2000-05-04_AgendaPacket - Laserfiche WebLink

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SUMMARY (of SITUATION ANALYSIS) Lake Owasso is an intensely managed and highly manipulated lake -especially compared to most other metro lakes. As well, there have been trends noted in water quality indicators over the past ZS to 30 years, some of which cannot be explained by commonly occurring events. Management activities, manipulations and natural occurrences in Lake Owasso include: Water Level ^ A half century of pumping (discontinued in 1991) ^ Outlet structures ^ Natural variations in lake level Fluctuations and Trends in Water Quality ^ Fluctuating nutrient levels, decreasing trend in the 1990s ^ Fluctuating algae levels, decreasing trend in the 1990s ^ Fluctuating water clarity, increasing trend in the 1990s ^ A significant improvement in algae abundance and water clarity in 1998 & 1999 ^ The implementation of stonnwater basins in the 1990s Aquatic Plants ^ Shifts in plant species ^ 40 years of control, including switching contractors in 1997 - 1999 Fish ^ Intensive stocking of muskellunge and walleye ^ Winter aeration ^ Removal of muskellunge for stocking other lakes ^ Frequent winterkill conditions Recreational Use ^ Tripling of recreational watercraft use (1974 to 1994) ^ Tripling of angling pressure (1974 to 1994) Given the intensity of management efforts as well as the fluctuating conditions, it makes sense to assure all agencies and other parties are working in concert for the total management of Lake Owasso. Lake Owasso is a shallow lake that benefits from the `shallow lake bonus' meaning that the water is very clear compared to other lakes with similar phosphorus levels. The reason for this is associated with abundant native aquatic plants that inhabit a large portion of the lake. Normally, there are two management approaches that are appropriate for shallow lakes: a) maximizing aquatic plant control to provide for active recreation and b) maximizing aquatic plant protection to keep the `shallow lake bonus.' The pros and cons for each approach are listed in Appendix xx. Discussions with the Executive Committee of the Lake Owasso Association reviewed these two approaches. The Lake Owasso Association feels that their management history reflects a balanced approach because they have not always controlled aquatic plants to the maximum level allowed by MN DNR rule. It was the consensus of the group that Lake Owasso could be managed for active recreation in recognition of the fact that the main risks associated with aquatic plant controls (ie. increased risk of milfoil infestation and murky water) have not been realized. In other words, the management of Lake Owasso has provided for maximum recreation and protected aquatic plants to a sufficient extent to maintain clear water. Thus, the management approach in this plan will aim to maintain a balance between [be consistent with] options `a' and `b.' The Lakeshore residents around Lake Owasso include many long-time long-time residents (30+ years) who appreciate Lake Owasso for many reasons. They value its natural setting as well as the recreational opportunities it