Posted on August 21, 2018
A variety of Hot Springs Village lake issues were addressed at the Aug. 8 Property Owners’ Association lakes committee meeting. Among the topics were dredging, piers, aquatic growth and fish habitat.
Lakes ecology and fisheries manager Brad Meredith gave detailed updates on several matters, beginning with the fact there will be no construction of a Lake Cortez pier. He added that after that decision was made he received several calls from people looking for places to fish from the bank.
Pond weed, algae and other aquatic vegetation has been a problem in a few lakes like Maria, Sophia and Isabella. Meredith said treatment for weeds and algae has taken place and, as needed, will continue on the lakes having these aquatic issues. At Isabella, he’s seeing improvement in water clarity and may do some sediment sampling.
A load of fish habitat is ready for placement in Lake DeSoto and Cortez. Meredith added that a Villager has offered to donate his 24-foot pontoon boat, which would allow for heavier loads as compared with the current work boat. “We’re working that out,” he said of eventually receiving the boat. “It will be a big upgrade for us.“
As for the upcoming drawdown and dredging of Lake Balboa, Meredith said the sediment sampling done so far shows less sediment depth than anticipated. In many areas only two to three inches of sediment material has been found. Meredith said the volume of material to be removed will determine the level at which the lake will be drawn down. It could be four feet, it could be eight feet. He said the valve on the lake will be opened sometime between Oct. 15 and Nov. 1.
Meredith, at a later date, will have a map showing where dredging will take place. A white paper is also planned. Lake access is also a factor when determining how and where dredging will take place.
Lake committee chairman Bill Goodwin said gabion maintenance needs to become a budgeted item.
Cleaning of the gabions results in less sediment entering the lakes, thus less expensive dredging work. A gabion cleaning program would mean periodic cleaning, as well as cleaning after heavy rainfall events.
Goodwin added that kayak launching areas are needed, as well. He also praised the Baitcasters and Anglers’ clubs for all their help with placing habitat in the lakes and for donations made.
During committee member comments it was noted that a meeting will take place with CEO Lesley Nalley on Aug. 16 at Balboa Pavilion to discuss Lake Balboa drawdown. (See related article on page 7A.)
The idea of purchasing our own dredging machine was again discussed briefly. Meredith said that’s a big issue as he looks at a 2019 budget. He’s doing calculations to see if it’s worth purchasing.
Meredith also presented lake levels, as of Aug. 6, which have obviously changed with recent rainfall. As of Aug. 6, Lake Segovia was the lowest, down 12 inches. Sophia was next on the list at 11 inches and Balboa at nine inches. Again, as of Aug. 6, Cortez was the only lake at normal pool.
This committee meets again at 8:30 a.m., Sept. 12, at Coronado Center.
Source: Greenwood Democrat
