen depletion, survived and flourished. Bullheads and carp are considered undesirable species because they stir up the lake bottom releasing internal phosphorus and disrupting beneficial aquatic plant growth. The survey also indicated the crappie and blue gill populations are strong and healthy with no signs of stinting. Bass which is our top predator fish in the lake was the hardest hit this past winter. The association is planning to add 100 to 200 adult bass this coming spring keeping the fish populations healthy and in-check. This year, as in the past, the association used chemical treatments to control the aquatic invasive species Curlyleaf Pondweed with good results. The native aquatic plant, Coontail and Elodea that have been the dominant species the past few years, did not inhibit boating activities this summer. Our September plant survey also indicated more plant diversification with additional plant species starting to take root around the lake which is encouraging news. It is important to understand that aquatic plants are a vital factor in water clarity. The overall goal is to continue using management practices to increase and encourage other native plants to flourish which will significantly reduce algae blooms. Most recently, I have been appointed by the city of Medina as their Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) representative. This appointment has allowed me to forge relationships that will benefit our efforts to restore and protect Mooney Lake over the coming years. As we move forward into the New Year, 2012 will be a year we plan to implement many of the management and educational programs we worked hard on this year. It is important to note that Mooney Lake is considered a low priority in addressing water quality issues by local and state agencies. The association has reached out this year to engage the city of Plymouth to address untreated storm water entering the lake. The city is working with the association on developing plans and filtration equipment to help reduce nutrient loading. My appointment to work with the MCWD has also opened the door to address impairment issues concerning Mooney Lake. We look forward in continuing to work with the city and MCWD to improve and protect Mooney Lake. I’m happy to announce that Darlene Muncy has volunteered to become the new secretary for the association replacing Anna Forsberg. Anna, who with her husband Andy, had their first baby this fall. (Congratulations to you both!) Also, Clay Hoes will be replacing Todd Muncy as Vice President. Todd, thank you for your service to the association over the past few years and your continued support with the aquatic plant management committee. I would also like to thank the following members for volunteering your time on projects this year: Karl Pokorny, Kai Kroll, Jeff Olsen, Andy Forsberg, Anne Healy, and Ed & Judy Cannon. The MLA is able to continue all our efforts because of the volunteer and financial support from you all. We thank you for all your contributions.
On behalf of the entire board, we would like to wish you and your family all the best this coming holiday season and a wonderful New Year! Sincerely, Peter Rechelbacher, Clay Hoes, Ron Carlson, Darlene Muncy, and Liz Weir |