Green Lake Improvement District (GLID)
"Green Lake is a jewel in nature’s crown. Like all valuables, our lake needs to be protected.
Who could care more for our lakes than the people who love them and live on them?
That someone is you!" - reference Dr. Seuss and with permission from our Gull Lake partners.
WELCOME TO THE ISANTI COUNTY GREEN LAKE 'GLID' WEBSITE !
We have included information relating to Green Lake specifically as well as information of a general nature that applies to all lakeshore property owners. Green Lake Arial Map with Watershed
Preserving Protecting Participating Our lake benefits. Our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren will thank us.
Please help row our Green Lake boat!
Navigation: Click on the SECTION HEADERS above to view respective Information, then scroll.
This Site is a repository of fact-filled GLID reference material to help Inform, Interest, Invite, Input, Involve, and Invest.
Scroll DOWN THIS page for most all new info>>>
Glimpse of High Interest Areas:
> DONE ! Successful 2022 : JUNE 25 2022: GREEN LAKE OWNERS ANNUAL MEETING 9am-10:30am WHERE: Wyanet Town Hall
> Protecting / Restoring Shoreline Info collected hotlink here! Plus "Are You a Lake Steward?" 13 Question Survey
Did you know The ‘lawn to lake’ shoreline allows 7 to 9 times more phosphorus to enter the lake than a more natural native vegetated just15 feet of buffered shoreline.
QUICK READ>>> 10 Tips to Lake Stewardship
> 1Q/2022 Green Lake “What-Why-When-How” Newsletter Info mailing filled with Facts and Actions:
> GREEN LAKE WEEDS WHAT'S BEING DONE? DNR's WHAT CAN I DO? > SCROLL DOWN>>> WEED MGMT INFO Section
> What is GREEN LAKE IMPROVEMENT MASTER PLAN 2020 2021 2022 Updates
> Info on SEPTIC SYSTEM maintenance Leaky septic systems can be a significant source of phosphorus and coliform to the lake
AND near and dear to our pocketbooks::::
> GLID REDUCED LAKE TAX LEVY again for 2023 (But NOT Reducing Lake Improvement Activities) by -36% in 2021, again -17% in 2022 , and hopefully another -10% in 2023 by building partnerships. successfully seeking/getting Grants, careful planning, and smart decisions GLID 2023 proposed budget!
SERVICES: Some Green Lake Owners needed help servicing their boats, they used Legacy Motor and Marine , a local Boat Winterization, Shrink Wrap, Storage and Marine Service Company in Isanti. Examples: Boat motors tuned for summer fun. Pontoons transported. Click on web address http://www.legacymotorandmarine.com/ or call 763-313-2486 for more info.
Announcement!! GLID received Official DNR Grant Grant Amount: $15,150 Two-year (<hotlink) project Award Notice for Green (Lake) in Isanti" 2022 CLP Treatment Map DONE May 24th
Read on >>>> The More You Know >>>>>
BRAND NEW GLID FACEBOOK hotlink !! Welcome to the NEW Green Lake Improvement District (GLID) Facebook page!
Marissa Dahlin, GLID Facebook Ambassador will be in charge of maintaining and updating the new page. Grateful to Marissa and Alex for volunteering to make a new GLID communication vehicle available! Already have over a 120 followers!!!!
There is an old Facebook page out there, but the Green Lake board does not have access to this page, so we decided it would be easiest to create a new one https://www.facebook.com/glidisanticomn Please give it a 'LIKE' please.
Announcement: YEA! Green Lake Volunteers, Pam with Corey Mortenson family along with Marissa & Alex Dahlin will be helping David Dancik with water samples for lab analysis and continued water clarity Secchi readings in 2022 as part of GLID Lake Improvement Plan activities. Info: Water clarity is measured using a Secchi disk, a plate-sized disk with black and white sections that is lowered into the water until it can no longer be seen. The deeper the Secchi disk is lowered and still is visible, the clearer the water. As a general rule, the maximum depth to which plants grow is twice the midsummer Secchi depth.
Announced: Sue Hage, Alex and Marissa, Jan Gerke Volunteered to join GLID Board! Board Members and Contact Info hotlink
Who/What is Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Organization and why does Green Lake care/supports them?
ANSWER: There is no other group in Minnesota that does so much to protect the lakes and rivers we all love. (hotlink)
FUTURE GLID / Green Lake Owner Meetings:
2023 >Tentative JUNE 24 2023: GREEN LAKE OWNERS ANNUAL MEETING AGENDA 9am-10:30am WHERE: Wyanet Town Hall
GLID needs continued Lake Owner Involvement.
That someone is you... Please help row our Green Lake boat!
INFO FROM LAST ANNUAL MEETING: JUNE 25, 2022 Annual Green Lake Improvement District Meeting
Past and present GLID Board members were given praise. There is trust and confidence that the GLID Board is making smart/best decisions for Green Lake and owners. Barbara to file meeting report with Isanti County.
We continue our GLID Communications to Inform, Interest, Invite, Involve, Input , and Invest by Lake Owners.
AGENDA: ALL Green Lake improvement activities and 2022 Budget
Click for AGENDA CLICK for 2022 GLID Approved Budget w 17% Tax 2022 Levy Reduction Click for 2022 CLP Treatment Map
SWCD Section 319 Federal Grant Status SWCD April 10 STATUS PRESENTATION GLID-SWCD MOU >> Scroll down for 2021 YE Status >>>
2021 Green Lake Post CLP and EWM Survey report - Done by AIS Consulting Services
2022_GREEN LAKE AIS Boat Inspection schedule
NOTE: Past Annual Green Lake Meetings Minutes are under the Meeting & Documents Section for reference.
Green Lake Weed Management:
Weed management requires knowledge, time, patience and money. There is no magic bullet that will eliminate excess weeds without continued effort and without side affects.... A lake, after all, is not a swimming pool but a dynamic, complex system and expectations should be realistic.
--- reference Aquatic Weeds: Nuisance and Necessity Cayuga Lake Watershed Network 2009 Study hotlink
Green Lake was invaded by Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) that are non-native plants, fish, invertebrates and microbes. These species tend to spread rapidly in new areas, out-compete native resident species, and cause ecological or economic harm including possible impacts to human and pet health.
Management of invasive aquatic plants that involves either mechanical removal of plants or application of herbicides to public waters requires a permit from the DNR. Permits may be issued to property owners, lake organizations and local governments.
Fact: The spread of AIS follows the highways... hitching rides on boats & trailers.
2022 AIS Boat Inspections :– GLID has Inspectors at Green Lake public access starting May 18 until Sept 5
Tuesdays 3-8p Wednesdays 2-8p Thursdays 2-8p Fridays 10-7 Saturdays 10-7 Sundays 10-7
GLID Requested 44 hrs X 20 weeks of funding from Isanti Zoning.. 2021 found .4% violators. Stopped an Zebra Mussel entry!
Boat Inspections raise awareness! Hopefully Prevent new Zebra Mussel invasion.. along with Starry Wart
SWCD's Lydia created special ISANTI Invasive Species watch handout
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP HALT SPREAD OF AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES (AIS)? hotlink
Help Protect Minnesota Waters: Know the Law (HOTLINK). You may not ... transport watercraft without removing the drain plug • arrive at a lake access with drain plug in place • transport aquatic plants, zebra mussels, or other prohibited invasive species such as faucet snails, ruffe, and round goby • launch a watercraft with prohibited species attached • transport water from Minnesota lakes or rivers; or release bait into water
2022 Green Lake AIS Curly Pond Leaf Control Treatment- COMPLETED MAY 24th
Green Lake was recently issued permission to use CPL invasive species herbicide Diquate for 50.5 acres. What does this mean? Diquate is far more effective than treatments we've been allowed to use in the past. It's able to kill the Curly Pond Leaf, Eurasian Watermilfoil,, and other weed infestations for a 3 for 1 effect with less chemicals going in to the lake.
GLID is using AIS treatment Best Practices to retreat same areas to reduce the CPL Turion bank buildup. Could take more than 5 years to combat root regrowth! 2022 note: DNR approved GLID's same best practices AIS treatment.
Question from Lake Owners; Why doesn't GLID treat in front of my property>
Answer::: With limited approved acres, GLID/DNR treats areas of highest density per AIS survey... not all areas of lake are treated. However, every year, AIS weed congestion analysis is done and decisions made for best ROI following recommended best practices.
It is a delicate balance to reduce AIS infestations for lake enjoyment of swimming, boating, fishing.
Green Lake is prohibited from touching the native protected Coontail weed infestations.
CPL Treatment Map 2021 CPL TREATMENT Map 2022 2022 DNR Permit for CLP Treatment DNR Permit for CPL Harvesting 2022 CLP POST_TREATMENT SURVEY RESULTS - None Found! 2021 Post Treatment Survey Results
DNR Invasive Aquatic Plant Management (IAPM)
Green Lake CLP treatment and EWM survey
Weed management requires knowledge, time, patience and money. There is no magic bullet that will eliminate excess weeds without continued effort and without side affects.... A lake, after all, is not a swimming pool but a dynamic, complex system and expectations should be realistic.
--- reference Aquatic Weeds: Nuisance and Necessity Cayuga Lake Watershed Network 2009 Study hotlink
Green Lake was invaded by Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) that are non-native plants, fish, invertebrates and microbes. These species tend to spread rapidly in new areas, out-compete native resident species, and cause ecological or economic harm including possible impacts to human and pet health.
Management of invasive aquatic plants that involves either mechanical removal of plants or application of herbicides to public waters requires a permit from the DNR. Permits may be issued to property owners, lake organizations and local governments.
Fact: The spread of AIS follows the highways... hitching rides on boats & trailers.
2022 AIS Boat Inspections :– GLID has Inspectors at Green Lake public access starting May 18 until Sept 5
Tuesdays 3-8p Wednesdays 2-8p Thursdays 2-8p Fridays 10-7 Saturdays 10-7 Sundays 10-7
GLID Requested 44 hrs X 20 weeks of funding from Isanti Zoning.. 2021 found .4% violators. Stopped an Zebra Mussel entry!
Boat Inspections raise awareness! Hopefully Prevent new Zebra Mussel invasion.. along with Starry Wart
SWCD's Lydia created special ISANTI Invasive Species watch handout
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP HALT SPREAD OF AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES (AIS)? hotlink
Help Protect Minnesota Waters: Know the Law (HOTLINK). You may not ... transport watercraft without removing the drain plug • arrive at a lake access with drain plug in place • transport aquatic plants, zebra mussels, or other prohibited invasive species such as faucet snails, ruffe, and round goby • launch a watercraft with prohibited species attached • transport water from Minnesota lakes or rivers; or release bait into water
2022 Green Lake AIS Curly Pond Leaf Control Treatment- COMPLETED MAY 24th
Green Lake was recently issued permission to use CPL invasive species herbicide Diquate for 50.5 acres. What does this mean? Diquate is far more effective than treatments we've been allowed to use in the past. It's able to kill the Curly Pond Leaf, Eurasian Watermilfoil,, and other weed infestations for a 3 for 1 effect with less chemicals going in to the lake.
GLID is using AIS treatment Best Practices to retreat same areas to reduce the CPL Turion bank buildup. Could take more than 5 years to combat root regrowth! 2022 note: DNR approved GLID's same best practices AIS treatment.
Question from Lake Owners; Why doesn't GLID treat in front of my property>
Answer::: With limited approved acres, GLID/DNR treats areas of highest density per AIS survey... not all areas of lake are treated. However, every year, AIS weed congestion analysis is done and decisions made for best ROI following recommended best practices.
It is a delicate balance to reduce AIS infestations for lake enjoyment of swimming, boating, fishing.
Green Lake is prohibited from touching the native protected Coontail weed infestations.
CPL Treatment Map 2021 CPL TREATMENT Map 2022 2022 DNR Permit for CLP Treatment DNR Permit for CPL Harvesting 2022 CLP POST_TREATMENT SURVEY RESULTS - None Found! 2021 Post Treatment Survey Results
DNR Invasive Aquatic Plant Management (IAPM)
Green Lake CLP treatment and EWM survey

> Webinar: Septic Secrets - Protect Your Investment and Protect the Lake with Good Septic System Maintenance
Locating and replacing leaky septic systems near the lake is important. Leaky septic systems
can be a significant source of phosphorus and coliform to the lake, depending upon the severity of the leak, proximity to the lake, and soil characteristics between the leaky septic system and the lake.
On April 17th, Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Org along with University of MN Water Resources and Minnesota Health Dept provided a webinar about septic best practices and what a good and bad septic can affect. Grab a beverage and watch the video at the link below! Watch here! Short brochure version: Webinar: Septic Secrets Slides
AND from Upper Hay Lake Association wonderful information... SEPTIC OVERVIEW AND MAINT
> Water Pollution: How Humans Impact the Water Cycle and Water Pollution's Impact on Our Green Lake- hotlink
When substances contaminate water sources and make them unusable for drinking, cleaning, and swimming, the sources are polluted. Water pollutants include trash, chemicals, parasites, and bacteria. Because of the water cycle, all types of pollution eventually arrive in the water supply, where they act as poisons or cause diseases like cholera. Toxic chemicals may also impact animals and plants, which can then affect humans when the animals or plants enter the food supply.
Types of Water Pollutants: Water pollutants may originate from direct or indirect sources. Direct pollution includes output from refineries, factories, and waste treatment plants. Indirect pollution includes any contaminants that enter the water supply from the soil, groundwater, or atmosphere. Soil and groundwater contamination happens due to faulty septic systems, agricultural practices and industrial waste that's not disposed of properly.
> CD3 Systems boat weed-cleaning system now installed at Spec Lake! CD3's are a waterless, free, user-operated cleaning equipment that includes wet/dry vacuum, blower system, tethered hand tools and lights. Watch Why and How to use CD3 Video hotlink.
From Darrick of Isanti Zoning/AIS Mgmt: " Those that do lake hop between Spectacle and Green, should powerwash them at home and/or remember to dry their boats 5-7 days"
Please Help STOP AIS weeds from coming into Green Lake via boats.
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Glimpses of Informative GLID Newsletters For Green Lake Homeowners
1Q/2022 Green Lake “What-Why-When-How” Newsletter Info mailing
PAST ISSUES OF GLID e-mail Newsletters hotlink
Past informative 1Q GLID Newsletter and 2Q GLID Newsletter AND June 2021 Trifold Newsletter
PLUS a whole lot more "Almost Everything You Wanted to Know About Green Lake" extra information here.
1Q/2022 Green Lake “What-Why-When-How” Newsletter Info mailing
PAST ISSUES OF GLID e-mail Newsletters hotlink
Past informative 1Q GLID Newsletter and 2Q GLID Newsletter AND June 2021 Trifold Newsletter
PLUS a whole lot more "Almost Everything You Wanted to Know About Green Lake" extra information here.
Lakeshore Restorations - More Info at SHORELINE RESTORATIONS tab>>
Is your lakeshore washing away or would you like help restoring it?
Green Lake with SWCD EARNS MPCA GRANT TO IMPROVE LAKE
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency with Isanti County SWCD Secured Green Lake Section 319 Small Watersheds Focus Program Nine Element Plan Grant Learn more about our SWCD partner hotlink
2021 YE Summary Hotlink of Green Lake Section 319 Watershed Program prepared by SWCD
• The Green Lake Section 319 Small Watershed Focus Program Nine Element (NKE) Plan was developed by compiling and synthesizing information from previous studies and planning documents conducted in the watershed. Green Lake Studies and Reports - From MPCA and EPA, This plan is federally approved. The work plan leverages the $284,000 Grant
• Addresses water quality, mercury content, AIS, TP Loading, and nutrient Reduction in Watershed areas.
Goal is getting Green Lake off MN Impaired Lake list in 10 years. by reducing TP loading by 2,142 lbs/year every year.
"Green Lake is still considered impaired since TP and chlorophyll-a do concentrations do not currently meet State standards.
TP concentrations for Green Lake have averaged 61 µg/L over the most recent 10-year period, which is above the 40 µg/L standard for deep lakes in the North Central Hardwood Forest (NCHF) Ecoregion. Planktonic algae, which is measured by chlorophyll-a (chl-a), has averaged 25 µg/L which is above the 14 µg/L standard for deep lakes. Secchi depth, a measure of water clarity, is relatively good in Green Lake and has met the 1.4-meter Secchi depth standard in five of the seven years measured since 2009. Although Secchi depth has generally met State water quality standards over the past 10 years." reference Green Lake Diagnostics Study
2020 Sector 319 Grant Green Lake Initial Work Plan Only.pdf GLID-SWCD MOU Green Lake Restoration Program
Green Lake secchi Water Clarity data captured for Green lake for the 2021 analysis hotlink
Green Lake has been monitored for secchi from 1988‐2021, Click here for Green Lake Secchi History. More planned for 2022-2024
2021 Green Lake Sacchi Average was 5.26 feet Compared to 30 year average of 5.9 feet with unknown degrees of error
Green Lake has met the 1.4-meter or 4.6 ft Secchi depth lake standard in about 70% of the past 30 years years measured .
Most days GOOD Clarity... others NOT!
FACT: INCREASED PHOSPHORUS = INCREASED CHLOROPHYLL = DECREASED SECCHI DISK.
example: Secchi set: 8 by Mel and Clint Date: 7/18/21 Time: 3:25pm Lake: Green Lake
Depth at Sampling Site: 31ft Secchi Disk Clarity Depth: 6ft 6in Physical Appearance: Clear (in middle, edges of lake have floating algae) Recreational Suitability: Good (in middle) Weather/Wind: Sunny / 0-5 mph Water Temp: 81 degrees
Most recent June 22, 2022 - Clarity at 6ft 10 inches! Per DNR: Lake Trend: Improving Lake Name Green; Lake ID 30-0136-00
Location Description For years 1973 to 2018 there is evidence of improving water clarity at this lake, of approximately 0.5 feet per decade. For the most recent year of the analysis, median water clarity was 1.54 feet lower than the watershed median. Latitude 45.573390 Longitude -93.43982
2022 Initial Analysis on Green Lake Water Sample Data hotlink-
>"Over the long term the Phosphorus trend is stable and above the threshold. " per SWCD's Tiffany
>"Over the long term the Chlorophyll’s trend is stable and above the threshold. However, the short term trend for chlorophyll-a is declining"
"Over the long term the Phosphorus trend is stable and above the threshold."
" So, the short story is: I see some positive trends in the long term data for Green Lake. However, we need to act now to build up some more momentum and flip all of the trends to improvement!"
Blue-Green Algae Alert: IF IN DOUBT, STAY OUT! Learn more about lake algae production and causes hotlink
Green Lake Is Nutrient Rich With Phosphorus, Nitrogen, and Potassium !
What Does That Mean? Means more weed growth!
FACT: INCREASED PHOSPHORUS = INCREASED CHLOROPHYLL = DECREASED WATER CLARITY.

See where the Nutrients are coming from here and in the files below.
Green Lake Stormwater Retrofit analysis
Subwatershed Retrofit analysis
Green Lake Diagnostics Study, found here.
ALERT!!! Faulty / poor maintained Septic systems is reported to cause 6% of bad 'stuff'
to our lake! Learn more from Septic Secrets Slides
Green Lake Stormwater Retrofit analysis
Subwatershed Retrofit analysis
Green Lake Diagnostics Study, found here.
ALERT!!! Faulty / poor maintained Septic systems is reported to cause 6% of bad 'stuff'
to our lake! Learn more from Septic Secrets Slides
Weed Control Around Your Docks
Green Lake home owners can help reduce nutrient loading in the lake by removing weeds from the lake.
Also, using lake shoreline best management practices reduces nutrient runoff into the lake.
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE DNR details : Under Minnesota law, aquatic plants growing in public waters are the property of the state. Because of their value to the lake ecosystem, they may not be destroyed or transplanted unless authorized by the Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources as stipulated in the Aquatic Plant Management Rules
Net net: If you are a lakeshore property owner who wants to maintain a swimming or boat-docking area, you may cut or pull submerged vegetation without a DNR permit under certain conditions:
• First, the area to be cleared must be no larger than 2,500 square feet.
• Second, the cleared area must not extend more than 50 feet along the shoreline
NOTE>>> Green Lake has a FREE COMPOST PILE area by the Wyanett Township Grader Shed! YUP, FREE! WEEDS ONLY PLEASE
HIRING LAKE WEED TREATMENT
Removing or killing AIS weeds from lake reduces weed and algae growth!
Companies and Local Helper that are available to help with weeds and muck around your dock.
OR learn to DIY chemical treatment approach and restrictions with DNR Permits.
An example is rake out your weeds OR hire help like:
> Isaac and Levi Thompson, Local Teenagers to help remove lake weeds or lawn care! Call or Text their Mom, Leah at 612-812-3042
> YourLake APM, (612) 454-0357 that is non-chemical simple and safe weed removal. They use scuba gear to go under the surface to pull your unwanted lake weeds by hand, by the root. Removing or killing the weed's roots prohibit regrowth.
Think about signing up your dock area for herbicide weed management with The Lake Restoration Company or Others
Lake Restoration Contact Info: 12425 Ironwood Circle Rogers, MN 55374 763-428-9777
Some lake owners are using a ECO Weed Harvester (not a cutter) that also pulls weeds up by the roots to be collected in a bin, unloaded into a trailer, and hauled into the Wyanett Township/GLID FREE weed compost pile located by Grader shed.
THE MORE YOU KNOW:> One year, 8 tons of weeds were harvested, removing almost 160 pounds equivalent of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium.!
Research and Stearns Laboratory testing showed for that one ton of Green Lake weeds contain 9.36 lbs of Nitrogen(N) .
4.7lbs Phosphorus (P). and 5.63lbs of Potassium (K) fertilizer for lake weeds!! Lake owners probably remove a ton from their shore!
Removing weeds from your lake is always the best option to reduce nutrient budget loading that causes more weeds to grow.
Especially knowing that 1 pound of Phosphorus can produce 500 pounds of algae in one year!!!!
Also, using lake shoreline best management practices reduces nutrient runoff into the lake.
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE DNR details : Under Minnesota law, aquatic plants growing in public waters are the property of the state. Because of their value to the lake ecosystem, they may not be destroyed or transplanted unless authorized by the Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources as stipulated in the Aquatic Plant Management Rules
Net net: If you are a lakeshore property owner who wants to maintain a swimming or boat-docking area, you may cut or pull submerged vegetation without a DNR permit under certain conditions:
• First, the area to be cleared must be no larger than 2,500 square feet.
• Second, the cleared area must not extend more than 50 feet along the shoreline
NOTE>>> Green Lake has a FREE COMPOST PILE area by the Wyanett Township Grader Shed! YUP, FREE! WEEDS ONLY PLEASE
HIRING LAKE WEED TREATMENT
Removing or killing AIS weeds from lake reduces weed and algae growth!
Companies and Local Helper that are available to help with weeds and muck around your dock.
OR learn to DIY chemical treatment approach and restrictions with DNR Permits.
An example is rake out your weeds OR hire help like:
> Isaac and Levi Thompson, Local Teenagers to help remove lake weeds or lawn care! Call or Text their Mom, Leah at 612-812-3042
> YourLake APM, (612) 454-0357 that is non-chemical simple and safe weed removal. They use scuba gear to go under the surface to pull your unwanted lake weeds by hand, by the root. Removing or killing the weed's roots prohibit regrowth.
Think about signing up your dock area for herbicide weed management with The Lake Restoration Company or Others
Lake Restoration Contact Info: 12425 Ironwood Circle Rogers, MN 55374 763-428-9777
Some lake owners are using a ECO Weed Harvester (not a cutter) that also pulls weeds up by the roots to be collected in a bin, unloaded into a trailer, and hauled into the Wyanett Township/GLID FREE weed compost pile located by Grader shed.
THE MORE YOU KNOW:> One year, 8 tons of weeds were harvested, removing almost 160 pounds equivalent of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium.!
Research and Stearns Laboratory testing showed for that one ton of Green Lake weeds contain 9.36 lbs of Nitrogen(N) .
4.7lbs Phosphorus (P). and 5.63lbs of Potassium (K) fertilizer for lake weeds!! Lake owners probably remove a ton from their shore!
Removing weeds from your lake is always the best option to reduce nutrient budget loading that causes more weeds to grow.
Especially knowing that 1 pound of Phosphorus can produce 500 pounds of algae in one year!!!!
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