Okoboji Protective Association

Fall 2011

From the OPA President

Dear Members of the OPA:

As fall quickly turns to winter, and on its surface Lake West Okoboji looks, for the most part, calm and placid, the frontal assault on the integrity of our pristine lake continues on many fronts. As I dictate my final letter to membership as president of of the OPA, I am pleased to see our organization continues to take the lead in protecting and monitoring water quality, including protecting and monitoring the water quality of Lake West Okoboji from the threat of invasive species. The OPA has been protecting the water quality of Lake West Okoboji since 1905, and continues that endeavor as aggressively today as it has at anytime in our existence.

The OPA succeeded on many fronts during 2011:

• The OPA joined with the Spirit Lake Protective Association, Inc. in an historic partnership to underwrite the costs of major repairs and replacement of major components of the Mini-Wakan Shelter located in Mini-Wakan State Park and the Gullpoint Lodge located at Gullpoint State Park. The funds are restricted to the funding of costs for major repairs for the shelter and the lodge.

 
• In August an unprecedented joint meeting of the three lakes area protective associations took place which included a meeting with the Director of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Roger Lande. The East Okoboji Improvement Association, Spirit Lake Protective Association, Inc. and the OPA convened at the Sami Center in Spirit Lake to hear the address from DNR Director Lande, who reaffirmed the DNR's commitment to fighting aquatic invasive species in the Iowa Great Lakes.

 
• The OPA continues its commitment to monitoring lakes area boat ramps to prevent the spread of unwanted aquatic hitchhikers. The OPA has worked in pertnership with a number of individuals and organizations to make certain that Lakes area boat ramps are appropriately monitored and maintained. The OPA continues to partner with the Friends of Lakeside Lab and the Lakeside Lab in an exciting endeavor to have qualified college interns participate in the monitoring project going forward. These interns, substantially supported by OPA contributions, not only monitor boat ramps but also collect water samples analyzed at the Bovberg Water Chemistry Lab. Education of the public regarding invasive species continues and the OPA expended in excess of $15,000.00 towards these education efforts.

 
• The OPA collaborated with the Iowa Great Lakes Trails Association on a wetlands restoration project on the west side of West Okoboji Lake near Crescent Beach which will restore and improve that wetland complex.

 
• The OPA was informed that DNR funds were restricted and a number of lake patrol officers were eliminated from service. The OPA strongly advocated for increased spending authority for additional lake patrol officers and was sucessful in securing that increase.

 
• OPA representatives met with Governor Branstad in August to convey to Governor Branstad the importance of finding a final solution to the Lower Gar Outlet issue. With the high water levels experienced in July, it is clear that an adequate final solution has not yet been found. Governor Branstad acknowledged his support for further study and work on a solution to the Lower Gar Outlet issue that would be acceptable to the many constituencies impacted by the fluctuating water levels of our lakes.

 
• Our organization proudly awarded the Ace Cory Conservation Award to Phil Petersen at our annual meeting. Phil joins a small group of individuals who have previously been recognized with this award for their commitment to protecting the water quality of Okoboji. Phil was the obvious choice for this award, and we all know that Phil's passion for protecting the Okoboji environment is something we can count on in the difficult days ahead.

While the OPA has had a number of successes in calendar year 2011, the challenges to the environment continue. In recent weeks, the DNR has reported that Asian silver carp, a jumping fish, have been found in Lost Island Lake near Ruthven in Palo Alto County, only 18 miles as the crow flies from the Iowa Great Lakes. Through the efforts of the OPA and in coordination with the Department of Natural Resources,the concept of an electric fish barrier for Lower Gar Outlet is under investigation. The expected costs for such an electric fish barrier is approximately $700,000.00. While we expect strong support from our local representatives, Senator David Johnson and Representative Jeff Smith, both of whom have strongly advocated for OPA projects in the past, there is no guarantee that the Iowa legislature will support this proposal.

The dynamic spirit of the OPA is reflected in our organization's ongoing efforts to contain the spread of zebra mussels. As many of you know, zebra mussels are an aquatic invasive species that have caused tremendous damage in a number of Minnesta lakes and in 2005 were discovered in Clear Lake. In recent years, the DNR and the Okoboji Protective Association have aggressively undertaken efforts to block the proliferation of zebra mussels in the Iowa Great Lakes area. The OPA, in conjunction with a number of organizations, is currently investigating the use of "zebra mussel dogs" which is a plan to train dogs to detect the presence of mussels. An organization based in California known as "Mussel Dogs" has given a proposal for the use and training of two dogs at boat ramps in the Iowa Great Lakes for the 2012 season. Various organizations, including the OPA, are searching for grants that would cover the approximate cost of $45,000.00 for these mussel sniffing and detecting dogs.

The above information outlines not only the successes the OPA has achieved in the past year but also reflects the challenges we face in the future. As I close out my term as president of the organization, I am pleased to know that the reins of the organization have been handed over to Jim Rosendahl who will do an outstanding job as your president. The executive team consisting of Phil Petersen, Jim Rosendahl, Barry Sackett, and Barbara Mendenhall have done all of the heavy lifting this past year and deserve our thanks and appreciation.

Please keep in mind the OPA when making contributions to worthy organizations. The OPA is a qualified 501 (c)(3) organization. I know you share in the opinion that an organization whose goal is the protection of the ecosystem of Okoboji should be at the top of your holiday gift giving list.

Thank you for allowing me to serve as your President.

Joseph L. Fitzgibbons
President, OPA