Draper Lake Community Meeting and Discussion

[CBA Phillip]

Draper Lake Management Meeting Summary
Tuesday April 11, 2006

Discussion group defined and ranked their biggest concerns

I. Impacts from hurricanes
• Plan and responsibility for debris removal (financial)
• Defining access points

II. Storm-water Runoff
• Wetland preservation and protection
• 30-A-erosion control and swale bmp’s
• Private developments containing storm-water
• Addressing potential redevelopment
• Financial source for management projects (possible storm-water utility)

III. Outfall Management
• Impact from coastal construction
• Public use of outfall
• Impact to shoreline vegetation
• Concern for impact of armoring neighboring shoreline
• Education of community through posted signs

IV. Lack of scientific/educational information
• More scientific studies to increase knowledge about the lakes
• Increase outreach to community
• Focusing on defining wildlife and habitat
• Utilize private funding to initiate scientific studies

V. County causeway construction/maintenance practices

VI. Increase usage of the lakes
• Increased boat traffic

VII. Overdevelopment


Discussion group addressed potential solutions to the biggest concerns

I. Biggest Concern--Storm-water Runoff
• Wetland preservation and protection
• 30-A-erosion control and swale bmp’s
• Private developments
• Addressing potential redevelopment
• Financial source for management (possible storm-water utility)

Potential Solutions
• Research and address storm-water culvert near Old Florida Beach
• Work with private developers to address runoff from 30-A
• Determine potential impact of storm-water runoff from Betty and Buddy Street

II. Second Biggest Concern-Impacts from hurricanes
• Plan and responsibility for debris removal (financial)
• Access points

Potential Solutions
• Ascertain County’s plan for addressing hurricane debris for the upcoming season
• County needs to develop a strategic plan to address hurricane removal
-Define funding source
-Ensure timely response
-Define and acquire access points
-Encourage alternate materials for potential sources of debris (e.g. retractable boardwalks, biodegradable)

For more information visit the project website DuneLakes.org

[CBA Phillip]

At a meeting with Commissioner Meadows she stressed the concerns over the issues discussed during these meetings. She specifically said that the County is currently developing a plan to promptly respond to debris cleanup after a hurricane. They are looking to utilize the same company that conducted the cleanup last year. She is going to ensure the dune lakes are factored into this plan, and had some good ideas for addressing access points to the lakes.

If anyone knows the best area to access Draper Lake (or any of the lakes) please let me know.

[Bill Wade]

Phillip/Scott - Would be useful if you could meet with the people who did the last hurricane cleanup to hear just what they encountered - how much debris they found at each lake, access issues, equipment used, cost, lessons learned, etc. Another source of info would be the county official who managed this process. Hopefully, the clean up company was required to issue a report on their activities. It not, a report should be required in the future. We should be learning everything possible from these experiences.

[Extension lsj]

We can see what we can find out. This action may be more appropriately addressed by the Coastal Dune Lakes Advisory Board since it is an issue that impacts most of our CDLs.

[CBA Phillip]

Another solution offered during the meeting was to define potential private funding sources to initiate some of the scientific projects or purchase crucial habitat. These funds could also be used in leveraging governmental grant funds. Some of the ideas discussed were individual and homeowner's association contributions, a percentage from property sales devoted to a dune lake protection fund and possible development of a stormwater utility.

Any other ideas would be greatly appreciated....