PLA 2018 PLA Membership Renewal Form_Updated Final 12.9.2017PLA GOALS AND OBJECTIVES — 2018 January 2018
Greetings from your Potato Lake Association (PLA) Board,
THE PURPOSE OF THIS LETTER IS TO EXTEND AN INVITATION FOR YOU TO JOIN OR RENEW YOUR ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP IN YOUR ASSOCIATION, AND TO ONCE AGAIN ASK FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT FOR OUR WATERCRAFT AIS INSPECTION PROGRAM.
In 2017, 120 of our residents became members of the association, which is a slight decrease from previous years. This represents a little less than 50% of our lakeshore residents. In trying to improve on that number, your board is continuing neighborhood groups, whose purpose is to improve communications about PLA activity and to encourage direct input from you about lake issues and the role of the PLA.
The PLA has an introductory offer to all new members: COMPLIMENTARY DUES FOR THE FIRST YEAR OF MEMBERSHIP!! That’s a no obligation, no cost membership for 2018 for anyone who has not previously been a member! If you have never been a member, please take advantage of this opportunity to participate in our efforts to protect your lake.
Watercraft inspection is currently the most effective way to help prevent the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS), particularly zebra mussels, from entering our lake. In case you missed the late summer news release, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed zebra mussels in their larval stage in Garfield Lake. This is the first incidence of a potential infestation of a reproducing population of zebra mussels in Hubbard County. Please keep in mind that the purpose of our lake association is to protect and preserve our lake. With an infestation close, it is even more urgent that we continue the high level of watercraft inspection and lake monitoring we have supported in the past years.
In 2017, there were approximately 1267 hours of watercraft inspection provided at the two public launch sites on Potato Lake. Hubbard County has recommended keeping the hours for watercraft inspection at the 1267 hour level during the 2018 boating season. Total cost is $23,440. While the state allocation of $13,320 (720 hours funded through Hubbard County) and support from Lake Emma Township (~$3000), will greatly help to monitor our two launch sites, we still need lakeshore owners to contribute the balance of the inspection costs.
The PLA property owner contributions needed for 2018 is $7120 to maintain the 1267 hour level of protection. These donations are critical in order to preserve the fishing and recreational qualities of Potato Lake. An infestation of AIS could substantially reduce the market values of lake property. If lake property owners are as generous as in past years, we feel certain the funds will be available for this important watercraft inspection program.
Membership in the PLA is on a calendar year basis and annual dues remain at just $25 per household. Please take a few moments to fill out the enclosed form and send it in with your dues today, or if you are a first time member check the applicable box. In addition, please consider including your watercraft inspection donation. You can choose one of the two options listed on the application form.
Thank you for your support of the Potato Lake Association and Potato Lake!
Sincerely,
Ken Grob, PLA President
Potato Lake Association 