Your Association formed three committees back in August: one to finally get the boat ramp project permitted and on schedule for 2007, a second committee to support the project through fund raising and better security, and a third committee to eradicate the canal weeds.

Construction

The first committee, Boat Ramp Construction, is co-headed by neighbors Dale Cody and Mike Delahoz, who already have the six-month permitting under way.  Dale provided the initial recommendations and elevation map at last year’s membership meeting, based on our wants/needs feedback.  Mike can minimize construction costs, essentially by keeping project control in our hands and avoiding any outside interests incurring runaway expenditures.  Much of the “grunt” work can be done by community volunteers, further capping costs.  Your Board has over $20K reserved from the community, which is the startup money.  Our neighbor Chris Scroggins drew up detailed plans of the boat ramp site, and a solid group of dedicated neighbors have the project already in Phase One.  Dale will handle the inflow/outflow of resources and Mike will direct the construction process.  Our thanks for their initiative! 

Support

The second committee, Project Support, is co-headed by residents Linda Crockett and Steve Pizzuti.  The reserved $20K is a good start, but is below what will be finally needed.  This committee is entrusted to fund raise via enjoyable means, such as parties at the beach, banquets, grants for non-profit organizations, etc.  They also have site security in mind—once the boat ramp is improved, it will be Job #1 to see that any unentitled persons do not trespass.  It is a members-only facility.  All those who wish to assist in these efforts in any way, please contact Linda through our 24/7 hotline:  407-672-9342.     

Canals

The third committee, Canal Cleanup, was formed due to the ineffectual weed eradication occurring in our canals.  After dredging the entire canal dry in 1999, biomass harvesting, and aquatic weed spraying for the past six years, using herbicides has developed into the least effective method of weed control.  The Dept. of Environmental Protection cites 30% coverage of the water with aquatics as ideal. More than 30% results in what we and most surrounding waterbodies endure, which is a clogged, tangled mess.  Periodic spraying only sends the top layer down, to congeal into muck on the bottom—not a good long term strategy, we have found.  Less than 30% coverage encourages algal blooms, which suck away available oxygen in the water and turn the top to scum—which is even worse.

Lake Management Association

No sooner had we formed a committee and done some investigating, than neighbor Farrell Culberson discovered that ex-county commissioner Fred Streetman (over on the Lake Rena side) was forming a comprehensive assembly of all the communities on Lake Brantley to fight this very issue.  Many will recall it was Fred who united the lakeside communities in 1985 and got the first batch of triploid (sterile) grass carp introduced into the lake.  We immediately let our fledgling committee absorb into this greater association and have attended each meeting since.

Expert Advice

On Sept. 28, we attended a packed session at the Wekiva Library to hear from DEP experts such as Dean Barber.  Their advice was to set up an ongoing association that would not only repeat the 1985 introduction of grass carp, but would monitor the lake monthly, discover what was working and what was not, and maintain the lake instead of “walking away.” They advised bigger carp (12” at least), patience (since resulting herb kill would not be immediate), and some chemical spraying.  Attendees generally rose up against chemical spraying.  Three governing ideas emerged:  1)  Use 5 to 7 carp per acre, 2)  Hold off on any use of chemicals, and 3) Include Lake Rena and our canal system in the overall plan.  Fred asked the 14 lakeside communities to raise $30K in one month and meet again.  It was so agreed.

Followup

Volunteers from these 14 communities—ours included—met again on Oct. 26^th at the sheriff’s on Hunt Club.  Fred gladly reported donations had exceeded his $30K goal and that he had over $42,800 (and now up to $48,575 at this writing).  Fred felt the fundraising should stop, until the assembly reminded him that ongoing maintenance will require more funds over time.  (Thanks to those of YOU who gave!).  Fred is the president, Bob Skinner from Jennifer Estates is the VP, and Wayne Chilton from Sweetwater Oaks is the treasurer. Our own VP Chuck Hiley serves as their recording secretary.  

The Plan

Lake Brantley covers 280 acres, and Lake Rena and the surrounding canals add another 55 acres for a total of 335 acres.  Triploids transport better (survive the handling better) in the chilly months, so the plan is to wait until December or later (but not later than March 2007) and to drop them into the water at several sites along the lake and also into the canals.  Lowell Trent, a retired 31-year triploid veteran hand-picked by Fred from the 1985 fish drop, volunteered to set up several sites to monitor the monthly extent of the hydrilla, etc., and count the carp. Fred encouraged our canal system in particular to have a barrier at its canal inlet and to screen up the weir (near Westwood Drive’s bend) during times of higher water.  The canal barrier would need to be in place for six months.  Fred cited our neighbor Martin Van Duyvenbode as a good implementer of the barrier, since Martin has previous experience doing so.  The original stocking permit from 1985 is still in effect.  Over time, more carp will be needed.  Their lifespan is around 15 years.  The 1985 stock worked well—too well.  Looking back, Fred estimates less fish could have been introduced at that time.  And when things improve, folks tend to forget ongoing maintenance.  Fred’s management association is entrusted to see to it the lake and canals do not get out of hand.  More info? 

Lake Brantley Lake Management Fund

P.O. Box 917593

Longwood, FL 32791-7593

2007 CAWLB Dues

It’s that time of year again, when we ask for your continued support in maintaining our valuable community properties.  The boat ramp and beach park properties set us apart from inland communities.  Value these facilities well, as they enhance your property values.  Even if you do not use them, realize that they are precious resources most communities do not have, and wish they had.  Please use the enclosed invoice right away. Please print your email and correct any errors, so that we can keep you updated on your community each month.  Thank you!

New System

In 2007, we will begin using an unduplicatable key at the beach park and boat ramp.  These will be available starting at our annual “key swap” which is set for the morning of Saturday, January 20, 2007.  We ask that you do not give or sell this key to others.  Through such unwarranted activities come trespassing, vandalism, speeding in the canals (the speed limit in our canals is always 3 MPH) and possible theft of YOUR goods from unauthorized intruders.  The system works so long as each of us honor its intent.  It’s up to each of us to halt unwarranted use to non-members.  Please value the privilege of being a member and guard against such misuse. 

Yard(s) of the Month

Chris and Alex Scroggins on Island Drive were “yard of the month” in October, and this month the honor goes to Jim and Sharon Chamness on Westwood Drive.

Board Meetings

Your CAWLB Board of directors meets at the Sheriff’s office on Hunt Club, at 7:00 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month.  The office is between Seminole Community College and Ross.  Everyone is welcome to attend.  If you wish to help in any way, please consider becoming a director, or a part-time helper.  The official election of new directors occurs at the annual membership meeting in March of each year.  We need new directors and helpers in 2007.                  

Posted 1/14/2006