June 1988 (With a letter from August 1988 at the end)
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING. JUNE 25. 1988 AT 7:30 P.M. NAZARENE CHURCH CAMP MEETING ROOM, DEER LAKE, WASHINGTON
The annual meeting of the Deer Lake Property Owners' Association (DLPOA) has been scheduled at the above date, time and place. The annual meeting is open to all members and prospective members of this association, which is comprised of land owners around Deer Lake.
This meeting is the time, once a year, when the complete membership assembles in an open forum to:
1. elect officers and members of the board of directors,
2. consider any business which may regularly come before the membership,
3. meet with county and state officials whose duties Impact Deer Lake,
4. exchange information and ideas with lake neighbors to improve Deer Lake, and
5. make plans for future projects and activities.
Each of the areas which we will discuss could greatly impact you and your property- financially, socially and environmentally. Always considering the ideas of the members of DLPOA, your directors will only make decisions after carefully considering the issues.
On the matters which may require legally binding agreements the Board must defer to the entire membership for the final decision. Although elected as your representatives the Board has diligently tried, after much study, to make the proper recommendations to you. The impending sewer project is such an example. This will require the approval of those property owners who are affected in the Initial five-year phase. However, all of us, as individual property owners, will make the final decision as to whether to build a sewer system or not.
A question-and-answer period at the up-coming annual meeting should give you greater insight as to the cost of the project and your share of the off-site and on-site costs.
This is DLPOA's 15th anniversary year.. 1974 to 1988... as an association. DLPOA has grown from I7 charter members to over 450 dues-paying members. With your continued support DLPOA is getting stronger each year. The annual meeting draws over 100 members. The Board covets and needs your attendance and participation, so PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS to attend.
Refreshments will be served after the meeting so that we can all become better acquainted with each other. Remind your lake neighbors, and perhaps take them to the meeting with you. Let's show everyone our Deer Lake community spirit.
Cast your vote for next year's DLPOA officers and directors. A slate of candidates will be presented, and nominations from the floor are encouraged. You must be a paid-up member to nominate, vote or hold office.
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We make a living by what we get;
We make a life by what we give.
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PRESIDENT'S REPORT- Lee Bayley. President-elect
As I look back at the past year I am most grateful for the generous gifts of time, untiring support, dedication and commitment of the other officers and the directors of DLPOA. You cannot imagine the pleasure that I had in providing leadership to such a group. All assumed responsibilities for their elected positions, and all fulfilled their duties unselfishly. Their support contributed to the following accomplishments:
1. DEER LAKE FIRE STATION ADDITION.
The Southern Stevens County Fire Commissioners have approved funding for this addition. Construction should begin soon, and the addition will be completed this year.
2. NARROWS HEADLAND LAND PURCHASE.
This purchase has truly been a coup in Improving water quality in Deer Lake. This will become still more evident in the years to come.
FINAL PLEDGES ARE DUE NOW FOR THIS PURCHASE. Please mail yours to the treasurer, if you haven't already.
3. DEER LAKE SEWER SYSTEM.
Recommendations to you are being finalized for this and will be discussed in detail at the annual meeting. Please study vice-president Jerry McBrlde's scholarly report on this printed in this newsletter.
The details of the above major concerns of the DLPOA Board will be presented at the annual meet, as will other subjects relating to Deer Lake. Certainly most important, as it has been for the past eleven years, is the proposed sewer system designed for Deer Lake.
Many of you have expressed worry to me about the water quality of Deer Lake because of the algae bloom in last summer's lake water. Your worry that it has deteriorated beyond repair leads me to relate a story that President Lyndon Johnson told when asked what he would do in such a circumstance when the situation appeared unfixable.
If there is a moral to this story, It would be to beware of being assigned to try to stop an Inevitable catastrophe. It would be easier to turn the job down. So that such a "job opening" will never be necessary at Deer Lake, we can all be grateful to DLPOA"s vice-president. Jerry McBride, for taking the lead in the study; and task of Improving the quality of the water in Deer Lake.
As always, there are many concerns as residents of Deer Lake which we should be aware of and discuss with each other, seek for answers. Some are:
1. Water quality is important, but what about the other environments that surround us-the land, hills, shoreline, forest and air? Are not all of these equally as important as the lake water for us to protect and preserve for future generations?
2. Should we have restrictions on our free dom to build our homes, or should we have no regard to density, zoning restrictions roads, water safety or compliance to numerous other government regulations which affect our standards of acceptable living?
3. Who should answer to our grand-children when we tell them of the pristine beauty that once surrounded Deer Lake-the wildlife and the fishing that to them may be only stories from the past?
DLPOA's purpose Is "to protect the lake from environmental depradatlon"....."and to do all and everything necessary, suitable and proper for the accomplishment of those purposes. "
DLPOA is not one of us but all of us, together and united. Can we count on you'. Membership is only $12 per year.
SLATE OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
The Nominating Committee for DLPOA has recommended the following persons as officers and directors for 1988-89:
PRESIDENT: Lee Bayley. Incumbent. Southwood Shore property owner for 11 years; member since 1979} vice-president for 2 years; President of Refrigeration Specialties.
VICE-PRES: Jerry McBride. Incumbent. Property owner for 41 years; Director for 5 years. chairman of Water Quality Committee; production manager for R.A. Pearson Company.
SECRETARY: Barbara Reed. Incumbent. Charter member; chairman of Membership Committee; member of the pioneer Haney family of East Deer Lake; retired from managing Haney's Resort.
TREASURER: Kathryn Bean. Incumbent. Property owner for over 40 years; charter member, historian and treasurer since 1974.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS to Fill Five Positions
3-yr. term: Lew Houdak. Incumbent. Property owner and member for 12 years; board member for 8 years; chairman of wood cutting committee; shop foreman for Ponderosa Drilling Company.
3-yr. term: LeRoy Johnson. Incumbent. Property owner and member since 1965; board member for 2 years; served on Planning District Committee and was very helpful in obtaining Narrows property for DLPOA; real estate broker.
3-yr. term: Wes Wagoner. Incumbent. Property owner since I960; charter member; board member for many years; Fishery chairman; retired from Kaiser Aluminum.
3-yr. term: Virgil Gering. Property owner in Narrows and member since 1982; apartment house owner.
2-yr. term: Mrs. Li la Howe. Property owner in Narrows since 1978; member for 5 years; year-round resident for 2 years; husband works in Deer Park for Washington Water Power Company.
Further nominations may be made from the floor by paid-up members during the Annual Meeting.
To outgoing Directors Ben Rasley and Clair N. Jones we extend our thanks for their dedicated service.
EMERGENCY SERVICES REPORT - -Jerry Linton, chairman
DANGER! FIRE SEASON COMING!
Last year our area had an excellent year concerning fire control. You all should be commended for your efforts in the prevention of forest fires. We have all found that it really is not hard at all to practice safety and thereby eliminate forest fires.
We certainly have a beautiful lake and plenty of timber around it. It would be a shame to have it burned off and the area reduced to burned, blackened rubble. What a sickening sight this would be to look at for years to come...and just because of someone's carelessness.
Let's promise to try even harder this year than last to eliminate all kinds of devastating fires.
PLEASE NOTE
All the areas around Deer Lake have been sectioned off into fire districts to enable fire-fighters to get to fires faster. Each area is designated with a letter from the alphabet. Please find out your area letter and post this letter in your home by the telephone. Give this area-letter when reporting a fire on or near your property.
Following is the FIRE TELEPHONE NUMBER to dial for help.
Please post this and the other two Important numbers by your telephone.
FIRE: 466-0911. State your name and location clearly.
SHERIFF: 1-800-572-094? (toll free)
STOP POACHING: 1-800-562-5626 (toll free)
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The smallest deed is usually more important than the greatest intention.
Benjamin Franklin
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DEER LAKE FIRE STATION
The Deer Lake Fire Department under the supervision of Fire Chief Quetta Collin, Assistant Fire Chief Ken Barker and the other fire department personnel have been working with the Stevens County Fire Commissioners for several years to get approval for the construction of an addition to the Deer Lake Fire Station. This is needed for equipment storage and for training sessions and meetings.
Finally, it looks like our common goal has been achieved! A preliminary set of plans was presented to the commissioners. They were approved. Then a final set was presented, and they, also, were approved.
The money has been set aside for construction which will start after the required building permits are obtained. Ground-breaking could be anytime...even before you receive this newsletter!
Construction will be done by volunteers (you and me). The commissioners want the addition to be completed as soon as possible. Fire Chief Collin needs:
a volunteer electrician
helpers for the electrician
carpenters
There are plenty of people around the lake who could be of much help. Remember, "many hands make for fast work." Please phone either of the following to volunteer:
Quetta Collln, Ken Barker
Remember, we all have been waiting a long time for this fire station addition to happen so let's pitch in and help with the job. Our many thanks to the Fire Commissioners Steve Sipe, Rudy Karg and Gary Hall.
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LOON LAKE FIRE STATION
Four people left May 23rd for the east coast to pick up two new fire trucks ordered by the Stevens County Fire Commissioners. The drivers plan to have the trucks here around June 1st.
One truck will go to the Loon Lake station. The other to the Turn Tum station. A third new truck is planned for the Suncrest station next year. Our thanks, again, to our Fire Commissioners. This has taken years of planning.
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WASHINGTON STATE LAKE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION
SUBJECT! Draft of the Centennial Grant Program Regulation
The following is a summary of information received from Joe Heineck, President.
D.O.E. held a hearing on the above subject in Spokane on May 24, 1988. Unfortunately, the Draft of Regulations, WALPA's recommendations, and the hearing notice were not received until after the hearing. Written comments could have been accepted until June 6, 1988 by Kirn McKee, Washington State Department of Ecology, Mail Stop PV 11, Olympia, WA 98504.
Several points in D.O.E.'s proposed regulations reflect WALPA's addressed concerns. These include:
1. 75 state match for lake restoration,
2. more flexible "public access" requirements,
3. broader definition of lake restoration, and
4. provision of an annual funding cycle.
Several points which WALPA had raised were not included. These recommendations address:
1. funding sewage treatment plants from money within the "lake and rivers" category. D.O.E. has responded by establishing two sub-categories:
a) lake restoration projects,
b) other fresh water projects,
2. definitions problem prevention should be included with restoration,
3. conservation district eligibility,
4. funding to complete already initiated lake projects.
For more detailed information regarding the new proposed regulations and WALPA's recommendations, please phone Sd or Vi Sweet, 466-1031 or 233-883.
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People can be divided into three groups:
those who make things happen,
those who watch things happen,
and those who wonder what happened.
John Newborn
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WATER SAFETY REPORT
Howard Whorle, chairman
The Deer Lake property owners and the Stevens County sheriff's office are looking forward to another safe summer of fun. The revised Stevens County ordinance relating to the safety of swimmers, boaters water-skiiers, fishermen and others on the waters of Stevens County is now in print. Sheriff Dick Andres stated that copies are now available. He recommends that this ordinance needs to be reviewed as there are some changes, and these regulations will be enforced.
The regular sheriff's deputy, Ed Burns is the Stevens County water safety coordinator and will operate the new Stevens County sheriff's boat on the lakes of Stevens County. The Deer Lake boat will be operated or Deer Lake by a volunteer, as it has been ir the last number of years. This volunteer deputy will be assisted and instructed by Deputy Ed Burns.
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A SUMMER THOUGHT from our president
Swimming presents an area of concern. Be fully aware of each member of the family entering the water for a refreshing dip. According to safety specialists, the picture of someone in the water, yelling for help, is far from accurate. Anyone drowning is seldom able to yell. In fact, with the thrashing and bobbing, they may appear to be playing to the casual observer. Should you become aware of a drowning person, these words may enable you to get that person to safety. "Run, reach, row, throw, and go" are the keys. RUN to the victim if you can do so while keeping your head above water. REACH with a pole, rope, oar, tree branch, or anything else which can be extended out to the person. ROW a boat to the victim. THROW something which floats, such as a life buoy, a board, an inner tube. GO, after the person. This option should be a last resort, because, if you have not had some training, you may put yourself in jeopardy.
One final thought about water safety. Prevention is far better than any cure. Swim only in familiar, supervised areas.
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INFORMATION ON PROPOSED SEWER SYSTEM FOR THE EAST SIDE OF DEER LAKE
(INCLUDING THE NORTH SIDE OF THE NARROWS TO THE PEARL RAY RESORT)
1. Q. What is the area to be served?
A. Approximately 400 lots starting at the south end of Haney's all the way along the east side and then around both the south and north sides of the narrows to approximately the Pearl Ray Resort. Wanakiwin is excluded since they already have a sewer system.
2. Q. What is the estimated cost of the sewer system if it were built today?
A. On site cost - $2,500 lot. Off site cost- $2,230 lot. total$4730 lot.
Estimated cost of operations and maintenance-- $10.00/mo. (payable when connected to the system)
3. Q. How and when will the system be paid for?
A. The Stevens County P.U.D. will take out construction loans as required to build the system over the 5-year planned construction period. When complete, the total actual costs for the system (both on-site and off-site) will each be divided up and charged to the 400 property owners. Property owners will then have the option of financing the off-site charges over a twenty year period or paying in a lump sum. The on-site charges would be paid on a monthly basis over a twenty year period along with the operations and maintenance charges.
4. Q. What if my lot does not have any dwellings on it?
A. You would have to pay for the off-site work but would not be required to install the on-site equipment. If at a later date you want the on-site equipment installed, the charge would be at the cost prevailing at that time.
5. Q. Projected timetable of the project?
A. Year one (1989) - Install system in area from south of Haney's Resort to Wanakiwin.
Year two (1990) - Install system in Julius Terrace and upgrade existing treatment site above Wanakiwin.
Year three (1991) - Complete treatment system upgrade.
Year four (1992) - Install system from north end of Julius Terrace through south side of narrows.
Year five (1993) - Install system on north side of narrows, including property to Pearl Ray Resort.
6. Q. What is the legal process involved to get the system installed?
A. a. 10 or approximately 40 lot owners within the proposed area must sign a petition requesting the P.U.D. to install the sewer system. Husband and wife count as one owner.
b. The P.U.D. Board of Commissioners must hold a public hearing and then vote to form a local utility district (L.U.D.) for the purpose of sewering the lots described. If more than 50 of the 400 lot owners present a petition opposing the system, the project would be stopped at this point.
c. Assuming the installation of the system has been approved by the P U D and not opposed by more than 200 lot-owners, the P.U.D. would commence work on a L.U.D. (Local Utility District) and begin the project.
7. Q. Does the P.U.D. have experience in projects such as this one?
A. Since 1982 the P.U.D. has designed and built two complete water systems with a total of approximately $700,000. They have also made approximately $500,000 worth of various improvements to existing systems including new wells, reservoirs, fire hydrants, and pipelines from 3/4" to 12" in size. The P.U.D. currently provides water and sewer services to approximately 1,700 homes located on 14 different systems in both Stevens and Spokane Counties.
8. Q. What are the details of the system proposed?
A. 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 system includes the interceptor lines which carry the effluent to the treatment site above Wanakiwin. It will consist of both treatment and storage ponds and a sprinkler system which sprinkles the treated effluent on a field whose crop will absorb the nutrients. This system is a small version of the system installed at Loon Lake.
9. Q. Why do we need a sewer system?
A. 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 outdoor toilets, cesspools, 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 is certainly conceivable that this condition would shrink the value of a $50,000 home by 10% ($5,000), which is about what the proposed system is estimated to cost per lot.
10. Q. Are only lake-front owners involved or are secondary lots involved with this also?
A. All platted lots, secondary & lake-front in the area previously described contribute to the problem, and so are included in the project.
11. Q. What role does the Deer Lake Property Owners' Association (DLPOA) play in this project?
A. The DLPOA Board of Directors has voted in favor of this project and is leading a drive to gather the required signatures on a petition to Stevens County P.U.D. However DLPOA has no legal authority to obligate any property owner to this project.
12. Q. For those owners having no indoor facilities does this plan include the installation of all necessary tanks,pipes and fixtures?
A. On-site work would consist of the following:
a. Furnish and install septic tank and separate pumping tank with a pump.
b. Connect plumbing between tanks and connect pumping tank to off-site interceptor line. If building has existing sewerage facilities - connect septic tank to existing line. If no line exists - it would be homeowner's responsibility for all indoor facilities and line from building to septic tank.
c. Electrical wiring from pump to building will be installed. It will be homeowner's responsibility to provide a separate 220 V wire from the building service panel to pump service box location on building. This wire must be connected to a separate breaker in the panel.
13. Q. We use our cabin only a few days each year. Why should we have to pay a large amount for so little sewage system use, when those who reside at the lake year-round generate most of the pollution?
A. You have the potential to use your property year-round like those who now reside on the lake. We know of no practical method for apportioning the exact cost to the benefit derived by individual property owners.
14. Q. How will the project be administered?
A. The Stevens County P.U.D. will do as much of the work on the project as possible with their own equipment and people. Portions of the project will be put out for bid to private contractors.
15. Q. I live too far away to attend the monthly Wednesday evening meetings of DLPOA. Will there be weekend meetings held to answer questions and allow people to state their opinions?
A. The annual DLPOA meeting will be held Saturday night June 25th at 7:30 p m at the Nazarene Church Auditorium on Deer Lake. This will be an excellent opportunity to state your opinions and ask questions. A public hearing must be held as part of the approval process before an L.U.D. can be formed by the Stevens County P.U.D. This meeting will serve as a forum and source of answers to questions.
16. Q. What about property owners with limited financial means?
A. There is a possibility that grants will be available to assist full-time residents whose incomes fall below certain levels. Also, there is a possibility of obtaining grant money or low interest loans from the State's Centennial Clean Water Act. This money would apply to all property owners. However, it is possible that there will be no State or Federal funds to help pay the cost of the sewer system.
17. Q. Does the operations and maintenance charge include pumping my septic tank periodically?
A. Yes. The septic tank and the pump will be maintained by the P.U.D.
18. Q. I just put in a new septic tank. Would it have to be replaced?
A. If the tank is the right type and is new enough it will be used and the property owner will be credited the cost of the tank against his on-site charge. To qualify you must have proof of purchase. If you plan to install a new septic tank in the near future please call Dick Price at the P.U.D. (233-2534).
19. Q. I have two lots, will I have to pay for two sewer charges?
A. Normally yes. However, if one dwelling is situated on two lots so they cannot be divided, the County can be petitioned to combine the two lots into one. This is a relatively simple and inexpensive process.
20. Q. Why are we doing this?
A. The goal of DLPOA and the P.U.D. is to preserve Deer Lake for future generations. The quality of the water is the key element.
21. Q. Why don't we get the government to pay for this?
A. Believe me we've tried! We've pursued this avenue for over twelve years to no avail. The basic fact of the matter is that grant money for these types of projects is scarce and getting scarcer. The P.U.D. is continuing to pursue all reasonable options for grant funds and low-interest loan money. By working with the P.U.D. and doing the project in yearly increments we can get the job done.
22. Q. Can the project be accelerated?
A. The five year schedule is based on doing as much as possible with PUD personnel as the law allows. This will keep construction costs down.
23. Q. Can the PUD enforce hookup to the sewer system?
A. Yes. Formation ofa Local Utility District (LUD) gives it the legal power to enforce hookup.
24. Q. Will the Washington State Department of Ecology (D.O.E.) approve expansion of the Wanakiwin site?
A. In a recent discussion with Roger Ray of the D.O.E. Spokane office, he indicated to Dick Price approval of the idea of expanded Wanakiwin site.
25. Q. Would it be possible to break up the project into smaller segments and pay-as we-go?
A. It would not be practical to allocate project costs for off-site improvements fairly if the project was broken into smaller segments.
26. Q. Could a person pay a portion of their project costs for off-site and onsite costs when connected to service?
A. This is a possibility to reduce interest costs of the project, but certainly complicates the calculation of charges against each property when the project is completed. The additional complication may not justify the reduced interest cost.
27. Q. Would the PUD put out some of the work for bid by outside contractors to speed up the project?
A. Some of the work by necessity will be done by outside contractors because the PUD doesn't have the capacity to do it. As mentioned in Q. 22, the PUD will do as much work as possible within the law to keep costs down.
DEER LAKE SEWER PROJECT UPDATE
Dear Deer Lake Property Owner:
By now you've probably received a letter from the Stevens County P.U.D. announcing a meeting on the proposed sewer for Deer Lake. The meeting will be 7:00 p.m. Saturday, August 27 at the P.U.D. office at Loon Lake (behind Raft's Restaurant).
In response to input by property owners at our annual meeting, the P.U.D. has revised their original proposal. They are now proposing to sewer the whole lake in the next two years.
A major factor in including the whole lake and shortening the time to implement is the report presented by Dr. Scholtz at our annual meeting. Dr. Scholtz's findings show significant degradation of the water quality in Deer Lake. An extract of Dr. Scholtz's report is enclosed with this letter.
Board members of DLPOA will be out gathering signatures on a new petition asking the P.U.D. to put in a sewer around all of Deer Lake. We will need about one hundred property owner's signatures. Those that signed the petition for the original proposal, which would have sewered four hundred lots on the East Side over a five year period, will be contacted and asked to sign the new petition. An updated question and answer sheet will be attached to the petition which will hopefully answer any questions you have. If you need additional information contact me or any DLPOA board member and we'll get your questions answered.
The public hearing at the P.U.D. on August 27th is your opportunity to ask questions and give opinions so if at all possible, be there.
Yours truly,
Jerry Me Bride
Chairman, Water Quality DLPOA
Attachments:
1. Summary of Deer Lake Study by Dr. Scholtz
2. List of DLPOA Board Members
In 1985, the DLPOA and the Loon Lake Property Owners Association contracted with the Department of Biology at Eastern Washington University to conduct a study on the environmental factors affecting the fish in both lakes. The study was completed in June of 1988. A summary of the report was presented at the DLPOA's annual meeting in July. The report is approximately 180 pages and is quite thorough and detailed.
In an attempt to make this information available to everyone, we have extracted from the full study those parts which represent the most important points. We have extracted the information that relates to Deer Lake only and have given particular emphasis to the items that relate to "water quality." As you may know, simply by visual observation, our lake is in a spiral ing cycle of deterioration. This study only proves what most of us have already suspected. The bad news is that much of this damage is irreversible.
The study often refers to the rate of eutrophication. This is (Websters) the process by which a body of water becomes either naturally or by pollution rich in dissolved nutrients and often shallow with a seasonal deficiency in dissolved oxygen.
Extracts from Final Report "Environmental Factors," June 1988
Comparison of data collected i'n 1978 and 1985 indicated that the rate of eutrophication of Deer Lake appears to be accelerating in a geometric pattern as indicated by: (1) increased nutrient (orthophosphate) levels which now exceed the critical level for producing nuisance algal blooms;
(2) increased phytopiankton biovolume and a shift in phytoplankton composition to blue-green algae; (3) a 20 decrease in water transparency from 1971 to 1985; (4) a geometric increase in the rate of hypolimnetic oxygen depletion between 1971 and 1985; and (5) repiacement of cladocerans by an increased abundance of rotifers.
Zooplankton communities are composed of three main types -- Cladocera, Copepoda, and Rotifera. Rotifers are almost never seen in fish diets. Rotifers were not detected in either lake in 1911. In 1985, they dominated the zooplankton community. (42.9) Thus, rotifers accounted for most of the increase in zooplankton productivity between 1911 and 1985.
Since fish do not consume rotifers, most of the increased zooplankton production cannot be utilized by fish. The presence of large numbers of rotifers in Deer Lake is still another indication of the eutrophication that has taken place.
The decline of lake trout in Deer Lake has paralleled the amount of oxygen depletion. Lake trout were abundant before 1950 and subsequently rapidly declined in population levels from about 1955 to present, at a time when the rate of hypolimnetic oxygen depletion had also accelerated. Deer Lake experienced no hypolimnetic anoxia in 1972, anoxia in the bottom one meter in 1978, and anoxia in about the bottom three meters in 1985. In Deer Lake, in 1911, only the bottom meter contained less than 4.0 mg/1 dissolved oxygen. By 1971 the bottom three meters, and by 1978 the bottom 3.5 meters contained less than 4.0 mg/1 dissolved oxygen. In 1985, the bottom six meters of Deer Lake contained less than 4.0 mg/1. The cause for declining oxygen levels is increased nutrient loading, which stimulates phytoplankton growth (primary production) and zooplankton (secondary production). Increased organic matter reduces water transparency and depletes oxygen when it sinks to the bottom. A further decline in abundance of lake trout in Deer Lake should be expected, since the rate of hypolimnetic oxygen depletion is accelerating in Deer Lake.
Nitrogen (nitrate, nitrite, ammonia) and phosphorus (orthophosphorus, total phosphorus) compounds act as nutrients for fertilizing the growth of algae (phytoplankton, macrophytes) and contributing to the increased production of organic materials. Nutrients can enter a lake in a variety of ways. The first way is by rainfall. A second way is through increased nutrient input into inlet streams due to increased erosion caused by logging, farming, and grazing in the watershed. Wetlands and marshes along the shoreline of a lake, especially at the mouths of inlet streams, can intercept nutrients and provide a buffer zone to prevent nutrients from entering a lake. A third way nutrients can enter a lake is via lake front property owners fertilizing and watering lawns, which washes nutrients into the lake. Leakage from septic tanks through the ground water is another way.
Given the geology of the drainage basins, and the fact that inflows are intermittent, it seems unlikely that watershed management contributes significantly to nutrient inputs. In any case little can be done to alleviate nutrient loading from natural factors such as rainfall. Given the porous, sandy soils, a more likely candidate would be from nutrient leakage from septic tanks into the groundwater which is connected to the lakes.
Phytoplankton cell counts increased from approximately 50 cells/mi in 1911, to 130 cells/mi in 1971 to 500 cells/mi in 1978 to 650 cells/mi in 1988. This represents a 13-fold increase in phytoplankton production from 1911 to 1985. Eighty-nine percent of the increase has occurred since 1971. Phytoplankton biovolume in Deer Lake more than doubled between 1978 and 1985. Increased nutrient concentrations correlated with increased algal production and a shift in species composition from predominantly diatoms and green algae to predominantly blue-green algae.
Blue-green algae are indicators of accelerating eutrophication. The blue-green algae comprised 0.6 of the phytoplankton community in 1971 compared to 27.8 in 1978 and 33.6 in 1985. In 1978, blue-green algae comprised 0.1 of the Deer Lake phytoplankton community compared to 1.7 in 1985. This represents nearly a l7-fo1d increase in blue-green algae biovolume, providing yet another piece of evidence that the rate of eutrophication is accelerating in Deer Lake.
Of the three nutrients, orthophosphate has the highest potential for causing algal blooms. In Deer Lake, orthophosphate was below the critical level for causing nuisance algal blooms in 1971 (0.003 mg/1), at the critical level in 1978 (0.01 mg/1) and above the critical level in 1985 (0.03 mg/1). Thus, the potential for nuisance algal blooms exists.
This is of concern from the standpoint of the fishery because decomposition products from such algae blooms contribute to advancing the rate of oxygen depletion in the hypolimnion and produce high concentrations of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide, which can be toxic to fish.
In 1985, nutrient data was collected at selected points around the shoreline of Deer Lake. Nutrient inputs did not appear to be localized to any one area of the lake. This suggests that septic tank and drainfield systems may be contributing nutrients around the entire perimeter of the lake. Rapid action concerning a sewer plan could halt the accelerating rate of eutrophication in the lake and prevent further degradation of water quality. Unless rapid action is taken to reduce nutrient loading, we predict that within a few years nuisance algal blooms will become commonplace and the fish community will suffer. After this occurs, algal production from one growing season will serve to stimulate algal growth during the following growing season via internal recycling of phosphorus. Since Deer Lake has only limited outflow, these nutrients will be, for all practical purposes, permanently trapped in the lake. At that point an expensive lake restoration would have to be conducted to control algal production in addition to the sewer project.
Our view is that it would be better to reduce nutrient input immediately via sewering. If a "wait and see attitude" is adopted, it will be more costly and difficult to correct the problem. Increased algal productivity was reflected in decreased transparency. The mean growing season Secchi disk transparency was measured at 7.8 meters in 1972, 7.3 meters in 1978 and 6.3 meters in 1985. Transparency in Deer Lake was reduced by approximately 20 from 1972 to 1985 with about 6 of the reduction occurring between 1972 and 1978, and 14 of the reduction occurring between 1979 and 1985.
Eighty-two percent of the shoreline is developed and composed of a combination of permanent residences, summer homes and resort cottages. Recreational use of the lake is heavy.
During April sampling, tens of thousands of stunted yellow perch were observed spawning around the shoreline of Deer Lake. Given their abundance, it is interesting that they were formerly more abundant in the creel harvest than at the present time (Tables 4 and 6). We suspect that the perch population used to be much smaller and their size was larger than at present so that they were more attractive to anglers.
Population levels could have been controlled by large predators (e.g., lake trout). As predation pressure decreased and population numbers increased, perch growth became stunted, so angler pressure for perch decreased.
A wetland located at the end of the narrows acts as a nutrient trap that sequesters nutrients before nutrient-laden water from the inlet enters the lake. Wetlands also provide desirable wildlife habitat. Mechanisms to enhance this wetland should be considered.
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OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMBERS 1988-1989
President: Lee Bayley (Dee), N. 5540 Drumheller, Spokane, VA 99205
Vice-Pres: Jerry McBride (Juanita), N. 14707 Edencrest Dr.. Spokane.WA
Secretary: Barbara Reed (Alien) RT 1 Box 508 Loon Lake, WA 99148 Home
Treasurer: Kathryn Bean N. 2803 Stout Rd., Spokane, WA 99206 Home
BOARD MEMBERS
1 Year Term'. Charles Barker (Eunice) RT 1 Box 526 Loon Lake, WA99148
Clyde Innes(Marietta) Sunrise Point, Deer Lake.WA99148
Inga Lord (Rod) Rt 1 Box 642 Loon Lake, WA99148
Bruce Gage (Eleanor) P 0 Box 225 Loon Lake, WA99148
2 Year Term: Li la Howe (Roy)
Jerry Linton (Donna) W. 2927 Hoffman, Spokane, WA 99208
Howard Hohrle (Irene) Box 1549 Deer Park, WA 99006
Chuck Phelan (Pat) N. 8123 Country Homes, Spokane 99208
3 Year Term: Lew Houdak (Claire) Rt 1 Box 493 Loon Lake, WA 99148
LeRoy Johnson (Christine) W. 924 Rogers Dr.Spok. 99218
H'es Wagoner (Phylis) E. 1128 Longfellow, Spokane 99207
Virgil Goring (Judy) E. 2819 - 19th, Spokane, WA 99223
EXECUTIVE ADVISORY BOARD
Ted Maxson (Eleanor) Rt 1 Box 622 Loon Lake, WA99148
Ed Sweet (Vi) E. 619 Brentwood Dr., Spokane, WA99208
Les Schneider (Grace) Rt 1 Box 390 Loon Lake, WA99148
Quetta Collin (Lynn) Rt 1 Box 438 Loon Lake, WA99148
Bill Paton (Eleanor) Rt 1 Box 583 Loon Lake, WA99148
Clair Jones (Carol) N. 7718 Panorama Dr., Spokane99208
Ben Rasley (Betty) A'. 4917 Cannon, Spokane, WA99208