Fourth of July Celebration, by Larry Nokes
We've done it!! There will be a community fireworks display at Deer Lake this year. We are also planning an Aqua Parade prior to the display and are hoping it will be fun for all. The fireworks display will be shot from a float in the middle of the lake where most can see it from their places. If you are one of the few who won't be able to "view from home", you might start looking for a good vantage point. Watching from a boat would be great, but remember to stay a minimum of 1000 ft from the float.
The aqua parade will start at 7:30 PM and circle the lake for two hours with the fireworks starting about 10:00PM. This shold be great fun and water craft can be decorated with lights, banners, or whatever you can think of.
DLPOA has committed to the initial display costs but donations for this specific event will certainly add to the "spectacle on the lake". We are enclosing an envelope for your convenience in sending donations and contributing to make our first celebration a spectacular one. We are hoping to make this an annual event.
See you on the Fourth for a great celebration of our nation's birthday. Refer questions to Larry Nokes, 3860 N. Deer Lake Rd, Loon Lake 99148 or phone 233-2088.
President's Message, by Bruce Bassett
This will be my last letter as president. I am stepping down at the end of this year after serving for five plus years as president but will remain as a board member and also will continue to serve on the fisheries committee.
I have enjoyed getting to meet so many of my neighbors over the past several years while working on behalf of DLPOA and I also want to thank all of the officers, directors, committee members and others who helped make a positive difference around Deer Lake.
This next year will bring new challenges and board members are already making plans for the future. We are looking for more volunteers for two director positions and other positions. Please join and help.
See you all at the annual meeting. I'm Going Fishing!!
Water Quality and Related Subjects by Mike Phillips
I went to a meeting of the Washington State Lake Protective Association on April 7, 2001. Besides discussing milfoil and other water quality problems, the need to start planning for the inevitable invasion of milfoil was talked about in some detail. The Loon Lake Property Owners Association have been involved in the lengthy and complex process of setting up a Lake Management District, hereafter called a LMD. This LMD is set up using guidelines established by the State of Washington. The purpose is to raise funds locally. We, DLPOA, need to start the planning process. Anyone interested in this process or having questions about LMD's need to come to the DLPOA annual meeting on June 16, 2001 at 10:30 AM at the Salvation Army Camp on Deer Lake.
This summer I will be doing the same physical testing of the water that I have done the past few years. The difference between this summer and last, is that the State is not working with the volunteers due to the Legislature not funding that part this year. I will keep the statistics myself in the event they might want them in the future.
I have noticed several fires on the beach. This practice may or may not be against the law, but both the Dept. of Ecology and the Dept. of Natural Resources strongly advise us to remove all ash as soon as it has cooled. This is very important to maintain the quality fo our water. Please remove all ash or do not burn on the beach. Thank you for your cooperation.
Transportation Study
Stevens County is having a public meeting at 2:00 on May 19, 2001 at the Loon Lake Elementary School, to present the findings of the independent consultant's study of the roads surrounding Loon, Deer, Waitts, and Jump-Off-Joe lakes. This study was done to evaluate the road system given the growth we are experiencing, the maintenance and improvements of the roads and the funding available to the county. For answers to your questions regarding the roads in your area, come to the meeting. The County Engineer will be available.
Deer Lake Fireboat by Dean Crump
Bruce Bassett and I went over to the Bayview Resort on Pend Oreille Lake to see their fireboat. We learned that they believe a fireboat is an absolute "must" for a lake and the most important value of the boat has been for live saving emergencies. They also pointed out a number of problems they encountered so we could avoid them. We gained much valuable information.
One of the most important pieces of information our committee has found out is that the cost of a boat would be around $50,000 rather than the $250,000 we were originally told. We are still looking into grants to help defray the cost.
We want to do all we can to protect our lake and the property and lives of all.
If you have information or suggestions on this, please contact either Doyle Knight at 233-2030 or Dean Crump at 233-2081. Your comments will be appreciated.
Spring Cleanup and Chili Feed by Tim Dschaak
This year's spring cleanup has been scheduled for Saturday, May 19. We'll have the signs set out early so volunteers can start on their selected section whenever they want to. The chilli feed will start at 10:00 AM.
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We need volunteers - since our last newsletter we have heard from about six people and we have many roads to cover. May 10th will be here soon, so we need HELP!
Please volunteer and don't forget the camaraderie fo the chili feed.
Signs at Deer Lake by Larry Twitchell
Signs showing the way to East Deer Lake Road are completed and ready for installation on Garden Spot Road where it connects to Highway 395, and at the intersection with East Deer Lake Road. Discussions with County Department of Transportation personnel will proceed this period to assist in getting a State sign erected along Highway 395.
With the coming of good weather (hopefully soon) we will start repainting the two big Deer Lake signs on the North and East roads, and will also fix up the one sign at the "Y" on the North road.
This will compete the activity on this subject for this year. However, if anyone knows of a "sign" problem pease bring it to the attention of your Deer Lake Property Owners Association.
DLPOA Annual Meeting
And picnic lunch and potluck and surprise..
The DLPOA annual meeting is being held this year at the Salvation Army camp on North Deer Lake Road (follow the signs). We will supply the hot dogs, hamburgers, soda, lemonade, coffee and buns. Meeting starts at 10:30AM June 16 with lunch to follow. Please bring potluck desserts and salads if you so desire, along with any friends you may want to invite.
Come and have some fun and meet you neighbors!
Membership by Dean Crump
Our membership drive is still on. Have you sent your dues in? Have you checked with your neighbors or friends to encourage them to become members?
The annual dues are $12.00 and they entitle you to the benefits and membership in an organization that works to beautify and improve our wonderful Deer Lake. We solicit your suggestions, opinions and help.
We are again enclosing an envelope for your convenience in submitting dues, but we are also asking for donations for a "special event" for the 4th of July as explained in the article above. We appreciate your support.
If you have questions, please call me at 233-2081; fax 233-8062; or email at deerlakeresort@sisna.com.
Woodcutting by Virgil Standerfer
The time to cut us coming soon and DLPOA firewood cutters need to be ready.
DLPOA obtains a permit from Boise Cascade for a certain area that only our members can cut in. At this point, we do not have a confirmation on the starting date but will probably have that information soon. Anyone interested can call mme at 233-9178 and check to see if I have the date.
When cutting time comes, call me to set up a time to meet at the area gate. The seasonal cost is $3.00 for dues paying members and entitles you to cut multiple times. I will accompany anyone who cuts and we have to abide by Boise Cascade's regulations.
Fisheries by Bruce Bassett
We had a very successful year with our fish net pens and experienced very little to no losses while in the pens. Jim Santora released 18,000 rainbow and I released 10,000 brook trout ranging in size from 6-8 inches. The state added 25,000 rainbows of keeper size and if now we can get the weather to cooperate, we might have a chance at catching a few.
The brookies from the last few years are running up to 18 inches with rainbows in the 20 inch range.
Good luck fishing and let me know how you did so I can put you in our next newsletter.