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Master This Comment Date Who Made Comment List # Tables # questionable is the wide body of well- founded research and peer reviewed papers associating water quality to run -off and accompanying introduction of nutrients. The Association: submitted mystery revealed from the Barr study (that the Bennett Lake area actually contributes nutrient load into Lake Owasso vs. the previous held belief of its function as a filtration by Joe Bester mechanism) should result in the GLWMO elevating this issue to a top priority. This revelation does not seem to be a top priority according to the draft plan; instead the GLWMO is getting side tracked and defocused on watercraft. While this was a "surprise" from the Barr study, it is also entirely consistent with the wide body of research that indicates that run -off is by far the dominant factor contributing to reduced water quality; not intra -water affects. This is also not surprising when you consider that which exists between Bennett Lake and Lake Owasso downstream, is really a canal that happens to meander through a wetland, hence little or no filtration effect. The same holds true for Lady Slipper Park; i.e. it accepts water via a canal that happens to meander through a wetland as it drains into Lake Owasso. 46 38 Some would argue that the aeration effect of propellers is actually a net positive where low oxygenated water becomes oxygenated. Hence the aerator that was run on Lake August 18, 2011 Lake Owasso Owasso this past winter as the oxygen level approached 5 mg /I as per the unusually long winter and snow cover. Association: submitted by Joe Bester 47 39 Consider rural farm areas where it can be readily seen how water quality on nearby lakes suffers (severely) due to fertilizer and farm run -off. (The majority of such lakes have August 18, 2011 Lake Owasso no watercraft "contributing" to the phosphorus release). This tendency underscores just how significant the impact of run -off is on a water body; far more significant than Association: submitted intra -water affects. It should also be noted that the profile of a lake in a farm area, benefits from minimal non - pervious surface areas which helps maximize filtration, yet by Joe Bester water quality is still degraded. Once again it all points to external sources that dominate water quality. Attempting to tie long term water clarity to motorized watercraft activity is a stretch. By doing so, the GLWMO is not on track and is instead focusing on secondary subject matters. 48 40 What about anchoring? Has the GLWMO considered turbulence effects from anchor drops and pulls? Like the effect from the movement of watercraft, it is minimal in August 18, 2011 Lake Owasso contrast to the effect of run -off, however, be assured that anglers, pontoon enthusiasts, and others would have significant pushback if a no- anchoring policy were proposed. Association: submitted Here again anchoring is but a narrow slice of the pie. The point is, it is not pragmatic for the GLWMO to be picking and choosing which activities to endorse (or discriminate by Joe Bester against) in a crap shoot to try and reduce phosphorus release. Rather what makes good pragmatic sense is to stay mainstream, and focus on run -off as per its domineering effect on water quality. 49 41 Picking and choosing by the GLWMO has serious safety implications. Introducing a no wake zone would merely concentrate the same number of watercraft into a smaller August 18, 2011 Lake Owasso area. Water patrol likes to see watercraft more spread out to help prevent a worst case scenario. Association: submitted by Joe Bester 50 42 Watercraft design has changed dramatically over the years. The bows of newer vessels do not raise up much when accelerating, and thus result in propeller draft in a more August 18, 2011 Lake Owasso lateral vs. a downward direction. It is likely that carp have a much greater effect on Association: submitted sediment disturbance due to their behavior to actually get into the mud vs. drafting above by Joe Bester it as in the case of a propeller. 52 43 This is upon the backdrop of the long standing history of Lake Owasso as a popular recreational lake - both for residents and non - residents alike. Many families enjoy outings August 18, 2011 Lake Owasso to Lake Owasso, where not everyone can afford a cabin up north, or even the cost or time for a trip up north. Lake Owasso offers a low cost alternative for families from inner Association: submitted ring suburbs to spend valuable time together, in whatever type of watercraft happens to be their cup of tea. Without compelling evidence of significant phosphorus release by Joe Bester from watercraft, a no -wake policy will diminish the use of a valued resource for these families. 53 44 Nearly all organizations suffer from a lack of resources and energy. The GLWMO is no different and as such would be better served to channel its limited energy into run -off August 18, 2011 Lake Owasso issues. The "biggest bang for the buck" for the GLWMO is to focus energy and resources on run -off. Such focus will result in the greatest impact on improving water quality; Association: submitted offer the largest payback, and ultimately the best chance of success for all. The LOA looks forward to working together with the GLWMO to help in this process. by Joe Bester 54 45 In Shoreview there is a Lake Regulations Committee. Have you, or anyone on the board, been in contact with them? You should definitely reach out to them before moving August 19, 2011 Len Ferrington any further along with the suggestions about "no wake" that are currently in the draft Third Generation 10 -Year Plan. I would also suggest you talk personally with Mr. Olson. He is a past member of the GLWMO, a past member of the Shoreview Planning Commission, and a Past Mayor of the city. He is well- respected by our local elected officials and private citizens, and is very knowledgeable about past discussions of "no wake" in the metro area. His perspective could be very helpful as you make a decision whether or not to include this topic in the plan. 55 46 I am an avid boater and have been for the last 25 years. I cannot believe the GLWMO is considering a no wake zone on Lake Owasso. Who are we to restrict the public from August 19, 2011 Tony Starr using one of the few bodies of water in the metro area? For some people it is one or two trips per year and maybe there one chance to water -ski or tube. All you have to do is Grass Lake Watershed Management Organization — 2011 Watershed Management Plan Response to Comments: 60 -dav review period 9/19/2011 Page 5