Shoreline Ramblings - Late 2024

Apr 12

For a more complete copy of this newsletter, please see the PDF under ‘Older Shoreline Ramblings’.

President’s Letter

Kyle Bauman, President

It's hard to believe that another summer has come and gone, even though with the fall we are having, it hardly feels like summer has left us. It was great to see everyone out enjoying the lake this year, despite a wake restriction for the majority of the summer.

In regards to the lake association, we continue to get outstanding support from all of you, and for that I want to say thank you! Without your support we would not be able to maintain the water quality and invasive species remediation we currently tackle each year, and I hope this level of support will continue in the future. I do have one request, if you, or anyone you know, would like to join the board, we can always use the help. It's not a huge time commitment and the help will benefit all that use and enjoy the lake.

Finally, Kevin Bergstrom, President Emeritus, is retiring from the Board. I thank him for his years of service and his significant, positive impact on PLIA. Have a good rest of 2024, and here is to a happy and healthy 2025!

Lake Water Sampling

Did you know that Kris Schwickerath, PLIA Director, samples the lake water 5 times a year, in May, June, July, August, and September? He visits a designated sampling location on the lake and then delivers it to the SWCD (Soil and Water Conservation) office where it is sent out for analysis.

Water clarity is also recorded. A Secchi disc is lowered until it can no longer be seen. Typically, water clarity levels on Pleasant Lake range from 12 – 15 feet, which is encouraging to see.

In the past, this sampling was done by John Sedey, former Director, for many years. We would like to thank him for his service.

The End of Summer

Gale Bergstrom - Newsletter Editor/Secretary

Another summer has come and gone – even though the warm weather hung in there throughout October. It was a summer of high water, ‘No Wakes’ (thanks to all for being considerate of your lake neighbors!), and plenty of activity. Some of our residents moved away, and we welcomed others to the lake. Warm and pleasant evenings brought us concerts in the park, car shows, and beautiful sunsets. In other words, it was a busy season!

The 4th of July brought us not only the carnival and parade, but our own Boat Parade and ‘Oak on the Water’. We had a great turnout for the boat parade, and there was so much creativity on display. Thank you to all who participated – decorating boats or hosting Annandale Candidates and Royalty! It looks like the Candidates had a great time! Once again, ‘Oak on the Water’ was a delight to behold. The shoreline lit up in red showing our community spirit to all! It wouldn’t happen without you – your participation is very much appreciated!

In August PLIA held the annual PLIA Walk / Run fundraiser and Annual Meeting. Our walkers had a good time walking and visiting with their Pleasant Lake neighbors, then ending with the lake news for 2024. (See the 2024 Annual Meeting presentation on our website PLIAMN.com)

I am sure that every one of you have pleasant memories of the summer of 2024. Here’s to many more summer to come!

Dues and AIS Donations

Jason Theis - Treasurer

Remember our challenges? Thank you to everyone who sent in their 2024 dues and WQIF donations! We are sooooo close to hitting both goals!

Challenge 1 – Our goal was to have 35% of our WQIF donors move up a level. Well, we have had 41% move up or make initial contributions. Wonderful! Thank you!

Challenge 2 - Currently 79% of our members have paid annual dues – so close to our goal of 80%. There is still time to send your dues in!

As we close out 2024, please think of the PLIA as you plan your donations for the remainder of 2024 as we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Also, if you need to make an RMD from your IRA, consider a Qualified Charitable Contribution to the PLIA. Check with your tax advisor to make sure you do it correctly.

Pleasant Lake Invasive Update

Kyle Bauman - President

The invasive species update continues to be pretty much the same old story, but that is a very good thing! We continue to treat curly-leaf pondweed in the usual areas on the lake, and continue to offset these costs using grants from Wright County.

Our main focus is the ongoing battle with that pesky starry stonewort. We have become the national poster child for effective treatment of this invasive, and the last update we got is that they didn't find any. While it seems like we have fully rid ourselves of this, we know that is not the case, and our hand pulling activities will be needed again next year. It's a never ending battle, but as of now, we seem to be winning!

We Thank You!

Kevin Bergstrom has finished his year in the supporting role of President Emeritus. We thank him for his many years of service in various roles on the Board, and his many contributions to PLIA, especially in the management of AIS. Thank you, Kevin!

Beth-Alison Berggren is stepping down from her position of Director on the PLIA Board. We would like to thank her for her dedication to Pleasant Lake. She has graciously offered to continue to assist PLIA with website maintenance. Thank you, Beth-Alison! We will miss you on the lake!

Special Thank Yous

Our advertising businesses, Oak Realty and Dingmann Marine for continuing the ‘Oak on the Water’ tradition, our Boat Parade pontoon captains Lisa and Corey Luke and Jane and Randy Schmidt, lake residents for sharing pictures, those who attended the Walk/Run and/or the Annual Meeting, and everyone who was so respectful of the ‘No Wake’!

YOU can help your lake association by becoming a Director.