Sept 29, 2010 Notes

SAVE BLACK LAKE MEETING NOTES

September 29, 2010

There was an excellent turn out for the meeting hosted by Deb Wallace and Vern Bonfield.  We appreciate Black Lake Bible Camps’ generosity in allowing the meeting in their facility. The purpose of the meeting was to determine if there was collective support for improving conditions around Black Lake.  By a unanimous show of hands, there was.

Tom Oliva was kind enough to present information regarding the formation of a lake management district.  He was instrumental in forming such an association at Barnes Lake.  He explained that a lake management district requires the majority of lake dwelling citizens to sign a petition.  The City Council considers the petition and forms the lake management district by ordinance.  Each resident pays a small tax or fee annually, which is used for improvements to the lake.

Long lake has a large and successful lake management district and we plan to have a representative come to the next meeting to further explain this process.

Richard Doenges and Janie Civille , aquatic resource specialists, were graciously available to address the water quality issues in local lakes.  Ms. Civille confirmed that the Eurasian milfoil is now present in Black lake.  She also provided excellent information regarding the blue green algae issue reported in the Olympian.  She said that the reported neurotoxic and possible liver damage would be the result of actually drinking the water.  She said the danger was more for children and dogs who are smaller and more likely to swallow the water.

Ms. Civille pledged that the county would take samples every week and post notices as soon as the algae toxin level is safe.  She recently re-sampled the lake and is awaiting the results.

She provided lots of interesting and valuable information about lake management district activities on Long Lake.  She provided pictures of the various projects the county has participated in with the lake management district.

She also said there are small things residents could implement immediately. These included not fertilizing our lawns, or using non-phosphorous fertilizer as well as non phosphorous dish soap.  She also stressed the importance of keeping your septic system healthy.  It is important to have it pumped regularly and to avoid the over-use of disinfectant and bleach.  These substances kill the bacteria needed to break down the waste.

                There was some interest in whether a private property owner could apply herbicide to weed growth near his shore.  Ms. Civille stated that herbicide could only be applied by a certified contractor. 

Luckily, there was one present.  Doug Dorling of Northwest Aquatic EcoSystems explained that a permit was required, which would cost over 1,000 to $1,500 once the proper notice had been given to interested parties (this is an estimate based on the $450. Filing fee and the publication fees required for notice).  While residents could not have dozens of name on one permit, a neighborhood association or lake management district could use a single permit for all affected areas.

This brought up the subject of ABLE – Association for Black Lake Enhancement.  Although an inactive group, this association still exists and could potentially be reactivated to address some short term goals.  This will be explored and addressed at the next meeting.

Vern and Deb expressed interest in having people come forward who would like to take on key roles in our lake preservation effort.  Please contact Vern if you are interested so that sub committees may be formed.

The enthusiasm level was high.  There were cookies and coffee and the meeting adjourned on time.  If you missed it last time, show up next time – maybe there will be cake.

-Linda Tobin