2002-03-12 P& Z Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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Richard Nelson 7401 Peltier Lake Drive Hugo.MN 55038 Home 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 beanty 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 lD year from my kayak or fishing boat. Certainly I'm not an expert, but studying wildlife behavior has been an avid interest of mine since childhood. In fact, [ 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 of wildlife. As an example, some years the lake has 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 dncklings. I've noticed particularly that since the bald eagles have increased their use of the island, the heron seemed to have decreased. To me tillS is understandable. Even tllOugh bald eagles' primary prey is fish, they are a large bird of prey and cause all other birds to be extremely 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 willIe tile 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, [believe, has been an increase of seaplane usage on tile 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 tlle nesting season thaI the seaplanes would avoid usage of Peltier Lake. As for Ihe c1langes in water quality, I believe there may be filany more detrimental causes lhan Ihe water skiing 10 tlle north of the island. We llave experienced extreme changes in water levels that may have played an significant long term affect as tl,e ecology of Ihe lake lakes linle to readjust. I realize the importance of a healthy weed bed for waler 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 filaY 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 tIleir decrease. Therefore, 1 would be opposed to having restrictions put upon tlle lake usage at this time. Sincerely, Richard Nelson