November 1994
Water Quality by Ivy Shaw and Ray Johnson
Foam on the Lake
There have been a number of requests by DLPOA members that we find the cause of foam on the lake. Several members have stated that foam will build up periodically in some areas and that they are concerned that it may be the result of detergent residue on the lake's perimeter.
We have now been advised by EWU Laboratories that the foam is a natural phenomenon caused by rotting vegetation. It does not cause harm to the lake or to the water quality. It is common to most lakes in the region. The foam is usually white, but if dust is stirred up by high winds, the dust will collect on the foam giving it an unsightly brown color.'
Water Testing in the Meadows
After two months of tests, the dry summer caused a reduced water flow through the test areas. Results at this time indicate that the phosphorus contribution to the lake is not as big a problem as expected. However, the presence of fecal coliform is a significant factor in water quality and is definitely present in water flow from the meadow area.
Testing will resume in the spring and a report of the findings will be presented at that time.
DLPOA Meadows
DLPOA owns a 20 acre buffer zone at the north end of the Narrows. Recently Elyse Benson of the Dept of Agriculture and Soil Conservation and Kathleen Fullmer of US Fish and Wildlife along with some DLPOA board members went over this land to determine the most effective use of the lake to protect the lake water.
Elsye Benson reported that there were several types of grass growing on the site. As the grass grows, it does remove some of the phosphorus. However, when the grass dies and rots it releases retained phosphorus which is then washed into the water and flows into the lake.
Of the grasses growing on the meadow, the dominant one is Canary grass. As it matures it is not, according to Benson, a good forage plant and has a root system that is difficult to kill out. She mentioned that there has been some consideration of putting it on the noxious weed list.
Since Canary grass does not grow well in shaded areas, it was suggested that the 20 acres be restored to its original state of bushes, willow and trees. The expense and logistics of restoring the entire area at one time would be prohibitive. Kathleen Fullmer proposed that we might garner assistance from high school groups such as science classes or ecology clubs. They could help us plant and maintain one or two smaller areas that could grow and fill in a larger area over time
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Zoning by Ed Deeble
In September, Stevens County approved the Zoning Ordinance for Deer and Loon Lakes. As most of the land around Deer Lake is developed, the zoning will primarily affect new subdivisions. The Shoreline Management Plan is presently being enforced by the county but the DOE requ3ested technical improvements in this plan. These improvements were submitted in June. If satisfied with the revisions, DOE staffers will schedule public hearing, perhaps in December, before approving the plan.
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395 Project by Teresa Waunch
We are grateful to get $3.3 million in federal money for Hwy 395. The state will match it with $660,000. This money is for safety improvements such as left turn channelization and passing lanes.
We have been pressing for safety improvements and the four lane idea since December 1993. Tom Foley and Slade Gorton immediately began working on this as a priority matter. Patty Murry has also been very supportive.
We are very excited to receive the federal money this year even though we would have liked more. Realistically, however, we should have expected to receive no money for five years!
We have been heard and more importantly they are helping us. The process how begun now so we must not give up the fight.
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Woodcutting by Ken Brinkman
It has bee a bad year for woodcutting! First the roads were too muddy and when they finally dried out it was too hot and dry. We have persevered, however, and have taken out 29+ cords of wood. Several members even found time to take wood to an ill family that heats solely with wood and was unable to join us.
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Road Improvements by Floyd Stewart
It is with great pleasure that we report success in our attempts to secure guardrail improvements on Southwood Shores Road.
In a letter dated October 3, 1994, the State has awarded to Stevens County the sum of $199000 to provide guardrail on the three most dangerous portions of this road.
By October 15, the county will have staked out the location of the guardrail. Final steps of fulfilling paperwork requirements, getting a bid package out to the contractors and ultimately awarding the contract is in progress.
Mr Jerry Bryant believes the guardrail will be installed before winter arrives. We have been told that this project can go forward even if we have frost in the ground. The method of installing the guardrail penetrates the frostline assuring a secure and permanent installation.
We wish to thank all the members of DLPOA who supported us in the project and we will try to secure another improvement, making our lives better and safer at Deer Lake.