Joe Johnson

The Pelican Rapids Chamber of Commerce presents the Home & Garden show on April 25th from 9:00 to 2:00. The show is being held in the PR High School Gymnasium.

Admission is only $1 and proceeds go to future Chamber events.

Local businesses will be on hand at the show for helping you get your home and garden ready for the summer. There will be games for the kids, food available, seminars, and a silent auction.

Be sure to stop in and check it out. With over 50 different booths at the show there is sure to be something for everyone.

Sales figures for Lakeshore Residential Properties Feb & Mar 2009:

Analyzing sales numbers for lake properties is always difficult in the winter months. The seasonal dips are dramatic and the low numbers make reading a trend almost impossible. Unfortunately, my magic crystal ball is also in the shop this week, so I have no predictions for this summer.

One important fact to note as we go into the spring season is that the number of lake homes currently on the market remains high. Last summer, the monthly sales for the Detroit Lakes area MLS bounced around that 20-30 homes/month range. The Fergus Falls area saw 15-20 homes/month sold. Even at those sales rates we have a high inventory of lake homes.

This high level of inventory creates some great opportunities for buyers looking to find the perfect lake home this summer.

“But according to the News, the prices are falling!!! Why buy now???”

True, in many parts of the country they are seeing falling prices. This is not to say lakeshore prices in Ottertail and Becker counties are also dropping. Just to check the local market I compared year-end sales averages for the last few years.

I’ll admit these numbers surprised me a little. I expected the average sales price to be flatter over the last 2-3 years. In reality this is what we are seeing in most situations, no major price moves. Averages can be tricky with less homes being sold. One or two homes selling for over $500K can have a bigger effect on the average and skew the numbers higher. I suspect that has something to do with the recent price gains.

However, it is good to see lakeshore properties in this area are at least holding their value.

This week the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) reported that there has been an unexpected rise in the mercury levels in northern pike & walleye fish caught in Minnesota. (article on NorthlandOutdoors.com)

The sample fish were collected from 845 lakes across Minnesota, and the statewide trend indicates more than just a local source of contamination. Local mercury contamination was on the decrease up until the mid 1990's. Since the mid 1990's the trend has reversed, due possibly to the increased use of coal fired plants in Asia.

Fishing has been, and continues to be a favorite pass time in Minnesota. The new findings raise concern, but the MN Dept of Health has not adjusted it's recommendations for safe consumption of fish. (how much can I eat?).

Although the recent mercury increases may be from global sources, local efforts in protecting lake water quality have a big effect. The use of lakeshore buffer zones can help reduce contamination from rainwater run-off.

Minnesota lake property owners will be hearing more in the years to come about buffer zones and the use of rain gardens to reduce run-off as the MN DNR looks for ways to keep our lakes clean. (more on shoreland management)

Maplewood State Park just west of Pelican Rapidson Hwy 108 is hosting it's candlelight cross country ski event Feburary 21st from 6:00 to 8:00PM.

A one mile trail around Cataract Lake will be lit with 150 candles for the event. Chili, snacks, and hot beverages will be available at the Trail Center starting at 5:00.

Not into skiing? There shoud be some great conversation around the campfire. Either way, it should be a great evening.

Maplewood grooms about 8 miles of cross country ski trails through the winter months, (depending on snow). Park passes and Ski passes are required in the Park. Call the Park office for details (218) 863-8383.

January is usually a slow month for real estate. This year even more so. Blame it on the weather, the economy, or your least favorite politician. The fact is, not many people want to look at houses in northern Minnesota during January.

So.... What to do with this extra time?

Well, fish of course.

This past weekend felt like a mini heat wave with temps above zero for the first time in about 2 weeks. It was a great time to get out on the ice and try a little ice fishing on Lake Lida.

Driving out on the ice is getting to be a challenge with all the snow we've had. Roads have been plowed, and venturing off the plowed roads is almost impossible without a snowmobile. The heavy snow has also made flooding more of a problem, but any day fishing is worth a little extra effort. I was only stuck once during the day with my ATV, which is pretty good for me.

We were able to find the fish. Getting them to bite was another story. The camera showed plenty of sunfish and northerns lurking in the weeds. There was even an occasional walleye that swam past. All of which must have been full from feeding on the small perch that were absolutely everywhere.

Even with the slow bite, getting outside was well worth it. Cabin fever starts to set in after being forced inside by several days of subzero temps. A little fresh air cures all.



Oh, and just in case the real estate market suddenly picks back up. My cell phone is never far away. I keep it right next to the bait so there is less chance of me dropping it down the hole.
(Yeah, it happens...)