Prairie Lake History
The first meeting was on May 24, 1964 when it was voted to call it PRAIRIE LAKE IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION. The first officers were: President, John Quinn; Vice President, B. Stapleton; Secretary, Burton LeBraeseir; Treasurer, Jerry McTaggert.
The first ice fishing contest was January 31, 1965. The last contest was 1996.Prizes those early years were a boat and trailer, snowmobiles and TV’s. The cost of a snowmobile was only $595.
The Department of Health indicated the main problem was pollution into the lake which feeds algae. It was voted to treat the lake with copper sulphate. This continued on and off until the members had difference of opinions In the late 1970’s it was decided not to treat the lake anymore.
A “cluster” wastewater treatment feasibility study for E. Forest Lane/ Hasty Brook Rd area was completed in 2004. Limited interest of cabin owners, cost and inadequate size of a nearby treatment site postponed further activity.
The DNR classified Prairie Lake as a “trophy Northern Pike” lake with a limit of one 30” or greater.
The Association has regularly contributed to DNR’s loon monitoring program.
Adopt-a-Highway segment of Hwy 73 is now managed by the Nynas family taking over from Vern Lowe.
Prairie Lake water quality data from a 1998 study by MN Pollution Control Agency indicate mildly eutrophic conditions. Like many other lakes in the Northern Lakes and Forests ecoregion, Prairie Lake should be protected and every effort should be made to minimize total phosphorous loading whenever possible. Natural vegetation buffers along the shore and septic maintenance will minimize nutrients to the lake.
- Water levels of Prairie Lake have been recorded since 1937 with the highest in May 1938 (1274.5 ft.) and lowest in September 2003 (1271.6 ft.). The average water level is 1272.35 ft. An extended area wide drought through 2006 again resulted in lowest lake levels of 1271.6 ft.
- DNR Fisheries (Duluth) updated the “Lake Management Plan” for Prairie Lake with long range goals to manage for walleyes and high quality northern pike populations. Walleye stocking of 1.3 million fry is a regular contribution by DNR every 2-3 years.
- Exotic species of “Chinese Mystery Snails” and “Banded Mystery Snails” were identified during the 2005 DNR fish survey. The “Banded” snail may cause significant mortality to largemouth bass embryos.
The public landing is now under Moose Lake DNR management (219-485-5410).
A 2008 survey of lakeshore owners:
Agreed the annual newsletter provides useful information
Supports the Association goals of responsible lake use, water quality and shore land management.
Ranked the most important activities:
Fine Lakes Township celebrated 100 years with a 2010 Memorial weekend picnic.
DNR 2010 fish assessment indicated an increase in larger Northern Pike and an increase in Walleye. Largemouth Bass are still scarce.
Also in 2011, red emergency (911) signs were renewed and Fine Lakes Township hosted a July picnic.
The history of Prairie Lake was presented at the fall, 2011 meeting. Rachael Martin, Carlton County Historical Director, presented an overview of her 1981 study of Prairie Lake prepared while at the University of Minnesota. A summary of the main points includes:
* A Woodland culture of indigenous people existed in the vicinity of Floodwood and Prairie Lake before 1700 based on grave mounds in the area and 2 projectile points found on Korhonen land at Prairie Lake.
* Jean Babtiste Perrault provided the first documented visit to Prairie Lake. Perrault left Montreal in May 1783 arriving at Prairie Lake near Christmas 1784 and wintered nearby on his way to Big Sandy Lake/ Mississippi River. The “old portage” was established by Indians between the St. Louis River at Gowan and Prairie Lake. This “old portage” was also used by explorers and fur traders until 1790. Later the Savanna portage was used.
*An Indian settlement of over 250 was reported near Nordness Road about 1888. The big island in Prairie Lake was used as a cemetery. The last Indian residents were Johnny Foot, his wife Anna and his mother, Grasshopper, living on the west side of Prairie Lake until the 1920s.
* Logging reached the area of Savanna, Tamarack and Prairie Rivers in 1874 and continued until 1920.
* John McKay was the first white settler at Prairie Lake in 1890 near Nordness Road. The 1915 plat book indicates lakeshore property owners: C. Norelius (Nordness), C.A. Blackwood, D. Laube, C. Sandpoe, M. H. Schussler, Wm. Heffelfinger, C. W. Withe, O. Korhonen, and the St. Paul and Duluth Railway Company.
The first meeting was on May 24, 1964 when it was voted to call it PRAIRIE LAKE IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION. The first officers were: President, John Quinn; Vice President, B. Stapleton; Secretary, Burton LeBraeseir; Treasurer, Jerry McTaggert.
The first ice fishing contest was January 31, 1965. The last contest was 1996.Prizes those early years were a boat and trailer, snowmobiles and TV’s. The cost of a snowmobile was only $595.
The Department of Health indicated the main problem was pollution into the lake which feeds algae. It was voted to treat the lake with copper sulphate. This continued on and off until the members had difference of opinions In the late 1970’s it was decided not to treat the lake anymore.
- In 1965 the Association became incorporated with five dollar dues. Two ice augers were purchased in December 1965.
- In August 1969 there was inquiry about stocking the lake and constructing a rearing pond for walleyes. In October 1969, Mr. Hanson, Regional Fisheries Manager and Mr. Shannon agreed that a new dam was needed. In October 1970, the County Board approved construction of the dam.
- In 1970, a petition was circulated to request surfacing county highway 51.
- In January 1975, the ice fishing contest was canceled due to warm weather in November, December and January. The ice was only 12” thick. The drawing was held at the Prairie Lake Tavern.
- In May 1985, the Association purchased a weed shaver and a second was added later.
- The first dance was held June 29, 1985 at Prairie Lake Tavern and was an annual event for a number of years.
- In October, 1985, a storage shed was built on Ralph Zauhar’s property for storage of Association equipment.
- The first Pot Luck Picnic was held June 1986 at Ralph Zauhar’s property.
- In May 1987, buoys were purchased to mark dangerous areas of the lake.
- In August 1987, the first summer fishing contest for lake property owners was held.
- In the summer of 1988, County Highway 51 was surfaced.
- In May 1990, the Association bought 500 fruit seedlings for its members.
- By May 1992, all “911” road signs were posted. A directory of lake property owners was completed.
- In September 2003, dues were voted to be increased to $10/year.
A “cluster” wastewater treatment feasibility study for E. Forest Lane/ Hasty Brook Rd area was completed in 2004. Limited interest of cabin owners, cost and inadequate size of a nearby treatment site postponed further activity.
The DNR classified Prairie Lake as a “trophy Northern Pike” lake with a limit of one 30” or greater.
The Association has regularly contributed to DNR’s loon monitoring program.
Adopt-a-Highway segment of Hwy 73 is now managed by the Nynas family taking over from Vern Lowe.
Prairie Lake water quality data from a 1998 study by MN Pollution Control Agency indicate mildly eutrophic conditions. Like many other lakes in the Northern Lakes and Forests ecoregion, Prairie Lake should be protected and every effort should be made to minimize total phosphorous loading whenever possible. Natural vegetation buffers along the shore and septic maintenance will minimize nutrients to the lake.
- Water levels of Prairie Lake have been recorded since 1937 with the highest in May 1938 (1274.5 ft.) and lowest in September 2003 (1271.6 ft.). The average water level is 1272.35 ft. An extended area wide drought through 2006 again resulted in lowest lake levels of 1271.6 ft.
- DNR Fisheries (Duluth) updated the “Lake Management Plan” for Prairie Lake with long range goals to manage for walleyes and high quality northern pike populations. Walleye stocking of 1.3 million fry is a regular contribution by DNR every 2-3 years.
- Exotic species of “Chinese Mystery Snails” and “Banded Mystery Snails” were identified during the 2005 DNR fish survey. The “Banded” snail may cause significant mortality to largemouth bass embryos.
The public landing is now under Moose Lake DNR management (219-485-5410).
A 2008 survey of lakeshore owners:
Agreed the annual newsletter provides useful information
Supports the Association goals of responsible lake use, water quality and shore land management.
Ranked the most important activities:
- Placement of buoys at most shallow areas.
- Walleye stocking.
- Directory of property owners and their home address.
- Participation in the Big Sandy Area Lakes Watershed Management.
Fine Lakes Township celebrated 100 years with a 2010 Memorial weekend picnic.
DNR 2010 fish assessment indicated an increase in larger Northern Pike and an increase in Walleye. Largemouth Bass are still scarce.
Also in 2011, red emergency (911) signs were renewed and Fine Lakes Township hosted a July picnic.
The history of Prairie Lake was presented at the fall, 2011 meeting. Rachael Martin, Carlton County Historical Director, presented an overview of her 1981 study of Prairie Lake prepared while at the University of Minnesota. A summary of the main points includes:
* A Woodland culture of indigenous people existed in the vicinity of Floodwood and Prairie Lake before 1700 based on grave mounds in the area and 2 projectile points found on Korhonen land at Prairie Lake.
* Jean Babtiste Perrault provided the first documented visit to Prairie Lake. Perrault left Montreal in May 1783 arriving at Prairie Lake near Christmas 1784 and wintered nearby on his way to Big Sandy Lake/ Mississippi River. The “old portage” was established by Indians between the St. Louis River at Gowan and Prairie Lake. This “old portage” was also used by explorers and fur traders until 1790. Later the Savanna portage was used.
*An Indian settlement of over 250 was reported near Nordness Road about 1888. The big island in Prairie Lake was used as a cemetery. The last Indian residents were Johnny Foot, his wife Anna and his mother, Grasshopper, living on the west side of Prairie Lake until the 1920s.
* Logging reached the area of Savanna, Tamarack and Prairie Rivers in 1874 and continued until 1920.
* John McKay was the first white settler at Prairie Lake in 1890 near Nordness Road. The 1915 plat book indicates lakeshore property owners: C. Norelius (Nordness), C.A. Blackwood, D. Laube, C. Sandpoe, M. H. Schussler, Wm. Heffelfinger, C. W. Withe, O. Korhonen, and the St. Paul and Duluth Railway Company.