Meetings & Minutes
Minutes from Annual Member Meetings and Board of Directors meetings, organized by type and year. The 2026 Annual Meeting was held May 30 at Bible Camp.
Andy Wiering of the MN DNR presented results of the 2025 fish survey — Northern Pike abundant and above average, Walleye healthy averaging 18 inches, Bluegill expanding into deeper habitats, and Largemouth Bass above historical averages; curly-leaf pondweed (CLP) was confirmed in the survey data. Geoff Thaden gave a detailed CLP update covering identification, the Board's response, grant applications, and next steps. Four directors — Rick Black, Geoffrey Thaden, John Botsford, and Wes Kinneberg — were re-elected to two-year terms ending 2028. Treasurer's balance $19,398, with 112 members paying dues and a $2,200 contribution from Farden Township for public-access monitoring. Lake elevation 1326.98 ft — 1.22 ft below the Ordinary High Water Mark; water temperature 63°F and clarity 25 ft on May 27.
The Keith Mooney Award was presented to Farden Township for their decade of support of public landing monitoring. Dr. Daniel McEwen of Limnopro presented on aquatic vegetation management — the survey that would later confirm CLP in the lake. John Fossum, Doug Goodman, and Merrie Miller were elected to two-year board terms. Ed Marthaler resigned with one year remaining on his term. Lake elevation 1326.98 ft — 1.22 ft below the Ordinary High Water Mark.
Katelyn Bergstrom (Beltrami County SWCD) and Jake (Hubbard County SWCD) presented on the Bathtub Study and the Loon Restoration Program — Grace Lake is a member of the MN DNR Loon Friendly Lake Registry. Cabin Crawl fundraiser set for June 29 with suggested donation of $40/couple. Four directors were elected: Rick Black, John Botsford, Wes Kinneberg, and Ed Marthaler. Lake temperature 61°F, clarity 27 ft, elevation 1327.6 ft.
Prairie Restoration presented on shoreline buffers and native plantings. SWCD reported on the Bathtub Study — a large nutrient flow identified from the wetland in the northwest corner. Boat landing inspections were running 8 hours per day, with Grace and Midge Lakes the only ones in a 50-mile radius not yet infested. Three directors elected: Sue Black, John Fossum, and Doug Goodman. Lake elevation June 1, 2023: 1328.09 ft; clarity 17 ft.
Annual dues raised from $40 to $50, effective 2023, to better cover inspection costs. AIS inspector Bruce Anspach reported Grace and Midge Lakes were the only ones in the area not infested. A Social Media Committee was formed to explore website and Facebook options. Dick Sampson received the Keith Mooney Award. Four directors elected: Rick Black, Dick Sampson, Wes Kinneberg, and Ed Marthaler.
Balance of $22,801 driven largely by $9,225 in memorial donations. AIS inspector Bruce Anspach reported 307 inspections in 2020 — more than any other Beltrami County lake. Wes Kinneberg was appointed to fill Jon Blessing's board seat; Sue Black was elected Secretary. Board recommended against the 4th of July boat parade due to low water levels. Beltrami Co SWCD Zack Gutknecht presented on the Bathtub Study and water sampling program.
Treasurer's report: $25,840 balance, up $9,677 from the Cabin Crawl, memorials, and donations. Keith Mooney Award approved for Farden Township. A Wake Safe Map was purchased through Minnesota Lakes & Rivers Association ($150) showing recommended wake-boat areas on Grace Lake. Motion passed to fund an inspector five days per week through summer. Annual meeting agenda set including Dr. McEwen's Limnopro presentation.
Cabin Crawl planning for June 29 — suggested donation $40/couple, hosts reimbursed up to $350. Treasurer's balance up $3,481 to $16,242. Beltrami County taking two inspector days per week; Association funding five. Antonio Arce completed the website redesign. Dues set at $50. Annual meeting agenda confirmed including Loon Management Program presentation from Beltrami County SWCD.
Tight finances forced a difficult decision: inspections would run seven days a week only through July 4, then be reevaluated. Treasurer's balance was down to $12,761. Vicki Boyce volunteered to send a letter to all property owners asking for additional contributions. No Cabin Crawl in 2023. DNR contacted about filling the deep hole at the end of the boat landing ramp.
Decision to continue inspections seven days a week, Memorial Day through Labor Day. Treasurer's balance $18,380 — 115 of approximately 160 property owners paid dues. Beltrami County SWCD presented on the Bathtub Study runoff sampling and phosphorus sources. Discussion on website hosting costs and viability; Facebook noted as more immediate but less public. Four director positions up for election at the annual meeting.
Strong balance of $22,801 driven by $9,225 in memorial donations through the Northwest Minnesota Foundation. Jan Pratt resigned as Secretary; Sue Black stepped in. Jon Blessing resigned after 10 years of service. Inspections expanded to five days per week through Labor Day. Camera insurance for the public-access I-Lid system reviewed at $326.17 per year. Annual meeting date confirmed.
Officer elections postponed pending an in-person member meeting. Jan Pratt was nominated and unanimously approved as Secretary. Inspector hourly rate increased from $16.08 to $20.10; $5,000 allocated for 31 days of inspections. The Eyes on the Water program was introduced and added to the website. Treasurer noted 80% of the Association's budget funds AIS inspections.
Election of board seats (Doug Goodman, John Fossum, Steve Novak) confirmed for the June annual meeting. First Cabin Crawl fundraiser planned for June 29 — three lakeside homes open for wine tasting and snacks at $25/couple. Treasurer's balance $9,891. Boat parade confirmed for July 4 at 2:00 PM. Jon Blessing and Rick Black tasked with reviewing public access signage.
Held once a year in spring at the Bible Camp on Grace Lake. All lakeshore owners are welcome to attend. Members who have paid current dues are eligible to vote on matters submitted to the membership, including board elections. Quorum is 10% of eligible votes; proxy voting is permitted per the bylaws.
The seven-member Board typically meets in May to set the annual meeting agenda, review finances, allocate inspection funding, and address operational decisions. Board meetings are open to the membership but decisions are made by the elected directors.
Call to order, approval of prior minutes, treasurer's report, committee reports (boat inspections, AIS, water quality), board elections (when applicable), new business, member open discussion, and adjournment.
Members may request an agenda item by contacting the Secretary at least seven days before the meeting. Use the contact form with the topic “Annual meeting.”