Lake Improvement Association Minutes
10/01/07
Jeff Vossler reports the barley straw project is a success. Dr. Hiskey of Wright State said there was no improvement in the clarity of the water in the lake, but the amount of blue-green algae was reduced by half. It takes four to six weeks for the barley straw to decompose and create a peroxide that kills the algae. Excessive blue-green algae cuts off oxygen to fish and other aquatic life and decreases water clarity. The project will continue next year, putting the straw into the channels earlier, so it can be done twice during the season. It would be great to find farmers willing to grow the straw locally so it doesnt have to be transported a great distance. It may also result in a profit for the farmer. If interested, contact a board member of the L.I.A.
Laura Walker, Grand Lake/Wabash Watershed Alliance Coordinator, gave a PowerPoint presentation on the Geotube projects at two Mercer County farms. The L.I.A. has donated $1000 toward the cost of this project. A Geotube is a giant filter bag made of high strength polypropylene geotextile that can be filled with various types of liquid waste; a polymer is added to cause the solids to separate from the water. The cleaner water then runs out of the bag (dewatering), leaving the solid mass inside. The solid manure is then easier to handle and cheaper to haul away, because it takes up less room and weighs less. The project is being funded by a $20,000 grand from the USDAs Natural Resources Conversation Service. The Grand Lake/Wabash Watershed is one of the most degraded in Ohio, caused mostly by runoff of sediment and excess nutrients from farmland. Southern Mercer County is home to the largest number of large livestock operations in the state. Volunteers to serve as water monitors to test water quality in the lake are needed. Call Laura at 419-586-3289 if you can help out here.
Monday, October 15, the Lake Restoration Committee hosted James Weichard, Mercer County Engineer, along with two of his staff members. They reported on their role in improving water quality in the lake from their perspective as it relates to controlling water entering ditches, streams, etc. Remember, the Lake Restoration Committee meets the third Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. - Celina Moose Lodge.
ODNR park staff reports lake level is 6 to 7 below normal pool. The smaller dredge is progressing down Behms Channel, but is idle until stump removal is completed. The DMRA on Behms Road is near capacity. The large dredge is making progress at Burdge Creek. Long-reach track hoe worked on Uppenkamp DMRA to raise walls for higher capacity. Windy Point West channel is on hold for now for possible Geotube project the tube would be used to protect the shoreline of Turtleneck Point wetland. The park received a used tandem dump truck from the state to replace the worn-out one they had. Sediment trap data are inconclusive thus far. Data collecting will continue for one year or more before making a decision whether or not the project will go on.
BOATERS: use extreme caution on the lake this time of year have adequate life jackets onboard, as well as emergency signal devices, fire extinguishers, and waterproof outer shell and layers for clothing. Future projects at the park include office renovation/expansion to update the main office reception room and work area, as well as expansion to the west side for more office space and storage. A new 1-ton 4WDdump truck with plow package should arrive before winter, as well as a new John Deere mower and trailer for hauling equipment, plus a used golf cart for Camper Host. Park trucks are slowly being replaced with Division of Watercraft salvage vehicles.
Mercer Soil & Water Conservation District will celebrate 63 years of service to the county at their annual meeting and banquet on Nov. 8, 7:00 p.m. at Coldwater American Legion Hall. Cost is $.76 each, representing the amount the farmer would receive from the cost of the meal. Call 419-586-3289 for tickets.
NEXT L.I.A. MEETING IS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 10:00 A.M. CELINA MOOSE LODGE.
