A MESSAGE FROM YOUR PRESIDENT, Lee Bayley
Listen to this!
"The opening of the West has removed the last chance of pioneering. All other continents have been explored. All other frontiers won. All possible inventions for the comfort and advancement of mankind have already been devised. Science has reached its farthest- peak and few minor hurdles remain. Nothing is left to be done in this best,of all possible worlds."
This article appeared in an 1895 newspaper editorial. The writer probably got indigestion from eating his own doleful words. What the writer apparently did not realize was that each new achievement raises its own new challenge. Most certainly, the writer was not versed with the problems of financing a sewer system around a lake that not long ago was pristine. Now the degradation of Deer Lake is becoming a reality, and our challenge is to reverse this trend of events while we still have the resources and the individual desire to see that our investment in our lake property grows.
Further on in this newsletter is a proposal that appears to be an option which we should closely consider. Other options do not appear likely at this time, even though we are hopeful and will continue our search to find financial assistance from other sources.
Sometimes, as property owners, we are faced with no clear-cut choices. We cannot afford the money it will take to put in a sewer system. Yet, If we do not, the Investment we have already made is not worth what has already been put into it, and it will probably be worth less in the future. Not many people would want to buy property around Deer Lake if it continues to have algae problems like it had last year.
As a board, we are not only optimistic but excited about 1988 and the challenges which lie ahead. Together we can improve our situation where individually we are destined to fail.
Ultimately, a sewer system will be installed around Deer Lake. Hopefully, it will be soon...before it is too late.
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"All of us are born for a reason, but all of us don't discover why. Success in life has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself. It's what you do for others."
DANNY THOMAS
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POTLUCK DINNER TO BE HELD
Do you have "cabin fever after winter's dark days? Or "spring fever" now that crocuses are blooming? Or a longing to have some chit-chat with your neighbors around Deer Lake? If so, the following is for you:
own table service if you don't want to eat with your fingers!
SEE YOU THERE!
WATER QUALITY COMMITTEE REPORT Jerry McBride, chairman
At the March 9, 1988 meeting of the DLPOA board of directors, Dick Price, manager of the Stevens County PUD, presented a proposal for sewering the east side of Deer Lake.
Following the presentation and after considerable discussion the DLPOA board voted in favor of the proposal. All directors have committed themselves to help organize a campaign to obtain the necessary number of property owners' signatures needed to petition the PUD to install the system.
Some details of the proposed system .
Area to be served
Approximately 400 lots, starting at the south end of Haney's all the way along the east side, then around both the south and north sides of The Narrows.
Cost per lot
On site.......$2500
0ff site...... 2230
total.........$4730
Cost per lot, if financed
On site, 20 years $2l.70/month
Off site, 20 years. $302/year
Operations and maintenance cost
$10/month, estimated
Options
If lot is vacant, owner may elect to not have system installed on site and would pay for off site costs only.
Details of system
On site system consists of septic tank connected to a separate pumping tank, which contains a "sump" pump. The pump pumps the septic tank effluent (liquids only) up to an interceptor-line, which carries the effluent to the treatment site.
Off site, the interceptor carries the effluent to the treatment site. This already exists above Wanakiwin. It consists of settling ponds and a sprinkler system which sprinkles the treated effluent on an alfalfa field which absorbs the nutrients.
This system is a small version of the system installed at Loon Lake.
Timetable for project
Beyond year five: Build treatment system on west side and sewer remaining lots around Deer Lake.
assistance for low-income owners
There is a possibility that grants will be available to assist full-time residents whose incomes fall below certain levels.
Process Involved to Get System Installed
1 1098 (40 lots) of property owners must petition the PUD to install the system.
2. PUD board of directors must vote to approve installing the system.
3. Assuming PUD approval, two public hearings must be held. The first would inform people of the proposed system and its estimated costs. Statements of public opinion would be taken. The second meeting would be held to answer any questions not answered at the first meeting. A summary of the public input received would be presented. If more than 50% of the 400 lot owners present a petition opposing the system, the project would be stopped at this point.
4. Assuming the system has been approved by the PUD and not opposed by more than 200 lot-owners, the PUD would commence work on a LID (Local Improvement District) and begin the project.
Need for the sewer system
Although there have been no recent water quality tests, last summer's algae bloom certainly made its point! People who have lived by the lake 50 years say this has never happened before. Certainly, the low water table and the long period of high temperatures contributed to this adverse condition, but there had to be a high level of nutrients to make the algae grow. The nutrients (nitrogen and Phosphorus) come from septic tanks, the stream in The Narrows, run-off from roads and logging and fertilizers put on lakeside lawns.
In some ways a sewer system is a form of insurance which will prevent pollution of the lake If we were to continue to have severe algae blooms every summer, it certainly is conceivable that this condition would shrink the value of a $50.000 home by 10%($5.000). which is about what the proposed system would cost per lot.
If you have any questions or comments phone me (466-0520) or attend a DLPOA meeting.
WOODCUTTING REPORT - Lew and Claire Houdak, chairmen
Wood from the Bolse-Cascade land will probably be available this year for DLPOA members only. In order to cut this wood, you need to send us the following:
1. Three stamped, self-addressed envelopes.
2. Notes from those of you who can help in the woods or at the gate. Help is needed.
Send the above-requested items to: Firewood, Route 1, BOX 493 Loon Lake, WA 99148
PLANNING DISTRICT REPORT - Ted Maxson, chairman
On March 8, 1988 members of the DLPOA Planning Committee met in Colville with the Board of County Commissioners of Stevens County. This meeting involved 1 1/2 hours of discussion on the potential for the deterioration of Deer Lake and its environs.
Proposals for possible zoning of the area were given detailed examination. Such proposals, if adopted, would affect new construction. Major development projects which might over-tax water resources and road usage were included in the proposals, as these, without restrictions, would further pollute Deer Lake.
Residents of existing homes and cabins have become increasingly alarmed by the heavy algae bloom of last summer. The quantity and quality of good water to many homeowners is at stake, to say nothing of the adverse effect of more pollution and silting on property values.
In early April a meeting is planned with representatives of DLPOA and the Planning Commission of Stevens County to give critical review of the issues regarding zoning of the Deer Lake area.
After hearing the above report, the DLPOA board at its March meeting approved the following:
"Input, in writing, by Deer Lake property owners, is requested."
Please send such opinions to me all Route 1, Box 622, Loon Lake, WA 99148.
FISHERY REPORT - Wes Wagoner, chairman
Good news! Deer Lake will receive 20,000 6-8" rainbow trout this year.
I had a fair hatch of eastern brook trout this spring. I hope to raise them to 2-3" in size before turning them loose this summer.
WATER SAFETY COMMITTEE REPORT - Howard Whorle, chairman
NEEDED I...volunteer water sheriff for 1988.
Stevens County Sheriff and DLPOA are looking for such a volunteer to operate the DLPOA boat this year. Volunteer Sam Smith did a great job last year. Unfortunately, he is no longer available because he has moved away.
If you would be interested in taking his place, please phone me at 276-6844 or 233-2342.
The Stevens County Water Ordinance has been amended and will be available at the Deer Lake resorts or from the water sheriff.
If you are going to operate a boat on Stevens County waters, you should obtain a copy of this ordinance and read it carefully so that you will be aware of the boating laws.
The Sheriffs office has stated that this ordinance will be strictly enforced.
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If you tell a man that there are 300 billion stars in the universe, he'll believe you.
But if you tell him a bench has just been painted, he has to touch it to be sure.
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ROAD MAINTENANCE REPORT - Inga Lord
The snow is gone now, and my telephone is busy ringing with calls from people around the lake telling about huge chuck-holes in the roads.
Those reported are in areas near Wanakiwin, Haney's and Gardner Acres.
Perhaps the county road crew should drive to these areas to see what can be done. The roads do need help. Thanks!