Wow, can you believe it’s October already? Where has the summer gone? The acorns are falling, the leaves are beginning to change, and the cooler temperatures are greening the grass. It’s that wonderful time of year when fall activities commence—definitely one of my favorite seasons!
Stafford Field has been mowed and bailed, and the Lota Smoke event is happening as this article reaches your mailbox. The Operations team has been diligently removing many trees that were identified for removal, and they continue to work on our Silt Basins. Before we know it, once the leaves have fallen, the team will begin the task of cleaning the ditches.
Fall also brings Clean-Up Day on November 2nd and the Annual Budget Meeting on November 12th, along with the seasonal removal of many boats from the lake. We will need volunteers for Clean-Up Day (2-hour shifts) to assist with managing the dumpsters at the Gate 1 lot (behind the Community Center) and the Martin Property for yard waste.
Later in October, the office will be sending out the 2025 Budget Ballots. If your contact information has changed, please call the office as soon as possible to update your details.
In case you missed it in the last LLA Communication, changes are coming regarding boat stickers, dues, and fee invoicing for 2025. To learn more about these updates, please plan to attend the Annual Meeting, where we will discuss this topic in detail, along with information on roads and our efforts regarding the silt basins.
Did you know Oak Mites are common in our area. After my last article on swimmer rash, I noticed discussions on social media about Oak Mites. For those who might not know, there are many oak trees around Lake Lotawana, and Oak Mites are quite common here. Scientifically known as Pyemotes herfsi, these tiny mites are nearly invisible (only .2mm in length). A single female can produce between 200 to 300 eggs, and the larvae reach adulthood in just a week. Cooler temperatures and moist conditions can boost their population, with a single Pin Oak tree capable of releasing up to 400,000 mites per day. They can also survive the winter in protected areas like leaves and ground litter. Oak Mites feed on midge (fly) and cicada eggs, and unfortunately, they love to bite humans, resulting in itchy rashes similar to mosquito bites. If you notice small, raised bumps that are red and itchy, you might be dealing with them! Additionally, these mites can cling to the fur of pets, causing them to itch as well. Infestations typically begin in July and diminish by early September when their food source runs out. Anyone feeling itchy just from reading this?
Did you know that in the early days of the lake, Lotawana Days was originally referred to as the Lotawana Water Sports Carnival? I want to thank Pat Beer for sharing program booklets from 1967 to 1971. Each program featured a picture of Miss Lotawana, along with all the lake clubs that supported the event through sponsorship and organization. Much like Lotawana Days, the event included a float parade, water activities, and a ski show. This highlights the enduring power of our traditions and how our lake community has both changed and remained the same over the years.
Tree Removal – speaking of tree removal, the LLA allocates budget funds each year for tree removal, focusing primarily on the Parkway and Pathways. The Operations team evaluates and earmarks trees for removal, which we typically outsource to a contractor. In most instances, the tree location requires our crew’s support to efficiently haul away tree trunks and debris. Our policy aims to aggregate tree removals whenever possible to reduce costs. However, if there’s an immediate threat, we can address it on a case-by-case basis. If you notice a dead or dying tree on the Parkway or Pathway, please notify the office, and the Operations team will assess the situation, likely adding it to our removal list. If a property owner wishes to expedite the removal of a tree on LLA property, they may do so at their expense, but prior approval from the Operations team is required to align with our rule and update tracking lists.
LLA Property Use – as a reminder regarding LLA property use: we recently had an off-road vehicle drive onto Silt Basin #3 between Gates #3 and #4, damaging the silt fence and hindering its function. Please remember that our property is private. Although it is owned by the LLA, this does not grant owners / members rights to use it outside its intended purpose. No LLA property is open to off-road vehicle use, except for basic transportation (e.g., taking dogs for walks or during sanctioned events).
Courtesy Reminders – finally, mark your calendars for Clean-Up Day on November 2nd and the Annual Budget Meeting on November 12th. If you have questions or topics you would like discussed regarding the lake or the association, please feel free to drop me a note at President@lakelotawana.net
Sincerely,
Jeff Clemow
President