SHORELANDS OF THE SECOND CLASS: After many hearings at Newport in regards to Diamond Lake residents' feasibility to purchase the Second Class shorelands (that land from high water to the line of navigability), Brian Boyle and the State Board of Natural Resources made the decision in June, not to abide by the intent of the 1979 law and has again refused to sell such Second Class shorelands. According to Land Commissioner Brian Boyle, "I don't think its been demonstrated here that it's in the statewide interest to sell second class shorelands at Diamond Lake. In addition, Boyle said, "We're being asked to determine a statewide interest one lake at a time. In my opinion, that's the Legislature's job to do that." In light of that the D.N.R. will devise a permit system to allow lakefront property owners to use docks built in front of their property on state shorelands.
Later in June, Representative Scott Barr, who initiated the original legislation in 1979, said he will again introduce legislation next year to clear up the sale of second class shorelands on Diamond Lake and at the rest of the State's 400 non-urban "navigable" lakes.
The Diamond Lake association of property owners - to which we have pledged $500.00 support for legal pursuit - still intend to face the problem in the court of law and declare Diamond Lake as non-navigable, thus opening the door for private ownership of those lands between high and low water mark.
Diamond Lake has acknowledged our generous offer of support, and according to latest newsletter from Loon Lake Property Owners Assoc., they too are challenging their membership to financially support the legal cause that will be initiated by the Diamond Lake group. If successful a precedent can be established whereby other inland lakes can go to the courts and seek the same relief.
WOODCUTTING: An excellent turnout of about 60 DLPOA members enjoyed the opportunity and privilege to go into the Buck Creek area, owned by Boise Cascade, and cut firewood last June. Approximately 100 loads of wood were taken out, and many were interested in future woodcutting opportunities. Boise Cascade was also pleased with the organized approach of DLPOA and complimented us on our concern not to jeopardize future trips because we could not give proper security, etc., that Boise Cascade felt necessary. Thanks go to Lee Bayley, Don Kenny, Jerry Linton, Wes Wagoner, Bill Paton, Ed Sweet, Ben Rasley, Lew Houdak, Alien Reed, and Dave Nixon for their help in supervising the wood cutting parties.
Further conversations with Boise Cascade this past few weeks indicated we will be able to organize more woodcutting groups later this fall. We have not settled on the exact area and dates (October) but would like those interested to contact Inga Lord, phone 233-2735, in the evenings and get your name on the list to be called when the dates become firmed up. The rules remain the same as last June, and includes no other groups or non-members and is restricted to available wood and on a first come reservation basis. Neither DLPOA or Boise Cascade assumes any responsibilities for accidents or injury to people or equipment and all risks are assumed by the individuals themselves the same as in any other wood cutting excursion.
The same list of rules as published in the June NEWSLETTER, will be made available to you on the day of woodcutting and will be adhered to. You will again be asked to sign a statement accepting these conditions.
Boise Cascade also has individual woodcutting permits available in the Loon Lake area if anyone is interested. You need to call the Kettle Falls office of Boise Cascade, phone 738-6421, for further information.
SHOOTING RESTRICTIONS: Some interest was expressed at an earlier DLPOA Board meeting that Deer Lake should have a restrictive "no shooting" area around the lake. No further action was taken at the time by your Board nor has anything else been done as of today. However, as we approach fall hunting season, we need to exercise cautions that no one gets shot accidently or causes property damage around the take. There have been too many reports of needless target shooting and the like amongst cabins along the water. Even though we feel we know the target we are shooting at, bullets do rickoshay and even skip on top of the water. Any of the guns being used are capable of serious damage or injury from any point on the lake and across the lake. So let's be careful and respect the other person and his property. If we do so, maybe we can avoid more laws on the books and the difficulty of enforcement.
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**Action may not always bring happiness, but there is no happiness without action...
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MEMBERSHIP: All renewal dues for 1982-83 should be sent to Kathryn Bean, Treasurer, N. 2803 Stout Rd., Spokane, WA 99206 - $12.00/year. Tell your lake neighbors and let's make our 311 members grow to 350 by next year. The more you are involved in the Deer Lake Community, the stronger our organization can become. Let's all join together.
DEER LAKE FIRE DEPT. [VOLUNTEER]: There have been quite a few additions to the fire dept. since the beginning of 1982. Big Red ha?, been Joined by a 1972 4-wheel drive pickup that we use for Rapid Response and First Aid calls. We have two certified E.M.T.'s now and another in training at this time. We've added two more firemen, giving us a total of 15 members. On weekends, we have great coverage but during the week we are still in need of volunteers. Believe me the Pay is unbelievable, the hours - outrageous, but the company is great. If interested please contact Quetta Collin, phone 233-2171 for details. We've been quite busy this year with five fire calls, six first aid calls, one standby, one false alarm, three (P.P.) civic service calls, for a total of 16 in all.
We held our annual Pancake Breakfast in July to raise funds to buy needed equipment and want to thank all who supported us. We hope to have more in the future.
Just a reminder, do you know which letter section of the lake you live in? It does help cut response time and it is working. Thank You ... Quetta Collins, Deer Lake Volunteer Fire Dept. Chief. (Editor's note: Quetta, to our knowledge is the only woman Fire Chief in E. Washington and even perhaps the whole state of Washington. Certainly to her credit has been her ability to organize the volunteers and keep their enthusiasm going.)
PRESIDENT'S REMARKS: by Bill Paton. This coming year I am looking forward to working with a very dedicated Board of Directors of the Deer Lake Property Owner's Assoc., with our prime objective being to preserve the water quality of the lake and to maintain safety on and off the lake with planned growth. We will continue to maintain close contacts with Federal, State, and County officials. If you as a property owner have any complaints, problems or SUGGESTIONS please contact one of your board members. We have many problems facing us this year on pollution, planning, safety and fishing. Our Board meets the second Wednesday evening of each month (except December) at 7:30 p.m. at Washington Water Power BIdg. in Deer Park. These meetings are open to all property owners. With everyones cooperation we will preserve our beautiful lake for future generations.
Let me introduce to you your current officers and Directors with their appropriate addresses and phone numbers. If you desire you may communicate directly with any member.
PRESIDENT: Bill Paton, Rt. 1, Box 588, Loon Lake, WA 99148 (233-2348) Committee assignment: PROGRAM, Legislative
VICE-PRESIDENT: Jerry Linton, W. 2927 Hoffman, Spokane, WA 99205 (328-2237) Committee assignment: Emergency Services, chairman (Loon Lake Fire Dept. lalson)
SECRETARY: Eleanor Paton, Rt. 1 Box 588, Loon Lake, WA 99148 (233-2348) Committee assignment: Newsletter distribution.
TREASURER: Kathryn Bean, N. 2803 Stout Rd., Spokane, WA 99206 (928-4420)
BOARD MEMBERS:
Clyde Innes, Sunrise Point, Deer Lake, WA 99148 (233-2342) Committee assignment: Pollution and Water Quality member
Don Kenny, W. 6315 Wenger Rd., Nine Mile Falls, WA (466-4410) Committee assignment: Planning, member
Allan Reed, Rt. 1 Box 508, Loon Lake, WA 99148 (233-2167) Committee assignment: Road Maintenance, Pollution and Water Quality
Fran Lundberg, Rt. 1 Box 556, Loon Lake, WA 99148 (233-2196) Committee assignment: Membership, and Hostess
Lee Bayley, N. 5540 Drumheller, Spokane, WA 99208 (326-0954) Committee assignment: Newsletter, Publicity.
Inga Lord, Rt. 1 Box 493, Loon Lake, WA 99148 (233-2375) Committee assignment: Membership, and Telephone.
Lew Houdak, Rt. 1 Box 493, Loon Lake, WA 99148 (233-2570) Committee assignment: Emergency Services (Deer Lake Fire Dept.)
Ben Rasley, N. 4917 Cannon, Spokane, WA 99208 (328-0205) Committee assignment: Fisheries.
Wes Wagoner, E. 1128 Longfellow, Spokane, WA 99207 (483-3358) Committee assignment: Fisheries.
Jerry McBride, N. 14707 Edencrest Dr., Spokane, WA 99218 (466-0520) Committee assignment: Pollution and Water Quality, Chairman
Les Schneider, Rt. 1 Box 390, Loon Lake, WA 99148 (233-2650) Committee assignment: Pollution and Water Quality.
Ray Daves, Rt. 1 Box 168, Deer Park, WA 99006 (276-5373) Committee assignment: Publicity, and Nominating.
Executive Advisory Board;
Dave Nixon, W. 2422 Broad, Spokane, WA 99208 (328-6780) Committee assignment: Water Safety, and Legislative, and Planning.
Ted Maxson, Rt. 1 Box 622, Loon Lake, WA 99148 (233-2286) Committee assignment: Planning, Chairman.
Ed Sweet, E. 619 Brentwood Dr., Spokane, WA 99208 (466-1031) Committee assignment: Planning.
Howard Wohrle, Box 1000, Deer Park, WA 99006 (276-6844) Committee assignment: Emergency Services (Deer Park Ambulance)
LaVerne Maxson, Rt. 1 Box 620, Loon Lake, WA 99148 (233-8849) Committee assignment: Auditing.
AREA PLANNING: At last report the finishing touches were being placed on a general comprehensive plan for Stevens County by the Office of Planning and Community Development. A number of public hearings have been held on the plan.
Our understanding is that the Planning Commission and then the Board of County Commissioners will make final decisions on these county-wide guiding principles. A sizeable document is before these groups.
Some months ago, as reported at the Annual Meeting of the Deer Lake Property Owners Association, the Board of Directors of our association submitted to county officials a request for zoning of the watershed and general residential area around Deer Lake. Our plan covered suggestions on matters of population density, practical building restrictions on new construction, clean water controls and the like.
It is our further understanding that consideration will be given our suggestions soon after the comprehensive plan for the County is adopted, if such takes place. It is likely that public hearings on our plan would then follow. (Although the time frame is uncertain and has not been stipulated, we presume the normal course of events will transpire in the next six months. As it progresses, you can be assured that members of this committee of the DLPOA Board, will keep you posted and ask for your input as these guidelines pertain fo; Dee'" Lake residents. -Ted Maxson, Chairman, Planning Committee.)