by Jim Seifert, LLAA Foundation Board Member.
Since being formed in the early 1900s from five small lakes dotting the Hubbard Prairie, Long Lake has been one of the premier recreation lakes in north central Minnesota. Over the past 125 years, since the first cabins and fishing camps were established, Long Lake’s beautiful and vibrant ecosystem is increasingly under pressure from the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS), recreational use, expanded home ownership, and a higher number of visitors. Long Lake Area Association’s mission is to keep Long Lake healthy and thriving. The Long Lake Area Association Foundation (LLAAF) is central to that mission. The Foundation works tirelessly to protect and preserve the lake’s natural resources through the generosity of the LLAA member donors —like you! By supporting the LLAAF, you play a crucial role in safeguarding the lake for future generations to enjoy. Being a member of the LLAA (the Association) is important, thank you! However, your donation to the LLAAF (the Foundation) is crucial in continuing responsible, proactive stewardship of the lake that we love. Here’s why your donations are essential.
#1 Ensuring Rigorous AIS Inspections
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) such as zebra mussels and starry stonewort have been found in Long Lake.They along with other invasive species can wreak havoc on the health of Long Lake. They disrupt native ecosystems, reduce water quality, and make it challenging for recreational activities. According to our recent survey of members, preventing AIS from entering Long Lake should be THE top priority of the LLAAF, and thorough inspections at lake accesses are a critical first line of defense.
For the past two years, LLAAF has contributed $25,000 annually to supplement and extend the coverage by 1000 hours for the watercraft inspection program funded through the State AIS Prevention Aid, administered by Hubbard County. For 2025, the cost per hour has increased $1 to $26/hour so LLAAF will pay $26,000 for the same number of supplemental hours. Without supplemental funding, Long Lake watercraft inspections would be limited currently to 642 State-funded hours which is 80 days split between the two accesses. This would work out to be 8-hour shifts on Sat, Sun, and Holidays for the summer from opening of walleye fishing through the weekend after Labor Day.
#2 Combating AIS
When AIS prevention efforts fall short (boat inspections, clean-drain-dry, etc.), direct action is needed to mitigate and manage the invasive species that have already entered the ecosystem. You may remember from the LLAA’s communications that Long Lake has been actively engaged in fighting an infestation of Starry Stonewort at the south boat launch area since August 2023, which has continued through this fall. The LLAAF employs various techniques to control invasive species. LLAA member volunteers work hand-in-hand with the Minnesota DNR to combat invasive species. The LLAAF contracts AIS mitigation firms to safely and under permit combat AIS proliferation in Long Lake. This work is expensive but unavoidable. Your generous donation to fund these critical projects is reducing the impact of AIS on Long Lake.
#3 Lake Water Quality Monitoring
Water quality monitoring is essential for tracking the lake’s health. LLAAF regularly tests for contaminants, pollutants, and changes in pH levels that impact the lake’s ecosystem and water safety. Ongoing monitoring also enables the LLAAF to detect and address issues early, before they become larger problems. These tests require significant financial resources for equipment, lab analysis, and expert staff to interpret results. Your donation is critical to sustain these efforts to maintain and improve Long Lake’s water quality.
#4 Preserving Game Fish Populations
Long Lake is home to diverse fish populations, including walleye, bass, and northern pike, which are vital to the lake’s ecology and draw anglers to the area. However, game fish populations in Long Lake are vulnerable to habitat degradation, shoreline erosion, pollution, and competition from AIS. Global warming and increased recreational activities are putting more pressure on naturally reproducing fishing stock. In response, using donated funds to the LLAAF, we actively support fish stocking efforts, looking into possible habitat restoration projects, and engage in research to maintain healthy fish populations. Your donation helps ensure that Long Lake remains a thriving habitat for fish and a premier destination for anglers.
Your Role in Protecting Long Lake
The work of the LLAAF is only possible through our donors’ generosity. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps fund AIS inspections and mitigation, water quality monitoring, and fish habitat preservation. By donating to the LLAAF, you are investing in the future health of Long Lake, supporting biodiversity, and preserving a cherished natural space for all to enjoy. Long Lake is a treasure that so many families have loved for generations. Almost everyone that lives on the lake has a story of how they came to be here. Whether it was grandparents, parents, or a vacation at a resort that caused you to fall in love with the lake, the generational love we have of the lake is the constant thread that connects us. Together, we can ensure that Long Lake remains a beautiful, healthy, and thriving environment for years to come. Please donate to the LLAAF today to engage in this vital conservation effort—thank you!
Jim Seifert is a third generation resident of Long Lake. Jim and his family consider themselves stewards of the family home and the lakeshore that has been a part of their family’s lives for almost 100 years.
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