March Annual Meeting + Bonus Dredge Meeting for those members from Quantrill and Waterfall Coves that attended the informational meeting prior to the Annual meeting, thank you. It was great to see so many attend and will help future communications for sure. Over night and Wednesday morning after we received 1.75” of rain and the water is going over the spillway. Great news for launching the dredge in the shallows of Sunrise Bay, however, the lake turned brown which shows how much silt came in with the watershed. Also, this just pushed the start of the Silt Basin drain until most likely next week. High level the schedule in the presentation still stands as we have some buffer in the plan, however, a few more weeks like this and we will start pushing the start date. If it approaches Memorial Day we will push the start until after.
For those that stayed or came to the Annual Meeting, my test for success is the limited nature of questions. Last night was a success and we will continue to provide regular updates in the paper, notices, etc. One topic came up around the various non-profit organizations that support the lake like the Parks & Recreation organization. For those that did not attend those organizations are 501c(3) and not affiliated with the City of Lake Lotawana or the Lotawana Association. Helps when you want to reach out to donate or help with volunteering to know the structure.
Last, you heard me several times, but for those not there, we require your Lot/Blk Numbers on Dock Structures, Watercraft and items in the storage lot. We will begin citations this year for violations that can result in losing lake privileges. This is not a minor thing, so please do not ignore it.
Low-water project punch list had another step completed with the additional guard rail closing the gap. We have a new gate for the southern side being prepared for installation as there may be a rain event that does cause water over flow requiring the gates to be closed. When we resurface this summer the balance of items will be completed.
Canadian Geese – most of the migrating flocks have already flown north leaving us with the local population. Please check your boat covers and ground cover areas for nest. If you find one, please call the office so that we can have Dave Williams oiling the eggs. This softens the shells so they will not hatch. Canadian Geese are still a protected species by the Federal Statute and Dave has a special permit to perform the work. Please do not attempt to do it yourself.
Lawn Services – it’s at that time of year to have lawn services putting down pre-emergent, etc. Please make sure your contractor knows there should be nothing put down on lawns by the shoreline. Try and keep any application back 25’. Also, as spiders start to emerge, make sure you are using a contractor that has approved pesticide treatments for anything on or over the water. This protects the lake from nitrogen and phosphate build up as well as protect the fishery.
Fishery – we are monitoring as the lake warms the water vegetation and will be ready to add some grass carp if warranted. Also, I recently learned that the Walleye we stocked tend to like flowing water and many have been swept over the dam. A recent down stream adventure found many Walleye in some of the deeper water areas. The fishery committee is not planning to stock them in the future accordingly. The Shad had a pretty good kill off with the lake freezing over, and noted by all the birds that have been cleaning up the floaters.
Beavers & Otters – Our environmental committee assists with managing nuisance wildlife, focusing primarily on beavers, otters, and mink. They do not handle animal control for raccoons, possums, or groundhogs. If you have an issue with such animals, many residents around the lake have live traps, or you can contact a professional critter control contractor.
Courtesy Reminders – we still have a few that have not paid their dues, so please make sure to get with the office to setup a payment plan. Remember any monies owed will result in interest charges as well as lake privileges. Even if you have your Boat Sticker from last year, if not paid we will revoke the lake use privilege.
If you have questions or topics, you would like discussed regarding the Association, please feel free to drop me a note at President@lakelotawana.net.
Sincerely,
Jeff Clemow
President