DAZZLING BUT DAMAGING FIREWORKS
Something to ponder...
There is no doubt that fireworks add excitement to 4th of July celebrations around the country. Displays here on Diamond Lake have grown over the last several years, both in number and magnitude. This article may help you understand that their brief moments of brilliance come with lasting consequences for our environment.
Erin, intern at Middle Fork Crow River Watershed District, shared this information after last year’s Weedfest at the County Park. She wrote, “Fireworks
can have significant negative effects on air and water quality, as well as on wildlife. Attached are some resources and studies that delve into these impacts in more detail.” (See links below.)
To summarize:
1. Fireworks release a cocktail of harmful chemicals and particles into our air and water, creating environmental challenges that persist long after the show ends. Gunpowder, heavy metals, and other toxic materials are mixed to create the brilliant display of colors and sounds. The poisonous particles do not disappear when they explode but remain in the atmosphere or fall to the ground or onto the lake. Microplastic particles also pollute the area.
2. Animals, both family pets and in the wild, get stressed and disoriented from the noises and lights.
3. Possible options to reduce fireworks in the area are:
a. Create a show using drones, lasers and lights with friends and neighbors
b. Watch at a community event rather than setting off your own
c. Buy fireworks with lower metal contents or silent ones
d. Coordinate or combine with neighbors to make one display
e. Think about not doing a display this year and donate the money instead to your favorite charity or put it in savings.
f. Use the money to create or add to another fun event
g. Place displays farther away from the lake
h. Party with glow sticks, light-up toys, huge bubble makers; Rent machines to make sno-cones, ice cream cones and cotton candy
i. Decorate your space with disco balls, balloons and party up lites.
j. Decorate your boat or pontoon to the extreme and show it off in the boat parade.
Let’s have a safe and enviro-friendly 4th of July celebration!
Exploring the Environmental Impact of Fireworks | Earth.Org
The Explosive Truth: Understanding Fireworks' Environmental Impact
Environmental Impact of Fireworks (And Alternatives) - Conserve Energy Future
In Memory of Bob Meyerson
Longtime Board Member and Editor of the Diamond Lake Association Newsletter
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Bob Meyerson on March 5, 2025. Bob served for many years as a dedicated board member and the editor of the Diamond Lake Association newsletter, roles in which he gave generously of his time, energy, and talent.
Bob’s newsletters were more than just updates—they reflected his deep care for the lake, the
people who call Diamond Lake home.
As a board member, Bob was known for his steady leadership, thoughtful input, and unwavering commitment to preserving the beauty and vitality of Diamond Lake. His passion and presence will be profoundly missed, but his legacy lives on in the community he helped shape.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Bob’s family and loved ones. May his memory continue to inspire us all to care more deeply for our community and for one another.
Upcoming Events
June 21 - The Diamond Lake Association annual meeting - 9:30 a.m. at the county park shelter
July 19 – WeedFest – 2-7 pm at the county park shelter. Mark your calendars and look for more information in the July
Upcoming Area Events
June 13-15 – Kandi is Dandy Days, Kandiyohi
June 14 – First Annual Schmidt-Berger Ride, 11 am, Handlebar
June 19-22 – Atwater Festival Days
Taken from the History of Harrison Township (Diamond Lake) as reported by Mr. Herb Kragenbring (1996)
“Harrison Township was first settled primarily in the 1860’s by Scottish and Irish settlers on the west and south shores. They raised sheep in hills surrounding the lake. Farms surrounding the lake were well established by 1900 numbering approximately 12. Much of what is Diamond Lake now was pastured with fences running far out into the lake. There was anywhere from 100-200 yards to water from the current bank of lake.
The first 4-5 cabins were built on the North Shore of Diamond Lake in the early 1900’s. The first resorts were built in the roaring 20s. A Dance pavilion or ball room had cabin and boat rentals and boomed through prohibition until 1941 when WWII ended this. Cabins were moved to
Atwater Beach Resort when it was started. Fergusons Hotel also boomed along with the pavilion, had cabins and boats. North Breeze Resort also was built duringthe 20’s. At one time there were 2 resorts on East side of Diamond and 2 resorts on South and park all which rented boats
.
Diamond Lake has one source of water. Runoff from surrounding lands.
Diamond Lake did not fill to its current level until the late Forties and Early fifties when farmers started tiling and ditching swamps and sloughs which ultimately filled the lake to the current level and maintains that level. There are no springs or rivers to feed the lake.
The first real development started in the 50’s and has grown from what was12 farms to over 300 building sites. Approximately 100 are now permanent residences around the lake with 1 resort remaining, 1 campground, and 1 county park.
Farms surrounding the lake now number 3 with livestock. Much of the areanear the lake with farms is pastured or is in trees. Farms are still diversified in thisarea. 300 acres of wildlife area are in the watershed.
Water quality has remained fairly constant as to 50 years ago. One of the biggest problems in shallow lakes such as this is the use of oversized boats and motors which stir the lake bottom clouding the water. Another problem is the maintaining the lake at high levels which result in shoreline destruction. This was brought on by development and high demand for lakeshore property. There are nine miles of shoreline and only about 2 miles are undeveloped.
P.S. As a sideline, in 30s and 40s we used boats to get beyond the green in dog days in order to swim. Also swimmers itch was as common then as it is now.”
Annual Membership Dues Request for 2025
On behalf of DLARA, thank you for your past support and we ask for your continued support.
Dues remain at $25.00!
However, if you wish to donate more, you will be listed as a “Diamond” level
donator in our August Newsletter!
You have the option of paying your dues online through Venmo. If you have not used Venmo in the past, please download the Venmo app on your phone, select Diamond Lake Area Assn, and select Pay. This will ask for your name, payment method, card number, and payment amount. There is alsoan area where you can add notes. In the notes field, please add your lake address. This will help us make sure the payment is recorded according to each property and name.
Or, you may still pay by check and send it in the enclosed self-addressed envelope.
Currently we are planning an in person annual meeting on the third Saturday of June (June 21st).
Please check the DLARA website listed above for location and time. Mark your calendars!
Please send the below information with your check or include on the Venmo payment. Thank you!
Anita Hagen, DLARA Treasurer
Name
Email
Phone #
Mailing Address
Lake Address:
***Speak Up*** Sound Off***
Would you be interested in receiving the Newsletter electronically? Yes No
Let us know how we are doing. Let us know if there is a particular issue important to you.
News from Glacial Lakes Sanitary Sewer and Water District:
Homeowners are encouraged to create a SmartHub account through Kandiyohi Power Cooperative. This platform allows users to monitor their sewer usage and set alerts for any unusual activity.
It is also recommended that homeowners verify that their water softeners are set correctly. The MPCA and EPA are establishing chloride limits that wastewater treatment facilities will need to meet.
It’s worth noting that residents typically spend about $0.20 per pound to add salt for water softening, while it costs over $5.00 per pound to remove that same salt at a treatment facility. So, ensuring water softeners are set properly can make a meaningful difference both environmentally and economically.
Grinder Stations: The two local companies that service grinder stations are:
3W Electric
Contact: Jessie Whitcomb
Phone: (320) 220-0146
Lakeview Electric
Contact: Joel Steffensen
Phone: (320) 905-6053
