2002-03-06 P & R Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Richard Nelson 740 1 Peltillr Lako Drive Hugo,MN 55038 HODIC Phone 651-429-5800 February 25,2002 To Centerville and Lino Lakes City Council Members, Re: Peltier Lake Water Zoning Ordinance For the last 16 years we've enjoyed living on Peltier Lake. We have been delighted with the diverse range of wildlife and the beauty of the lake environment. We are not water skiers. Although as a kid , I really enjoyed it. Primarily I enjoy the fascinating display of nature season to season and year to year from my kayak or fishing boat. Certainly I'm not an e.'(pert. but studying wildlife behavior bas been an avid interest of mine since childhood. In fact, I had considered marine biology as a possible career. but love of aviation won out. Over the years of living on this lake, I've observed a number of fluctuations in many species ofwildlife. As an e.'Cample, some years the lake bas had a large population of wood duck and other years a modest number of that species. I have also observed fluctuation in the heron population. I've wondered if there was a correlation between the population number of these two species as I've observed heron eating ducklings. I've noticed particularly that since the bald eagles have increased their use of the island, the heron seemed to have decreased. To me this is understandable. Even though bald eagles' primary prey is fish, they are a large bird ofprey and cause all other birds to be e.xtremely wary when they are present. While kayaking around the island , I've observed the eagles circling low around the island putting the herons to flight. On three occasions kayaking there while the ski course was being used, I noticed bald eagles perched on branches watching the action. I've also noticed heron around all sides of the island where the eagles were not present This is consistent with my observation of eagles and the resident heron on my dock who defends his territory driving off all other herons who fly near, but will immediately leave if a bald eagle lands in our cottonwood tree. Another factor to consider is what, I believe, bas been an increase of seaplane usage on the lake. When the aircraft are taking off north , they usually skirt the east or west side of the island as they are climbing out This possibly could be affecting nesting heron. A solution could be to request during the nesting season that the seaplanes would avoid usage of Peltier Lake. As for the changes in water quality, I believe there may be many more detrimental causes than the water skiing to the north of the island. We have experienced e.ureme changes in water levels that may have played an significant long term affect as the ecology of the lake takes time to readjust I realize the importance of a healthy weed bed for water clarity, but it seems that the weeds get too thick and die creating stagnant water. Is it possible that the clearing of some of the weeds on the north side of the island may have benefited the life of the lake? Our son who does a lot of fishing has noted that the water in the ski. course was clearer and also was a productive place to fish. In conclusion. as much as I love the heron. my observations do not support the hypothesis that the skiing on the north side of the island is the cause of their decrease. Therefore, I would be opposed to having restrictions put upon the lake usage at this time. Sincerely, Richard. Nelson