Ann Lake Improvement Club, Inc.

04/11/2026

God’s handiwork, sunrise this morning on Ann Lake. Photo courtesy of Julie Stieve. 4-11-26

04/05/2026

I am sharing a post from Chris Weber

I just want to thank the Ann Lake Improvement Club for all of the work that they have done to maintain the landing over the past 50 years. As once who did work there - we all took pride in the maintenance of the landing. Yes - the parking lot if a mess. That has been addressed in a prior post - the road drainage from the township roads are creating drainage issues at the landing. Until the road drainage issues get resolved - any work there is a temporary fix. The township brought in gravel and graded the parking lot a couple of years ago. When we lived there, we would go down to grade the parking lot The plank need to be reset at the landing - yes. The association reset those in 2017 and they need to be reset again. Now is the perfect time as the lake is the lowest that it has been for years and most plank are now out of the water. Why the plank need to be reset is a whole other issue. We proudly mowed and weed-trimmed the property. And, honestly, most people do not even know that the outhouses exist and they are rarely used, as they are hidden behind the shed that the association built with their own money. When we put up any signage at the landing, the DNR requested that the signage blend in with their signage. One of our members proudly crafted the sign that is at the entrance of the landing, and as I understand, is going to be taken town shortly. However this turns out, please extend a thank you to any of the members of the association that have volunteered their time and took pride in this property. The association still needs assistance in other items and costs of maintaining the beauty of this great piece of nature that we have in Orrock Township - Ann Lake.

04/03/2026

I wanted to let people who use the Ann Lake landing know that the Ann Lake Improvement Club is no longer maintaining the landing at this time. With the agreement we had being terminated by the township on February 4, 2026 we are no longer allowed to do any maintenance over there, which includes fixing the planks, grading the parking lot or putting in a dock. The township is currently in the process of removing the outhouse so you may see activity over there. If you have questions or comments please direct them to the Orrock Township board or send an email to [email protected] I will add that we are still in talks with Orrock Township about a possible interim agreement, but wanted to let you know that our normal spring maintenance will not be taking place.

04/01/2026

I am copying and pasting a post by Jenni S. that she posted on the Orrock Township Forum page this morning that was then taken down by the Admin. I believe it perfectly sums up where we are and believe it needs to be shared.
By Jenni-
I’d like to offer some additional context about the Ann Lake landing, because the way this issue has been discussed recently makes it sound like this is a private landing or something owned by lake residents. It isn’t.
The landing is public property owned by Orrock Township. It was originally given as a gift to the township to steward on behalf of the entire community.
The Ann Lake Association has voluntarily provided regular maintenance, mowing, trash removal, signage, a dock, and general upkeep, because they care about the lake and the people who use it.
However, like many community organizations, they are facing rising costs for lake and land care. They approached the township not to hand off responsibility, but to explore a shared‑cost partnership so the landing can continue to be maintained to the same standards.
At the last township meeting, one option mentioned was turning the landing over to the DNR. Another option is updating their previous agreement with the lake association, so the township retains ownership and partners with a group that has already demonstrated long‑term commitment to the site.
So, the real question for us as a community is this:
Should Orrock Township turn this gifted community property over to the DNR, or should we maintain local ownership and enter into a shared‑maintenance agreement with the lake association to keep decisions about the landing in the community?
To be transparent, I have no interest in turning the landing over to the DNR to be another mismanaged state asset.

03/08/2026

The Orrock Township annual meeting is Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. at Orrock Town Hall. This is your chance as a resident to openly express and discuss any concerns that you have - especially regarding the landing. You will also be voting on the 2027 levy. They will also be presenting the budgets. As a note that the general fund spending budget has increased $30,000 since 2024. From 2024 spending of $118,000 to 2025 spending of $143,000 with a 2026 budget of $148,000.

02/02/2026

This is a public notice that we will be aerating on Ann Lake, starting February 5, 2026, per our permit to prevent fish kill. We work closely with the DNR regarding oxygen levels in the lake. Signs will be posted at the landing and thin ice signs will be around the aeration area on the north side of the lake. Please stay clear of this area for your safely. If you have any questions feel free to reach out. Thanks!

10/31/2025

Fall on Ann Lake 🍁
A couple of different days.

10/25/2025

Dock out at Ann Lake Boat landing, brrrrrr! Thanks to the helpers, Steve M., Jerry P., Mike K., Clint C., Tony B., Pat F., Jim G., Frank S., Julie S., Cindy M. and special shout out to John P. who got in the water! We appreciate you!

08/12/2025

Here's an interesting article on the effects of riprap to lakes. If you look around our Lake you can see a couple of projects that were done with more natural vegetation rather than rock rip rap. Sherburne Soil and Water Conservation District is a good resource for planning shoreline projects

https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/08/12/minnesota-is-armoring-its-shorelines-with-rocks-but-lakes-are-paying-a-price?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwMIKSNjbGNrAwgpGGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAAEepr1rNdI6R-Xy2G9amUXk1apAVepvadToqpZV2UBIa8Feqi4eBQkH1ChzTFA_aem_jPLrnDaxZ65XdKIvWlNA1w

Homeowners increasingly layer rocks on their shores to prevent lake shorelines from eroding. But experts say rock riprap increases pollution and warms lakes, creating conditions that spur algae blooms. And often, it’s not necessary.

08/08/2025

What a wonderful Night to Unite gathering on August 5, 2025. Thank you to Zimmerman/Livonia Fire, Sherburne County Mounted Patrol and the Sherburne County Public Works department for stopping by. You all were a big hit and we appreciate you. Thanks also to the ice cream scoopers and other helpers and thanks to our neighbors for attending.

08/04/2025

Heres a chance to support neighboring Big Eagle Lake.