January 2012 Gem Lake Newsletter

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Gem Lake News Page 3 of 6 Mild winter temperatures are saving the City of Gem Lake time and money. So far this season, snow plowing of Gem Lake streets has been required only twice, according to Mayor Bob Uzpen. This compares to overwhelming snowfall and two snow storms in November and December of 2010. Snow and ice removal as of the end of 2011 amounted to $17,611.06. This compares to $23,639.06 as of the end of 2010, according to City Finance Director Jessie Hart. Snow Plow Budget Gets Little Action If you want to just cut to the chase on this story, here it is. A recent study of Gem Lake's fish population, which was briefly reviewed in last month's newsletter, basically recommends that we leave everything alone and let nature take its course. You can keep on reading if you want more details. The study was conducted by Blue Water Science Co. for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Vadnais Lakes Area Water Management Organization. (VLAWMO) The study began last September when nets were placed in the lake over a two day period, in order to catch, count, study and release fish found in Gem Lake. According to the Minnesota DNR, the fish population of any particular lake in the state can be an overall indicator of lake health. The results of this study showed that Gem Lake most likely contains only black crappies, as these were the only fish species caught in the standard fish nets during the two day test period (September 27 and 28). The sampling showed that the number of crappies caught per net was unusually high, with an average of 37. Data from the DNR shows that the typical average falls into the 2-18 range. The black crappies ranged from less than 3 inches to 9.5 inches in length, with the average about 6 inches. Gem Lake is a relatively shallow lake and it is likely that winter kills have occurred in the past. A few years ago a winter kill probably killed all fish in the lake, according to Blue Water Science. Crappies were then introduced, either intentionally or Gem Lake Fish Study Produces Recommendations for Future unintentionally. Because Gem Lake is land locked, immigration of other fish species is unlikely. Blue Water Sciences went on to conclude that if there is another severe winter kill, the existing population of crappies will probably be eliminated and minnows will be the dominant species. Looking towards the future, Blue Water Sciences has concluded that significant fish stocking of Gem Lake is not recommended without a winter aeration system. And, without such a system, a "boom and bust" fish population is likely. Due to the shallow nature of the lake, future winter kills are inevitable. Bottom line: why waste the money when Gem Lake needs a flagpole and a few other things.