Big Birch Lake Association

10/12/2026

A styrofoam “dump” at the State Forest access was photographed. There is styrofoam all over the water and shoreline. It is not known know where it came from, and no one has tried to clean it up.

09/25/2026

The most recent rain totals were .83 inch at Beaver Bay and .53 inch at the North Shore of BBL.

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09/19/2026

Add four tenths inch of rain to Wednesdays total for a full inch of rain this past week as measured on the North Shore of BBL.

09/17/2026

Six tenths inch of rain fell at BBL Sept. 16 as measured on the North Shore.

09/12/2026

Boater checklist for low-water conditions
• Inspect the ramp end for holes, drop-offs or mounds before launching or removing watercraft.
• Assign a spotter to watch trailer wheels and boat axles.
• Use idle speed only; do not race the motor on the ramp.
• Use the trailer winch instead of power loading.
• Back in just far enough for the boat to start floating.
• Wear a life jacket if entering the water.
• Confirm water depth before lowering the motor.
• Consult lake maps to avoid shallow zones and new obstructions.
• Monitor water levels and plan an early or alternate removal if needed.

09/11/2026

Low water levels create challenges for boat launching, retrieval
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources advises boaters to take extra care at public water
access sites throughout Minnesota, where ongoing drought conditions continue to cause low water
levels. Nearly all of the state is experiencing some level of drought, with conditions ranging from
moderate to extreme drought and 48% of Minnesota in severe drought, according to the DNR's
drought in Minnesota webpage (mndnr.gov/climate/drought).

09/10/2026

This photo is from 1917. Paul and Vera Brown and Ed Jackson showed their catch from Big Birch Lake. Jackson was killed in action during WWI. Photo provided by Julia Zaborski.

09/09/2026

The next meeting of the BBLA Board is September 19 at 8 a.m. at the Grey Eagle United Methodist Church.

09/08/2026

Nice to see Rod Thompson sailing on a beautiful late summer afternoon.