Fall Newsletter2025
Dr. Bill Faber………………………………………….218-575-2328
mooseman@brainerd.net
Darline Molde…………………………………..….218-575-2200
dmdm@brainerd.net
Alice Sunde…………………………………………..218-575-2214
sunde@fallsnet.com
Doug Cook………………………………………….507-276-5214
douglascook@yahoo.com
Eugene Champeau……………………………..…612-963-3561
genechampeau@msn.com
Glen Hansmann………………………………..…612-518-6309
gshansmann@frontiernet.net
Bob Andersen……………………………………….612-432-9687
bandersen1@comcast.net
Jim McGonigle……………………………….……515-988-1768
mcgon03@hotmail.com
Cade Roberts……………………………..………509-392-2307
muskyhunter185@gmail.com
Doug Cook, LAPOA Board Member
As we move through the 3rd summer of the Lake Stewardship program we want to acknowledge the work that has been done and celebrate the progress that has been made. We now have a total of 23 Lake Associations that have adopted the program through MLR, with two more joining just this week. Each Lake Steward sign awarded means one more lot that provides clean, rather than polluted, runoff into the lake, one more lot that can provide habitat for nesting loons and waterfowl, and one more member of the
community who is committed to the common good. The results of this commitment can be realized on both large and small scales; There is almost immediate benefit to a properly maintained shoreline. Many Lake Stewards notice the increased presence of wildlife on their property as soon as their native plants come in.
Rita is a Lake Steward on Clitherall Lake. She painted me a beautiful picture of her thriving yard since she restored her 250 feet of shoreline to native grasses and forbs. Since the planting we noticed the water quality in front of our place was much clearer than in other places where
people had mowed right down to the lakeshore. Wildlife such as turtles and even loons have used my shoreline. I
currently have a loon nesting platform and have had success with one or two babies each year. The variety of
birds increased with all the different seed heads to feast on in the fall. The monarch butterflies also love the native
flowers. On a larger scale, Lake Steward is a framework by which social change can be achieved. The program is meant
to help empower individuals to take charge of their local environment in collaboration with associations and governing bodies, and cultivate a passion for lakeshore preservation. A community with a shared commitment to stewardship makes for a healthier lake as well as a healthier network of neighbors. This kinship, realized in pursuit of a common goal, gives communities the capacity to take on larger projects and enact very
important change. I met a man named Tim at a lake association event in Chisago County several weeks ago. He and his family
had recently moved to the area. He told us that the lake they had previously lived on looked like “pea soup” and he wanted to be somewhere where his family could safely enjoy the water. They chose to move to Chisago County because they saw that North Center and South Center lakes had both recently been removed from the
impaired waters list by the MPCA. They inferred that the community of landowners on this lake had mobilized to make this happen. They wanted to live among people who prioritized lake health and were dedicated to maintaining it.
Indeed, years of planning and hard work on the part of a dedicated community of lakeshore property owners and the SWCD had led to this achievement. The capability and influence of this community of changemakers did not go unnoticed, and it created a powerful draw for others who are also invested in preservation. In this way, not only
do these projects lead to more resilient and vibrant lakeshores, and provide ecological, and recreational benefits, they also inspire and motivate change from the ground up. This is why we are Lake Stewards. We protect the lakes for the sake of our own
personal enjoyment, and plants and animals today. We also protect the lakes for the sake of the future. We must use our knowledge of natural ecosystems and our capacity to learn from each other for the sake of our grandchildren. For something bigger and more important than our yards alone, yet dependent on them as well.
Tags: lake association, Shoreline protection, water quality
Dear LAPOA Members, It’s the middle of October as I it at my computer and compose this Fall President’s letter to you the
membership. The summer season has come-and-gone and fall has finally set in, how fast it went?! That also means winter is just around the corner, sorry to say (we’re Minnesotans, remember?!). For the
second summer in a row, we have been under severe drought conditions nearly from the get-go, but fortunately I have officially registered 7+ inches of rain in my County rain gauge since 1 September. Water levels have returned somewhat, but are still low enough that barring any major rain soon will make it near impossible to get my aeration system in for the winter (second year running….). Oh well, if it isn’t one thing it’s another! I am hopeful y’all have had an enjoyable summer and fall around the Lake, all things considered the weather was pretty darned pleasant for the most part. Aside from the standard holidays of Memorial Day, 4th of July, Scandia Valley Days in early August, and Labor Day, there haven’t been many additional newsworthy happenings around the area to report on that I’m aware of…. I would argue we had another successful, well attended Annual meeting in mid-August, but again no Fall Clean-up as we plan to hold another next year or the year after. And when I pulled our pontoon off the lake the day after Labor Day, I was somewhat pleasantly surprised as I drove the pontoon to the
East End Access from our place on the NE corner E from the Landing, the majority of docks and lifts were already off the lake, I’m sure related to issues with the lower water level. Sure seemed so “empty” around the lake for being so early in the fall….. As was the case last year, the LALID had no bog issues this past season, which for the third year (or more) in a row is a pleasant item to report on IMHO?! We treated just under 21 acres of curlyleaf pondweed and a reduction from last year’s 54 acres as we only had to treat 30+ acres of Eurasian water milfoil this year in the July/August interchange. As I always want to make clear, please don’t hesitate to contact myself or one of the other 8 Board members with other issues of concern you would like be given further consideration and action, as necessary.
My final closing thoughts to share, as is the case at this end of each growing season, this President’s Letter and Newsletter will be our last correspondence for the season. As always, on behalf of the LAPOA
Board, I wish all a good fall and winter season, we’ll look forward to seeing you, some throughout the winter and remainder on your return “Up North” next Spring! Again, a huge thanks for your continued support of the Lake Alexander Property Owners Association!
Stay well,
Dr. Bill, President
November 2023
Lake Alexander Property Owners Association
Newsletter
Mission Statement: To act as stewards of Lake Alexander in regards to water quality, fish management, and shore line conservation.
Lake Steward Success
Dr. Bill Faber………………………………………….218-575-2328
mooseman@brainerd.net
Darline Molde…………………………………..….218-575-2200
dmdm@brainerd.net
Alice Sunde…………………………………………..218-575-2214
sunde@fallsnet.com
Doug Cook………………………………………….507-276-5214
douglascook@yahoo.com
Eugene Champeau……………………………..…612-963-3561
genechampeau@msn.com
Glen Hansmann………………………………..…612-518-6309
gshansmann@frontiernet.net
Bob Andersen……………………………………….612-432-9687
bandersen1@comcast.net
Jim McGonigle……………………………….……515-988-1768
mcgon03@hotmail.com
Cade Roberts……………………………..………509-392-2307
muskyhunter185@gmail.com
Doug Cook, LAPOA Board Member
As we move through the 3rd summer of the Lake Stewardship program we want to acknowledge the work that
has been done and celebrate the progress that has been made. We now have a total of 23 Lake Associations that
have adopted the program through MLR, with two more joining just this week.
Each Lake Steward sign awarded means one more lot that provides clean, rather than polluted, runoff into the
lake, one more lot that can provide habitat for nesting loons and waterfowl, and one more member of the
community who is committed to the common good.
The results of this commitment can be realized on both large and small scales; There is almost immediate
benefit to a properly maintained shoreline. Many Lake Stewards notice the increased presence of wildlife on their
property as soon as their native plants come in.
Rita is a Lake Steward on Clitherall Lake. She painted me a beautiful picture of her thriving yard since she
restored her 250 feet of shoreline to native grasses and forbs.
Since the planting we noticed the water quality in front of our place was much clearer than in other places where
people had mowed right down to the lakeshore. Wildlife such as turtles and even loons have used my shoreline. I
currently have a loon nesting platform and have had success with one or two babies each year. The variety of
birds increased with all the different seed heads to feast on in the fall. The monarch butterflies also love the native
flowers.
On a larger scale, Lake Steward is a framework by which social change can be achieved. The program is meant
to help empower individuals to take charge of their local environment in collaboration with associations and governing bodies, and cultivate a passion for lakeshore preservation. A community with a shared
commitment to stewardship makes for a healthier lake as well as a healthier network of neighbors. This kinship,
realized in pursuit of a common goal, gives communities the capacity to take on larger projects and enact very
important change.
I met a man named Tim at a lake association event in Chisago County several weeks ago. He and his family
had recently moved to the area. He told us that the lake they had previously lived on looked like “pea soup” and
he wanted to be somewhere where his family could safely enjoy the water. They chose to move to Chisago
County because they saw that North Center and South Center lakes had both recently been removed from the
impaired waters list by the MPCA. They inferred that the community of landowners on this lake had mobilized to
make this happen. They wanted to live among people who prioritized lake health and were dedicated to
maintaining it.
Indeed, years of planning and hard work on the part of a dedicated community of lakeshore property owners and
the SWCD had led to this achievement. The capability and influence of this community of changemakers did not
go unnoticed, and it created a powerful draw for others who are also invested in preservation. In this way, not only
do these projects lead to more resilient and vibrant lakeshores, and provide ecological, and recreational benefits,
they also inspire and motivate change from the ground up.
This is why we are Lake Stewards. We protect the lakes for the sake of our own
personal enjoyment, and plants and animals today. We also protect the lakes for the
sake of the future. We must use our knowledge of natural ecosystems and our
capacity to learn from each other for the sake of our grandchildren. For something
bigger and more important than our yards alone, yet dependent on them as well.
Tags: lake association, Shoreline protection, water quality
Dear LAPOA Members,
It’s the middle of October as I it at my computer and compose this Fall President’s letter to you the
membership. The summer season has come-and-gone and fall has finally set in, how fast it went?! That
also means winter is just around the corner, sorry to say (we’re Minnesotans, remember?!). For the
second summer in a row, we have been under severe drought conditions nearly from the get-go, but
fortunately I have officially registered 7+ inches of rain in my County rain gauge since 1 September.
Water levels have returned somewhat, but are still low enough that barring any major rain soon will make
it near impossible to get my aeration system in for the winter (second year running….). Oh well, if it isn’t
one thing it’s another!
I am hopeful y’all have had an enjoyable summer and fall around the Lake, all things considered the
weather was pretty darned pleasant for the most part. Aside from the standard holidays of Memorial Day,
4th of July, Scandia Valley Days in early August, and Labor Day, there haven’t been many additional
newsworthy happenings around the area to report on that I’m aware of….
I would argue we had another successful, well attended Annual meeting in mid-August, but again no
Fall Clean-up as we plan to hold another next year or the year after. And when I pulled our pontoon off
the lake the day after Labor Day, I was somewhat pleasantly surprised as I drove the pontoon to the
East End Access from our place on the NE corner E from the Landing, the majority of docks and lifts were
already off the lake, I’m sure related to issues with the lower water level. Sure seemed so “empty” around
the lake for being so early in the fall…..
As was the case last year, the LALID had no bog issues this past season, which for the third year (or
more) in a row is a pleasant item to report on IMHO?! We treated just under 21 acres of curlyleaf
pondweed and a reduction from last year’s 54 acres as we only had to treat 30+ acres of Eurasian water
milfoil this year in the July/August interchange. As I always want to make clear, please don’t hesitate to
contact myself or one of the other 8 Board members with other issues of concern you would like be given
further consideration and action, as necessary.
My final closing thoughts to share, as is the case at this end of each growing season, this President’s
Letter and Newsletter will be our last correspondence for the season. As always, on behalf of the LAPOA
Board, I wish all a good fall and winter season, we’ll look forward to seeing you, some throughout the
winter and remainder on your return “Up North” next Spring! Again, a huge thanks for your continued
support of the Lake Alexander Property Owners Association!
Stay well,
Dr. Bill, President
NOctober 2025 ovember 2023
Happy Fall LAPOA Members,
It’s the first week of October as I write this Fall President’s letter to the LAPOA
membership. It’s hard to believe it’s already well into fall, this drought-stricken summer has gone
by rapidly. Irt has been warm and dry of recent but is slated to cool down to more seasonal temps,
but still little rain in the forecast…. The lake is back down to lower levels not too different from this
time last year, so I haven’t heard from anyone having issues getting boats of lifts or anything such!
Needless to say, I don’t what that might suggest as far as winter and any measurable amount of snow
after our last 2 winters, time will tell Lake friends?! At the same time, I do hope you all had a good
summer and fall has begun well, and wish you a safe and healthy continuance of autumn into winter.
I felt like we had a successful and information-filled Annual meeting in mid-August, and as I’m sure
all are aware we did not have a in September Fall Clean-up. We will consider having another next fall
at this time and will be sure to notify the Membership as we will likely make that determination next
April during our first Spring Board meeting after this winter break!
There continues to be NO news concerning the Weyerhauser property and as I write this, I would
say many docks and lifts are already off the lake which is somewhat normal for Lake Alexander.
If any of you have other concerns or issues you would like to bring to our attention, as I always state
in this newsletter to the Membership, then please don’t hesitate to reach out to myself or another
LAPOA Board member and we’ll take action as necessary.
Finally, let me first say this President’s Letter will again be my final correspondence for this season.
I hope this finds you all healthy and wish you all a good fall and winter since I won’t see many of
your around the Lake over the coming five plus months – and lastly, many thanks for your continued
support of the Lake Alexander Property Owners Association!
Keep well,
Dr. Bill, President
Dr. Bill Faber………………………………………… 218-575-2328
mooseman@brainerd.net
Lorena Kostallari………………………………………………………..
kostallarilorena@gmail.com
Alice Sunde …………………………………………. 218-575-2214
sunde@fallsnet.com
Doug Cook…………………………………………… 507-276-5214
drc169@gmail.com
Eugene Champeau……………………………….. 612-963-3561
genechampeau@msn.com
Glen Hansmann……………………………………. 612-518-6309
gshansmann@frontiernet.net
Bob Andersen………………………………………. 612-432-9687
bobmandersen1@gmail.com
Jim McGonigle……………………………………… 515-988-1768
mcgon03@hotmail.com
Cade Roberts ………………………………………. 509-392-2307
muskyhunter185@gmail.com
Lake Alexander Safety Lake Steward Update
By: Cade Roberts
As everyone begins the time-honored tradition of winterizing boats and pulling out docks, I wanted to take a
minute to discuss an important safety topic for the next season. Ice. No, not the ice that may cling inside your
favorite cocktail glass, but the ice that will inevitably form on the surface of our beloved lake. While I am not an
expert by any means, having spent years on the ice here and doing enough research that I can say, we have
lots of reminders that “Ice is Never 100% Safe!”. But what does that mean? To have safe ice? We have all seen
the picture from MN DNR showing ice thickness and what is “safe”, but did you know that thickness is only one
of many variables that determines the strength of the ice (Fig 1). Others include color, water current conditions,
wind direction and snow conditions, just to name a few. Color for-instance varies across our lake. We all love
crystal-clear ice. While it can be nerve racking and slippery to walk on, it sure is beautiful and strong. Opaque
or dark ice can be caused by several factors but is typically weaker and may require more ice thickness to carry
the same weight as clear ice. It is recommended to check these before proceeding with travel across them.
Water currents and wind direction may seem silly to some, but they do play roles in the ice and its development.
While the water on Alexander may not seem to move much, currents still exist. Currents can move warmer water
towards the surface leading to thin or even open spots in the ice. Some may remember the narrow channel
between the points of the bay with the West landing. Some years it would be open for the entire winter! You
would see otters playing, and even the occasional vehicle go in. Other years, and more so lately, you will see
permanent fish houses parked there. During early and late ice conditions, the wind can push large chucks of
ice into each other, causing heaves and pressure ridges to form. If you have ever tried to cross of these, you
know they can be tricky. Snow plays a major role in the quality of our ice. While snow is great for snowmobiling,
snowshoeing, ice golfing, and sledding, when accumulation occurs it can hinder ice development and make
for a sloppy year. The snow not only insulates the ice from the cold temperatures (sounds counterintuitive, but
it is true), but the additional weight puts pressure on the ice. I always like when we can get 8-10” of clear ice
before much snow accumulation. Less ice typically leads to water/slush on the surface of the ice and can lead
to additional cracking making travel di[icult and dangerous. I hope you all can find something you love to do on
the ice this year. Whether you are fishing, snowmobiling, skating or just out walking, the winter/ice time can be
a great way to continue our enjoyment of the lake. Please pay attention to the ice conditions, obey the warning
signs (Fig 2), and stay safe out there. I would be remised if I didn’t say it again, “Ice is Never 100% Safe!”.
By: Doug Cook
I am pleased to announce the recognition of property owners who have demonstrated exceptional commitment
to maintaining the cleanliness and health of Lake Steward. To qualify as a Lake Steward, individuals must
implement the following practices:
- Establish a natural buffer of vegetation between the grass and the lake.
- Ensure that water runoff from structures does not reach the lake.
- Regularly pump the septic tank.
- Minimize the use of herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers.
To date, 12 property owners have successfully completed the first full year of Lake Steward training and have
been recognized as such. This achievement is a testament to their dedication and hard work.
The following individuals have been designated as 2025 and 2024 Lake Alexander Lake Stewards:
2025: - Bill Faber – Linda Wenker – Tracy Simpson – Barbara Busch – Teresa Welters
- Bob Anderson – Linda Cooksey – Mary Kittridge – Deborah Walser – Kris Bjorklund
2024: - Pat Sandvol – Doug Cook
Each Steward has been provided with a commemorative Lake Steward sign to display on their dock and a
Shoreland Guide to Lake Stewardship. These materials serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining the
lake’s ecological balance and the significance of our collective efforts. We extend our sincere gratitude to all the
Lake Stewards for their unwavering commitment and invaluable contributions to the preservation of our lake’s
natural beauty and ecological integrity.
warning signs (Fig 2), and stay safe out there. I would be remised if I didn’t say it again, “Ice
is Never 100% Safe!”.
(Fig 1) (Fig 2)
warning signs (Fig 2), and stay safe out there. I would be remised if I didn’t say it again, “Ice
is Never 100% Safe!”.
(Fig 1) (Fig 2)
(Fig 2)
(Fig 1)
Thank you to all who donated to the Scandia Valley First Response Team! Your generous donations helped make the purchase of a new rescue rig possible and will help fund
the purchase of lifesaving equipment for the people of this area! We are incredibly grateful for your
generosity!
Thank you!
-Scandia Valley First Response Team
Minnesota Lake Alexander Boating Rules Cheat Sheet
Minnesota Lake Alexander Boa2ng Rules Cheat Sheet
Make 2026 Boa2ng on Lake Alexander a fun experience for everyone
while ensuring safety for all. A quick and easy refresher to share with
your family, friends, and guests who might be new to boa2ng on our
beau2ful lake.
🚤🚤 General Boa2ng & Safety Rules
• All boats must carry life jackets, fire ex7nguisher, sound device, and
naviga7on lights.
• Everyone aboard must have a properly fi@ed U.S. Coast Guard–
approved life jacket.
• Boa2ng under the influence (BUI) is illegal.
• Obey local “no wake” zones and slow-no-wake speeds near docks and
shores.
• Avoid wakes that damage shorelines, docks, or disrupt others.
• Stay at least 150 Q (ideally 200 Q) from shore or structures when
possible.
• Follow right-of-way rules: slower/nonmotorized craO have priority,
turn right in head-on approaches.
🏄🏄 Wake Boats & Towed Ac2vi2es (Skiing, Surfing, Tubing)
• Must have a lookout or rearview mirror when towing.
• Towing/wake ac7vi7es allowed only between sunrise and 30 min aOer
sunset.
• Avoid shallow waters — wakes can s7r sediment and harm habitat.
• Stay 200 Q from shore; many lakes encourage 300 Q minimum for
wakesurfing.
• Cross wakes slowly and safely.
• Check local restric7ons (some lakes have addi7onal wake rules).
🛥🛥 Jet Skis / Personal WatercraQ (PWC)
• Under age 12 cannot operate a PWC under any circumstances.
By: Bob Anderson
Make 2026 Boating on Lake Alexander a fun experience for everyone while ensuring safety for all. A
quick and easy refresher to share with your family, friends, and guests who might be new to boating
on our beautiful lake.
General Boating & Safety Rules- All boats must carry life jackets, fire extinguisher, sound device, and navigation lights.
- Everyone aboard must have a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket.
- Boating under the influence (BUI) is illegal.
- Obey local “no wake” zones and slow-no-wake speeds near docks and shores.
- Avoid wakes that damage shorelines, docks, or disrupt others.
- Stay at least 150 ft (ideally 200 ft) from shore or structures when possible.
- Follow right-of-way rules: slower/nonmotorized craft have priority, turn right in head-on approaches. Wake Boats & Towed Activities (Skiing, Surfing, Tubing)
- Must have a lookout or rearview mirror when towing.
- Towing/wake activities allowed only between sunrise and 30 min after sunset.
- Avoid shallow waters — wakes can stir sediment and harm habitat.
- Stay 200 ft from shore; many lakes encourage 300 ft minimum for wakesurfing.
- Cross wakes slowly and safely.
- Check local restrictions (some lakes have additional wake rules). Jet Skis / Personal Watercraft (PWC)
- Under age 12 cannot operate a PWC under any circumstances.
- As of July 1, 2025, operators age 21 and younger need a DNR watercraft operator’s permit.
- PFD (life jacket) required at all times.
- Must use engine cutoff lanyard (kill switch).
- No reckless operation or high speeds near swimmers or docks.
- Keep 150 ft from diver’s flags and avoid disturbing aquatic life. Resources
- Minnesota DNR Boating Guide (PDF): https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/rlp/regulations/boatwater/boatingguide.pdf
- Local Use Restrictions: https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/rlp/regulations/boatwater/local_regs.pd