Howard Lake . A fish barrier was installed to keep fish from entering Smith Lake from its outlet , and a water control structure was installed to allow the DNR to control lake levels . The lake was drained during winter 2010-11 . By fall 2012 , it was attracting large populations of migrating waterfowl , much as it did more than 50 years ago .
Other major accomplishments of the group include land development in the Fish and Wildlife “ Victor ” project , purchasing two new aluminum docks for Lions Park and the north landing , and providing materials and equipment for the Howard Lake rearing pond . The club hosts the winter fishing contest , helps to run the summer fishing contest , firearm safety training , and helps to fund Deep Portage .
The Sportsmen ’ s Club is a sponsor for Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever , as well as the NRA and the Deer Hunters Association . In addition , the club donates to the Cub Scouts to clean the lakeshore , and takes care of the carp trap on the south side of Howard Lake and the boat landing on the north end .
Officers are Dennis Decker , president ; Ken Durdahl , secretary ; and Kurt Forst , treasurer .
Membership dues are $ 10 . Contact Denny Decker at 612-703-7824 , or Joe ’ s Sport Shop for membership information . Write to the club at PO Box 805 , Howard Lake , MN 55349 .
Lake Mary VFW Auxiliary
The Lake Mary VFW Auxiliary 9232 , chartered in 1963 , supports many veterans projects , including the annual Troops Coming Home recognition event in McLeod County , Cancer Aid & Research , McLeod County Emergency Food Shelf , four veterans hospitals , and five veterans homes . Its primary fundraiser is the chili feed , which takes place in January .
Meetings take place the second Thursday of each month at 2:30 p . m . at the American Legion in Winsted .
For more information , call President Judy Pease at 619- 261-4809 ; Secretary Mary Quast at 320-485-3831 ; or Rhonda Decker at 320-485-3831 .
Love INC-Heartland
Love In the Name of Christ ( Love INC ) -Heartland is a shared ministry in partnership with over 50 area churches , working together to help people in need . Love INC-Heartland serves people living in Delano , Independence , Loretto , Greenfield , Rockford , Mayer , Montrose , Howard Lake , Waverly , Watertown , Corcoran , Cokato , Dassel , Winsted , and Maple Plain .
The Thrift Store in Delano is located at 318 Railroad Ave . It serves people in need , and sells to the general public to support the ministry of Love INC-Heartland .
The Howard Lake Thrift Store is also open to the public and serves neighbors in need . It is located at 801 Hwy . 12 .
Last year , hundreds of families and people in need were helped through the combined effort of community volunteers and donations of time , items , money and prayer . Classes and programs are offered to help families move beyond their struggles towards self sufficiency .
Financial donations and donations of items ( new and gently used ) are always welcome .
To donate furniture and items , call the store manager at 763-972-6547 ext . 2 , and arrange for a time to drop off your donation . The organization is unable to take furniture that has holes , stains , bad scratches , odors , or pet damage ; nor electronics and mattresses of any kind . It costs money to dispose of these items , and that takes funds away from the mission to help families in need . Contact Love INC for a list of items they cannot accept .
Monetary contributions , items , and clothing to be sold in the thrift stores , prayers said on the organization ’ s behalf , and volunteer work are always appreciated . To volunteer or for more information , call 763-972-6547 ext . 3 . Both stores and offices share the same phone number .
Howard Lake Watershed Alliance
The goal of the Howard Lake Watershed Alliance is to help protect , maintain , and enhance the waters of , and surrounding watershed for Howard Lake . The organization provides educational resources , activities , and tasks to achieve this goal . Information is shared through local cable television and newspaper articles , as well as meetings and newsletters .
The original lake association was deeply concerned with the water quality of Howard Lake . In early 2002 , Howard Lake was accepted into a joint study venture with Wright Soil and Water Conservation District and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency , which includes the watershed area , as well as the lake . As a result of this broadening venture , the group ’ s bylaws and incorporation were amended in 2004 , and the group was renamed the Howard Lake Watershed Alliance . This action promoted the group to become more focused on total lake and watershed management .
The lake has been monitored since 2000 , for trends in clarity and nutrient loading . In 2003 , a program to control nuisance aquatic vegetation was initiated . Grants were received in 2007 and 2011 , to determine how invasive aquatic species and their treatment were affecting native aquatic vegetation . At present , Eurasian milfoil is being treated every other year .
The alliance ’ s goals are met through voluntary efforts . The alliance welcomes energetic volunteers . The board of directors meets quarterly , with an annual meeting in May . A newsletter is published two times per year . Contact Curt Forst at 320-543-3736 , or cforst @ embarqmail . com , for further information concerning the Howard Lake Watershed Alliance .
Howard Lake Friends of the Library
The Howard Lake Friends of the Library has been supporting library programs since 2004 . There are about 30 members , and they work to bring public awareness to all the programs and services offered through the Howard Lake Library . Meetings take place the second Thursday of every month at 6 p . m . at the library . To join , or for more information , call the Howard Lake Library at 320-543-2020 .
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