Fall - Gull Chain of Lakes Association

F a l l 2 0 0 9 

Nisswa, Minnesota 56468 

Photo by Ron Faust (Board Member)

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

CO-PRESIDENTS 

Marvin Meyer - Gull, Wilson Bay 

828-9577, mpatmeyer@msn.com 

John Taylor – Gull, East Side 

963-2229, taylorjc@uslink.net 

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY/TREASURER 

Rosemary Goff – Margaret 

963-3542, togo@nisswa.net 

COMMUNITY RELATIONS/MEMBERSHIP 

Rob Johnson – Gull Narrows 

820-2431, robj@brainerd.net 

Marvin Meyer – Gull, East Side 

828-9577, mpatmeyer@msn.com 

ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION 

Robert Eliason – Bass Lake 

568-7868, reliason@tds.net 

Ike Halliwill – Gull 

825-9571; halliwillongull@yahoo.com 

Charles McQuinn – Gull, Northeast Side 

612-280-1901, charles@lakeregionstorage.com 

SAFETY & RECREATION 

John Taylor – Gull, East Side 

963-2229, taylorjc@uslink.net 

Bob Toborg – Margaret 

963-3542, togo@nisswa.net 

Steve Allex - Gull 

829-2612; savesta@msn.com 

Tim Brastrup - DNR Representative, Fisheries 

833-8636; tim.brastrup@dnr.state.mn.us 

Mark Engstrand – Gull, East Side 

330-1240; gulllakeguy@aol.com 

Ron Faust – Gull 

961-1617; ronfaust@mac.com 

MaryKay Larson – US Army Corps of Engineers 

Manager, Gull Lake Dam Recreation Area 

829-2797; MaryKay.L.Larson@usace.army.mil 

Cathy Taylor – Gull, East Side 

963-2229; cathyt@uslink.net 

WEBSITE MANAGER 

Dave Anderson – Bass Lake 

952-935-0106, L-S-I@comcast.net 

EX-OFFICIO PRESIDENTS 

Dore Mesch - Upper Gull 

568-5612, dorymesch@uslink.net 

Bill Rickmeyer - Gull, West Side 

963-4893, Bill.rickmeyer@remax.net 

website: 

gcola.org 

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 

John Taylor 

It seems hard to believe that the leaves are changing and in a couple of 

months our sky blue waters will be transformed into a winter wonderland. 

This summer has been very busy for your lake association: 

• On July 16th we had our annual meeting where 100+ Lake Association 

members braved high winds and chilly temperatures at the Zappfe 

compound to have their questions answered by local law 

enforcement, reports from the DNR Fisheries and statistics from the 

Federal Dam. Then our featured speaker, DNR Biologist, Dan 

Swanson, gave a very informative report about the spread of 

invasive species and how we all can help to prevent their spread. 

• We have continued and expanded our programs to keep invasive species 

out of the Chain. This summer in addition to the I-LIDS (video camera’s at 

public landing-see Safety and Rec Report) we worked with our 

resorts to have their staff trained to identify invasive species when their 

guests land their boats. We were fortunate to once again get a matching 

grant from the DNR to hire interns to inspect boats at the three public 

landings and educate boaters on the importance of cleaning weeds off 

their boats. 

• The stream and lake water testing programs continue in an effort 

to protect and improve the water quality in the Chain. A special thank you 

to Dr. Robert Eliason and Bob Toborg for volunteering their time to collect 

the water samples. 

• This summer we had our second dock drop during which we left a 

packet of information at each dock on the Chain. This resulted in 28 

new families joining the Lake Association. We are still far from our goal of 

having a majority of property owners belonging to their Lake Association. 

Whenever you are together with your neighbors ask if they are members, 

and if not have them e-mail Rosemary at: togo@nisswa.net or call 963-3542 

for a membership application. If we all do this, we would double our 

membership. 

• Our Website will be undergoing some changes this fall so be sure and 

visit and see what is happening, and to get updates as to what your lake 

association is doing. 

If you have any questions on this please email me at taylorjc@uslink.net. 

Thank you and have a wonderful fall. 

LAKES PRINTING CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY 

Lakes Printing in Brainerd is the only business that is allowed access to 

our Association member list and only for the purpose of mailing our 

newsletter. They have issued the following confidentiality policy. 

We have a strict policy of confidentiality. We will not sell, trade, swap or 

in any other way use your list for anything except mailing your newsletter. 

We understand fully that you are the owner of the list and we simply 

have an electronic copy on our system for your use. This policy is not just 

for the Gull Chain of Lakes Association, it is applied to all customers. 

4

DOCKS, BOATS AND BOAT LIFT REMOVAL CAUTION 

With dock, boat lift, and boat removal season almost upon us, please join in helping prevent the spread of zebra 

mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil into the Gull Chain of Lakes. 

Many of the dock installers work on several lakes. If you hire someone to do any of this work for you, please 

ensure they do not unwittingly introduce one of these invasive aquatic species (AIS) into the Chain. Ask them if 

they have been in any of the following infested waters with their waders, trailers, floats, etc. If they have, verify 

that their equipment (even waders) has been properly checked and cleaned before allowing them to enter one of 

the Lakes. If they haven’t taken the proper precautions, hire someone who has. 

If you rent a trailer to take your boat, boat lift or pontoon out of the lake yourself, ask where the trailer has been. If 

it has been in a lake or river infested with aquatic invasive species, don’t rent it unless it can be verified that the 

trailer has been properly checked and cleaned. 

Crow Wing County waters infested with zebra mussels: 

Black Bear Lake 

Boom Lake 

Half Moon Lake 

Little Rabbit Lake 

Miller Lake 

Ossawinnamakee Lake 

Pelican Brook 

Pickerel Lake 

Pine River 

Rice Lake 

Crow Wing County waters infested 

with Eurasian watermilfoil 

Bay Lake 

Kimball Lake 

Lower Mission Lake 

Ossawinnamakee Lake 

Ruth Lake 

Upper Mission Lake 

Cass County waters infested 

with Eurasian watermilfoil 

Leech Lake 

Cass County waters infested 

with faucet snail 

Lake Winnibigoshish 

Thank you for doing your part! 

Highway 371, Nisswa 

(218) 963-2584 

800-322-3525 

1620 Mary Fawcett 

Memorial Dr 

East Gull Lake, MN 56401 

218-828-2344 

campconfidence.com 

Buying or Selling? Downsizing or Relocating? 

Donate your home, land, furniture, household goods, 

sporting goods, lawn mowers, cars, trucks, vans, boats, 

trailers, snow mobiles, ATVs, campers or trailers to our 

Annual Outdoor Auction. 

We accept donations year-round and pick up service is 

available. Your donation is tax deductible. Confidence 

Learning Center is a recognized 501 (c)3 organization 

providing outdoor education and recreation experiences to 

persons of all ages with developmental disabilities. 

5

PRIVATE BOAT LANDINGS BOAT INSPECTIONS 

Ike Halliwill, Board Member 

During the summer of 2009 the Gull Chain of Lakes Association (GCOLA), with the support of the DNR, 

implemented a program to spread the message about aquatic hitchhikers to private boat landings on Gull 

Lake. With the support of Keri Hull, the Brainerd area DNR watercraft inspection program specialist, 

GCOLA contacted eight of the popular private landings. The reception was positive at all locations and 

many are already quite knowledgeable about the aquatic invasive species problem. All are interested in 

learning more and anxious to do whatever is necessary to keep Gull Lake free of the aquatic hitchhikers. 

Those participating this year were: Craguns, Maddens, Gull Lake and Quarterdeck Resorts and Ernies 

on Gull Restaurant. 

In May 2010, a follow-up meeting will be held at Ernie’s on Gull at which Kavanaugh’s Resort, Camp 

Confidence and Pierz Marine will participate as well as new employees of this year’s participants. Thank 

you to Keri Hull (DNR) for support at meetings, and for providing current brochures, and to Tim 

Brastrup (DNR) for making new signage available. 

At each of the locations, GCOLA is assuring that state of the art signage reminding boaters to check and 

clean vegetation from their boats is in place, and that current brochures about aquatic hitchhikers are 

available. The main objective is to continue educating the public. 

DOCK RULES REVISION 

By Rosemary Goff, Board Member 

The DNR is currently finalizing proposed changes in rules covering the size of docks and other structures 

in public waters. With a 60 day notice required for public hearings, it appears they will not take place 

until sometime after the first of the year. Once the public hearings are scheduled, the proposed rules will 

be made public. They are planning to have public hearings in 2 to 4 locations, with at least one to be in 

the Brainerd area and one in the metro area. Their plan is to have an afternoon and evening session at 

each hearing location. Written comments can also be submitted during the 60 day notice period. Once 

hearings are scheduled I will notify Lake Association members who have provided their e-mail 

addresses of the times and places. 

The proposed rules, Statement of Need and Reasonableness will appear on the DNR web site at: 

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/watermgmt_section/pwpermits/structures_rules.html 

Comments and questions can also be directed to Tom Hovey at the MN DNR Waters at 651-259-5654 or: 

tom.hovey@state.mn.us 

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6

BAIT USE AND DISPOSAL 

Submitted by Tim Brastrup, Area Fisheries Supervisor, Brainerd. 

The bait industry in Minnesota is a vital part of the angling recreation business community and a necessity for many 

types of angling and for many species of game fish. Like any component of outdoor recreation, bait use and 

disposal are important issues in the process of preventing the spread of invasive species. Following are rules that 

govern disposal of bait and guidelines for preventing the spread of invasive species: 

1. It is illegal to dump unwanted minnow and leeches in any body of water. They should be buried or composted or 

other legal manner. 

2. Minnows and leeches taken with a cylindrical trap from waters infested with Eurasian watermilfoil may only be 

used for fishing at that body of water where taken. Taking of bait from other infested waters and using them 

elsewhere is unlawful. 

3. Seines may not be over 25 feet long or more than 148 meshes deep with ¼-inch bar measure, or more than 197 

meshes deep with 3/16-inch bar measure. 

4. Traps used on non-eurasian watermilfoil waters may not exceed a width and length of 30 inches, height may not 

exceed 15 inches, the diameter or width of the opening may not exceed 1 1 ⁄2 inches, and mesh size may not exceed 

½ inch bar measure. Traps must have a waterproof tag bearing the name and address of the owner. 

5. It is unlawful to use throw nets to harvest minnows. 

6. A DNR permit is required to possess more than 24 dozen minnows or leeches; to sell, export or import; or to take 

minnows or leeches from designated trout waters. 

7. A permit from the DNR, 500 Lafayette Street, St. Paul, MN is required to take madtoms and stonecats in Dodge, 

Freeborn, or Mower Counties. 

8. All streams and associated tributaries and connected waters of the Missouri River watershed in Lincoln, 

Pipestone, Murray, Rock, or Nobles Counties that lie south of U.S. Highway 14 to the Iowa border and west of U.S. 

Highway 59 to South Dakota are closed to minnow harvest. Minnows may be taken by angling for personal use. 

Invasive Species Laws 

It is unlawful to: 

1. Transport aquatic plants, ruffe, round goby, zebra mussel, or other prohibited invasive species on public roads. 

2. Transport infested water, including in livewells and bait containers. 

3. To keep unused bait at spiny water flea- or zebra mussel-infested waters, drain and replace with tap or spring 

water. 

4. Launch a watercraft with aquatic plants, zebra mussels or prohibited invasive species attached. 

5. Harvest bait (minnows, frogs, crayfish or other wild animals) from infested waters. 

6. Exception: Harvest for personal use is permitted in waters infested SOLELY with Eurasian watermilfoil. 

Harvested bait must ONLY be used in the water from which it is harvested. Bait may only be harvested using a 

cylindrical minnow trap not exceeding 16 inches in diameter and 32 inches in length. 

Prohibited Invasive Species includes: Silver carp, bighead carp, Eurasian watermilfoil, round goby, ruffe, zebra 

mussel, New Zealand mudsnail, spiny water flea. A complete list of prohibited species can be found at 

www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives or by calling the DNR information line. 

STOP AQUATIC HITCHHIKERS! 

1. Remove visible plants and animals from your boat, trailer, and other boating equipment before leaving the water 

access. Be sure to check around the space in front of the outboard motor propeller. 

2. Drain water from your boat, motor, livewell, and bait containers before leaving the water access. You must 

remove the drain plug prior to leaving any spiny water flea or zebra mussel infested waters. 

3. Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash. Never release live bait, including earth worms or night crawlers. 

4. Spray, rinse, or dry boats and recreational equipment before transporting to another water body. Spray/rinse 

with high pressure and/or hot tap water (above 120 degrees F) or dry at least five days. 

See the updated list of infested waters in Minnesota by going online to the DNR website at 

www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives. 

7

SWIMMER’S ITCH 

Many of you have complained about the prevalence of swimmer’s itch this past summer. Swimmer’s itch is a form 

of dermatitis caused by the immature life stage of a fluke or flat worm. Other names include Schistosomiasis and 

Schistosome dermatitis. A common name that is a misnomer is “chiggers”. Swimmer’s itch and chiggers are two 

different conditions. Chiggers are any of various small six-legged larvae of mites of the family Trombidiidae, 

causing intensely irritating itching when lodged on the skin. Swimmer’s itch is not caused by an insect or mite, but 

a parasite of waterfowl or other birds that live over water. 

The parasitic life cycle begins with an adult fluke in the gut of a duck, red-winged blackbird, or other species of bird 

that live near water. The fluke matures in the duck’s gut and lays eggs that are carried out of the bird with fecal 

material. When the microscopic eggs drop in the water they hatch into a larval form called a miracidia, which 

burrows into a snail. The snail becomes the intermediate host while the miracidia transforms into a cercariae. The 

cercariae, small fork-tailed immature stage, leave the snail and seek out a duck on the water. Normally if they enter 

the skin of a duck, they will burrow through the tissue and fluid systems of the duck and into the gut of the duck, 

where they mature into an adult fluke and complete their life cycle. When the cercariae are seeking out a duck but 

encounter a human, they burrow into the skin and quickly die because the human body’s immune system kills it. 

The severe itch and accompanying welt is an allergic reaction to the infection. The parasite, aside from the itch, 

causes no other disease or parasitic condition in humans. 

Some people show no symptoms of swimmer’s itch, even though others swimming at the same time and place 

break out severely. In fact, only about 30 to 40% of the human population is sensitive to swimmer’s itch. Much like 

poison ivy, some people react severely to the slightest exposure, while others may not respond at all. Also like 

poison ivy, people tend to become more sensitive with each exposure. 

As long as waterfowl and snails inhabit Minnesota lakes, swimmer’s itch is likely to be a source of irritation for 

swimmers. 

8 

Continued on page 9 

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SWIMMER’S ITCH 

There are no sure ways to prevent getting swimmer’s itch, but there are some things that people can do to reduce 

the likelihood of getting it: 

1. Avoid swimming or wading in shallow water near shore. If practical, swim from a boat or raft out some distance 

from shore, in deeper water. Swimmers will encounter far fewer of the organisms farther from shore in deeper 

water. This may not be practical for poor swimmers or small children. 

2. Towel off immediately after leaving the water. Although the flukes can enter your skin while you are in the 

water, you can also carry them out of the lake in the droplets of water on your skin. The organism may attempt to 

enter your skin as the droplets of water evaporate. So, if swimmer’s itch is a problem in the lake where you swim, 

towel off immediately after getting out of the water. Getting in and out of the water repeatedly, and allowing 

water to dry on your skin, greatly increases the chance of getting “the itch”. 

3. Do not swim on days when there is an on-shore breeze toward your property or where you are swimming. The 

free-floating flukes are generally found near the surface of the water. As a result, they are easily moved by wind 

and wave action, often concentrating in greater numbers close to the windward shore. Because the swimmer’s 

itch organism is easily moved, it is difficult to identify where the snails that released the flukes are located. 

4. Do not encourage waterfowl to loaf on your dock. On lakes where swimmer’s itch is a concern, do not attract 

waterfowl to your dock, or shoreline by feeding them. Waterfowl are a critical link in the life cycle of the 

organism, and the presence of ducks can increase the likelihood of the parasite being there as well. 

5. Snail control with copper sulfate. The application of copper sulfate to swimming areas may provide some relief 

from swimmer’s itch. Copper sulfate kills many of the snails, but not all of them which may be the source of 

swimmer’s itch. However, relief from swimmer’s itch provided by a copper sulfate treatment may be short lived. 

The snails present at the time of the application will be killed, but snails that enter the area following treatment 

will not be affected. In addition, the snails that are the source of the swimmer’s itch may not be in the area 

treated. For these reasons the effectiveness of a copper sulfate treatment for control of swimmer’s itch is variable. 

If you decide to use copper sulfate, a permit from the DNR is required. Staff at the DNR, Aquatic Plant 

Management Office in Brainerd, would be glad to explain the permit application process and how to calculate 

how much copper sulfate is needed. Their phone number is 218/828-2735. 

Submitted by Tim Brastrup, Area Fisheries Supervisor, Brainerd 

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9

AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES IN MINNESOTA’S WATERS – AN AQUADEMIC 

Position Paper and Recommendations of Minnesota Waters (Adopted April 29, 2009) 

Executive Summary – Full Position Paper Available at www.minnesotawaters.org 

How do you describe a condition where harmful polluting agents spread rapidly to new lakes and rivers, are self-replicating, 

and cannot be treated effectively or eradicated once they have been introduced? 

Minnesota Waters calls this condition an Aquatic Epidemic – or an Aquademic. 

“Our lakes and rivers are under attack by aquatic invasive species (AIS). These aggressive, non-native organisms are a direct threat to the 

diversity and abundance of our native aquatic species, and to the ecological stability of our state’s waters. AIS are a huge problem because 

our native habitats have no natural controls – predators, pathogens, or parasites – to slow or limit the expansion of AIS populations. This 

unchecked AIS growth can quickly overrun an aquatic ecosystem and its species, as well as a devastating impact on businesses and 

recreation activities that rely on them.” - Harry Gibbons, President, North American Lake Management Society. 

At Minnesota Waters, we believe the current AIS aquademic is one of our state’s defining ecologic, economic, and social crises. 

And while education, awareness and voluntary actions have greatly increased Minnesotans’ knowledge of AIS – and prompted 

some positive action to stem their spread -- more must be done. AIS are a serious and pervasive threat to our lakes and rivers. 

To beat them, we will need to make equally serious investments and cultural changes. We need to change the game. 

WHAT ARE AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES (AIS)? 

Aquatic Invasive Species are non-native plants, animals, and pathogens that live primarily in water, thrive in a new environment, and 

cause economic loss, environmental damage, and harm to human health. The senior science editor for Discover, Alan Burdick, refers to 

this new era as the ‘Homogecene’ – where the greatest threat to biological diversity is “not bulldozers or pesticides, but in a 

sense, nature itself.” Aquatic invasive species are responsible for several categorical problems, including: 

• Ecology. AIS cause ecological damage through predation, competition and displacement of native plants and animals, or 

through habitat alteration and destruction. 

• Economy. AIS can have dramatic economic impacts, including reduced tourism and property values. 

• Recreation. AIS overrun desirable species, impede water access, foul swimming areas, and reduce an area’s aesthetic appeal. 


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• Commerce and public infrastructure. AIS impede commercial transport, clog water intakes and have other physical impacts 

and impediments to infrastructure and commerce. 

• Human health. AIS may cause or contribute to human health concerns including disease, the accumulation of toxins and 

infections in fish, and in the case of zebra mussels, unsafe beaches caused by the accumulation of sharp shells. Also, there are 

cases where drowning victims have become entangled in milfoil. 

AIS IN MINNESOTA 

AIS have been in our state for more than a century (e.g., common carp, curlyleaf pondweed); however, their recognition as a 

threat worthy of special attention has occurred more recently. Our modern AIS era began with the discovery of Eurasian 

watermilfoil (EWM) in Lake Minnetonka in 1987. EWM has since spread to many other lakes -- including many in the Metro 

area. 

There are currently about a dozen species of plants and animals in Minnesota’s waters that cause significant damage, and for 

which we have little or no control. Some AIS infest hundreds of Minnesota’s waters, while others currently only infest a few 

waters, or have yet to arrive in our state. However, the spread of AIS within Minnesota’s inland waters is rapidly increasing 

and the infestation within individual water bodies will most likely be exponential. 

The spread of AIS is primarily caused by recreational watercraft moving to and from Minnesota’s waters – both within the 

state, and from outside the state. Minnesota has a large number of lakes and rivers and a high per capita boat ownership and 

use. And our laws, regulations and culture, have evolved to allow broad use and enjoyment of our abundant water resources. 

Unfortunately, this long tradition of love and appreciation for aquatic activities now facilitates the spread of AIS. 

WHY AIS A SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED NOW 

• New AIS continue to enter Minnesota. (The species nearest Minnesota and of highest concern include hydrilla and VHS). 

• The number of Minnesota lakes and rivers infested with AIS is increasing. 

• All AIS have harmful impacts to some degree. 

• There are no known cases where AIS have been eradicated from a body of water once it has been introduced. 

BARRIERS TO SOLVING THE PROBLEM 

Our response to date has been far from adequate. When EWM was discovered in Lake Minnetonka, lawmakers and local 

communities were quick to take action. However, the effort gradually lost momentum. Current research on control and 

prevention of AIS is minimal, both in Minnesota and across the nation. Existing prevention efforts rely mainly on education, 

awareness and voluntary actions. That’s a good start. But it’s not nearly enough. Unless we substantially change our 

underlying philosophy, management, control systems and investments, the AIS problem will continue to spread. 

There are a number of obstacles that make it difficult for our state to mount an effective response to the AIS problem: 

• Scale and complexity. Given the size and complexity of the issue, it is easy to throw up our hands and accept the spread of 

AIS as inevitable. 

• Lack of effective controls. For most AIS, there are no known eradication methods. For many others, there are no control 

methods. Moreover, for AIS that can be controlled, the methods often carry public stigma. For example, curlyleaf pondweed 

or Eurasian watermilfoil can be controlled with herbicides that do not harm native plants and have been deemed safe by 

government regulators; however, use of these herbicides often face stiff resistance from the public. 


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11


• Culture and Attitudes. Perhaps the single greatest challenge to confronting and improving our state’s AIS prevention and 

management system is our culture and attitudes. We love our lakes and rivers, and are reluctant to change how we use them 

– even if those changes are necessary to protect them. Because AIS primarily spread by hitchhiking on watercraft, we must 

reexamine our systems for inspecting and controlling. Does it make sense to allow unfettered movement of watercraft if that 

unfettered movement destroys the value and integrity of the waters themselves? 

IT’S NOT TOO LATE…BUT WE CAN’T WAIT 

Minnesota’s response to the AIS problem has evolved over the past two decades in a piecemeal fashion. As a result, we lack a 

comprehensive management system, and we lack a sense of urgency. 

Because AIS pose larger political, economic, cultural and social challenges, many comprehensive or critical analyses tend to shy 

away from, rather than confront, these implications of AIS impacts. Many citizens, resources users and management agencies 

have demonstrated a kind of ‘hot potato’ approach to confronting AIS problems – the ‘hot potato’ being the obvious conflicts or 

confrontations with the scale, scope and scariness of the AIS problem. 

Because an effective AIS response will require us to change how we use our state’s waters, many people instinctively react with 

skepticism. This kind of skepticism typically goes through three stages: 

• First, they tell you you’re wrong and can prove it 

• Second, they tell you you’re right, but it doesn’t matter 

• Third, they tell you it matters but it’s too late to do anything about it. 

The good news is that it’s not too late for us to tackle the AIS problem. At least not yet. Thanks to the statewide cooperation of 

citizens, recreationalists, tourism industries, businesses, and agencies, less than 1% of Minnesota’s waters are currently infested with 

AIS like zebra mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil. Of course, this also means that 99% of our waters are still at risk and need to 

be protected. 


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12

Main Gull 

$995,000 


$1,400,000 


$799,900 


$850,000 


$449,900 


$1,995,000 


$454,900 


$599,900 


$2,195,000 


$749,000 


$699,900 


$749,000 

Gull Lake 

$995,000 


$899,900 


$499,900 


$699,900 


$695,000 


$649,900 


$849,900 

Upper Gull 

$639,900 

14

Gull Chain - Lake Margaret 

$319,900 


$1,695,000 


$475,000 


$499,900 


$995,000 


$679,900 


$1,150,000 


$1,798,000 


$1,749,000 


$2,850,000 

Gull Chain - Round Lake 

$699,900 


$425,000 


$129,900 


$1,750,000 


$998,000 


$1,250,000 


$575,000 


$499,900 

15

E-MAILS WANTED! 

We’re trying to collect e-mails from as many GCOLA members as possible. This will allow us in the 

future to save money and trees by sending the newsletter electronically. It will also allow us to provide 

timely information on issues important to members. When renewing your membership, please include 

your e-mail address on the renewal form. 

DON’T FORGET YOUR 2009 GCOLA DUES! 

Thank you to all of those who responded to our mailing and have paid their 2009 membership dues and 

made extra donations. Annual memberships are $50 and can be sent to: 

GCOLA, Box 102, Nisswa, MN 56468. 

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- General welding 

& repair 

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218-824-0000 

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7669 College Road 

P.O. Box 2688 

Baxter, MN 56425-2688 

Phone 218-829-4759 

Fax 218-829-4121 

www.holdenelectric.com 

7870 Excelsior Road 

Baxter, MN 56425 

218.828.9545 

toll free 877.338.3937 

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Dr. Jackie McCall • Dr. Anna Malikowski 

9-5 M,W, F • 9-6 T & Th • 9-12 Sat. 

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16


RECOMMENDATIONS 

We are now at a fork in the road. We can continue down our current path that has evolved over the past two decades into a 

collective body of laws and programs that have proven to be inadequate. Or we can choose a better path. 

In our view, the status quo is not an option. Neither are incremental, patchwork fixes. “You can optimize individual pieces up 

to a point,” says Thomas Friedman in Hot, Flat & Crowded, “[But] if you don’t scrap the whole system and put a new system in 

place, ultimately everything will be constrained. [On the other hand,] if you put together a new system, and you do it right, 

everything starts to get better.” 

Unless we transform our approach, AIS will steadily overrun Minnesota’s lakes and rivers – with devastating results for our 

state’s businesses, communities, and recreation. The AIS management system in Minnesota is constrained by outdated laws 

and cultural norms and is seriously broken. We need to reexamine the legal, regulatory cultural framework that has allowed 

AIS to become a large problem, and establish a new system for stemming the AIS aquademic. 

1. Minnesota Waters recommends the state adopt an AIS management system that prioritizes its activities, especially by 

devoting more focus and resources to prevention. 

2. Minnesota Waters recommends that 80% of all state resources for AIS be devoted to prevention 1 . As well, prevention 

programs and activities should be diversified to include education/awareness, containment of new AIS infestations, 

containment of AIS in ‘super spreaders,’ licensing of service providers, more enforcement of state laws and rules, uniform 

AIS prevention laws, reducing invasibility and allowing/supporting citizen-based prevent programs. 

3. Minnesota Water recommends a flexible and multi-faceted approach to AIS that recognizes and responds to situational 

differences among various regions of the state. 

4. Minnesota Waters recommends increased funding for the AIS prevention program (excluding grant funding) - should be 

doubled compared to the 2009 program. 


Lost Lake Lodge 

• Award Winning Sunday Brunch 

• Affordable Premiere Year Round Lodging, Dining, & Recreational Fun 

• Prime Rib & Crab Leg Buffet (Every Friday & Saturday) 

• From Appetizers, Salads & Burgers to Seafood, Pastas & Choice 

Steaks 

• Dock n’ Dine ~ Food n’ Float 

• Saturday Breakfast Buffet 

• Weekend Lunch 

• Open All Year! 

COME BY CAR, BOAT OR SNOWMOBILE 

GAS ~ BOAT RENTALS 

218-963-2482 

CR 77 WEST GULL LAKE 

WWW.QUARTERDECKRESORT.COM 

Lost Lake Lodge on the Gull Lake Narrows features the Best 

Four Course Meal in the Lakes Area and is complimented by 

the most extensive fine wine list around. We are open from 

mid May to mid October and look forward to serving you. 

Call for reservations at 218-963-2681. For a sample of our 

menu go to www.lostlake.com 

7965 Lost Lake Road • Lake Shore, MN 56468 

P: 218.963.2681 • F: 218.963.0509 

17


5. Minnesota Waters recommends increased funding for AIS prevention and control grants to local interests 1 . 

Program Current Funding Funding that is Necessary 

• AIS Prevention Grants $100,000 per year $1,500,000 per year 

• Milfoil Nuisance Control $200,000 per year $200,000 per year 

• EWM & CLP Pilot Projects $400,000 per year $1,500,000 per year 

6. Minnesota Waters recommends that AIS (plant) control be encouraged in manners that protect native plants and encourage 

restoration by requiring Lake Vegetation Management Plans (LVMPs), providing grant funding for LVMPs, eliminating 

permit fees and encouraging lake-wide controls by eliminating riparian consents. 

7. Minnesota Waters recommends that a dialog be initiated among Minnesota’s resource managers and policy makers to reexamine 

the legal, cultural and social framework that now prevents consideration of Level 3 (a more stringent level described 

in the full report) AIS management system that includes these elements: quarantine 2 of waters, significant increases in fines 

and penalties for AIS laws, new funding, inspection fees, providing local authorities to control accesses (while protecting 

public access rights). 

Perhaps most important, we must find a way to balance the issues of access and control. Changes that threaten to interfere with 

our boating culture -- such as ‘quarantines,’ ‘fees,’ ‘restrictions,’ ‘herbicides’ and ‘inspections’ – tend to elicit a knee-jerk 

response. But in order to save the waters we love so much, these concepts must at least be on the table for discussion and 

evaluation. Too often, people try to rationalize their resistance through statements such as ‘Eurasian watermilfoil is good for 

fishing’ or ‘AIS are carried by waterfowl and can’t be stopped.’ Unless we are willing to tackle the cultural issue, and confront 

the difficult conflicts between access and control, Minnesota’s waters are at high risk of being permanently and irreversibly 

damaged. 

1 Summary of state funding recommendations – AIS Prevention, $10 million annually; AIS control, $2.5 million annually. 

2 Here we use quarantine to mean a very strict monitoring, inspection and assurance of recreational watercraft and other vectors being AIS-free as opposed to 

the absolute prohibition of public access to lakes and rivers. 

MINNESOTA WATERS www.MinnesotaWaters.org (320) 257-6630 

Timbermist Catering 

On or Off site 

Liquor License available 

218-829-7507 

Picnic, grad parties, weddings, 

anniversary, birthday, any party. 

No size too big or small 

Pictured is DNR intern, Josh Crook, inspecting 

boats and trailers for invasive aquatic vegetation and species 

before launching at the public landing near Zorbaz 

18

SAFETY AND RECREATIONAL REPORT For Texting use : 763-607-4280 

Bob Toborg 218-963-3542 togo@uslink.net • John Taylor 218-963-2229 taylorjc@uslink.net • Co-Chairpersons 

It seems like it was only yesterday that I was putting the buoys in for the 2009 boating season, and now it is almost 

time to remove the buoys again. We plan on having the system removed, cleaned, and stored at Lost Lake Lodge by 

the 1st of October. We once again want to extend a big thank you to Lost Lake Lodge for allowing the Lake 

Association to store our buoy system on their point during the winter. 

This past summer we again lost several lights and some buoys from boats running into the buoys. At a cost of 

almost $300 per buoy with light, this carelessness gets expensive. It can’t be good for your boats either so be 

careful. 

The I-LIDS (the video camera’s) we installed at the Zorbaz Public Landing, The Federal Dam Public Landing, and 

the DNR Public Landing by Bay Colony Inn all were a success. My home is one house away from one of the 

landings and I have noticed that once people see the sign that they will be monitored by cameras the majority 

proceed to check and clean their boats. This is a noticeable change from past years. The I-LIDS, in combination 

with the DNR interns we hired to monitor the landings 40+ hours a week, are going a long way in helping to keep 

exotic aquatic species such as zebra mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil out of the Chain. Also, for the 11th straight 

year this fall we again did a seven section search for Eurasian Milfoil. 

Next June, we will again be helping the Crow Wing Sheriff Department with 2-3 Water Safety classes to teach 

proper boating rules to our young children. Look in the Spring Newsletter for info on this training. 

Welcome to Nisswa Smiles. 

We are proud to be serving the Lake Country with comprehensive and preventative dental care, 

where your comfort and well-being are our number one priority. With 

state-of-the-art technology and dedicated staff, we offer you an experience 

that will leave you smiling. 

Opening March 2009. 

218.963.6330 

25477 Main Street-Nisswa • www.NisswaSmiles.com 

19

2009 NEW MEMBERS AND DONATORS 

John & Joan Akin, Upper Gull 

Mark Anderson, Narrows 

Keith & Karen Barnes, Gull 

Stephen & Mary Battista, Gull 

Marwin & Maxine Bogue, Upper Gull 

Jeffrey & Janet Bowers 

Donald “Bud” Chase, Gull 

Alvin & Kathleen Eckloff, Upper Gull 

Rick & Margaret Ganyo, Gull 

Tom Geiger, Gull 

Welcome 2009 New Members! 

Gregg & Julie Getchell, Gull 

Jim & Laleen Goerges, Gull 

Dave & Mary Hennies, Gull 

Richard Huesing, Gull 

Helen Klaers, Gull 

Marc & Linda Kuhnley, Spider 

David & Jean Linne, Gull 

Dan & Judy McAthie, Gull 

Lowell & Linda Naley, Gull 

Jerry & Maggie Nelson, Gull 

Joseph Pietrafitta, Gull 

Paul Rosel, Gull Narrows 

Herb & Helen Sands, Gull 

Matthew & Cassandra Seymour, Gull 

Don Snell & Barbara Huso, Gull 

Ed & Kate Thompson, Margaret 

Greg & Beth Windfeldt, Gull 

Marla & Trevor Yoho, Gull 

2009 Donators 

(Names printed are those who have contributed more than the $50 dues amount. 

OSPREY ($500-$1,000+) 

John Arnoldy & Sue Hansen, Gull 

Brainerd Jaycees 

Nisswa Marine 

Andy & Kristi Anderson, Nisswa 

Clifford & Nancy Anderson, Gull 

Ann Arhart, Gull 

Dave & Sandy Baldwin, Margaret 

Vicki & Buzz Benson, Gull 

Joan and Ray Benson, Nisswa 

Kevin & Patrice Betterly, Gull 

Carol & Don Birkeland, Bass 

Jerry & Lois Bjurstrom, Upper Gull 

Matt & Lonnie Boe, Upper Gull 

Ron & Jean Brown, Gull 

John & Ann Bunten, Gull 

Dan & Karen Caspersen, Upper Gull 

HAWKS ($100-$499) 

Carl & Kathie Challgren, Gull 

Kathleen Chapman, Gull 

Bill Clifford, Gull 

Glen & Sandy Cook, Margaret 

Tom & Rose Costello, Gull 

Bill & Ginny Dingle, Gull 

Richard Dore, Gull 

Vincent & Martha Driessen, Gull 

Kevin & Betsy Egan, Margaret 

Dave & Debby Felske, Gull 

Michele Fuerstenberg, Gull 

Steve & Charlotte Garske, Gull 

Gregg & Julie Getchell, Gull 

Timber Ridge Property Owners Assn. 

Anonymous 

Jim & Laleen Goerges, Gull 

John & Bette Goplen, Gull 

Chuck & Clairene Grillo, Gull 

John & Jane Guild, Gull 

Ike & Sharon Halliwill, Gull 

George & Christina Hart, Gull 

Derrill & Marilyn Holland, Gull 

Paul & Colleen Holmquist, Gull 

Carol Hylton & Joan Ward, Gull 

John & Julie Ingleman, Margaret 

Clark & Carolyn Johnson, Gull 

Arnold & JoAnn Johnson, Gull 

Rob & Pat Johnson, Gull 


O V E R 5 0 Y E A R S E X P E R I E N C E 

ACCOUNTING: 

Personal & Business Financial Statements 

AUDITING: 

Small Business, Gambling & Other Non-Profit 

BOOKKEEPING: 

Payroll & Other Data Processing 

CONSULTING: 

Management & Computer Advisory Services 

FINANCIAL PLANNING: 

Personal & Business Financial Planning 

INVESTMENT COUNSELING: 

Personal & Business Investments 

Designed for You 

TAX SERVICES: 

Personal, Business, Estates & Gift Tax Returns 

B r u c e J o h n s o n , C PA • C h r i s Fo r d , C PA 

M a r y S c o t t , C PA , • To m Te a s c k , C PA 

218-829-3501 

Business Hwy 371 S 

11610 Andrew St. 

Brainerd, MN 56401 

218-963-3424 

Nisswa Office 

Kurilla Building #2 

Nisswa, MN 

www.brainerdsCPAs.com 

C O N S T R U C T I O N 

Commercial and Residential Construction 

W W W. H Y T E C C O N S T . C O M 

( 2 1 8 ) 8 2 9 - 8 5 2 9 • B R A I N E R D , M N 

20

2009 NEW MEMBERS AND DONATORS 

Stan & Bonnie Jorgenson, Gull 

Todd & Anita Kimmes, Gull 

Kurt & Michele Kittleson, Gull 

Roger & Marie Landsburg, Gull 

Chuck & Nan Larson, Upper Gull 

Doug & Pat Lewis, Gull 

Carlisle & Ellen Mabrey, Gull 

David & Susan Mandt, Gull 

Robert McMenoman, Gull 

Charles McQuinn, Gull 

Colleen Mooney, Gull 

HAWKS ($100-$499) 

Arne & Lisa Moores, Gull 

Joe & Kathy Mucha, Gull 

Jeff & Sandy Norblom, Roy 

David & Kathy Olson, Gull 

Dona Pierce, Margaret 

Mark & Terri Poindexter, Spider 

Mick & Jeanne Qualen, Gull 

Woody & Peggy Rash, Gull 

John & Jackie Reedy, Gull 

Kirk & Mariann Roebken, Gull 

Richard & Barbara Sankovitz, Gull 

Robert & Loriese Stoll, Gull 

Rey & Vicki Swanson, Gull 

Marc & Beth Swiontkowski. Margaret 

John Tarbuck, Gull 

Carlotta & Gene Tutor, Gull 

Mary Vilett, Gull 

Roger & Sandra Willow, Gull 

Alex & Michelle Wilson, Gull 

Sue Winterstein, Gull Narrows 

Bill & Sally Anderson, Gull 

Martha Anderson, Nisswa 

Richard & Susan Asinger, Gull 

Wayne and Jan Anderson, Margaret 

Kenneth & Mary Baker, Gull 

Looe III & Mary Ann Baker, Gull 

Pat & Sandy Baldwin, Gull 

Looe Baker, Gull 

Jeff & Cheryl Bartels, Spider/Roy 

Mark & Angie Benson, Nisswa 

Leslie & Wayne Benz, Love 

Vernon & Lois Berglin, Gull 

Uldis & Pat Birznieks, Gull 

Linda Blaisdell, Gull 

John & Mary Boeder, Gull 

Fred & Mary Boos, Gull 

Robert & Terrie Borman, Gull 

Don Bottemiller, Gull 

Justin & Pat Bratnober, Gull 

Bill & Phyllis Bryan, Gull 

Mike & Jean Buller, Gull 

Barbara Campbell, Gull 

Keith & Mary Fran Campbell, Gull 

Sara Campbell, Gull 

Lowell & Carol Carlson, Gull 

Peggy Carlson, Upper Gull 

Hal & Mary Elizabeth Carr, Gull 

Mike & Julia Chaney, Gull 

Tim & Polly Conroy, Gull 

Bo & Cheryl Cote, Gull 

Randy & Carol Cote, Gull 

Dutch & Irma Cragun, Gull 

Thomas Dagget, Upper Gull 

Cindy & Phil Dalen, Gull 

Jim & Jane Daly, Upper Gull 

Jeff Day, Roy 

Tom & Bobbie Deans, Gull 

Louis Dehner & Becky Pew, Gull 

Ben & Rhoda Drake, Gull 

Alvin & Kathleen Eckloff, Upper Gull 

Jim & Gail Ehlen 

John & Ginny Ehlen, Margaret 

Thomas Eisler, Narrows 

Wendell & Carole Eliseuson, Gull 

Bob & Laura Eng, Upper Gull 

Craig & Margie Ensign, Gull 

Don & Gayle Erickson, Gull 

Jerry & Sandy Erickson, Upper Gull 

Curt & Julie Evert, Gull 

Lynn Ewing, Gull 

David Foster, Roy 

Lloyd & Connie Foster, Upper Gull 

Bill & Sharon Frank, Gull 

Robert & Roberta Freese, Roy 

Clare Fulton, Gull 

Rich & Barb Gabriel, Gull 

David & Janet Galassi, Gull 

Joe & Diane Galassi, Gull 

Bob & Pat Galligan, Gull 

Dr. John Gawlik, Jr., Gull 

Michael Gibson, Gull 

Paul & Shelley Gintner, Gull 

Stan & Anne Glad, Roy 

Thomas & Betty Green 

Alan & Jane Gunsbury, Gull 

James & Mry Jane Halvorson, Gull Lake 

Association 

GULLS ($1-$99) 

Greg & Cindy Hames, Gull 

Steve & Mary Hanousek, Margaret 

Chuck & Kathy Hanson, Gull 

James & Pamela Hanson, Gull 

Bruce & Linda Harrier, Bass 

Sylvia Hanson & Jerome Kleven, Spider 

Bill & Barbara Harrison, Roy 

Bill & Kathy Haug, Gull 

Ron & Lisa Have, Gull 

Ron & Sally Helmer, Upper Gull 

Don & Yvonne Henderson, Roy 

Mike & Pat Henkemeyer, Gull 

Dan & Lise Herren, Upper Gull 

Jerry Hewitt, Nisswa 

Jennifer Hicks, Gull 

Derrill & Marilyn Holland, Gull 

Todd & Eileen Holland, Nisswa 

Ron & Ginger Hustvedt, Upper Gull 

Don & Marilyn Johannsen, Gull 

Bruce & Sharalyn Johnson, Roy 

Jim & Jody Johnson, Gull 

Evan & Shea Johnson, Margaret 

Les & Judy Johnson, Channel Narrows 

Don & Sally Jones, Gull 

Dennis & Joyce Kamstra, Gull 

Al & Melinda Kehe, Nisswa 

Dennis & Roberta Keller, Gull 

Bob & Marge Keppel, Gull 

Orrin & Judy Kessel, Channel Narrows 

Chris Kienstra, Gull 

Kismet Partnership, Gull 

David Knapp & Jerilyn Rogers, Gull 

Gary & Kelley Knight, Margaret 

Monica & Mark Kovalchuk, Gull 

Gary & Laurie Kraus, Gull 

Rob & Colleen Krebs, Gull 

Arnold Kretchmer, Margaret 

Marc & Linda Kuhnley, Spider 

Larry Lacher, Gull 

Elaine Leach, Margaret 

Wayne & Mary Leland, Upper Gull 

H. Laury & Marilyn LePage 

Douglas & Linda Linder, Gull 

Rolland Loomer, Margaret 

Arnold & Marilyn Lubrecht, Gull 

Mike & Sandy Luker, Gull 

Jim & Barbara Lupient, Gull 

Roger & Judy Lykins, Gull 

Jerry & Lori Lyng, Gull 

Judy & Joe Marchel, Gull 

Steve & Janell Madison, Gull 

Paul & Barb Maki, Gull 

Tom & Tammy Malat, Gull 

Peter Mann & Mary Tyler, Gull 

Lee & Linda Martin, Upper Gull 

Katharine Marvin, Gull 

David McCarthy, Gull 

Harriet & Shelley McDonald, Gull 

Mike & Deb McGray, Bass 

Robert Miller & Janie Koch, Gull 

Phill & Jean McMullen, Upper Gull 

David McNair, Gull 

Al & Mary Agnes McQuinn, Gull 

Marv & Pat Meyer, Gull 

Bob & Alma Miller, Gull 

Joyce & Bill Mitsch. Upper Gull 

Jim & Jan Moe, Gull 

Peter & Patricia Mohin, Gull 

Tim & Cindy Moore, Gull Narrows 

Mark & Kristen Moran, Gull 

Bob & Deanna Morken, Gull 

Mark & Shirley Muesing, Gull 

James & Wendy Mullaney, Gull 

Lowell & Linda Naley, Gull 

Ronald Naslund, Gull 

Clint & Carol Nelson, Gull 

Kurt & Stephanie Nelson, Margaret 

Robert & Marianne Nemeth, Gull 

Curtis & Sandra Nielsen, Gull 

Dan & Sue Padrnos, Gull 

Thomas & Janet Palermo, Nisswa 

Denise & Steve Parks, Gull 

Don & Carrie Pearson, Gull 

Don & Charlaine Perkl, Gull 

Dale & Jeri Peterson, Gull 

David & Rebecca Peterson, Gull 

John & Cathy Pfeil, Roy 

Mary & Doug Platt, Gull 

John & Jeanne Porter, Gull 

Kent & Jane Powell, Gull 

Gordon & Judy Pryor, Gull 

Steve & Ruth Quisberg, Gull 

David & Mary Jo Reed, Gull 

Craig & Kay Robinson, Gull 

Don & Patty Rodingen, Gull 

Susan & Bob Rogers, Gull 

Diane & Paul Roth, Gull 

Ken Roth, Roy 

Walter Roth, Gull 

Allen 7 Linda Saeks, Gull 

Don & Nancy Samuelson, Gull 

Jim & Lisa Schaffhausen, Gull 

Jeanne & Charles Scheiderer, Gull Lake Association 

Peter & Goodie Schmitz, Gull 

Anthony & Renee Schwaller, Gull 

Greg & Nancy Schwanbeck, Gull 

Keith & Nini Sieck, Gull 

Keith & Molly Sorensen, Nisswa 

Larry & Judy stemper, Gull 

John & Grace Steuri, Gull 

Ken & Diane Stevens, Gull 

Tom and Patricia Stieger, Gull 

Stoneridge on Gull Assoc., Upper Gull 

Tom & Sandy Sydloski, Spider 

Craig & Rita Theis, Roy 

Dave & Marlys Thies, Gull 

Rod & Carol Thole, Gull 

Brian & Deb Thuringer, Gull 

Danny Van Roy, Gull 

Carlos & Elsie Zapffe-Verdeja, Gull 

Harlan Wachholz, Roy 

Doug & Deb Wagman, Gull 

Cooper & Linda Weeks, Gull 

Peg & Amy Wellik, Gull 

Roger & Diane Wenschlag, Gull 

Dorothy Whitmer, Gull 

John & Juliene Wood, Upper Gull 

Kim & Karen Wood, Gull 

Jim & Trish Woerner, Upper Gull 

Steve & Lois Zauhar, Gull 

George & Kelli Zeller, Gull 

Donations in Memory of the following: 

Robert Chapman (Kathleen Chapman) • John Maxson (Timber Ridge Property Owners Assn) 

21

GULL LAKE PROFILES - SANDY BEACH RESORT 

This is an ongoing column focusing on local businesses and community leaders in the Gull Chain of Lakes area. 

Sandy Beach Resort is a family operated resort on Gull Lake owned by Keith and 

Pam Rice. Keith’s great grandfather, Gustav Schumacher, purchased the property 

in about 1903 when it was just a small farm with lots of woods and brush. In 1938, 

his son Herbert and daughter-in-law Lillian built the first cabins and so Sandy 

Beach Resort was born. 

Many people came to buy baked goods from the small store Lillian operated out of their home on the point. Over 

the years, Herbert and Lillian’s children, Nancy and Lee, were also involved in the operation. Sometime in the mid 

1960’s the main home and office/store was turned into a restaurant by Lee and Neta Schumacher and was known 

as The Point Room. It served guests at the resort as well as people coming by boat to dine. It closed in the early 

1970’s. 

After Lillian died in 1968, the property was divided into two resorts – Sandy Point with ten cabins and Sandy Beach 

with nine cabins. In about 1978 Lee decided the area had become too populated for him and he sold his half to 

Nancy and moved to northern Minnesota to operate another resort. Nancy and Bill subsequently operated the 

Sandy Beach Resort with 21 cabins. Bill died in 1981 and Keith and Pam helped Nancy run the resort. Six more 

cabins were added in 1985. Keith and Pam purchased the resort in 1997 when Nancy retired and added a five cabin 

resort formerly known as Manatauk Resort. Keith and Pam’s three children, Shane, Eric and Melissa, are also 

actively involved in operating the resort. 

They have a number of families who have vacationed at Sandy Beach Resort for more than 35-40 years. They have 

a small store in their office and are quite well known by guests and neighbors for their large selection of candy. In 

2006, they built a tennis court and offer a pontoon and a 15hp motor all set up on a 14 foot boat for their guests. 

They plan to keep Sandy Beach Resort a family resort and operate it as they have for more than three generations. 

22

MEET YOUR BOARD MEMBERS - RONALD FAUST, MD 

Dr. Ron Faust has been a member of GCOLA since 1996 and a board member since 2008. Ron grew 

up and went to college and medical school in New Orleans, Louisiana. He moved to the northern 

end of the Mississippi in 1973, when he came to Rochester for residency training at the Mayo Clinic. 

He and his wife, Claire, loved everything about Minnesota and thought six months of winter in 

Minnesota was a much better deal than six months of summer in New Orleans. His 33 year career 

as an anesthesiologist at Mayo was a joy and a privilege. 

Photography and Porsches have been his passions for four decades. He bought his first 911 just after coming home 

from serving in Vietnam in 1971. He visited the track at BIR as early as 1976 with Nord Stern, the MN chapter of 

the Porsche Club of America. After many weekends of hot, dusty days driving at this beautiful track, he upgraded 

from the Paul Bunyan Inn to Samara Point in the late ‘80’s, and then got an idea that he should be looking for his 

own cozy cabin. A very old one under some huge maples on the west side of Gull, just south of Schaefer’s Point 

seemed perfect. That was 1995, and within a few years they knew their retirement dream was at that spot, not in 

Rochester. They moved into their new cabin under those maples just twelve days after he retired from Mayo. 

“My appreciation of the Gull Chain of Lakes continues to increase. The Gull Chain’s pristine waters are a jewel in 

the middle of our state. The Chain is a perfect mix of very undeveloped areas on the northern channels and scenic 

living spots on the larger lakes. I am confident that working to continue GCOLA’s stewardship of the Gull Chain of 

Lakes is a very worthy task.” 

MORE INFORMATION 

US Army Corps of Engineers 

You can visit the Corps of Engineers Water Control Web site at www.rivergages.com for more information 

on the regulation of Gull Lake Reservoir. Questions on the regulation of the Gull Lake reservoir can 

be directed to Jodi Kormanik-Sonterre at 651-290-5646 at the St. Paul District Water Control, or Mary Kay 

Larson at the Gull Lake Dam at 218-829-3334. 

Improving the way you look at life 

Nisswa 

218-963-2020 

Pine River 

218-587-2020 

Baxter 

218-829-1789 

• State of the art diagnosis and management of ocular conditions including 

cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. 

• Injury, infection, and dry eye treatment 

• Cataract, eyelid and refractive surgery consultation 

• Comprehensive pediatric and adult eye examinations 

• Latest technology contact lens care 

• Evening and weekend appointments available 

23

HELP RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS 

By Rob Johnson - Membership committee 

The Gull Chain of Lakes is much more than just a few of the 10,000 Minnesota lakes. The Gull Chain is where we live, vacation, 

play, dream and plan for our future and the futures of our children and grandchildren. Protecting this chain of lakes, both now 

and for years to come, is the mission of the Gull Chain of Lakes Association (GCOLA), and the GCOLA IS YOU. 

As members of GCOLA we need your help to continue with our programs for keeping our chain of lakes clean and safe for you 

and your family and neighbors by encouraging your neighbors to join their lake association. Did you know that GCOLA is 

responsible for the following programs? 

• New this year – installation of an Environmental Sentry Protection device sensor at each public launch. This device is a 

monitoring solution to protect the lakes from the expensive and irreversible impact of aquatic invasive species such as 

Eurasian watermilfoil, Curlyleaf pondweed, Hydrilla, and Zebra mussels. 

• Installs and removes all 135 of the navigational and safety buoys every year. This is not done by Cass or Crow Wing Counties 

or by the DNR. Eighteen belong to Cass County, five to Crow Wing County, and the rest are owned by GCOLA. One hundred 

and twelve are used for the navigational system, all of which (except one) are equipped with solar-powered flashers for night 

boating. The buoy barge, owned by the Association, was used for 417 hours to install, maintain, and remove the buoys that 

we all have come to rely on. 

• Pays for interns to inspect boats at the public launches (split with the DNR). 

• Pays for water testing and monitoring. Again, not paid by Cass or Crow Wing Counties, nor the DNR. 

• The current GCOLA membership consists of about 700 property owners. This is less than 30% of the approximately 2,500 

homeowners on the Gull Chain of Lakes. The GCOLA budget for 2009 is only $50,000. Expected expenditures are as follows: 

• $20,000 for invasive species prevention programs 

• $15,000 for sentry devices 

• $5,000 for DNR boat inspectors 

Nearly 1,200 man-hours are spent to improve and maintain water quality and safety on the Gull Chain of Lakes. 

Imagine how much improvement could be done for the Gull Chain of Lakes with additional financial support. Membership 

dues are only $50 per year – that’s the equivalent of just 14 cents per day, or the cost of about one tank of gas for many boats. 

Plus, if the Gull Chain deteriorates, this could have a negative impact on your property values. Without a lakes association, 

who would safeguard the lakes that are so important to us all and so much a part of our lives? 

Sharing the unspoiled quality of the waters of the Gull Chain of Lakes should be a reality for now and the future, not a distant 

memory! 

Help protect the Gull Chain of Lakes – Continue your support and encourage your neighbors to join the Gull Chain of 

Lakes Association today! 

Cass, Crow Wing and DNR Law 

Enforcement Officers answering 

questions at the annual lake 

association meeting. 

24

FOCUS ON INVASIVE SPECIES - Flowering Rush 

This is an ongoing series of information articles talking about exotic aquatic plants and species 

that could be a threat to the Gull Chain of Lakes. 

Flowering rush is an exotic plant that has spread from a limited area around the Great Lakes and St. 

Lawrence River to a majority of states in the northern half of the U.S. It has been introduced into 

several Minnesota counties, but to date has not surfaced in the Brainerd Lakes area. It was originally 

brought to this country as a garden plant. 

Flowering rush grows along shorelines and in lakes and rivers. It is easiest to identify when flowering. 

While single flowering rush plants are not a “problem”, this exotic can form dense stands which may interfere with 

recreational lake use and crowd out native plants which in turn harms fish and wildlife. Flowers grow in umbrella 

shaped clusters and each individual flower has 3 whitish pink petals. Plants only produce flowers in very shallow 

water or on dry sites. The green stems resemble bulrushes, but are triangular in cross section, have erect leaves 

and grows to about 3 feet in height. The leaf tips may be spirally twisted, but under water are limp. 

Cutting flowering rush below the water surface is an effective method of control. Cutting will not kill the plant, 

but will decrease the abundance. All cut plants must be removed from the water. Since any disturbance of the root 

system will cause small reproductive structures on the roots to break off and spread to other areas, raking or 

pulling the plant are not recommended control methods. It is very difficult to kill flowering rush with herbicides, 

since it easily washes away from the narrow leaves of this plant. However, preliminary tests indicate that a 

mid-summer application of imazapyr during calm wind conditions may be effective. Any use of herbicides in public 

waters requires a DNR permit. 

In Minnesota, it is illegal to buy or sell flowering rush. It is still sold in other states, including Wisconsin. 

Information from MN DNR and MN Seagrant 

Beauty, Comfort and Protection 

Adding an Eclipse retractable awning is like adding 

another room to your home. Create an outdoor space that’s 

functional, classy and cool - and enjoy... 

sun when you want it and shade when you need it! 

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17181 State Highway 371 N • Brainerd, MN 56401 

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25

GULL CHAIN OF LAKES ASSOCIATION PUBLIC MISSION STATEMENT 

The Gull Chain of Lakes Association is an alliance of watershed property interests within the Gull Chain of Lakes in Cass and Crow Wing 

Counties. The Association is devoted to the restoration and continued preservation of the highest water quality and environmental 

standards achievable, promotion of the responsible use of land and water resources and recreational safety on the Gull Chain of Lakes. 

The Gull Chain of Lakes Association is dedicated to representing the interests of lake property owners without bias toward either seasonal 

or full time residents. The Association’s primary responsibilities include educating members about best management practices to conserve 

water quality, water safety, and controversial lake issues. 

ALL ARE WELCOME TO 

OUR BOARD OF 

DIRECTORS MEETINGS 

You are all welcome to 

join us at our monthly Board 

of Directors meetings. They 

are generally held on the 

third Saturday mornings of 

each month (with fewer 

meetings in the winter 

months). Check our website: 

to verify meeting dates. We 

meet at Grand View Lodge at 

8:00 AM for complimentary 

breakfast, then the meetings 

commence around 8:30. We 

usually adjourn around 10:00. 

Come see what we do. 

Thank You to Grand View Lodge 

We want to offer a huge thank you to Grand View Lodge for donating 

their facilities and breakfast for our monthly Board of Director’s meetings. 

The food and atmosphere are top-notch! 

THINK SPRING!! 

JET SKIS • BOATS • PONTOONS 

RENT on Gull Lake, Trailer Away or Delivered 

Boat lifts and docks, as well as our own 

aluminum sectional and truss roll-in 

docks manufactured by Lake Area Dock 

& Lifts. Get ready for warm weather - 

come see our water toys! 

Across from Gull Lake 

Narrows Access by Zorbaz 

7993 Interlachen Road (Co. Rd. 77) 

Lake Shore, MN 

BRAINERD 

5 Mi. N. on Hwy 371 

(218) 825-3874 

1-888-249-0843 

CROSSLAKE 

1/2 Mi. S. on Hwy 3 

(218) 692-1785 

1-866-692-1785 

26

See the entire Whitefish Gallery & Studio product line at www.giftnetworks.com, under Product Gallery 

Made in Minnesota! 

Stunning contour maps 

Framed in solid walnut, cherry or cedar log, 

these lake maps include depths, scale of 

miles, compass, and game fish illustrations. 

All laser engraved into genuine dark walnut 

through a light maple overlay, resulting in 

rich, vivid contrast and incredible detail! 

All items can 

be ordered 

with the 

entire chain 

or just 

your lake! 

Engraved glassware 

that can be monogrammed! 

Slate and 

Marble coasters 

Vertical Format (true north at top) 24 x 36 shown here 

Photo Albums, Photo Frames, 

Journals, Guestbooks and more... 

Association Member Discounts! 

Horizontal Format (compass rotated) 18 x 24 shown here 

27

GULL CHAIN of LAKES 

ASSOCIATION 

Box 102 


218-963-2229 

218-963-3542 

PRSRT 

FIRST CLASS MAIL 

U.S. POSTAGE 

PAID 

Brainerd, MN 

Permit No. 471 

PLEASE JOIN THE GULL CHAIN OF LAKES ASSOCIATION 

Dues for the lake association are $50 per year. They are payable anytime from January 1 – December 31. We are a 501(c)3 corporation 

which means that all money given by you over and above the $50 dues amount is tax deductible. If you have not sent in your 

dues for this year (since January 1, 2009), now is a great time to do so! Contributions above the $50 dues are greatly appreciated! 

If you have sent your dues in any time after January 1, 2009, you are current! 

PLEASE CHECK OUT YOUR NEWSLETTER ON OUR WEBSITE: WWW.GULLCHAINOFLAKESASSOCIATION.ORG OR WWW.GCOLA.ORG 

High Speed Internet 

for Gull Lake. 

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speeds up to 1M for only $44.95/month. With SkyWave we’ll mail 

you an easy to use modem, simply plug it in, and start surfing the 

internet today. Better yet, there is no need to schedule an appointment 

for installation, and you’ll also receive our Help Desk Support with offices 

located right here in Brainerd and Baxter. Call to subscribe today! 

Call 218-454-1234

Fall - Gull Chain of Lakes Association

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