Lake Improvement Association Minutes
6/02/07
July 7 there will be a lia meeting at Behm's landing at 11:00 a.m. instead of the usual 10:00 a.m. Immediately following will be a pig roast/picnic celebrating our 60-year anniversary. Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided - if you prefer alcoholic drinks, bring yours. All L.I.A. members and their families are invited.
The Kids Fishing Derby was a huge success - many volunteers were there to serve and assist the 257 special-needs children and their teachers/parents/chaperones. The kids caught lots of fish and had pictures to take home to prove it. It was a chilly day, but that sure didn't dampen the enthusiasm. Thanks to all who volunteered their time!!!
Jeff Vossler reports that the L.I.A. may submit a request to Grand Lake St. Marys ODNR officials to use barley straw in Behm's Landing channel as a way of cutting down on the blue-green algae growth in the lake. Sediment traps are working well, especially at the low flow level. Ben Cross, Eagle Scout candidate from Lima troop #147, presented his project which consists of installing 20 identification stands at trees along the nature trail adjacent to the campgrounds. Motion was made and seconded to donate $400 to finance his project - motion carried.
County Commissioner Bob Nuding, a select member of the Ohio Legislative Review Committee, announced that most of Ohio's county commissioners are in favor of upholding House Bill 231 approved in January that requires updating of old septic systems. There is now an effort to repeal 231 before the state budget committee. Please contact your state senator (Keith Faber in Mercer County, John Adams in Auglaize) urging him to uphold it.
Craig Morton reports the lake level is at 2" above pool, nearly at the notch. Watch out for buoys in the Windy Point area as dredging continues there. E-coli check numbers indicate the lake is safe for swimming. Recent fish kill on the south side of the lake is attributed to low oxygen levels - due to hot temperatures and low rainfall. Watercraft inspections will be taking place near launch ramps on land, as well as on the lake. Buckeye trees are now available for approx. $175 each to add to the memorial tree program; if interested, contact the park office.
Friday - June 15 - LDC Legislation Day - 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Wright State campus - Grand Lake/Wabash Watershed Plan to be presented by Theresa Dirksen to O.D.N.R. and Ohio's legislators.
Monday - June 18 - L.R.C. meeting at 7:30 p.m. - Celina Moose Lodge - Guest speaker: Donna Grube, Mercer/Auglaize County Travel & Tourism.
Monday - July 19 - L.I.A.-sponsored lawn fertilizer seminar - 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the 4-H camp near Mariner's Point off route 703 near Celina. Come and get a free lawn-sampling kit which will inform you of your lawn's nutrient requirements. We need a good representation of our members at this event.
July 27 - Celina Lake Festival - the L.I.A. sponsors the boat parade - signup sheets are available from any board member. Decorate your boat if you want - let's have a good showing from our membership! Our own Bob Grimm is Commodore; Ohio's Chief of Division of Parks Dan West will be Grand Marshall. Staging area is Behm's Landing at 6:15 proceeding to Bella's on the lake, then past the parade stand - fireworks afterwards!
August 11 - Barstool Open - Sign up now to participate or judge - $100 per 4-person team (after Aug. 1 - $120 per team). Judges workshop/carry-in dinner will be Friday August 3 at 6:30 p.m. The shirts are awesome this year! Pontoon theme contest will again be held at Behm's, with prizes awarded the day after the event. More info later.
