Budget
Explanation
There are two main areas with changes from 2005—Administrative costs
and Special Projects.
Administrative
Costs
Additional signs to
prevent invasive plant introduction and to better publicize the no-wake
rule: In our efforts to fight Eurasian watermilfoil, the Lake Advisory
group suggested that we post more warnings to boaters who might bring
in additional milfoil or other invasives (zebra mussels, spiny water fleas,
etc). We plan one more sign at the landing. In addition, among the approximately
45% of district citizens who returned the 2004 survey, many were concerned
with violations of the no-wake rule. We plan to put some signs on land
sites other than at the boat landing (e.g., on the island on the west
end), with land owner permission of course. The remaining administrative
costs are comparable to previous years.
Special Projects
Barley Straw: We plan to purchase four (4) bags of barley
straw for each riparian owner to place at their pier to continue the program
we started this year as one more means to control algae. While we lack
objective measures, property owners report that this measure seems to
help reduce algae and there are studies to support those perceptions.
The barley straw is being obtained in cooperation with the Tri-Lakes District
in northern Adams County who has it prepared in the convenient bag form
by a local farmer. In 2006, we will want to get it in the water as early
as possible, ideally before May 1.
Eurasian Watermilfoil
(EWMF) Treatment & Plant Harvesting: As noted in the Lake
Management Plan (approved by the board after several opportunities for
public input and after a final public hearing), we have changed our handling
of Eurasian watermilfoil. We plan to reduce chemical treatment and substitute
EWMF harvesting early spring and fall, with limited spot chemical treatments
of smaller areas (total of 5 acres or less), using granular agents.
This change
was initiated following consultation with the DNR specialists on the Lake
Advisory Group and in response to the concern that dying EWMF adds to
the lake’s nutrient load and thus increases the potential for algae,
including filamentous algae and chara. This policy will reduce cost for
chemical treatment, with an almost equal increase in cost for harvesting—four
times a year (1) Early for EWMF, (2) Late June mostly for lily pads, (3)
Mid-August mostly for lily pads and (4) September for EWMF.
In terms of our budget,
there is little impact of the change to plant management—in 2005
we had a total approved budget for harvesting and chemical treatments
of $15,200 and in 2006 are requesting a total amount of $15,900.
Emergency
Fund: The board wishes to establish a standing “rainy day”
fund of $2,500 to be available for potential replacement of aerator motors,
treatment of new exotic plants, legal fees, new lake monitoring or other
emergencies that cannot be planned for. |
