Sgt. Brad Thesing Receives Award

Sgt. Brad Thesing has come to our annual meeting every year for many years to give us an update on activities of the Sheriff's Water Patrol. His talk is always well received and he patiently answers all our questions.We're pleased to report that Sgt. Thesing has been awarded the 2024 Outstanding Community Service Provider of the Year by the Brainerd Jaycees and Brainerd Community Action. His nomination says "Sergeant Thesing has dedicated his career to ensuring the safety, well-being, and enrichment of our community through his leadership, innovation, and tireless community involvement."

Thank you Sgt. Thesing for efforts to make boating on North Long Lake safe and enjoyable for all; as well as your support of our lake association.

Catch up on the association's latest newsletter.
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In memory of Jim Weiss, past NLLA Board President.

Eurasian Milfoil in Merrifield Bay

The association has regularly treated a 3 acre area in the northeast section of Merrifield Bay for Curly Leaf Pondweed annually. This year, the invasive species Eurasian Milfoil was found in the same area.

A 100 square foot area was found north of the boat access in about 8 to 10 feet of water. Eurasian Milfoil grows very fast, crowding out native vegetation and can form a dense mat that negatively impacts boating and fishing. It primarily establishes through vegetative fragmentation—a fragment can break off, settle in the sediment, grow roots, and establish a new plant. It is easy to confuse Eurasian Milfoil with Northern Milfoil - a native plant that does not grow as explosively and does not present the same issues.

In response, we surveyed Merrifield Bay to identify any other areas of Eurasian Milfoil that may be present. Luckily, none were found. However, we expect to survey again in the spring, in conjunction with our annual survey for Curly Leaf Pondweed. We applied for a permit from the DNR to treat affected areas. This permit delineates the treatment area and authorizes the treatment plan. The permit was speedily granted and we contracted with PLM (who we use for our Curly Leaf control) for the treatment. PLM treated the the area in mid-September with a herbicide that targets the Eurasian Milfoil

We expect to continue treating this area to control the spread.

Loon Nests

How did your loons do this spring? If you have a loon nest (natural or artificial) on your lakeshore, please contact Harris Goldstein at harris.goldstein@northlong.org. We'd like to know how successful the hatch was this year and whether the nest is one owned by the association.

North Long Lake Association

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