Phase Two of Guardian Water Quality Program Announced, September 30th Meeting set


JLPOA members are now receiving letters from the President and Board of Directors describing the serious decline in water quality and a plan of action designed to identify potential sources of the problem. The information packet also includes a booklet, "Protecting Your Waterfront Investment: 10 Simple Shoreland Stewardship Practices." Click "Read More" for the entire text of the letter to members.

ALERT! On Wednesday, August 30th, the Secchi disk reading was only 4.25 feet! This is the worst reading in 10 years of monitoring Johnson Lake! We are facing a very serious clarity problem which affects not only our quality of life on Johnson Lake but on our property values.

Dear Johnson Lake Property Owner,

Thanks to many of you, our Association is on our way to addressing the issue of boats transporting Eurasian Milfoil into Johnson Lake by installing our Guardian Program equipment. Installation is beginning this week.

As you can see on the ALERT above, clarity has gotten worse in the past few weeks. In the past, a 10 foot reading was normal with beautiful clear water. We discussed the issue at our General Meeting. Members agreed it is a problem, but we lacked the hard facts to pinpoint what is really causing the water quality to decline.

The Board of Directors addressed this question during a meeting on August 19th. Fred Weber, Chairman of our Water Quality Committee, introduced Alan Cibuzar, representing A.W. Research Laboratories. Mr Cibuzar gave a presentation on aerial lakeshore analysis, visible imaging and life sensor data, all conducted from an airplane specially equipped with aerial cameras, infrared sensor and computers to compile the collected data. He presented a proposal for an environmental assessment of Johnson Lake. The overflight would identify pollution an d nurrient sources (run off, septic systems, wetlands, etc.) and provide hard facts we need to effectively improve water quality. The project includes a presentation of the photographs, analysis and recommendations.

The timing of his project is critical. To be most effective, the environmental assessment overflight should be done in September or October when the water temperature is best for imaging.

The total cost of the overfilght is $4,128.00. So far, 10 board members and other property owners have pledged $120 each to pay for the down payment and to get this started. We will need your support to raise the rest of the money. $75 per household would cover it. We don't like asking for more, but consider this second phase of our Guardian Program an important step toward solving a water quality problem that will get worse with time, unless we act.

Please send your donation to the Guardian Program Overflight Fund, in care of the Johnson Lake Property Owners Association, P.O. Box 461, Webster, WI 54893.

Thank you again for your investment in the future of Johnson Lake.

Sincerely,

John Okerstrom, President

Enclosure: Booklet "Protecting Your Waterfront Investment" Download a pdf version of the booklet here.

There will be an informational meeting September 30th at the Oakland Township Hall, 27826 Lone Pine Road, Webster, at 10 a.m. Hope to see you there.

Posted: Thu - September 21, 2006 at 06:40 AM      

©
Content Copyright 2004-2006, Johnson Lake Property Owners Association, Inc.