Letter from the president

​It’s almost here: another great summer at the lake.  What could be better?  We have to say, though, Leech Lake is a wonderful place to celebrate with friends and family any time of year.
While the lake took its winter sleep, the Leech Lake Association board did not rest, and looks forward to an even busier season ahead.
Over the winter Gary Trimble was added to our board of directors.  Gary grew up in Walker and spent many years as a Leech Lake fishing guide.  He is familiar with changes that have occurred on Leech Lake, particularly in regard to the walleye fishery.  This is timely, because the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) plans to restock walleye fry in the lake for the first time since 2014.  Read more about the fishery in this newsletter.  There are also questions and concerns over the use of forward-facing sonar on post-spawn muskies.  These devices allow fishermen to find and target muskies in deep water, leading to many more muskies being caught, handled and released.  Incorrect and over-handling muskies is lethal to them.  The ultimate effect on the muskie population is presently unknown -- but worrisome.
The Leech Lake Association board and volunteers will continue several ongoing efforts, which your membership dollars support.  We will continue to record water clarity and collect water samples during May, June, July and August at four different sites on the lake.  These samples are analyzed for water chemistry and algae content to track the state of the lake over time. We will continue to facilitate and financially support through grants the diver-assisted and hand-pulling of Starry stonewort from Anderson’s Cove and Hiawatha Beach harbors. We assist the DNR, the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, and Cass Soil & Water Conservation District in searching for other Starry stonewort infestations or new aquatic invasive species arrivals (like Spiny water fleas).  Early reporting of any vegetation or invertebrate that looks different than you usually see or suspicious is super important.
Thank you for your continued financial support and volunteer efforts. If you wish to become more involved, please reach out to us.  You are invited to attend our monthly meetings, which are held on the third Monday of the month at 9:30 a.m. in the Cass County Courthouse.  We also encourage you to join your neighbors at our annual meeting on August 7 at the Chase on the Lake Resort in Walker.
As a final note, I wish to acknowledge the recent passing of Ray Gold, our former vice president. who had a summer home on Pine Point.  Our prayers and condolences go out to Ray’s family and we are grateful for his many years of service.
Wishing you all a safe and happy summer.
Robert Gisvold, President