WHAT'S NEW AT THE LAKE
Chinese Mystery Snails Found in Lake Vermilion
The Chinese mystery snail has become Lake Vermilion’s second invasive
aquatic animal, preceded by rusty crayfish in the 1980s.
These golf ball-sized, olive-colored snails
were first observed at a private dock in Spring Bay this past summer and
reported to the DNR. The DNR sent a sample to their St Paul lab, which
verified the preliminary identification.
Native to Asia, Chinese mystery snails were imported to California in 1892 for the Asia seafood market. They were later discovered in the wild on the east coast in 1915 and moved west. The Chinese mystery snail is now present in 90 Minnesota lakes and rivers.
How this species will affect our Lake Vermilion waters and fishery over time is largely unknown. The snail feeds on zooplankton and some types of algae, outcompeting native species for food and space. They can reproduce in great numbers washing up on beaches and shorelines. Overall, however, this snail is not believed to pose as serious a threat as zebra mussels.
So far, this invasive snail has only been observed around Spring Bay on the west end of the lake. The Sportsmen's Club will continue to check near-by bays to monitor any spread. You can help. Please report any suspicious snails outside Spring Bay to Board Member Bob Wilson [contact info].
For more information, please see the November 2011 issue of the Vermilion Sportsmen newsletter.
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Bill Rosner Joins Sportsmen's Club Board of Directors
Bill Rosner was elected to the Sportsmen's Club board at the lake association's August 6th annual meeting. He represents the Cook end of the lake. Bill will serve three years, replacing Jim Mueller, who chose to not run for re-election.
We express our thanks to Jim for his service on the board. Best wishes for the future!
Also elected to 3-year terms were current board members Bob Wilson, Dale Lundblad and Gary Whitenack.
Board meetings are open to all club members. Please check with any
board member [contact
info] for the time and location of the next meeting.
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LAKE ASSOCIATION NEWS
Sportsmen's Club Caps Available
After many requests, we again have caps and visors in stock. More info here.
FEATURED LINK
Lake Vermilion Guides League
The Lake Vermilion Guides League has been a key partner as we work to protect and improve Lake Vermilion.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
November Newsletter
Mailed early November 2011
If you've recently changed your main address --- or have a
seasonal address for the winter --- please inform Jeff Lovgren, Member Records.
[Contact Info]
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Ice Forms on Lake Vermilion
Late November 2011
One bright, sunny morning in late November, after a night with temps in the low 20s and no wind, the first skim ice will appear.
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Muskie Season Closes
Thurs, December 1, 2011
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Walleye and Northern Pike Season Closes
Sun, February 26, 2012
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March Newsletter
Mailed early March 2012
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May Newsletter
Mailed early May 2012
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Walleye and Northern Pike Season Opens
Sat, May 12, 2012
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