Big Sand Lake Association
committed to the preservation of Big Sand Lake
Big Sand Lake • Current News & Events
11/27/2020 - Update on BSL Boat Ramp/DNR
We are looking for your immediate reaction to the proposed expansion plans for our current lake access. The two options that the DNR is looking at are a JULY/AUG summer construction or a SEPT/OCT fall construction with a start date following the Labor Day weekend. Read the full article...
10/02/2020 - Renovation of the Big Sand Public Access
We have been contacted by David Schotzko, DNR Parks & Trails Area Supervisor out of Bemidji. He has advised that the DNR will be renovating the Big Sand public access next summer. However, bids will be going out as soon as possible (this fall) to be able to cut down the required trees in the current plan during the prescribed time frame for safely, with cutting being done between October, 2020, and April, 2021
Therefore, the DNR and BSLA, due to COVID 19 restrictions, are working to have a virtual meeting in place of an in-person public meeting with all interested BSLA members and residents and DNR representatives about the plan for the renovation.
We will be attempting to schedule a virtual meeting with the DNR as soon as possible to discuss their plans and address concerns. We apologize for the short notice.
A link for individuals to click on to join the meeting will be sent in a subsequent email as soon as we have a date and time
In the meantime, please review the attached renovation plan, specifically pages 2 and 4. Page 2 is the demolition plan, and Page 4 is the envisioned plan for construction/completion.
Questions and concerns should be sent in advance of the tentative Wednesday evening meeting to:
- David Schotzko - DNR Parks & Trails Supervisor, Bemidji - david.schotzko@state.mn.us / 218-766-7529
- Dean Sether, DNR Engineering Department, Bemidji - dean.sether@state.mn.us / 218-766-7243
- Kent Skaar, DNR Parks & Trails Water Program Coordinator, St. Paul - kent.skaar@state.mn.us / 651-259-5636
We are assuming there will be a way to submit any additional questions during the virtual meeting. More details to follow.
Don Kilander - BSLA President donkilander@cableone.net
10/12/2020 - Hubbard County Coalition of Lake Associations
Welcome to Hubbard County Coalition of Lake Associations (HC COLA) 2020 "Eyes on the Water" on-line survey. HC COLA continues to expand our "Eyes on the Water" with over 270 volunteers joining our lake monitoring campaign in 2020. Even if you have not yet officially volunteered for “Eyes on the Water,’ we invite you to participate in this very important survey and help us prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species in Hubbard County. To become an ‘Eyes on the Water’ volunteer, go to www.hubbardcolamn.org, then click on “Aquatic Invasive Species / Eyes on the Water Early Detection.
With the discovery of Eurasian Water Milfoil in Big Mantrap Lake and Zebra Mussels in Long Lake this summer, it underscores the need for lake shore owners in Hubbard County to expand their "eyes on the water" looking for AIS. Early detection is the best defense if a lake is infested with an invasive species.
Below you will find the link to our "eyes on the water" survey. We will want all surveys completed by November 1st. You should complete the survey just once.
The survey takes about 5 minutes to complete. Should you have any questions about the process, please email me at jlmosner@gmail.com. Please use the following link to participate in this year's survey: https://jlm264survey.typeform.com/to/pHfR2S
09/21/2020 - Fall is Here!
As we move into fall with docks and boats being taken out and put up for winter, please remember to Clean. Drain. Dry. If you find anything suspicious, please report it to the DNR.
- Continue to follow Minnesota Lakes & Rivers Advocates http://www.mnlakesandrivers.org/
- Hubbard County COLA http://hubbardcolamn.org/index.html
- Minnesota Aquatic Species Research Center https://www.maisrc.umn.edu/
