(Ed note -- this newsletter is actually dated January 04)
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE By Larry Nokes
Well, here we are again at the end of another season, probably one of the nicest seasons in a long time. I feel it is time for one of those good news, bad news letters. We don't quite have a "perfect world" at Deer Lake.
The good news is that we had a great summer. The Fourth of July celebration was bigger and better than ever! Donations came in nicely and allowed us to have a great day. The lake is in good condition and from all indications we have avoided Milfoil for another year. I have had the honor to meet and visit with many people around the lake. We took a lot more derelict docks off the lake and cleaned up the roads a couple of times. We donated $300.00 to the Loon Lake Food Pantry for needy locals.
Now for the bad news. There seems to be a certain degree of apathy among the members of DLPOA. The dues and donations come in just fine, but when it comes to participating in the projects and at the annual meeting there seems to be a noticeable lack of attendance. I know we all have busy schedules, but these are rather important times at the lake.
Because of a rather poor attendance at the annual meeting some things may or may not have happened in the best interest of the lake. It seems as though the same people are always at the Spring and Fall clean-ups. Remember this is your lake too and spending a couple of hours twice a year to keep the area looking beautiful would be greatly appreciated. There were some new helpers at this year's dock demo days, but more hands are always needed.
If you would please note these dates on your calendar and try to attend and help it would be great. An idea that might help with the annual meeting is to have an afternoon meeting with a potluck dinner and "GOOD OLD FASHIONED HOEDOWN" after. These are all times to meet other DLPOA members and share ideas and just have a good time. If you have any other suggestions please drop us a line and let us know.
I am looking forward to a great 2004 at Deer Lake with increased enthusiasm and participation. SEE YOU AT THE LAKE!!
2004 Membership Drive
This issue kicks off the 2004 membership drive for Deer Lake Property Owners. We recently were asked "what does membership in DLPOA mean and why should I belong?"
The annual dues are $15.00 and are for a calendar year and provide the Income that we use to complete projects in and around the lake that will benefit all residents and preserve the beauty and quality of the lake.
Past projects include; working hand in hand with Stevens County on safety issues with the roads, assisting with oiling of the roads to keep dust down and out of the lake, water quality testing and milfoil testing. The 22 acres at the head of the narrows was purchased several years ago to preserve the wildlife and water quality. We purchased a patrol boat to assist the Sheriff's Department, but changes in regulations have mandated that we review the use of that boat. This is now In process.
Currently we support net pens overseen by Jim Santora, Bruce Bassett, and John Gregerson. This allows us to add several thousand fish to the lake each year, this will be our third year for the July 4th celebration that includes a kids parade and barbecue, boat parade and fireworks. We have adopted the roads surrounding the lake and sponsor a twice yearly road cleanup when we pick up and haul all trash to the transfer station. This will also be the third year for our "dock demolition day" when old and abandoned docks are hauled to a common point and disposed of. Our annual meeting includes a barbecue/potluck and we provide the meat and garnishments for all. Property taxes are paid on the 22 acres, and the newsletter is published three times a year as a way of informing all residents about what is taking place in our community.
A future project that is being looked into is a facility on the west side of Deer Lake where an emergency response vehicle would be kept in conjunction with Fire District #1. This would allow a much quicker response time for emergencies. We are in the process of checking the ownership of a small piece of property that would fill this need nicely.
To sum everything up, we are constantly striving to keep Deer Lake and the surrounding areas one of the most beautiful and pristine areas of the State. Your dues are instrumental in allowing all these things to happen and we appreciate your past support and thank you in advance for future support.
Road Safety by Larry Hersom
The issue of road safety is something that affects all of us at Deer Lake regardless if we are year around or summer residents. It can significantly contribute or detract from the peace, tranquility and general enjoyment of our beautiful surroundings.
Professions often refer to the "Three E's" of road or traffic safety as being Engineering, Education and Enforcement. Engineering addresses factors such as road design, placement, construction and maintenance. Education refers to signage, safety information and programs. Enforcement refers to the monitoring, investigation and issuance of citations and arrests for violations of relevant statues and ordinances. The degree to which these three components engage and interact to enhance road safety is often gauged on periodic and independent review of factors such as traffic volume counts, accidents and citations issued.
Another important source of information is from the people who live in and travel the roads of the area. As a group, it benefits us to proactively communicate our ideas and concerns. Your DLPOA board seeks your ideas and concerns based on your experience and/or observations concerning areas of hazard and safety as they relate to the "Three E's" of our roads.
Please send those thoughts and concerns to me at llhereon(at)att.net or 233-9122.
Finally, safety professionals remind us that most road safety hazards/problems are directly related to driver behavior or decision making. So as a group, lets commit as individuals to be careful and considerate drivers. Here's wishing all of us a safe and happy New Year!
Thirty years ago Deer Lake faced a major pollution problem from runoff emanating from a cattle ranch in the hills at the head of the Narrows. To counter this threat and to keep the land undeveloped DLPOA collected over $18,000 from selected members and bought 22 acres of this land that bordered the shoreline at the end of the Narrows. Subsequently, the organization now known as the Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture acquired the ranch and 700 acres from the former owners. In turn, in 1993, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USF&WS) acquired the land from NRCS and, under the guidelines of the National Wildlife Refuge System began to clean up and return it to a condition that would support wildlife and prevent commercial exploitation. As quoted from the USF&WS Manual Part 602 FW 1.4M from June 1995, the Refuge Program has four goals:
Goal 1. To preserve, restore and enhance in their natural ecosystems all species of animals and plants that are endangered or threatened with becoming endangered.
Goal 2. To perpetuate the migratory bird resource.
Goal 3. To preserve a natural diversity and abundance of fauna and flora on refuge lands;
and
Goal 4. To provide an understanding and appreciation of fish and wildlife ecology and man's role in his environment and provide visitors with high quality, safe wholesome and enjoyable recreation experiences oriented toward wildlife to the extent these activities are compatible with the purpose for which the refuge was established."
Through their efforts they have planted trees to hold the soil and provide cover for birds and animals, have constructed spawning beds, and cleaned up the stream to allow the passage of fish. The former pollution threat to the lake from this source has been eliminated.
In 1993 the Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife offered DLPOA a "Conservation Easement" for our 22 acre section wherein we would be compensated for preserving the natural characteristics of this land for fish and wildlife and to exclude commercial concessions of any kind. For unknown reasons no further action was taken on this proposal.
A few years ago we talked to the USF&WS about acquiring our 22 acres to complete their project. They were interested and talked about budgeting some money for its purchase if we were really serious. At the 2000 annual meeting it was proposed to sell this 22 acres to USF&WS so that the restoration project could be completed. The unanimous vote of the 80 or so members present, voted "yes" to sell the property to USF&WS. At our request here's what Lisa Langelier, the Refuge Manager for USF&WS said about their intentions for the property:
"If refuge did acquire the DLPOA tract as part of the Refuge System, we would have no jurisdiction over the lake or adjacent private lands. If it were added to the Kaniksu Unit of Little Pend Orielle National Wildlife Refuge we would protect and enhance the native fish and wildlife habitat values, first and foremost. We would not have boat ramps or camping or any other developments on this land. We may have fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, interpretation, environmental education, and wildlife photography - the priority public uses on Refuge System lands - but only if those uses are compatible with the purpose of the refuge and mission on the Refuge system and we have adequate resources to manage the uses."
At the annual meeting in 2003, some members voiced their objections to selling the property citing their concern about access if USF&WS owned the property and it was again put to a voice vote of the 60 members present. This vote rescinded the previous vote to sell the property and that is where we stand now. We still own the property but have done nothing with it. We have a rather unique situation here wherein the assembled membership voted one way and then, 3 years later voted another way on the same issue. There are about 450 paid members of the DLPOA. Less that 20 of that number (80) voted for the sale in 2000 with an even smaller number (60) voting against the resolution 3 years later. We need to resolve this situation once and for all with the entire membership involved. This issue is important and one in which our actions now will have a lasting impact on our lake in the future. We're looking at two possible actions to deal with this problem:
1. Sell the section to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
2. Keep the property. Work the section with our own resources to make it compatible with the improvements already made by USF&WS but retaining ownership by DLPOA.
Each of these proposals has advantages and disadvantages that are listed below. We would like the entire membership to review each proposal carefully and vote for the one you would support. Submit your vote when you send in your 2004 annual dues between now and May 2004. Results of this vote will be tabulated and announced at the annual meeting in June 2004.
Proposal 1
Sell the section to USF&WS
We would sell our 22 acre section to USF&WS for them to continue their conservation development of the area. Such sale would prohibit any future sale by them to any commercial interest or other development that could adversely affect the lake itself or surrounding properties. Note the previous statement of intent by Lisa Langelier.
Advantages
1. The land has not appreciated in value since we purchased it in 1986 and, in all probability, will not do so in the future. We didn't buy it with speculation in mind so that's not really a consideration. If we sold it to a group who wanted to make it into the same thing for which we bought it however, we could take out our money and, even at today's low rates, invest that for about a $300.00 annual return.
2. The threat of pollution to the lake from the ranch no longer exists due to the efforts of Fish &Wildlife so one of our original reasons for buying the property has been satisfied. If the property were sold the resulting money, which amounts to about 40 of our total assets, would be available for other uses around the lake like perhaps a Milfoil infestation. Judging from the amount of money Loon Lake has had to spend to handle their Milfoil problem, this amount won't go far but will get us started. Don't forget monies to fight Milfoil will come out of the wallets of each lake property owner.
3. There has been concern voiced by some that by selling this parcel would give the U.S. Fish &Wildlife Service increased control of the lake. Sell or not, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service as well at the Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife already have the authority to regulate wildlife without lakeshore ownership. What we do have though, is a willing buyer with the same objectives as us. Review again the Goals and Objectives provided by Fish and Wildlife plus Lisa Langelier's intentions for the property and see how they match our own. The window of opportunity for selling this property exists now but with Administration changes, could go away. It is not certain when this transaction would take place but, if we are ready when monies become available, it can happen.
Disadvantages
1. Loss of control of a valuable piece of lake property to a suspect Government Agency. Government agencies have a well deserved reputation for screwing things up. There is hardly anyone out there who hasn't read of or heard someone else talking about how the government messed up this or that project. Whether it was through unnecessary bureaucracy, a change in Administration Policy, Political influence, or just plain incompetence, government agencies have a terrible reputation. We read the great intentions written by Lisa Langelier but what if these were changed by some higher authority? We might have a major problem on our hands at the lake.
Proposal 2
Keep the land. Work the section with our own resources to make it compatible with the improvements already made by USF&WS but retaining ownership by DLPOA.
In October 2003, a fact-finding delegation composed of DLPOA members Jerry McBride, Pete Clark, Larry Hersom, and Larry Twitchell slogged through the area to ascertain the current conditions at the site. We found it to be a healthy marshland with many beaver and muskrat sign. The channel going though the middle of the property from the lake to about 150 feet into Fish & Wildlife section is wide with straight banks and very few obstructions as can be seen by the picture Jerry took. In our opinion the site looks pretty good just as it is.
Advantages
1. Easy choice, requires no action. Our portion of the land looks good for our purposes just as it is now.
2. We maintain ownership and control of the land.
3. We retain access to the land.
Disadvantages
1. Improvements will require some physical work and dedication by members of DLPOA. In the past, efforts to have members actually do some work have met with dismal failure. There seem to be many out there to complain and whine about how things seem to be but, so far, nobody has stepped forward and offered to actually do something when asked.
(Ed note - there was no 2 in the document)
3. Our initial investment is tied up as an irretrievable sunken cost.
So there it is folks. We would like to clear up this issue once and for all with the entire DLPOA membership represented. Your vote is important so analyze these proposals, talk it up among your friends, and vote how you want your association to deal with this. A simple majority will determine which proposal we will adopt and the tabulation of votes will be shown at the annual meeting in 2004. As noted earlier, this special vote is being solicited to finally resolve this particular issue alone and should not be construed as the preferred method for future voting situations. Just check the box of your choice on the ballot and enclose in the return envelope with your 2004 dues.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
This is a new section we are adding to the Newsletter for those who may want to express a personal opinion about lake-related subjects. Try to keep your thoughts short and succinct and we will print your letter as we have space available. Unsigned or "anonymous" letters will not be accepted and opinions expressed are those of the author and not necessarily endorsed by the DLPOA. Just sent your comments to Claudia Otis, DLPOA, P.O. Box 250, Loon Lake, WA 99148.
FISHERIES By Jim Santora
I received my winter batch of regular Rainbows on October 14th. They were not triploids as they do not have winter batches of those. The winter batch is far easier to raise because the water temperatures are colder and we don't have to worry about parasites in the water.
John Gregerson reports that Fish and Game recently deposited Eastern Brooks into the lake and will soon be depositing 13,000 Silvers and Rainbows into his net pens for the winter. Deer Lake will also receive a larger allotment of Silvers in the spring.
We are hoping for a normal winter so that we can have a great fishing season in 2004.
WATER QUALITY By Mike Phillips
While attending the WALPA conference at Lake Chelan last spring, I had a chance to talk to Jennifer Parsons. She is the State lake weed biologist. I reminded her of our potential for milfoil, with all the lakes around us that have it. She said she would make it a point to survey our lake near the end of the summer. She was here in August and checked the entire perimeter of the lake and found no Eurasian milfoil. With the state cutting so many budgets to the point of extinction, we should be very grateful that she could find the time to survey Deer Lake. She also informed me that there were some algae blooms in a couple of bays, causing a clarity problem. This is normal when we have very warm temperatures for extended periods.
The lake level appears higher than last year. I do not keep a taped level but I measure the distance on our beach from a set point to the waters edge. Last year it was 22 feet and this year it was 16.5 feet. I'm not sure why we have more water, since we were much dryer this year than last. The lake hasn't overflowed the last few years, but it has filled right up to the point of overflowing. Overall, all is well with the water in Deer Lake.
Thank you Lee Bayley for bringing up styrofoam usage for docks. In reference to minutes from January 2003 Board meeting, the minutes were not complete in that styrofoam may be used if it is totally encapsulated so if it breaks up it will not contaminate the lake.
DLPOA FIRE WOOD CUTTERS Virgil Sanderfer
I am going up with the Boise Representative in October to look at a new area that has lots of wood. Boise has raised our fee from $3.00 to $10.00 this year for all the wood we can cut. Your DLPOA dues must be paid prior to cutting. For more information call 233-9178.
EMERGENCY SERVICES By Gerry Block
Dear neighbors, by the time you read this newsletter we may be facing some nasty weather. I sure hope that the weather forecast for this winter is wrong! We may be experiencing another winter of heavy snows. Remember the snowfall of 1992-93? This was the season that all of the roofs were shoveled off, due to the weight of the snow. According to the article that I read, we have perfect weather conditions for this to occur again.
All of us have been busy getting ready for winter. We have checked and replace the batteries in our smoke/fire/gas/propane detectors, purchased batteries for flashlights, started up the generators, replaced old gas in the snowplows, etc. Along with the chores of preparing for winter, I am also asking everyone to update your medical information. This will speed up the information process required by the EMS personnel. Have you had any changes in your medications and do you know the dosages? Do you take herbs? Do you know of any allergies that you have experienced, from drugs and environmental factors? Who is your Primary Care Physician? If you live alone, who is the contact person for your care? All of us say that we will know the answers to the questionnaire, but believe me, it is false. When the adrenaline is fired up, the brain cells burn out.
It is time to think about joining the SCFD#1 The next EMT class is being offered in January, 2004. The class runs for 12 weeks. The next firefighter class will probably begin in February and runs 10 weeks. Both classes meet at the district office, Clayton (across from the Clayton Burger) on Wednesdays, 6-10 P.M. and on Saturdays from 8 A.M. - 5 P.M. Our fire district needs volunteers!
I want to thank all of the workers that have contributed their time to the new facelift and repairs at #5. Scout Troop #130, Jace, Anthony, Nick and Joseph under the direction of their adult sponsors, David and Georgene Hovda, did a great job of painging the inside bay doors to St. #5. The district office personnel for the exterior painting of the station. Tim Dschaak for his contributions to upgrade our current hot water supply. Carey Berger will install the new hot water tank and Rick Nichols will rewire the electrical supply. Larry Block and Howard Richards installed the station flag and Charlie Barker's memorial plaque. A special thanks to all of the workers for the annual pancake breakfast. Great job, done by all!
Have a safe winter.
Thanks From the Loon Lake Food Pantry
Nov 20, 2003
Dollars donated: $300
Deer Friends at the Deer Lake Property Owners Association,
Thank you for helping us provide holiday cheer and hope to the children and families that we serve. Your generosity is especially appreciated this time of year.
Thank you for being committed to the community and for helping us serve those in need.
Wow! A gift of this size make such a difference.
Happy Holidays,
Carole Hemingway, Resource Coordinator
DLPOA - 30 YEARS AND STILL GOING STRONG!
Mike Phillips, Historian
This is a chronological outline of the major activities of DLPOA since its origin in 1974, and is not intended to include all of the hard work of the members. I reviewed the newsletters to obtain this information. Those committees doing routine work year after year are well documented in the newsletters available online at www.dlpoa.com.
1974: DLPOA formed. Sewage the major concern.
1975: Feasibility study of sewage system started.
1976: Study completed; more studies needed. Dues $12.00
1977: Petition for sewer project vote defeated.
1978: Concerns: sewer; boating ordinances; road conditions; security and shoreline management.
1979: Sewer project voted down again. Installation of speed signs around the lake.
1980: Looking at year round fishing and another way to get sewer. New dump opens.
1981: Volunteer lake patrol started. Fire Dept improvements, rapid response vehicle.
1982: Deer Lake Fire Dept has 15 volunteers. Zoning of lake being looked into. No shooting zone looked at. Comprehensive plan being put in place.
1983: Much discussion about second-class shoreline and the DNR. Water quality testing being conducted.
1984: Installation of directory signs at entrances to lake. Removal of derelict docks. Sewer system studied again.
1985: Woodcutting is big. 144 cords cut on Boise land. Sewer plan submitted to DOE. Hearings underway.
1986: All Deer Lake owners getting newsletter. Water safety patrol doing well.
1987: Purchase of 22 acres at north end of narrows to protect lake from man and animals. Water quality is the focus of most projects.
1988: An addition to the Deer Lake Fire Dept.. P.U.D. proposes sewering all of Deer Lake in the next two years.
1989: Water and sewer projects underway. City of Deer Lake being considered. Zoning ordinance before board of commissioners.
1990: Roadside cleanup organized and started. 911 started county wide.
1991: Sewer and water systems being installed.
1992: Shoreline master plan nearing completion. Zoning plan nearing completion. Sewer completed, most people hooked up.
1993: Attempting to get natural gas into this area. Introduction of guardrail idea. New medical clinic opens.
1994: Shoreline management act adopted with local control over residential. More guardrail discussion. Discussions with all parties re: cows in north narrows.
1995: Guardrails installed along most of Southwood Shore Road. Hwy 395 improvements discussed. Final approval of Shoreline management act.
1996: Working to solve drainage problems around the lake. Growth management being studied.
1997: Remember the big snow? 12 ft total over that winter. Garden Spot repaved. New fish pens. Milfoil found in Loon Lake. Flooding conditions on Deer Lake.
As a plant alien to North America, Eurasian water milfoil has no natural enemies. It grows in almost any waterbody-lakes, streams and rivers as well as irrigation canals and small ponds.
Since its introduction into Washington state about 1977, Eurasian milfoil has spread to many parts of the state. It has choked out native plants in many locations. It has impacted recreational activities, hydroelectric power generation, and fish and wildlife habitat.
Eurasian milfoil spreads rapidly. New plants and colonies can start from a single fragment carried to a new area. Boats and boat trailers are probably responsible for almost all new colonies in previously uninfested waterbodies. Water currents also may carry fragments and start new colonies within the same waterbody.
Once colonies are established, control is difficult and costly. Eradication is almost impossible. It is vital to identify new colonies early.
All fishermen and boaters should be alert to spot Eurasian milfoil and to contact their local weed board or the Department of Ecology as soon as possible.
Call the Department of Ecology
(206) 459-6000