Healthy Land, Healthy Lake Expo 2024
Our 2024 event was held 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, September 7 at McQuoid’s Inn north of Isle. Outdoors, visitors could explore the portable CD3 boat-cleaning unit which is used at public landings around the lake to aid boaters in cleaning their watercraft to reduce the transfer of aquatic invasive species. An Aitkin County aquatic invasive species inspector was present to further tell the story of the impact of aquatic invasives. Also outside were a number of plants on display, some of them native and some of them not-so-friendly. Expert advice was available to help with identification and cultivation questions. Once inside, visitors found tables set up for the Keep It Clean and Get the Lead Out campaigns which promoted reducing waste left on the ice and elimination of toxic lead tackle, respectively. Visitors also learned about theWatershed group’s Compass stewardship program for landowners and the Northern Waters Land Trust. A free lunch from Isle’s Smokin’ Mortars was served at noon. Lunch was accompanied by an informative video about forest health and a local arborist was on hand to answer attendee questions. The 2024 Healthy Land, Healthy Lake Expo was funded by Aitkin County Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force and the Rum River Watershed Partnership.
Healthy Land, Healthy Lake Expo 2023
Our 2023 event was held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, September 23 at McQuoid’s Inn north of Isle. This year’s event included the year’s third Lunch & Learn event. In the morning Expo visitors had the opportunity to explore the Keep It Clean wheelhouse which provided information about how to be “nice to the ice” during winter recreation. The CD3 boat cleaning unit was also on hand with its message about reducing the transfer of aquatic invasive species among lakes. An extensive collection of locally collected wild plants helped folks distinguish between friendly and not-so-friendly species. Visitors also learned about the Mille Lacs Compass program. A free lunch from Isle’s Smokin’ Mortars was served at noon. The lunch was accompanied by a presentation about invasive species by AIS Detector Tom Hubbard. The afternoon concluded with an informal meeting of the Mille Lacs Lake Watershed Management Group. The Healthy Land, Healthy Lake Expo was funded by Aitkin County Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force.
Healthy Land, Healthy Lake Expo 2022
Our 2022 event was held 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, September 18. McQuoid’s Inn north of Isle was our venue once again. At this year’s event attendees received a progress report on the Rum River Watershed Comprehensive Plan; learned to identify native plants; brought in lead tackle for safe disposal and replacement with non-toxic alternatives; learned about the spread of aquatic invasive species; and signed up to win giveaways. The morning wrapped up with a roundtable discussion of the challenges and rewards of land stewardship along with a sharing of experiences and expert advice on specific issues.
2022 Community of Stewards Picnic
Our Community of Stewards Picnic was held in Father Hennepin State Park by Isle, Minnesota, on Saturday, July 9. In addition to a lunch of local foods from Dan’s catering, attendees heard from speaker Brad Harrington, Nazhike-Awaasanang; had the chance to win prizes including a set of sandy-soil loving plants from MNL. Other activities included a lead tackle exchange, a plant identification session featuring real specimens, and opportunities to learn about actions landowners can take that preserve water quality while enhancing their landscapes.
Healthy Land, Healthy Lake Expo 2021
Our 2021 event was held 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, September 18 at McQuoid’s Inn north of Isle. Attendees were able to purchase native plants from MNL’s plant truck; exchange old lead tackle for new products made of non-toxic materials; learn about invasive species; sign up to win an invasive species I.D. book; see a new Clean-Drain-Dry-Dispose boat-cleaning unit; and share experiences with participants in the Mille Lacs COMPASS Program.
Healthy Land, Healthy Lake Virtual Conference 2020
Recordings of the four Healthy Land, Healthy Lake virtual sessions held August 24 – 27, 2020 are available below.
1. Managing Aquatic Invasive Species
PLAY VIDEO
Guests Steve Hughes, Aitkin Co. SWCD District Manager, and Penny Stiles, University of Minnesota Extension AIS Detector, discussed how aquatic invasive species are being managed by local agencies and what individuals can do to help control their spread.
Online resources:
DNR local AIS aid and link to county coordinators list
Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center
AIS Detector Program
AIS Detector Core Course
AIS Management 101
Plant identification workshop
Participate in Starry Trek
Webinars on AIS research
Purchase an AIS Identification Guide
MAISRC Research Videos
AIS in Minnesota
EDDMaps
2. Reducing Salt in the Environment
PLAY VIDEO
Guest Brooke Asleson, MPCA Chloride Coordinator, described the growing risks of chloride in the environment, its many sources, and what we can do to keep it out of our ground and surface waters.
Online resources:
MPCA Statewide Chloride Resources
3. Adopting Lead-Free Tackle
PLAY VIDEO
Guests John Gilkeson and Kevin McDonald from the MPCA’s “Get the Lead Out” project shared information about the impact of the BP oil spill on Minnesota loon populations, the dangers of lead tackle, and efforts to encourage adoption of alternatives.
Online Resources:
MPCA’s Get the Lead Out program
MPCA list of non-lead tackle manufacturers
NOAA gulf spill restoration area projects
4. Making Water-Friendly Property Improvements
PLAY VIDEO
The COMPASS program is helping Wahkon, Minn., property owner Donna Schindele manage storm water runoff. Mille Lacs SWCD shoreland technician Lynn Gallice described the project, from concept through implementation.
Learn more about the COMPASS program.