Engaging with Our Community: Exploring Relevant Topics
As I write these articles for the Lotawana News, I’ve found that brainstorming topics have not been difficult. However, I’m keenly aware that our readers—the valued members of our community—deserve content that aligns with their interests.
So, I pose this question to our membership: Do the chosen topics resonate with your preferences? Are there specific aspects of the Association’s operations and planning that you’d like to delve into further? Your feedback is invaluable as we write on topics that truly matter to you.
Feel free to share your thoughts, and let’s continue this dialogue together
Discovering the Intriguing World of Dirt
You might not have expected it, but dirt can be surprisingly fascinating when you watch the process of moving large volumes. Our ongoing efforts to clear silt from Basin #3 (located between Gate 3 and 4) have been successful due to the excellent weather conditions. With the assistance of Dirt World, we’ve been steadily removing dirt from the area on a daily basis and plan to continue for quite some time. The cost savings to our efforts is simply huge.
Once the dirt is excavated from around and within the basin, it needs to be transported away from the site, which is the largest cost to our silt basin dirt removal. Since basin #3 is very convenient for access and distance to Dirt World’s property, hauling has been very efficient. So far, there has been no limit to how much dirt they are taking other than weather conditions and time in the workday. So, the next time you pass by Dirt World and view that ordinary pile of dirt, remember that beneath its surface lies a world of complexity and purpose and your Home Association hard at work.
Our work extends beyond mere removal as we are also reshaping the basin berms to their optimal state. Additionally, we’re adjusting the size of the fingers within the pond, which play a crucial role when performing silt removal within the basin.
Enhancing Our Infrastructure: A Forward-Looking Approach
Soon, we will collaborate closely with our Engineer Consultants to develop an optimal end state design for Basin #3 capacity and a brand-new drain structure. This comprehensive plan encompasses the entire basin structure, ensuring efficient silt settlement and effective management of discharge volumes.
But that’s not all—we’re taking a holistic view. Our assessment extends beyond the basin itself. We’re scrutinizing the entire drain path, all the way to the lake. By engaging with local stakeholders, we aim to fine-tune our long-term dredge and drainpipe routes and enhance the overall structure.
Why is this so crucial? Because it ensures our ability to dredge efficiently well into the future. As stewards of this vital ecosystem, we’re committed to sustainable practices that benefit both our community and the environment.
Silt Basin #5 Preparation
We have started the cleanout process of the original (east) pond with removal of brush, trees and general overgrowth. Eventually we will create several burn piles versus trying to haul off the material. The west pond is also getting a makeover with removal of trees and brush so that we can properly access the structure, drain, etc.
These ponds will drain into the ditch line from the pond down to Indian Cove. Our initial evaluation of the route indicates a significant effort to clear the drainage route otherwise we will dump a lot of junk into the lake when we commence operation.
Unfortunately, we also determined the culvert under the road at the curve is rusted out. The Roads Committee will be looking at what needs to be done to replace/fix as this will be a critical structure to our management of basin #5 drainage. This replacement/fix will have an impact on our budgeting efforts for the roads as well, so more on that in future articles.
Sink Holes – Culvert Damage
For those of you that travel along the roads around L Block, we have two culverts where sink holes have developed. The Roads Committee has them on the short list for replacement projects as soon as possible. While we knew our culverts were not up to par, the pace of deterioration is impacting our road surface project. Again, more to come on that topic as we gather additional cost information.
Martin Property Wood
If you are not aware, we take all the material from trees cut down on Association Property to the Martin Property. There is now an exceptionally large supply of wood that soon we will have to figure out how to dispose of. If you want to volunteer managing a firewood event to help us whittle down the piles, please tell me. The thought is a day of creating firewood (cutting, splitting, stacking) and having it available for members to pick up.
Sincerely,
Jeff Clemow
President