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LAKE SARAH NEWS
updated June 13, 2021
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The most recent water level reading of 2021 was 978.84' on June 8 (east bay gauge)
This can be compared to the initial reading this spring of 979.32 on 4/9/21, the final reading last fall on November 8, 2020 of 978.38' and the Ordinary High Water Level for Sarah of 979.90'. More information on past years water levels can be found on the Water Levels page on this website.
2021 water levels are seasonally very low with very little precipitation in the near term forcast. 2021 is tracking very close to the levels experienced in 2006 & 2007 (see chart below). If the dry conditions continue boaters should be cautious when navigating shallower areas of the lake.
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| Water Level Comparison (2021 YTD in light green) |
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| Noted Passing
"Gerry" Gerald Roger Evenson, a very youthful 79, passed peacefully on May 25, 2021 after a difficult and courageous battle with acute pancreatitis.
Gerry until recently resided on South Lake Sarah Drive and was a friend and supporter of lake Sarah and the LSIA.
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Our resident loon family has 2 chicks this summer!
Our resident loon family has returned to Sarah for the second year nesting on the west bay of Sarah. Neighbors report the family has hatched 2 chicks this year. PLEASE give this family wide berth when you see them and avoid their nesting area if you discover it. The loons they will venture into deeper waters as they teach their young to find food so please be careful as you enjoy your boating activities.
The juveniles are able to catch their own fish within two months and take flight at about 11 weeks. They are fully on their own at 12 weeks, when the parents begin migration in the fall. At this time, the young form flocks on northern lakes and follow suit a few weeks later. Once they reach the coastal ocean waters, the loons remain there for two years, returning in the third to the northern lakes where they were born to live a routine adult life.
Hopefully this loon family will grace our lake and entertain us with their calls for many years to come!
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Rocks!
Our seasonally low water levels have brought a few extra navigation challenges to Sarah primarily along the North Shore Drive area of the west bay.
In addition to the areas marked by hennepin County, 2 rocky areas have been marked with homemade buoys by neighbors (Thank you Scott Walsh and John Wise). Be very careful when navigating any shallow / unfamiliar waters
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| Scott's homemade buoy along N. Shore Dr. |
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2021 CLP Treatment completed with the final areas treated 5/23/21 morning
Treatment area map below - LSIA will treat approximately 95 acres for CLP in 2021 compared to 122 acres in 2020. The areas to target and acreage recommendations are the product of the Early Spring Curlyleaf Pondweed survey conducted by Eric Fieldseth of AIS Consulting Services on behalf of the Lake Sarah Improvement Association. The report can be viewed via this link in .pdf format
Areas 1 2 3 4 10 and 12 treated Sunday 5/16/21, with aquathol, subject to weather. (See information and use restrictions on Aquathol below the map.)
The remaining zones were treated early on the morning of 5/23/21, with diquat. The permit has been approved. (See information and use restrictions on Diquats below the map.)
LSIA is targeting early June for the milfoil survey with treatment to follow. Based on what Eric saw in the CLP survey, and the hybrid milfoil, it is probably a fair bet that we will be looking to treat more milfoil than in recent years.
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| 2021 Curlyleaf Pondweed Treatment areas |
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Water Quality/Lake Treatment Update
LSIA’s aquatic invasive species consultant Eric Fieldseth from AIS Consulting Services LLC, has provided a summary for the upcoming LSIA Spring newsletter. click here to view Summary of 2020 CLP and EWM Management on Lake Sarah by Eric Fieldseth, AIS Consulting. This includes some very informative historical background information, along with a summary of our treatment in 2020 including post treatment survey. Eric is the independent consultant that LSIA hires to help conduct the surveys and guide decisions for treatment of the invasive weeds.
We have made great improvements in controlling the invasive weeds since we began to treat them in 2012. Anyone who has lived on this lake before the treatment started knows the significant improvement in the water quality of the lake over the years.
The LSIA board has already met and are busy working with their partners (Three Rivers Park District, Pioneer-Sarah Creek Watershed Management Commission, DNR and AIS Consulting) to make plans for the 2021 lake treatment.
Lake Treatment Donation
The estimated cost to treat the invasive weeds in 2021 is around $36,000, which is consistent with the amount spent the last two years. We continue to get some financial support from Three Rivers Park District and Pioneer-Sarah Creek Watershed Management Commission. We have applied for some possible grant money and recent indications from the DNR are positive for some reimbursement post treatment. Treatments typically are applied in May/June each year pending survey results and weather conditions. In order to continue the treatment and improve the quality of our lake we need your continued financial support.
We are again asking all lakeshore residents and dock owners to donate $150.00
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Make your contribution to the CLP Treatment Program here!
Stakeholders and lakeshore property owners have been asked to help offset the cost of the CLP Treatment program with a tax deductible contribution of $150. To make your contribution using PayPal just click on the button to the right. Or if you prefer, checks payable to the Lake Sarah Improvement Association may be mailed to LSIA, P.O. Box 25, Loretto, MN 55357.
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GOOD RIDDANCE 2020 HELLO 2021!
It's time to renew your annual LSIA membershiop!
The 2021 membership fee is still only $35.00 - Please become a member and support your lake association!
To renew your membership or become a new member:
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- Use the PayPal ( online payment service) option below
Thanks for all your support!.
All paid memberships will receive a discount for Randy’s Sanitation! This year Randy’s has offered additional discounts to those who use the 65 and 95 gallon size! Info on LSIA membership discounts page.
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Pay your LSIA Membership via PayPal !
Click the Buy Now button on the right to pay your dues with any major credit card or via bank transfer.
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Many of the questions emailed to this site regard illegal or inconsiderate snowmobile, atv, boat or pwc operation or fishing/hunting violation questions. To report illegal vehicular activity you should contact Hennepin County Sheriff Water Patrol (612)596-9880, or West Hennepin Public Safety (763)479-0500, The Water Patrol will not issue a citation for offenses they do not witness. They may issue a citation if the witness agrees sign the complaint (much like a citizens arrest). If you plan on filing charges against an individual you should make note of the date, time, vehicle description and license number, identity or good description of the operator. A side note; If the offender wishes to appear in court you may be required to appear as witness / accuser. To report hunting or fishing violations call DNR area Conservation Officer Officer Name: Brent Grewe Phone: (763) 205-6014, DNR Enforcement (651)582-1502, or orTIP (turn in poachers) toll free hotline 800-652-9093. Click the blue text for a copy of the Minnesota Snowmobile Regs , Personal Watercraft Regs , MN Boating Guide , ATV/OHV Regs, or the current MN Fishing Regulations , in Adobe Acrobat Reader format (.pdf).
Lake Sarah (MN DNR #27-0191) is located in sections 1 and 2, township 118, range 24; and in sections 34 and 35, township 119, range 24, Hennepin County, Minnesota. GPS 45°4'19"N 93°41'24"W surrounded by the Minnesota cities of Independence, Greenfield, Loretto, Medina, and Rockford. Click here to view a Google hybrid map of lake Sarah. Suggestions for content and services to be provided by this site are always welcome! E-mail this website with your feedback, suggestions, comments or ideas.
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