LAKE MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE

 

                        Maintenance of the lake is accomplished by a “committee of the whole”.   The whole Board generally gets involved with anything affecting the lake.  Ecological and environmental concerns come up regularly. 

 

Water levels, bugs, fish and fowl, docks and piers, and boating concerns are directed to the Board often.  We maintain contacts with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and also continue to have two of our residents deputized as Wildlife Resource Officers.  Both Bill Pearson and James Revell have done this for us for many years.  They are empowered to patrol and fine anyone violating State laws and/or Forest Lake rules and regulations.

 

This past summer we undertook a study of the lake waters.  It was an environ-

mental look at the lake and we received an “excellent” report.  A copy of that report is attached hereto (from Aquatic Management Services).

 

                        We have had several “floating islands” this past year –large clumps of soil and swamp grass that seem to break away and float around various parts of the lake.  While they are annoying aestheically (especially if one is in your yard), the fisherman love them.  Several Board members have learned how to pull them out to the middle of the lake and sink them.  Several have been sprayed with chemicals to make the grasses die and then pulled away and sunk.  Some have also been staked down further out in the water –providing a good habitat for fish.

 

                        Spraying of weeds has been held to a minimum this year.  We simply have not had a big problem this past year.  David Sims heads our committee for doing this and stocks the proper (aquatic approved) chemicals for spraying.  A volunteer or two would be appreciated for 2005. The Association owns a boat and the necessary spraying equipment. It is stored in the yard of James and Clara Revell.

 

                        The bug problem comes and goes.  The most annoying are called “midges”. They are blind, mosquito-like flies that do little more than swarm along the shoreline.  They don’t bite or carry diseases –they just swarm over your boat, pool, plants, etc.  We have had experts out to look at the lake and found that treatment for these pests would

require spraying along the shoreline at regular two week intervals. The spraying must correspond to their breeding cycles.  After lengthy discussions we felt that the cost was prohibitive (over $10,000) and difficult to accomplish..  The alternative we tried was spraying from a vehicle from the street.  This was costly also and not very effective.

It seems the bugs breed in very seasonal cycles.  Cold winters have an effect, as well as rainy springs and hot summers. We'll see what happens this spring!

 

                        Our water level is essentially handled by Mother Nature –however, we do have some control if it gets too high.  We can also lower the lake when needed for various repairs.  This involves knowledge of the dam spillway controls and keeping an eye on debris accumulation in the drain areas.  This is accomplished by a group of our Board members who now have the knowledge (and proper boats).  This is another area where we could use more volunteers.

 

                                                                                                                                                                        FLHA Board of Directors

 

 

 

 

DAM MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE

 

 

                        This is another area where the Board as a whole gets involved.  The dam requires periodic inspection and maintenance of its surface.   The dam is located at the eastern-most area of the lake (the Waterford side).  The land it is on is privately owned and we maintain a 20 year lease with one of the owners to provide access for maintenance.  The dam itselfs is fenced-off on both sides to prevent people (and vehicles) from wandering across it.

 

Inspections are also made by the State.  One was done just last November by DHEC and we are happy to report that we passed with flying colors.  We are attaching a copy of their report.  Our efforts in resurfacing and improving the dam this year were certainly validated by the report.

 

                        As you know, major improvements were made this past year.  We added rip-rap (rocks) recommended by the USDA, and added lots of dirt to the surface to re-slope the dam.  The cost was $40,000 and was done by contractors working next door for Phillip Lowe, the developer of Forest Lake Shores.   We thank him for the good pricing and his efforts in helping manage the project.  His contractor, RWF, Inc. (Bobby Finklea) did an excellent job and we should not have to worry about the dam for many years.

 

                        Some other things we have done recently are to re-seed the surface of the dam and.to add some debris prevention covers on the spillways.  This helps to prevent debris (logs and limbs) from falling in and jamming our controls.  Also, water control boards were replaced last year and metal strips added for ease of pulling them (to lower the water level). 

 

We have a plan in place to lower the lake every two (2) years.  Since this was done just last year for the dam improvements, we will not lower the lake again until late 2005.  If a need comes up to do this sooner, please let us know.

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                        FLHA Board of Directors