LAKER 6 - August 11, 2023

Port of Call | Page 3A

SAND LAKE

Laker #6 means there is only one more to go!

The sun is shining, birds are chirping, and late summer flowers are emitting a wonderful aroma of happiness—soak it in people.

While there are annoying things present too (like mosquitos), overall, there’s no better season in the year and we need to enjoy it while we can.

Port of Call | Page 2B

BLAKE LAKES

Shore Leave | Page 7A

HUNKY DORY FARM RESORT

Fishers of Men | Page 10A

CHURCHES

Shore Leave | Page 4B

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

Ropes | Page 9B

INVASIVE SPECIES

Fishery | Page 11B

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Shore Leave | Page 2C

INTERSTATE STATE PARK

Ropes | Page 4C

WATERFOWL

Galley | Page 6C

COOKING BY THE LAKE

This issue will tell you on you can take a trip back in time at the Hunky Dory Resort, get schooled on bass, learn how to whip up mouth watering summer salads and see what events you have been missing out on at Interstate Park. Read about Wisconsin’s waterfowl populations and you will also get the opportunity to make a difference in the lakes of Polk County.

You know what they say, “Life is at ease with a lake breeze.”

The 2023 publication dates are:

Laker #1 – Friday, May 19

Laker #2 – Friday, June 9

Laker #3 – Friday, June 23

Laker #4 – Friday, July 7

Laker #5 – Friday, July 21

Laker #6 – Friday, August 11

Laker #7 – Friday, August 25

Enjoy your Laker and your summer! April Ziemer, Editor

editor@theameryfreepress.com

By April Ziemer editor@theameryfreepress.com

If a gentle breeze, the sound of a loon in the distance and a peaceful easy feeling are what you have been missing in your life, you will find it at Sand Lake.

The deep, sound waters provide a home for swimming and fishing alike. Located just east of the Town of Osceola, this 216-acre lake measures nearly 60 feet deep and is unusually clear as well. According to a recent Secchi disk reading, Sand Lake’s clarity measures one of the best in the region.

“Sand Lake is mesotrophic (containing moderate levels of nutrients). That’s pretty good, considering a lot of our lakes are eutrophic, which are the more nutrientrich lakes,” said Katelin Anderson, the Education & Information Coordinator for Polk County Environmental Services. “The water quality is kind of above the average for the reason–unlike most of our lakes that do have water quality concerns, Sand Lake has pretty clear water.”

Sand Lake also boasts lower chlorophyll levels than most area lakes. Though the regional average is 15.4 micrograms of chlorophyll per liter, Sand Lake measures in at just 4.3 per liter.

“It’s good if your chlorophyll number’s low, because chlorophyll is an indicator of algae,” Anderson said.

Unlike many Polk County lakes, Sand Lake is largely unaffected by invasive species. Though Chinese mystery

snails, curly leaf pondweed and narrow leaf cattails have all been detected within Sand Lake’s waters, their numbers are minimal and not making much of a detrimental impact, perhaps due to the lack of inlets or outlets.

“As of right now, they’re not becoming a nuisance for recreation or things like that,” said Polk County Water Quality Specialist Colton Sorensen. “For snails, you can’t really do anything… curly leaf pondweed, since it’s in such low density… it’s hard for them to really do any control measures. If there were to be an increase in curly leaf or something where they had to start spraying for it, then maybe they would end up forming an association or district.”

The lake was not always unaffected by invasive species, though. In the early 1960s, large numbers of invasive carp populated Sand Lake, and chemical treatments were implemented to kill off the invasive population. After the lake was reclaimed, the Wisconsin DNR stocked it with native species such as walleye, yellow perch, fathead minnows, ciscoes and trout. Within 10 years, bass, pike, bluegills and crappies showed up in Sand Lake as well.

“With Sand Lake not really having inlets and outlets, that would make a control project easier, because there’s nowhere for them to move,” Anderson said.

Sand Lake’s waters hold northern pike, sucker, sunfish, carp, warmouth,

SEE 4A

crappie, pumpkinseed sunfish, bullhead, walleye, pumpkinseed, rock bass, perch, largemouth bass and bluegill. Peak fishing times for getting a bite are between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. The lake possesses one public access boat landing located at Nelson Drive. It is a popular fishing destination in both winter and summer.

Bird watching is a favorite activity around the shores of Sand Lake where Cardinals, Blue Jays, Purple Martins, Bald Eagles, Hairy Woodpeckers, American Robins, Song Sparrows, Common Loons, Hawks, Pileated Woodpeckers, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, European Starlings, Savannah Sparrows, Yellowbellied Sapsuckers and Chestnut-sided Warblers have been spotted.

Other smaller lakes, Poplar Lake and Bear Lake are just within miles of Sand Lake. ■ Contributed Contributed

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HUNKY DORY FARMS RESORT, A HIDDEN GEM

By April Ziemer editor@theameryfreepress.com

Nestled north of Little Blake Lake, sitting off of the shore of little known Lake Clara, you will find a rare jewelHunky Dory Resort.

It is like taking a trip back in time. The

resort first opened in 1902 and guests agree it would be a shame if the 640acre resort-farm changed too much as it is the stability and nostalgia that keeps them coming back.

Alfred Sr. and Lily Nielsen owned Hunky Dory from 1938-1957. They then

sold the resort to their son, Alfred Jr. and his wife Marvel.

Alfred Jr. passed away in 1988 leaving his family with years of memories.

Daughters Marly, Julie, Lori and Joy lived and worked at the resort while growing up and continue to work,

make memories and enjoy Hunky Dory with their husbands and Marvel’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren. After spending a day swimming, playing tennis, or simply reading by

I saw your ad in the Laker!"

HUNKY DORY | FROM 7A

the beach, campers enjoy dinners such as ribs, baked chicken and lasagna.

They are famous for their homemade lemon pies, which are scheduled each Monday.

Generations of loyal guests feel like a big family when they return each summer to stay in the twenty cottages.

Besides making wonderful friendships, they enjoy the quiet atmosphere and beauty of Lake Clara, a spring fed, wonderland that is 71 feet deep. It is perfect for fishing, swimming, canoeing and kayaking along the Hunky Dory has always been American Plan which means three home-cooked meals are served each day. Guests enjoy the planned activities including children’s party, canoe races and talent show. Each evening ends with conversation and enjoying a large ice cream cone in the screen porch of the canteen.

651-983-1091

The weekly talent show is like something out of a movie. “Sometimes great, sometimes not so great,” said Ellen Wright of Lima, Ohio, who camped at Hunky Dory for decades.

Marvel “Marv” Nielsen, shared there is a theme song used at each talent show:

There is a Hunky Dory theme song that is used at every talent show, as well as on Saturdays when guests leave for the week. Sung to the melody of the Al Jolson song “California, Here I Come,” the song was even sung at the wake of a long time camper.

“Hunky Dory here we come

Right back where we started from

Where bowers of flowers bloom in the spring

There’s swimming and fishing

And fun galore for everyone

So pack your bags and don’t be late

We’ll open up that old camp gate

Hurry up, don’t make us wait Hunky Dory here we come.” ■

L KER

SECTION B

Sand Lake

Acres: 187

Total Shoreline: 2.6 miles

Maximum Depth: 58 feet

Town of Gar eld, Town of Osceola

Polk County, Wisconsin

TWO LAKES ARE BETTER THAN ONE: BIG BLAKE AND LITTLE BLAKE

By April Ziemer editor@theameryfreepress.com

You remember the old slogan, “Double your pleasure, double your fun–” well they may as well have been talking about Big Blake and Little Blake Lakes, tucked away in Polk County’s Town of Georgetown.

Two different bodies of water, connected by an inlet, Big Blake Lake, much larger and Little Blake Lake, a little more quiet-but both offer an opportunity for an amazing getaway. Be prepared to fall in love and snatch up a piece of property when it becomes available.

Both lakes are perfect for fishing, a swim, a boat ride or a lazy day on shore.

According to Colton Sorensen, a Water Quality Specialist from Polk County’s Land and Water Resources Department, their crew recently got funding through the DNR’s directed lakes program to test water quality on a few different lakes in the county and Little Blake is one of them. “We will be sampling the lake in July, August, and September in 2022 and 2023.

We will be testing for total phosphorous and chlorophyll a. We will also be completing a point intercept survey; this is a survey of the aquatic plants in the lake. Additionally, we will be completing a shoreline inventory to assess development,” said Sorensen. Big Blake Lake is 208 acres and has a max depth of 14 feet. Although the DNR website shows that Panfish, Largemouth bass, Muskie, Northern, and Walleye are in the lake; Muskie and Walleye are not very common to be caught

by anglers.

The invasive species in the lake includes Banded Mystery Snail, Chinese Mystery Snail, and Curly Leaf Pondweed.

According to the trophic state index the lake is on the edge of a lake becoming eutrophic and a lake in which blue green algae is becoming dominant with scums, while also having abundant plant populations.

The Surface Water Resources of Polk County book published in 1961 describes the shoreline

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as “privately developed with three resorts and forty-eight cottages” With this much development on the lake historically, it Is a contributing factor as to why the lake is becoming eutrophic. Sorensen said, “Another reason for its impairment status is Big Round Lake flows into the Blake Lakes which Big Round has a similar impairment status with excessive algae blooms as well.”

Big Blake Lake is accessible by boat on its north and east sides, the latter of which is considered ideal for ice fishing. After a long day out on the water, one can enjoy an evening at Sherrards Resort, AKA Luke’s Sunny Saloon. If you are looking for a place to stay Sherrards is an option as well as nearby Sunshine Shores Resorts and Hunky Dory Farms Resort.

For a fun time, you can also check out Eagle’s Lounge, the Blacksmith Shop and Wilkins, which are all within reach.

No matter where you stay or where you play, the Blake Lakes are a perfect day. ■

AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES SNAPSHOT DAY

Wisconsin residents are invited to help search Wisconsin’s waters for invasive species on August 19.

Water lovers of all ages are invited to join the statewide search for aquatic invasive species (AIS) on August 19, 2023. This fun, hands-on effort, known as AIS Snapshot Day, relies on participants to monitor streams, lakes, and wetlands at designated sites across the state, for signs of non-native plants and animals that pose risks to Wisconsin waterways and wildlife. Volunteers have a choice to register at one of over twenty event locations hosted by local conservation groups.

Coordinated in partnership by UW-Madison Division of Extension, UW-Stevens Point Extension Lakes, River Alliance of Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Snapshot Day is entering its’ 10th

successful year. The Polk County event is being offered through a partnership between Polk County Land and Water Resources Department and the Wild Rivers Conservancy. Information collected will be provided to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to inform and guide monitoring and response

efforts. Volunteers are key to the success of the event.

“Projects like AIS Snapshot Day are a fun and simple way for volunteers to get engaged and for the local site leaders and DNR to collaborate” says Maureen Ferry, DNR AIS Monitoring Coordinator. “DNR has a long list of sites with suspected but unverified

AIS that AIS Snapshot Day monitoring targets. This increases the chances of volunteers finding a species. Plus, each year, we make new detections.”

Last year over 150 volunteers rolled up their sleeves to monitor at more than 234 sites across the state making for a fun and safe event. This year’s

sites in Polk County include the Trade River, Butternut Creek, the Straight River, Harder Creek, Antler Lake, Bone Lake, Little Mirror Lake, and more! This is a free event. Recommended for ages 8 and up, minors must be accompanied by an adult.

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• Hand-dyed wool fabrics, quilt cotton fabrics and yarns for fiber arts, rug hooking, wool applique, quilting, knitting, and crocheting

• Beginner classes available and year-round inspirational groups

Chinese Mystery Snail | Contributed Curlyleaf Pondweed | Contributed

LURE IN THE LARGEMOUTH (BASS)

By April Ziemer editor@theameryfreepress.com

Many will say the Largemouth Bass is the most popular freshwater game fish in the United States. Learning about the Largemouth will ensure you’ll land one worthy of hanging on your wall, instead of talking about the one that got away years from now.

The largemouth bass closely resembles the smallmouth bass and other species i.e., spotted bass, redeye bass, etc. Together these fishes form a group that is referred to as the black basses.

Its scientific name is Micropterus salmoides (Micropterus means "small fin"; salmoides means "trout-like" in gameness and food).

What sets the Largemouth apart from similar Bass species is the shape and size of its mouth, which extends at least to, and often beyond the rear edge of the eyes. Also, its first and second dorsal fins are almost separated by an obvious deep dip, and there

are no scales on the soft-rayed second dorsal fin. The spawning of largemouth bass in Wisconsin occurs from late April to early July. The selection of nest sites begins when water temperatures reach 60° F, and eggs are laid when the water temperatures are at 62 - 65° F. The male largemouth bass usually selects a sand or gravel bottom upon which to build a nest; however, the fish will also nest on soft bottoms, where they are able to expose such hard objects as roots, twigs, and snail shells on which to deposit the eggs. One trait that makes bass so successful is that they protect their nests from predators. After eggs are deposited in the nest, the male bass can spend weeks guarding the eggs and juvenile bass to ensure they are able to venture off on their own. Territorial defense against intruders is highly practiced by the Largemouth Bass. SEE 12B

LARGEMOUTH BASS | FROM 11B

Largemouth Bass eat a variety of food. Juveniles eat smaller items like insects. Adults consume a variety of fish, crayfish, frogs, newts, dragonflies, and virtually anything else they can fit in their mouths.

Bass can devour a population of baitfish rather quickly. Lakes that have more vegetation and weeded cover, provide a balanced ecosystem. It will also slow down the growth rate of the bass. When looking to ambush prey, the bass will be sheltered in submerged structures including drop-offs, weed beds, points, humps, and ridges. Brush and overhanging banks are other great areas of focus. Largemouth Bass use vibration, hearing, sight, and smell in order to seize its prey.

Originally confined to the eastern of U.S. and portions of northern Mexico and southern Canada this member of the sunfish family can be found in every state in the U.S., Hawaii, and throughout Mexico and Central America.

You can find bass in rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds across the world. They preferably like non-flowing water with an abundance of vegetation. Clean and clear water also attracts more fish to its location. The Largemouth Bass is the ultimate predator within their habitat but can be preyed upon when younger.

Largemouth can be caught with insects, minnows, jigs, plugs, spinner baits and spoons.

The popularity of catching the Largemouth is due to its attitude and willingness to strike a lure or bait with explosive force. Research indicates that the Largemouth Bass is also the most intelligent freshwater fish, able to distinguish and avoid a particular type of lure after only one encounter with it.

Fishing for Largemouth Bass can be one of the most exciting forms of freshwater fishing. Hard-fights and big Bass are what keeps anglers coming back for more! ■

SECTION C

Big Blake Lake

Little Blake Lake

Total Acres 217

Total Shoreline 6.6 miles

Maximum depth 14 feet

Town of Georgetown, Polk County Wisconsin

Little Blake Lake

Big Blake Lake

Map art: Karen Engelbretson May, 2022

Bystrom Ln

INTERESTS FOR ALL AT INTERSTATE!

By April Ziemer editor@theameryfreepress.com

Polk County is lucky to have Interstate Park right at it’s fingertips. Not only is it breathtaking and it provides ample opportunities for outdoor lovers, but many are unaware

of all of the events the park offers weekly, with a wide variety of subjects sure to please all!

Interstate is Wisconsin's oldest state park, established in 1900. Located along the picturesque St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, the park provides

scenic views of the river and the steepsided gorge known as the Dalles of the St. Croix. The Ice Age Interpretive Center features a film, photographs, murals and information.

CANOE LESSONS

Saturday, August 20, 2022, 12:00 - 3:00 pm

Join us to learn paddle strokes and helpful tips for canoeing.

PET A PELT

Sunday, August 21, 2022, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Learn about the variety of animals at Interstate Park.

SNAKE DISCOVERY

Saturday, August 27, 2022, 6:00 - 7:30 pm

Learn more about the reptiles that call Wisconsin home.

TRAIL TALES

Sunday, August 28, 2022, 1:00 - 3:00 pm

Learn a little lake history while walking

Contributed

around Lake O' the Dalles.

NURTURE THROUGH NATURE

Saturday, September 3, 2022, 11:00 am12:30 pm

Bring your family to the park to reconnect with nature.

LOGGING WONDERS

Sunday, September 4, 2022, 12:00 - 2:00 pm

Explore the past, present and future of logging.

FUN WITH SKULLS

Monday, September 5, 2022, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Identify and explore the variety of skulls and learn what makes animals unique. ■

Contributed

2023 WATERFOWL SURVEY Populations down from 2022

By April Ziemer

Editor@theameryfreepress.com

According to the Wisconsin DNR the 2023 Waterfowl breeding population survey for Wisconsin sees numbers slightly down from last year.

The DNR uses the information

from the survey as part of the overall survey of breeding waterfowl in North America as well as in making state-level waterfowl management decisions. This survey has been conducted annually since 1973 (except for 2020), and data on Wisconsin waterfowl breeding

populations and wetland counts are best interpreted as trends over several years rather than as year-to-year fluctuations.

The 2023 total breeding duck modeled population estimate of 545,065 was 3.5% lower than the 2022

modeled estimate of 564,738, and was 23.4% higher than the long-term mean (50 years).

The mallard modeled breeding population estimate of 175,895 was

From surf to turf, lakeside recipes you’ll love

By April Ziemer editor@theameryfreepress.com

While we traditionally focus on surf and turf recipes in the Laker, we are shifting gears this issue and diving into summer salads!

Endless sunshine calls for refreshing summer salads. They’re easy to toss together and they let you get creative with in-season produce. Whether you are looking for perfect side dish for cookouts and barbecues to pair with burgers and a grilled meal, or something to round out the pitch in table, keep reading: we’ve got something for everyone!

Fresh Peach Salad

Ingredients:

For the salad:

¼ cup sliced almonds

6 to 8 cups mixed greens (we like a mix of butter lettuce and other greens)

3 small (or 2 large) ripe peaches

1 handful red onion slices

½ cup canned corn, drained (or fresh corn or grilled corn)

2 ounces soft goat cheese, crumbled (or feta

cheese; omit for vegan)

For the dressing:

1 ½ tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon maple syrup

¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Fresh ground black pepper

¼ cup olive oil

Instructions:

Toast the almonds: Place the nuts in a dry skillet (no oil) over medium heat. Heat, shaking the pan and stirring often with a wooden spoon, until the nuts are fragrant and golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove immediately from the heat and transfer to a plate to stop the cooking.

Prep the fresh ingredients: Slice the peaches. Thinly slice the onion.

Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, olive oil, kosher salt, and several grinds of fresh ground black pepper until thick and emulsified.

Serve: To serve, top the greens with the peaches, almonds, red onion, goat cheese, and corn, then

Fresh Peach Salad | Contributed

drizzle with the dressing. Serve immediately.

Warm Corn Chowder Salad with Bacon and Cider Vinegar

Ingredients:

4 thick slices of bacon (4 ounces), cut crosswise 1/2 inch thick

1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice

2 red bell peppers, cut into 1/2-inch dice

8 ears of corn, kernels removed

1 medium red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup cider vinegar

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

Salt

Directions:

In a large skillet, cook the bacon over moderately low heat, stirring a few times, until it is crisp, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to paper towels and let drain.

Pour off all but 3 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the skillet. Add the potatoes and cook over moderate heat until they start to brown, about 3 minutes. Stir and cook for about 2 minutes longer, until almost tender. Add the diced red peppers and cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes and peppers are tender, about 5 minutes.

Add the corn kernels and cook, stirring, until heated through, about 3 minutes. Transfer the vegetables to a large bowl and stir in the onion, cider vinegar, crushed red pepper and bacon. Season the salad with salt and serve.

Summer Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

1 pound gemelli or other twisted

Well moves us.

2 pints mini heirloom cherry tomatoes or other cherry tomatoes, halved

2 stalks celery, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)

2 cups radishes, thinly sliced

2 cups fresh corn kernels (from 4 about ears)

1 medium shallot, thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup)

1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves, roughly chopped

1/3 cup fresh dill, roughly chopped

Directions:

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold running water to cool the pasta and stop the cooking process. Drain well and set aside.

pasta, such as cavatappi

1 cup olive oil

1/3 cup red wine vinegar

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon honey

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

4 Persian cucumbers, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced (about 2 cups)

Whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, 2 teaspoons salt and 3/4 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl. Add the pasta, cucumbers, tomatoes, celery, radishes, corn, shallot, parsley and dill. Toss to combine and allow to marinate at room temperature for least 30 minutes or cover and refrigerate up to 8 hours. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve at room temperature. ■

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Summer Pasta Salad | Contributed

0.6% lower than the 2022 estimate of 176,977 and was 1.5% lower than the long-term mean.

The blue-winged teal modeled breeding population estimate of 96,271 was 6.2% higher compared to the 2022 estimate of 90,638, but remains 8.5% lower than the long-term mean.

At 102,381, the 2023 population estimate for wood ducks was 29.0% lower than the 2022 estimate of 144,254 and 19.9% higher than the long-term mean.

The modeled Canada goose population estimate of 169,447 was 1.3% lower compared to the 2022 estimate of 171,667, and 58.4% higher than the long-term mean.

The population estimate of

“other ducks” was 153,295, which was 1.8% lower than the 2022 estimate of 156,095 and was 134.7% higher than the long-term mean.

Decisions regarding hunting season structure and harvest limits in waterfowl management are based in part upon spring breeding pair surveys. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey (BPOP) has been conducted for 69 years across the traditional survey area of the northcentral United States, Canada and Alaska. The Wisconsin Waterfowl Breeding Population Survey–which is modeled after the BPOP–has been conducted

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I

WATERFOWL SURVEY | FROM 9C

since 1973 and provides a long-term record of waterfowl breeding trends and wetland counts in Wisconsin. These data are used at the nationaland state-level for monitoring waterfowl populations and making management decisions. Wisconsin’s breeding waterfowl survey data are included in the Waterfowl Population Status report published annually by the USFWS on continental waterfowl populations. In addition, mallard data from Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan are combined with data from the traditional survey area as a basis for the USFWS’s Adaptive Harvest Management report that is used to establish federal waterfowl season frameworks. At the statelevel, waterfowl breeding survey data are used to inform annual hunting season regulations, identify long-term changes in population trends, and evaluate the impacts of habitat changes and management. ■