We will begin inspecting docks for electrical safety again very soon. This year marks the 4th year of the program. I am happy to say that at this writing, most of the docks on the Lake have been brought into electrical compliance. As of this writing we still have 87 docks that haven’t passed (out of 1045 that have power.) It has not been easy. Not for the members and not for the staff. 87 noncompliant docks may seem unacceptable, but when you consider that three years ago, the vast majority were noncompliant, I take it as a small victory. Folks have been putting docks on this Lake for over 90 years. The last few years have seen a boom in new dock installations. Many of these new docks cost more than most of the houses cost 50 years ago. Some of them even have more amenities than those houses. These new docks are a good thing for the Lake. However, there are still some that look like they may have been here since 1927. As we get them all safe electrically, the focus will probably switch to structural safety. Not everyone can afford docks that resemble the Taj Mahal. They shouldn’t have to. However, docks should be safely secured to the shoreline and they shouldn’t have broken or missing boards. They also should have enough flotation to keep them out of the water and if they’re covered docks, the roofs should be intact and well supported. The last few spring seasons have brought damaging storms. Docks not structurally sound quickly become your neighbor’s problems as well as your own. Dock spaces have become rare commodities. Water Patrol will be looking at docks in disrepair this spring always with an emphasis on safety.
We are aware of the problem with shotgun wads in the Lake. We are working with the Sportsman’s Club on a once and for all solution to the problem. New fencing has been installed and they’ve promised to bring in extra cleanup equipment to prevent problems in the future. It has been noted that the shotgun wads are not our only source of pollution on the Lake. I would hope that our members will show the same concern with the beer cans, water bottles, fishing line, noodles etc. Please help keep our Lake clean.
The Operations Crew will be crack filling the road starting the middle of this month. Please be careful when driving around the Lake. Also, we’re getting very close to putting the dredge back in for the season and launching our new push boat and barges. Stay tuned for more details.
Submitted by: Jan T. Olson – Executive Director
If you need to reach me for anything, please email me at janolson@lakelotawana.net or call the office at 578-4272.