Posted on February 11, 2026
By Mary Eliades
The Hot Springs Village Property Owners Association Lakes Committee met Feb. 3 for updates on the dredging of coves on Lake Balboa, water sampling on inlets into Lake DeSoto, and goose egg addling.
Lakes supervisor Sam Scott reported that dredging on Lake Balboa has been paused for more than a week because of the winter storm, followed by high water levels. Scott said the lake rose “roughly four inches during the ice/snow and with the melting process.” Work was scheduled to resume Feb. 4.
Dredging on six coves has been completed. “We’ll be working on the north end of the lake for the next few weeks,” Scott explained. No date has been set for closing the valve, although Scott estimates late February.
Committee chair Ken Guzel added that a map of the dredging process is on the Lakes Committee website (hsvlakes.com), showing completed areas and projected work.
Scott’s team has been taking water samples from Lake DeSoto feeder creeks in an effort to locate the source of nutrients causing the algal bloom. Scott said testing will continue for at least another month before his department is ready to release results.
Scott reported that 55 Christmas trees were donated for fish habitat, the most of any year to date.
Guzel reminded members there will be openings on the committee at the end of May and encouraged volunteers to apply for those positions.
Committee members reported concerns from HSV residents about permit requirements for simple dock or seawall repairs and the lack of a gas pump on Lake DeSoto when Waypoint is closed for the season.
Committee member Bob Walker reported on an initiative by the HSV Anglers to support the improvement of Village lakes by providing fish habitat. The club is looking into habitat projects and methods of funding, either through the POA budget or local sponsorship.
The annual HSV Anglers fishing seminar is coming up March 14, 8:30 a.m., at the Coronado Center. Lakes supervisor Scott will present an overview of game fish in Village lakes. From the Anglers’ announcement: “Techniques for catching crappie and bream will be presented by anglers who have over 50 years’ experience fishing for bream, crappie and walleye. Dave Keith, 15-time Fisherman of The Year, will discuss techniques he uses to catch bass.” Door prizes will be awarded, and demos on Lake Coronado will be conducted (weather permitting). Tickets are $25 and can be purchased through “event tickets” on the POA website.
Tom Impellizzeri from the Common Property Committee discussed the upcoming goose egg addling project and the need for volunteers to assist, especially on Lake DeSoto. Volunteers will be trained and certified through the USDA’s Wildlife Services division.
The Lakes Committee meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 9:30 a.m. in the Ouachita Room at the Ponce de Leon Center.
