Lake Management Articles

My New Year Resolutions

love-the-lakeBy Dick Hurwitz – Lake Management Committee

That time of year again—late in December.
My time to resolve (and then to remember)
To do those things which in my mind
Will improve the world and humankind.

Some resolutions I’ll keep to myself—
Better they stay on my private shelf.
And others would not interest you much,
They relate to my family, my friends and such.

But two I’ll share for our village’s sake;
They concern our greatest resource—our lake.
So here they are, presented in rhyme
With the hope that when you have some time
You’ll make “love the lake” resolutions of your own
And the seeds of a healthier lake will be sown.

One
If against farmland runoff we shall ever make progress
We need to move members of our Ohio congress.
So my first resolution to make the lake better
Is to write each of my reps a well worded letter
That asks them to support any proposed legislation
Seeking to regulate farmers’ use of fertilization
In the watershed that feeds our Roaming Rock Lake.
How much time could that letter writing take?

Two
If you haven’t heard yet, you may hear it soon—
No, not the latest pop hit from I-Tune,
But a plan from the Lake Management Committee
For better testing to keep our lake healthy and pretty.
My resolution is to get involved with this plan
To learn, to get trained, to do what I can.
I’ll watch for info in the news and website
And jump in when it’s time to do what is right.

So there you have it—my two for “The Shores.”
Consider these and others, and make them yours.

Holiday Season – Lake Management Style

love-the-lakeBy: Tim Langer – Lake Management Committee

This time of year allows me to reflect on the past year of the many great memories we each create here in Roaming Shores. Whether it’s jumping from a floating dock at one of the beaches, paddling your cardboard boat to victory, watching the wonderful fireworks over Beach 2 or laughing with neighbors while the sun sets behind the trees.   I give great Thanks to those committee members whom have donated precious hours to help better our community and lake through the Lake Management Committee. I urge others to consider getting involved with the Lake Management Committee and sharing your skills and talents in the coming year. From your RomeRock Association Lake Management Committee, we wish you a very HAPPY, MERRY and SAFE Holiday Season.

Remember to Love the Lake and Be Lake Responsible

Leaves a Falling

love-the-lakeBy: Tim Langer – Lake Management Committee

Fall in Northeast Ohio offers many beautiful and vibrant colors along the tree line. Often those colors create a scene that could easily be mistaken for paint on a canvas. Soon those beautiful colors paint the ground and so begins the yearly labors of picking up leaves before the first snow blows.

Some residents may be inclined to simply blow their leaves into the lake or culverts. When leaves are blown into the lake, the leaves accumulate on the water surface, especially in the backs of coves and along certain areas of our shoreline. As the leaves begin to decompose, the leaves will accumulate on the lake bottom around docks and places where people swim and fish.   The decomposition of the leaves is what eats up dissolved oxygen (DO), which degrades water quality. It makes for a very rotten, squishy, unpleasant lake bottom.

The decomposition of those leaves in the lake contributes to;

  • The depletion of dissolved oxygen (DO).
  • Nutrient overloading, which later leads to algae blooms.
  • Filling in of lake and cove areas.

What YOU can do:

  • Not blow leaves or grass clippings into the culverts, street or lake.
  • Mulch your leaves when mowing. Mowing more often will make it easier on you and allow your mulching mower to do the hard work. Think of the mulched leaves as tea leaves. When they are mulched into small pieces, the nutrients can be extracted much easier by water or rain and feed the soil reducing the need to use commercial fertilizer. And it’s free!
  • Bag your leaves each fall before they blow into the lake.
  • USE our COMPOST SITE. This is a great Roaming Shores resource!

With the help of all our residents and continuing to act a stewards of Lake Roaming Rock, our combined efforts will continue to maintain and improve our water quality.

Remember to Love the Lake and Be Lake Responsible

Lake Roaming Rock – A Communal Responsibility

love-the-lakeby Tim Langer – Lake Management Committee
Over the past year you may have noticed a number of articles in the Shores News and the weekly E-Blasts, which have a “Love the Lake” logo. Residents like you who volunteer their talents to the Lake Management Committee for the betterment of our community write those articles. We continue our mission to work to connect our community by 1) raising awareness about important issues, 2) offering good science based information, and 3) offering some easy ways to improve our community. 24 article and 2 seasonal brochures is an excellent start. THANK YOU to each of you who volunteer your talents in one-way or another!

Lake Roaming Rock is not public, so it is up to us the owners and residents of Roaming Shores to be responsible. We are the primary stewards of our great natural resource and our private ownership and access to Lake Roaming Rock does create its own challenges. Our goal is to continue to role out programs to help residents actively manage their properties both on lake and off. Please help us work together to protect our water for our enjoyment and that of future generations.

When you see “Love the Lake” articles and programs, we encourage you to participate. It is our hope that if we all contribute to the health of Lake Roaming Rock, our community will thrive. Please contact me (TimattheShores@gmail.com) if you would like to get involved, contribute or suggest an article, help with a program or have any questions. It is important that we all be responsible to help keep our lake and community beautiful.

Remember to Love the Lake and BE LAKE RESPONSIBLE.

Lake Turnover – A Fall Classic

love-the-lakeBy David Ernes – Lake Management Committee

In the fall, the kids go back to school, football returns, and we wonder when the Browns will win again. Another sign of fall is the lake turnover. It is a normal occurrence for a lake like ours that is fairly deep. The lake, during the summer, is much cooler at the bottom than at the top, where it is heated by the sun. The cooler water is more dense, and stays at the bottom. Because of this stratification or “layering”, the normal action of the wind does not mix the layers. Think of the lake as a black and tan beer – the more dense pale ale at the bottom and the less dense stout at the top. The layers tend to stay separated even as you drink it.

Now, as we go into fall, the temperature of the surface water decreases, and the density increases. It slowly starts to approach the density and temperature at the bottom. As the temperature difference between the layers decreases, the lake is more easily mixed by wind. This mixing takes place often around the last two weeks of October. A number of things happen – the lake is no longer stratified, and the materials at the bottom of the lake can now reach the surface. Since the nutrient levels at the bottom of the lake are higher than at the surface, this can sometimes (but not always) result in an algae bloom. You may also notice a slight sulfur odor as other materials at the bottom make it to the top. This usually ends after a few days.

After the turnover, the surface water continues to cool. Once it reaches 39 degrees, something very interesting happens – the density of water starts to decreases. This is why ice floats on water and deeper lakes will likely never completely freeze. The ice and colder water forms a blanket on the surface of the lake, so the main body of water never drops below 39 degrees. This is beneficial, as the fish do not end up as frozen fish sticks. A similar turnover occurs in the spring as the surface warms.

BE LAKE RESPONSIBLE

Lake Lowering and Erosion Control

love-the-lakeBy David Ernes, Tim Langer – Lake Management Committee

Our lake is scheduled to be lowered this year on or about November 2nd, 2015 (2018: November 2nd). This operation can result in a number of advantages for our lake. It can kill some nuisance aquatic plants by drying and freezing. It can, to some extent, protect shoreline structures from ice damage. It also gives the lake ample capacity to accept the potentially heavy spring rains without causing problems due to flooding. But also important is that with the water lower and all of our summer “toys” gone, we have an excellent opportunity to inspect our properties at the lakefront. Erosion is a constant issue and, over time, can degrade the integrity of a dock, rip-rap (rock wall) or seawall. Without proper protection from erosion, sediment can then enter the lake, causing build-up on the lake floor that can hamper the ability to properly utilize watercraft. Erosion can also result in a premature failure of the structure. Look for holes or other types of damage in erosion control structures and seek remedies to reinforce them. Reinforcement of shoreline barriers, confirming clear drainage channels, and checking dock supports and surrounding areas safeguards your property as well as the other residents of Lake Roaming Rock.

If you suspect you may have a problem or have identified a problem, contact the Village office or the RRA to inquire about necessary permits and obtain a listing of approved vendors. Also, please consider the addition of rain gardens or buffer zones to your project to help control erosion and reduce nutrients from run-off. Previous articles have discussed each of these items and can be found on the RomeRock Association website under Lake Management. With proper attention, erosion of our shoreline can be controlled.

BE LAKE RESPONSIBLE

Fall in the Shores is a beautiful time of the year

love-the-lakeBy: Pam Hoover, Lake Management Committee

Fall is here! Keeping our Lake healthy is a year-round pursuit. Use these tips to do your part for our Lake and improve your property at the same time!

Seasonal Lawn Care Tips

Mow grass to 2”-2.5” in the fall. Shorter grass has trouble storing energy for spring growth, and taller grass forms a mat over the winter.

September is the best time to treat common lawn weeds such as dandelions and clover.

Get the PHOSPHORUS out! Most lawns in this area have adequate soil phosphorus and remain healthy without adding more. You may only need to use fertilizer with phosphorus on your lawn if:phosphorus

  • A soil test shows a need for phosphorus
  • A new lawn is being established

Collect and compost leaves and grass clippings to haul them away from the lake. The Village Compost Site on Rt. 6 is open during daylight hours on weekends (call Village office or see website for updates).

Rake up aquatic plants, leaves, and other organic matter on the shore land and dispose away from the lake.

Collect and dispose of pet waste away from the lake, if it enters the lake it can jeopardize water quality and increases risk of serious health issues.

Reduce Lawn Area

Reducing your total area of lawn could result in cost savings and less work in the long run.

Consider converting some lawn area to planting beds with attractive native vegetation. These areas require less water and no mowing. Areas that need to be  reseeded each year are good candidates.

Install a raingarden to capture excess runoff from impervious surfaces.

Seed steeper areas with a low-grow grass mix that requires less mowing and helps to prevent erosion.

Water Conservation

Your lawn needs only about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall, to remain green all season long. If you are using more than this, you could be throwing money out the window (and onto the lawn). Here are some tips to save money and conserve water as you prepare your lawn for the winter:

  • Stop watering in October. This depends on the temperature, but generally, you shouldn’t need to water past mid-October.
  • Use a rain gauge. Determine when you’ve reached 1 inch for the week.
  • Aerate and dethatch to improve water and nutrient penetration into the lawn.

With a few simple lifestyle and landscape changes, we can continue to improve our water quality and remain good stewards of Lake Roaming Rock.

BE LAKE RESPONSIBLE

Dredging Materials

A lot of information about the dredging project has covered the work that occurs on the lake. But what happens to the sediment after it is removed from Lake Roaming Rock?

After material is removed from the lake, it is transported to our site off of Crosby-Cook Rd to dewater (dry).

Recently dredged material from Fisherman's Cove being dumped. Background: Dried material being moved.

Recently dredged material from Fisherman’s Cove being dumped. Background: Dried material being moved.

Above is the material that has been removed from the lake so far this year. It is currently in the process of dewatering (drying). Once the material has dried, it will be added to the pile of dried material.

Foreground: Material to dry Background: Reclaimed material being moved to dry pile.

Foreground: Material to dry
Background: Reclaimed material being moved to dry pile.

Material from Plum Creek

Material removed from Plum Creek lake year.

The above material is of the reclaimed material from last year that is now ready for RRA projects.

The Economics of Lakes – Dollars and $ense

love-the-lakeBy Pamela Hoover – Lake Management Committee

We are all here, in beautiful Roaming Shores Village (RSV), for a variety of reasons. Some of us bought in RSV first and foremost for the beautiful lake and the related recreational activity it affords. Others of us bought in RSV for an affordable home, possibly a starter home, perhaps close to family. Living in RSV provides important public health and safety benefits, including a dedicated police force, road maintenance, public water and sewer. And as RSV residents, we have access to an assemblage of quality-of-life enhancing amenities unique in this area – numerous well-maintained parks, many with beautiful water views, groomed beaches, lake-front pools, playgrounds with fun and safe structures, a year-round clubhouse, tennis courts, a groomed baseball field, and basketball courts. Did I miss anything? All of this for annual fees less than a family YMCA membership!!

In an effort to continue improving our private lake community we have researched the relationship between lake health and property values. Multiple studies done in Maine and Minnesota have demonstrated a significant and positive correlation between lake health and community property values and the resultant tax revenue. Findings included:

  • An improvement of 3 feet in depth of water clarity could affect property values by approximately $200 per frontage foot, or $16,000 for a single lake front lot. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
  • Declining water clarity was shown to account for 10-20% drop in selling price. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
  • A 3-foot decline in water clarity was shown to decrease property values by approximately 5%. (2, 4, 5)
  • Grand Lake St. Mary’s (Ohio) experienced an estimated 14% decrease in property values in a two year period, with 6% of that decline directly attributed to the conditions of Grand Lake St. Mary’s. (6)

The presence of an attractive and usable lake supports home values and the tax base, which, along with the Association dues, fund the services that help to protect our health and safety, and provide amenities that make Roaming Shores Village living so special. Regardless of where and why we purchased a home in the Village, good water care practices benefit all of us. The Rome Rock Association Lake Management website http://www.roamingshores.org/RRA1/ has numerous articles and resources to help residents to be responsible lake water quality stewards.

Here is the link to our article history:

http://www.roamingshores.org/RRA1/category/sediment-control-sub-committee/

A few article titles are,

Washing Your Boat – An alternative approach

Landscaping Options – Buffer Zones

Spring Cleaning (Lake-Responsible Style)

 

Be Lake Responsible – LOVE THE LAKE

 

References:
  1. Protecting waterfront property values, local tax base http://mrbdc.mnsu.edu/sites/mrbdc.mnsu.edu/files/public/org/lakecrystal/pdf/lakeshore_factsheets/protecting_lakefront_propvalues.pdf
  2. Economics of Shoreline Protection http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/UWEXLakes/Documents/ecology/shoreland/background/the_economics_of_shoreline_protection.pdf
3 Schueler, T.R. and H.K. Holland, editors. 2000. The Practice of Watershed Protection. The Center for Watershed Protection, Ellicott City, MD
4. Lake Economics http://lakeripley1.homestead.com/files/lake_economics.pdf
  1. Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Lake Assessment Program. 2000. More on Dollars and Sense: The Economic Impact of Lake Use and Water Quality.
  2. Economic Impact of Grand Lake St. Mary’s http://www.lakeimprovement.com/sites/default/files/edseries/economy/economy.html

Additional Resources:
The Economics of Lakes - Dollars and $ense http://www.maine.gov/dep/water/lakes/research.html
Health Lakes and Higher Property Values http://water.epa.gov/type/lakes/upload/healthy_lakes_and_higher_property_values.pdf

For all Ohio, Algal Blooms and Legislation

love-the-lakeBy Tim Langer, David Ernes and Richard D. Gainar, CEBS – Lake Management Committee

If you have seen the news articles and reports about the severity of algal blooms in Lake Erie and their predictions, you can imagine how much attention this topic is getting at the State and Federal level. As your Lake Management Committee has mentioned before, most of the regulations and training are focused for Northwest Ohio and those watersheds feeding Lake Erie’s Western Basin. Within the past six (6) months both the Ohio Senate and Ohio House of Representatives have passed legislation, Senate Bill 1 and House Bill 61 respectively. Unfortunately, both are aimed at the Western Basin watersheds.

Why does it have to be only Northwestern Ohio? It doesn’t! A way to influence and express your viewpoint is to contact those individuals we elected. If you think elected officials pay little or no attention to your letters and phone calls, think again. A concise, thoughtful letter from their constituents has a significant influence on elected lawmakers. Your vote helps elect them — or not — and that fact alone carries a lot of weight. A staff worker may read and answer your letter because hundreds of letters are sometimes received. But, be assured that your point is communicated and will influence the lawmaker. If you fail to make your interests known, your thoughts will not be represented.

We need to suggest to our Legislators that the current legislation and future legislation be modified to include all watersheds that feed Lake Erie, including ours. Therefore, the LMC asks that you help us and write to your state representatives and ask that they consider this change. A few suggestions for content are shown below.

  • The intent is to improve water quality in Lake Erie, but current legislation ignores most of the Ohio coastline. All watersheds, which feed the lake, can affect the overall Lake Erie water quality.
  • As a resident of Ohio’s largest private lake, we would also like to insure that the water quality is protected where we live. Our community is actively addressing fertilizers and cleaners that we control. We cannot affect the farming practices, which have the greatest effect on our lake.
  • Although the blooms are currently worse on the western basin, that does not mean that, with time, the problem can extend to the rest of the lake, especially if nothing is done in the central or eastern watersheds.

What to write a letter? We are here to help! It’s usually best to send letters to your state representatives for local issues such as improving water quality. Our Ohio District 99 House representative and Ohio District 32 Senate representatives are:

Salutation for Ohio House rep:
The Honorable John Patterson
District 99
77 S. High St
10th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215Dear Representative:
Salutation for Ohio Senate rep:
The Honorable Capri S. Cafaro
District 32
Senate Building
1 Capitol Square, Ground Floor
Columbus, OH 43215Dear Senator:

Your letter does not have to be long or eloquent. It also helps personalize your letter by providing some non-emotional detail and facts in your own words. If certain legislation is involved, cite the title or number whenever possible and explain how it affects you and others. Be sure to include your name and address. Keep it short and simple and include evidence to support your position. Close by requesting the action you want taken: a vote for or against a bill, or change in general policy. Don’t forget to thank them for taking time to read your letter.

Here is an example.

Questions? Please email myself at: timattheshores@gmail.com. It’s believed your letters in support of keeping nutrients and sediment in the fields and not in our waterways will have a significant benefit for Lake Roaming Rock. If you agree with us, pick up a pen. For the price of a postage stamp, you can affect our future.

BE LAKE RESPONSIBLE

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