Lake Hallett Association Newsletter
SUMMER 2006

THE STORM SEWER IS CLOSED!!!!!

Since it’s founding in 1998 the number one goal of the LHA has been to stop the dumping of polluted storm water into Lake Hallett. Finally in 2006 we have accomplished that goal. City officials are getting back to us on if there may be circumstances when the storm sewer could be opened again but at this point we are confident that it is permanently closed. This means that Lake Hallett is no longer being polluted! Thank you for your help in this major accomplishment!

JOIN US FOR THE 5TH ANNUAL COMMUNITY LAKESHORE CLEANUP

On Sunday May 21st 2006 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at 302 Saint Julien Street. Look for the signs. Everyone is welcome! The annual meeting will follow.

THE LAKE HALLETT NEWSLETTER WILL NOW BE ONLINE!

Because of mounting costs the LHA newsletter will no longer be mailed out. This will be your last hard copy unless you send your $10 annual membership fee to Lake Hallett Association; 302 Saint Julien Street; Saint Peter, MN 56082 and request a mailed copy. We welcome comments, advice and suggestions as well!

1ST ANNUAL MINNESOTA CARP CLASSIC

This event was sponsored by Hermie’s Bait, Bar & Grill and The St. Peter Chamber of Commerce. It took place the weekend of May 5th -7th. The prize for the largest carp was $50. We had a great turnout with 31 registered participants. The largest carp was 11lbs 9 ounces caught by Brandon Palmquist. Brandon also took 2nd and most carp. Chris Hoffman placed with the 3rd largest carp.

Carp were introduced in Minnesota in the 1800’s because they were (and still are) a prized game and food fish in Europe. We put on this event to try to control the carp population before it becomes a problem. The open storm sewer in past years favored reproduction of carp above other species because of the murkiness of the water and the rapid fluctuation in water level. Carp are fun to catch, good to eat and some people take carp fishing quite seriously (there are huge tournaments in New York and Chicago). If you missed it this year please check us out next year! Get delicious carp recipes.

CITIZEN'S LAKE MONITORING TRAINING AND CONFERENCES

The Lake Hallett Association was chosen to participate in workshops put on by the Minnesota Waters – a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of our lakes, rivers and streams. It’s a very competitive process and an intensive program. We are very excited to have been chosen to participate. On Earth Day Trudi Olmanson was invited to present the Lake Hallett story at the Environmental conference at Gustavus Adolphus College. On May 19th we will have a presence at the Minnesota Waters Inaugaral Lake Leader Summit in Brainerd.

WINTERFEST ICE FISHING CONTEST ON LAKE HALLETT

Despite subzero temperatures ninety kids participated in the St. Peter Fire Department’s fishing contest. What a wonderful community event! Northern Conagg generously allowed the use of their property to make this event possible. This private property was used for access, parking, concessions and toilets. The 30-foot wide park area planned by the City would not support any such public event.

NEW LAKE ECOLOGY PROGRAM FOR 7TH AND 8TH GRADERS

The Lake Hallett Association along with Minnesota Waters (formerly Minnesota Lakes Association) with a grant from the Schmidt foundation has purchased textbooks, teachers manuals and provided training to implement a new curriculum that focuses on our unique Minnesota lakes and stewardship of those lakes. The program encourages responsible resource management to protect Minnesota’s lakes. This program begins for St. Peter high school Students in grades 7 and 8 in the Spring of 2006.

CITY PARK PLANS FOR THE LAKE HALLETT AREA

The City Park plan is for a 30-foot wide strip park along the shoreline approximately ½ way around the lake. There is no drive-in access and there are no plans for any. The only public access is the WasteWater Treatment Plant parking lot. You are trespassing on private property if you drive in. The City has no plans to buy any more property and has zoned the property surrounding the lake Industrial and Commercial. This means the city is planning on a gas station, factory or similar business right next to your park 30 feet from the shores of Lake Hallett.

POSSIBILITIES FOR THE LAKE HALLETT AREA

The property surrounding Lake Hallett is for sale. A development company has an option on it right now. If they decide to buy the property they can build anything allowed in an industrial or commercial area (info 934-0661) 30 feet from the shores of the lake and right next to the planned strip park.

The option runs out in August 2006. If this property is still for sale we would like to see it purchased for a community park/nature area/ green space. This will be impossible without community involvement. This means YOU!

If you care:
Call your city council representatives (info 934-0663).

1. Write a letter to the editor.
2. Get involved! Let us know if you’d like to help in ANY way!
3. Share your opinion at a City Council meeting.
4. If you don’t act now don’t complain when it’s too late!!

Are you interested in helping to make a community park on Lake Hallett a reality?
Do you have Suggestions? Comments? Advice?
We need help!

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." -Margaret Mead

1. Your City Council has decided this lake better serves the community as a place to dump polluted urban storm water than as a recreational resource for the community.

   
   This picture taken February 13th 2005 clearly shows polluted storm water pouring into Lake Hallett.
    

2. Your City Council did not purchase property for a park in this area. The property purchased by the City was to allow for the addition of more polluted storm water into Lake Hallett and to build the WasteWater Treatment Plant.
    
3. Although there has been talk of purchasing additional property in the Lake Hallett area for decades, an option has now been signed to sell all the remaining property to a large development company.
    
4. The only City-owned property is the 30-foot wide buffer zone along part of the shoreline. This is slated for a 1/2-mile long 8 to 12-foot wide gravel road for walking, biking and City vehicles. This leaves little room for trees, a beach, picnic areas, playground equipment, parking or restrooms. This also violates Best Management Practices (BMPs) and Minnesota State Shoreland Management Standards.
    
5. There is no drive in public access or any plans for one. This means no public boat access. Without this public access the Department of Natural Resources will not stock the lake or put in a handicapped accessible dock. The only public access will be the parking lot of the WasteWater Treatment Plant.

Join The Lake Hallett Association Yearly Membership Dues $10.00 Mail to: Lake Hallett Association 302 St. Julien St. St. Peter, MN 56082 Questions? Call Trudi Olmanson 931-6679