March 1992
"Where we are is not as important as where we are going"
This past winter has been a continuum of projects that are happening. Because of the warmer than normal winter, the sewer construction and water distribution lines are moving steadily along. Presently they are in the center of the East side of the Narrows. There have been some complications and difficulties because of ground water and rocky soil but we anticipated that this would be the trouble area. Soon the PUD will start installing tanks on the North side and will continue to work on water service installations.
Shoreline Master Plan
The Shoreline Master Plan for Stevens County is now in final stages. The Master Plan will dictate the management plans required by the Shoreline Management Act of 1971. Although the Act was never intended to take away the rights of individual Washington State residents, that is the public use of our natural shoreline, it never the less it contains very restrictive measures on the first 200 feet from the high water line. One significant requirement is that new structures be kept back 50 feet from the high water line on Deer Lake. No one can disagree that past abuses of construction on the edge of the lake and over the water has had a profound affect on the water quality of Deer Lake. The situation has compounded over the past 30 years to the point of difficulty in maintaining the present water condition, let alone restoring the lake to bygone years.
Zoning
Simultaneously, the Deer Lake and Loon Lake zoning ordinances are being developed with input from the residents. Most have concerns that the future growth, density, building, etc have to be brought in check. For the past two months an advisory committee has been hammering out enforceable guidelines that will soon come to public hearings and approval by the Board of Commissioners of Stevens County.
Aquatic Plants cause Problems.
One foreseeable problem on the horizon is the nuisance being caused by spreading aquatic plants in fresh water lakes of Eastern Washington. Eurasian water milfoil is one plant that causes severe problems because of its dense growth and adverse impact on water quality by reducing oxygen. This lack of oxygen affects fish habitat.
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Safety Buoys
In conjunction with the Stevens Count Sheriff's Department, we intend to install buoys in the Sunrise Point area to warn boaters of the shallow water. Too many boaters have ruined motors and props by cutting across the sandspit located there. We are installing these buoys as a safety measure and would appreciate your cooperation in observing these buoys and helping us to ensure they are not moved or damaged.
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Emergency Services
by Jerry LintonOur thanks to Lew Houdak for his donated service as fire chief of the Deer Lake Fire Department. Lew has decided not to continue as fire chief and will act as Assistant Fire Chief.
Ken Brinkman will be the new Fire Chief. Ken has been with the department since 1984. He purchased property on the lake in 1977 and has lived full time at the lake since 1981.