One of my columns last month touched on the problems that arise when members decide to improve their views of the Lake by removing trees on the parkway in front of their property. As the rain continues to fall, the problems continue to come right along with them. At the July Board of Directors meeting the board voted a moratorium on removal of brush and trees over 1 inch in diameter on the parkway. Staff is no longer in position to decide what can be cut down and what must be left. Anything growing on the parkway or pathways (the common areas) over 1 inch in diameter must remain. The Association has commissioned an engineering study on the effects of clearing of brush and trees on the landscape and on the Lake. Lake property is expensive, and we all want to enjoy a nice view of the water. The board is serious about this issue and will expect the staff to issue points for any violation. Folks may have to decide which view is more important, the view from your living rooms or the view from your boats as points can result in water use suspensions. You may remove the trees on your own property, but not those on the parkway side of your property line. If your property has not been surveyed, you will need a survey in order to determine if the trees and brush you want to remove are yours and not on the parkway. The discussion on this will continue, so stay tuned.
Staff is also no longer allowed to give permission for a member to temporarily store soil, gravel, rock, etcetera on Association property. This may seem like a fairly uncommon practice, but you’d be surprised how often it happens. This includes the parkway, pathways, road right of way (any and all property owned by the Association.) When planning a project, please keep in mind that the spoils of said project must be kept on your own property or hauled off immediately.
Finally, the storm on the 4th of July and the windy days the following week have once again prompted me to remind everyone to please be sure to secure your boats (even if they are on a lift), your docks, and all your water toys. We hate to have to do something as drastic as close the Lake, especially over a holiday weekend, but when the Lake is unsafe for navigation it must be done as what happened on Friday the 5th.
Thanks for listening and have a Happy Lotawana Day!
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.