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Resident urges investigation after rapid Deer Lake water-level drop
Summary
At a Hubbard County Board meeting, resident Jane Gunderson asked who is investigating a fast drop in Deer Lake’s water level. County officials told the board drought and downstream location in the Mantrap chain likely explain the decline and directed residents to DNR contacts for technical follow-up.
Jane Gunderson, a Deer Lake property owner, told the Hubbard County Board she and her family have seen the lake’s water level fall quickly and asked, “who do we go to?” at the July meeting.
The board’s chair said drought appears to be the primary cause: “The number one cause is an act of God. We’re in this pretty severe drought,” the chair said, noting the Mantrap chain of lakes drains southward and that a creek between Deer Lake and Shallow Lake is “basically dried up.” Commissioners and staff pointed residents toward the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for technical investigation and hydrology expertise.
Natural-resources staff and commissioners discussed local factors that can make some lakes fall faster than others, including whether a lake has controlled inlets or outlets or is spring-fed. Board members also acknowledged local rumors — including reports of a beaver dam or nearby well pumping — but said those reports were unproven during the public comment period.
The resident who spoke asked the board to place the issue on a future agenda so the county can collect more information and advise on next steps. Commissioners suggested contacting the DNR hydrologist and noted that, while the county can pass information along, the DNR has primary responsibility for state-level water investigations.
The board did not direct a formal county investigation at that meeting; staff suggested the matter be pursued through DNR channels and added to future agendas if new technical evidence emerges.
