2019 Annual Meeting Minutes, Nelson L. Association, June 8, 2019

The meeting was opened promptly at 9:30 am by Pres. Rick Lindner.

Nelson L. Park Project – Gordy Christians reported that Sawyer County signed an agreement to let Lenroot Township develop this park. In 2018 the following were completed at the park: The parking lot was excavated and expanded (there was very little trailer parking previously); a new well was dug with good water; a new toilet was purchased and placed for use. In 2019, a new park sign was installed, the parking lot will be paved, and a new shelter is being built. A 50/50 grant of $98,500 was received for this project through the DNR and final costs should be close to the grant total. The Nelson L. Association has committed $20,000 as part of the 50% local contribution. Another grant was received for a toilet at the Gerlach Boat Landing. It was installed in late May.

DNR-Fisheries Report: Max Wolter, our area Fisheries Biologist, attended our meeting. Walleyes in Nelson L continue to struggle – they are having low recruitment success and low stocking success. Less walleyes usually means lots of small crappies and bluegills. Northern Pike are doing very well.

Max brought up a possible water drawdown. It’s an option with Nelson L being a reservoir. In Nelson L., it would mean a 3-5 ft drawdown late in the Fall. With a deep drawdown, it usually improves walleye numbers. Some fish kills happen, but plant abundance goes way down. That would allow more successful natural walleye reproduction. A show of hands at this annual meeting was nearly unanimous in favor of continuing drawdown discussions.

The Annual Meeting minutes of 2018 were read. Approved.

Treasurer’s Report: From a starting total of $48,308, we received $15,420 in new income, we had $21,480 in expenses, giving us a current balance of $42, 248. Membership is currently at 202. Approved.

Nominations for the Board of Directors: Gordy Christians, Tom LeMay, Harold Burton, and Steve Bilitz were up for reelection. These 4 were all reelected.

Membership Dues: Since 1983 our annual membership dues have been $20. It’s time to consider increasing these dues, especially with new and increasing expenses.

MOTION: To increase our annual dues to $30/year. Approved.

The door prizes were won by Jean Erickson and Gavin Erickson.

Our next annual meeting will be held on Sat. June 13, 2020.

Steve Bilitz, Secretary