Birch Lake Improvement District

Birch Lake Improvement District Newsletter

April 15, 2020

Hello fellow Birch Lake Improvement District Members,

This is Steve Laliberte, the BLID Board Chairman. I want to give you an update on the activities for this year and on harvesting.

Harvesting Update

During the harvesting operation last year we were informed that the harvester had a leak.  During the cutting, it began to list to one side and ride lower in the water.   Our contractor, Aspen Outdoor, inspected the floats and found that they were full of water.  They pumped them out and we were able to complete the cutting for the year.

When Aspen pulled the harvester, they inspected the floats and discovered that there were several soft spots where the steel had rotted away.  During the fall, the Board met several times and performed an analysis on the options for continuation of harvesting.  We looked at three options: repair the harvester; buy a new one; or contract with a full service vendor who would use their own equipment.

Repairing the harvester proved to be expensive and risky.  We had several potential vendors look at the harvester and estimates ranged from $20,000 to $40,000+ with no guarantees.

Purchasing a new harvester was even more expensive.  Similar models ranged from $200,000 to $300,000.

Outsourcing to a vendor who would provide a harvester, conveyor and dump truck, along with a week's worth of cutting.  After contacting several vendors, we obtained a bid from Lakes Aquatic Weed Removal.  Their bid was within the allocated budget and they guaranteed us the second week of July.  They also offered to buy the harvester for $2,000 to use it for parts.  They agreed to haul it away at no charge.

On November 17, 2019, the board unanimously approved a motion to contract with Lakes Aquatic.

Calendar of Events

Friday 04-24-20 – Open Boat Launch for residents 10:00 AM to 2:00

Saturday 04-25-20 – Open Boat Launch for residents 10:00 AM to 2:00

Friday 05-01-20 - Open Boat Launch for residents 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Saturday 05-02-20 – Lake Clean Up 10:00 AM meet at Speedway.  We will social distance and divide up sections of the lake perimeter.

Saturday 05-02-20 - Open Boat Launch for residents 10:00 AM to 2 PM.

Annual Meeting – Moved to Wednesday, August 19, 2020 at 7:00 PM City Hall Expansion Room.

If you would like to be added to the BLID email or Nextdoor site please send an email to birchlakeboard@gmail.com.