Updated: To add longer letter from Diane Heitman about water level issues in the Superpond. vj
If you are concerned about the water levels in the "SuperPond" of Lake County, which are Lake Dora, Lake Harris, Lake Eustis, etc. then attend this 6pm Leesburg Meeting tomorrow night, May 31. As you may know, Lake water levels have been dropping, partly because the St. John's River Water Management District turned off the water flow from Lake Apopka. At the same time, until recently, dredging of Lake Beauclaire was also removing another 10 cubic feet per second (CFS) from the lakes.
Here is the info from Diane Heitman, who has been monitoring this - below the initial notice is an attachment for the meeting agenda, followed by a longer letter by Diane on the water issues in the Superpond.
vj
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Harris Chain lake level management public meeting May 31 in Leesburg
The St. Johns River Water Management District will hold a public meeting May 31 in Leesburg to discuss potential water level management options for the Harris Chain of Lakes.
The meeting will include an update on minimum flows and levels development, and will be an opportunity for the public to provide input.
The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at the Paul P. Williams Fine Arts Center, 9501 U.S. Highway 441 in Leesburg.
The District's Governing Board will consider the proposed management options for the next year at a June 12 public meeting in Palatka.
Please pass on to all friends.
Diane Heitman
In favor of Waterfront Property Owners, Businesses and Municipalities who rely on our Superpond
Chain of Lakes for enjoyment, economy, employment and prosperity.
Feel free to call my cell: 352-343-8891
Below is the agenda
Download Agenda - Lake_Level_Mgmt_Public_Mtg_053112
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From Diane Heitman:
Please read, do you agree?
Here we are again, way below the desired lake level elevations.
Let's make it a goal to never have to apologize when the rains don't come; this is not about praying for rain; it's about planning for the lack of rain.
How can we improve reliability of our lake water levels? Do not let the water out unless conditions show that an impending flood maybe eminent. Base the new regulation schedule and minimum flows (cfs) on a dynamic (actual rain event) versus a static, academic, unsuccessful regulation schedule.
Nature gives natural fluctuation; let's preserve every drop of life giving water in our lakes.
History shows a 5 year drought cycle. We cannot manage the water levels based on a model; each year is different. Holding maximum water is critical for the economic future, navigation, access and quiet enjoyment of lakefront businesses, owners, events and municipalities of Lake County.
The Harris Chain of Lakes is designated by the Federal Government to be a navigable waterway. Low water levels are interfering with navigation.
The Dora Canal is too low. Business operators, the Sheriff boat and numerous individuals hit logs or don't have enough room for other boats to pass in the narrowed, now shallow canal, causing damage and/or the need to replace expensive propellers.
Challenges with lower lake levels and being unable to navigate our waterways to businesses, public docks & residences are causing serious issues with jobs and financial security to our friends here in Lake County.
Year round waterfront attractions and events generate multitudes of economic prosperity, sales taxes & benefits to all of us. These benefits are being jeopardized by lower lake levels.
Our boathouses are high & dry; either land locked and/or we are forced to remove the boats to storage elsewhere. Neighbors are mowing the grass 30' from their sea wall out into the lake without getting their feet wet; ain't good. Waterfront property owners are highly taxed; they expect and should have continuous access to the federally navigable waterways. This benefit is unavailable during low lake levels; property values decline; however, taxes don't reflect this loss.
We feel great empathy for our Northern friends that have bought here as seasonal waterfront property owners.
During their time away, their tax dollars continue to work for us here. Why would seasonal, lakefront property owners come here without access to their boating enjoyment? Many of their boats are now landlocked in their boathouses and cannot be used until water levels increase.
We locals are forced to apologize to our family, guests and tourists who may have planned up to a year in advance to come here and enjoy our now compromised lakefront resources.
Some of we, older Americans, are challenged physically to manipulate our boats with the lower lake levels. Luckily, Mt. Dora, Tavares and Eustis have provided floating docks; however, the local business man such as Boondoggles & Hurricanes can't count on us being able to step up, out and off the boat. Instead of quiet enjoyment of recreational boating; extreme manipulation is faced as undesired; hence, not worth it; hence, loss of business.
Consumers don't come back or cancel plans with low water experience.
Let's make it a goal to never have to apologize when the rains don't come; this is not about praying for rain; it's about planning for the lack of rain.
Thank you for your support of our restoration and water management with an emphasis of maintaining and storing water for the use during drought years.
Diane Heitman
In favor of Waterfront Property Owners, Businesses and Municipalities who rely on our Superpond, Chain of Lakes for enjoyment, economy, employment and prosperity.
Feel free to call my cell: 352-343-8891
vj