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VLAWMO Begins Study of Gem Lake Water Quality The Vadnais Lakes Area Watershed Management Organization (VLAWMO) is now launching a new project to study the water quality in and around Gem Lake and to determine methods for increasing the overall health of the lake. VLAWMO has determined that Gem Lake is an "impaired" lake, due to nutrient levels, a lack of oxygen, and declining water levels. It is unknown how much loading from pollutants Gem Lake is receiving from its surrounding "sub -watershed." (The marshy areas around the lake.) The study will begin in early fall and focus on two objectives: pollutant load estimates and retrofit site assessment, or more plainly put: how bad is the lake messed up and what can we do about it. As part of the study, phosphorous and sediment load run-off from the surrounding area will be estimated. Locations of potential sites for retrofits will be determined. This might involve finding ways to divert, reduce or disperse pollution before it gets to the water. The study will be conducted by the Ramsey Conservation District. Results should be available later this fall. Primary Election Results in Gem Lake A total of 56 of Gem Lake's 285 registered voters turned up to vote in the primary election on August 10. Two people registered to vote on election day. As it pertains to the Governor's Race, 19 voters selected Margaret Anderson Kelliher, 11 picked Matt Entenza, 14 favored Mark Dayton and 7 selected Tom Emmer. As you may know, our City Attorney Trevor Oliver ran for the position of Judge in the 2nd District Court #16. Although he didn't make it this time, Trevor did carry Gem Lake, as well as a few other areas. The top two vote -getters for this office were Gloria Bogen, with 11,076 votes and Mark Ireland, with 9,246 votes.