Lake Minnetonka ZEBRA MUSSEL RESEARCH Volunteer Dive...9/13/10 & 9/14/10

[bombollis]

The DNR is looking for volunteer divers for a Zebra Mussel Research dive on Lake Minnetonka Monday 9/13/10 and Tuesday 9/14/10.

Each day will consist of two dives at multiple locations aboard a dive barge provided by Tonka Bay Marine. The first dive starting at 9:00am, brake for lunch (lunch will be provided) and second dive starting at 1:00pm.  Most of the diving will be shallow (depths around 15ft) and consist of research (locating and counting the populations).

We are looking for as many divers as possible, weather you can make it both days, one day, or two hours.  All day transportation to and from the barge will be provided to accommodate peoples individual schedules (in case people cant be there for the entire dive).

Dive will start @ 9:00am at Tonka Bay Marina.

If you are interested or know someone who is please RSVP for this dive to Chris @ 612-986-9124 or Bombollis@gmail.com

[DiverQueen]

Wish I didn't have to work....(WORK, the worst kind of four letter word!)  A week earlier notice and I may have been able to get a day off.

[Indigo Blues]

I'm with you - WORK the dreaded four letter word. It would have been fun.

[scubafreek864]

So what is this research going to prove??  They already know they are in the lake, why waste any more time and money on this.  They are in the lake, they are hear to stay.  Move on, and spend this money on something that is actually needed.

[Terry]

          Roberts right,,,,,DNR, damn near retarded, throw this out there with only a few days notice, then do it, during the week. Divers in Mn are a decent group, but give us something to work with. We dont need your barge, we dont need your transportation, hell we dont even need lunch. I'm surprised the LMA isnt involved too asking us to volunteer after jacking us at the clean-up. I wouldn't want to suggest something that might make sense to the DNR, like damn nice reasoning, but how about asking us (here, or somewhere on the infamous DNR website) what they want to know, and we'll provide it,,,, like how many zebras, per square,,,,ft. yard. meter. mile, what depth, what size, on what type of bottom, what bay they were in, maybe collect some if they wanted, or just take some pictures of them. That way we can do the research over the next few months, over more then just 15', over more then just the location their barge parks at, and MAYBE get a little better idea of zebra distribution over of the entire lake. No offense to you Chris, just some of the ideas of governmental agencies, make me wonder why the national debt is only climbing $100,000 every 4 seconds and not faster.      TRINITY

[bombollis]

Yea sorry for the short notice guys.  I'm with you on the work front as well, but like so many things in life this is last minute.

The reason this dive has to be during the week is mainly for boat traffic reasons.  As many Lake Minnetonka divers know the weekend traffic on the lake gets a little silly and can be a pain for divers.

The reason for the 15' max depth is that the zebra muscles are only found in depths up to 12'.

This dive is to get a much needed baseline of the ZM infestation at this point in time.  The information gathered from these dives can be used to help other infected and non infected lakes prevent and control the spread of these little guys.

Most everything for this dive is donated (including boats, transportation, barge, lunch, time etc) so it wont be a "waste" of public funding!

As a local diver and boater I am concerned about the future quality of our lakes, and am more than willing to donate a few hours of my time to dive for the cause.  Not to mention the good PR it brings for us divers.

Also I have nothing to do with the DNR, I'm just a concerned diver who was asked to find some good volunteers.

thanks

Chris

[Terry]

Chris why do the zebras in tonka have a max depth limit, of 12'? ,,,,,there sure found a lot deeper then that everywhere else. Just wondering,,,

[bombollis]

Thats all part of the reason for this dive.  But it has to do with the O2 levels in the water.

[arcFlash]

I too read with frustration but with more reflections I've changed my mind. If the DNR wants me out, I want to use my dive flag on Saturday about noon to 4pm and I want every boat that gets within 150 feet ticketed. Ever one!

No reason we can't make a fundraiser out of this and educate the stink potters about dive laws at the same time we education the science community about Zebra.

Who want to dive for dollars!

[acharpenter]

Just got an email:





Dear 2010 Lake Clean Up Attendees,

Many of you may have already heard the unfortunate news that Lake Minnetonka has been confirmed as the newest metro area lake to be infested with Zebra Mussels.  I have been asked to forward the following information from, Udai Singh, a Water Quality Specialist with the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District.  Udai is looking to conduct a more thorough assessment of the Zebra Mussel infestation in Lake Minnetonka, and he is hoping to recruit several divers to help conduct this survey.  Thank you for your participation in our Lake Clean Up this year, and I hope some of you will be available to help us with this survey next week.  (Please see below for more details and contact Udai with questions: usingh@minnehahacreek.org)


I am following up with you to see if you and your volunteer scuba divers are available to take part in the enhanced assessment of zebra mussel distribution in lake Minnetonka on September 13th and September 14th and if needed on September 15th.


Our plan is to meet at Tonka Bay marina at 9 AM and we will huddle to explain what we are doing and dive from 10 to 12, take lunch break and dive again from 1 to 3 or 3:30 PM and at the end of day huddle for briefing about the findings.


We will provide the rental gears if needed. The divers have to be certified and will sign a waiver form to volunteer for the work.


Air tanks will be provided for those who have the Gears.
Lunch will be provided as well.


Please let me know at your earliest possible.


Sincerely,
Udai B. Singh