THE LAKES
GIVE US SO MUCH…..
WHAT ARE YOU
WILLING TO GIVE BACK TO THEM?
How much will
this cost?
We estimate the cost will be $90,000 over the
next
three years---$30,000 each year. We will
use $15,000 of our existing Special Project Account to start the
treatment,
leaving some $12,000 in this account for other unforeseen situations we
might
encounter during this time. So the net additional amount to be raised is $75,000.
How do we
plan to raise these funds?
- We have initiated a fund drive asking all property owners
to contribute via either a one time donation or a pledge which spreads
the contribution over the 3 year period.
- We will apply for grants to help defray some of the costs. Note that the amount of money obtained
from grants is likely to be small if awarded. And
the likelihood of obtaining a grant is uncertain given fierce
competition from other lake associations for limited funds.
How much
should I donate?
We ask that
everyone be generous in
their fully tax
deductible contribution. We recognize
that each of us has a different economic situation that will influence
how much
we can give. Some can afford
to give more—some less. But we
ask you to consider these factors in
your decision about the level of your donation:
- That the preservation of our lakes is
definitely in your self interest.
- The number of years that you and your family
have lived on and enjoyed the lakes.
- The number in your family---sons and
daughters, grandchildren, uncles and aunts----who regularly enjoy the
lakes and may someday inherit your property.
- The total investment you have made in your
property---initial purchase and improvements.
- This is the first time CLA has asked for
donations of this magnitude in its 27 year history.
- The amount to be raised would be higher if
not for the generosity of many who have chosen to donate $ above and
beyond the normal CLA annual dues.
What do I
need to do now?
We
ask that you do two things
as soon as possible:
- Contact CLA PledgeCard@cullenlakes.org
for a pledge card to designate your level
of donation--or pledge. Your donation may be over 3
years.
- Fill out the official MN DNR
permission form that
will allow our treatment firm, Professional Lake Management to obtain a
permit from the DNR to spray for curlyleaf pondweed in front of your
property in the spring of 2009. Do this
even if you elect not to send a donation at this time!
Mail your completed and signed permission form,to the
Cullen Lakes
Association. at Box 466 Nisswa, MN 56468
Please return the
completed permission form even if you don’t pledge.
What will
happen if we don’t treat curlyleaf pondweed?
If we don’t treat the curlyleaf pondweed, it will
continue to spread throughout our lakes until it chokes out the native
vegetation and hinders boating and fishing.
Fish populations will lose the native habitat they need for
spawning,
food, and protection. Their populations will decrease---negatively
impacting
our loon, heron, osprey and eagle
populations. The matting of the curlyleaf
on the water
surface will make it difficult to navigate boats or use areas for
swimming. When the curlyleaf dies back
in mid-July, it adds large amounts of nutrients into our lakes, thus
causing
more algae blooms and further growth and spreading of more curlyleaf
the next
season. If you don’t already have
curlyleaf in front of your property, you soon will have it! Property values could easily drop on our
lakes as they lose desirability.
