Category: Pond

The ESHA board approved to allocate $1,000 again this year toward fish stocking (bluegill, crappie, perch, and bass).  Several years ago, we increased the fish stocking budget because of back to back years of severe fish winter kills.  We’ve had a few years of mild winters now, which helps limit winter kill.  The fish will also help to keep snail populations down by eating the small snails.  If you fish in our ponds, please be sure to practice catch and release.  This will help maintain healthy fish populations for all residents to enjoy fishing our ponds for years to come.  We also don’t recommend eating the fish from our ponds due to storm water runoff, and the potential for various chemicals to enter the ponds from our streets and yards.

–Jim Wilkinson, Pond Treatment Coordinator

In 2017, the MN DNR made a decision to move to an online application process for the permits required to treat our weeds.  Because of this, the board made every effort to wrap up collections and turn in our signature forms ahead of schedule to buy us some extra time to process the permits.  The treatment company we contract with handles the permit application process on our behalf.  Due to the changes this year, there was a lot of confusion with the new on-line process between the DNR and our treatment company.  After being proactive and taking the initiative on the matter, we are happy to report we should have our permits on time, and there should not be any delay in our first scheduled treatment.  The first treatment is currently scheduled for the week of May 22^nd, which is in line with prior years, depending on weather.  The second treatment is usually right around the 4^th of July holiday.

–Jim Wilkinson, Pond Treatment Coordinator

Please do your part in keeping our ponds clean by making sure that fertilizer and grass clippings do not stay in the street and on the driveways where it will end in the ponds and contribute to weed growth. Please sweep excess yard treatment products and clippings back into your yard. Remember that what goes into the storm drains ends up in the ponds. Thanks for your support.

Guy Nelson is a Shoreview resident and real estate agent. Guy understands the value of having a home on the water.  Guy states, “Homes on Kerry Lake and surrounding lakes and ponds are valuable and in demand…maintaining the pond’s natural state and beauty will maintain your home’s value”.  Nelson emphasizes we can all do our part by being aware of day to day activities that can affect the water quality and integrity.  Phosphorus is one of the most troublesome pollutants in storm runoff.  Preventing leaves, lawn clippings, animal waste and fertilizers from entering the storm sewers will decrease phosphorus in our lakes and ponds.  Phosphorus causes algae growth, ruins water clarity and deprives our fish of much needed oxygen.  “We are in a high water valuing population and having a well cared for lake or pond maximizes aesthetics, beauty, recreation and overall views and of course, value.  Not to mention that clean water attracts fish and wildlife that makes your property unique and makes it attractive and valuable.” Let’s all do our part to continue to make our neighborhood and ponds the best they can be.

The block captains perform a vital job for the homeowners association. Contacting all 149 pond properties owners is a daunting task. Help make their job easier by signing the weed treatment application and paying the dues in a timely manner. There are 4 areas that correspond with the 3 permits required by the DNR for lake spraying. The block captains and their assistants are: Marty Masters assisted by Andrew Callinan, John Buck and Mike Engelen for Kerry Pond; Patti and Lyle Johnston for Sherwood; Dan Walseth for Evergreen; Hal Voges for Daniel Court. Thanks to these volunteers. Their efforts allow us to keep our ponds healthy.  If you are interested in helping, please email us at evergreenshoresha@gmail.com.