Allen/Oyster Lake
Management Plan Meeting Synopsis
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
I. Areas of Concern
Outlet Management
• Outlet needs to flow naturally
Private Property Rights vs. Preservation
• Does the lake have any rights?
• Local politics trumping federal/state policies
• The lakes are a public resource, and policies should be made with this in mind
Proposed Restoration Project****
• Hydrology of the lake has been diminished due to alterations of the outlet and adjacent wetlands
• Restore hydrology to a more natural condition
• Support the current restoration project
• Amend the project to remove the unpaved portion of Thompson Road, reconnect the wetland and install structures similar to the ones proposed for the Causeway
• Ensure that the outlet/culvert portion of the project be initiated
• Expand the lake to its historical condition
Storm-water Runoff
• Control runoff into the lake and wetlands
• Potential impact from golf course and individual homes
• Control runoff from 30-A
Septic Systems
• Potential impact from existing septic tanks
• Lack of requirements to change septic tanks to the public sewer system; may need to alter existing language to encourage adoption of sewer system
Rules/Regulations
• Protect the remaining wetlands; do not allow them to be filled
• Require less density within the watershed; minimize the land-use amendments
Education/Outreach
• What can citizens do to protect the lake?
• Need more awareness on the importance of the lakes
• Need more scientific knowledge to make more educated decisions about the lakes
• Utilize educational resources from the TDC
Recreational Use
• Recreational use has diminished; especially as it pertains to fishing and fisheries
II. Potential Solutions
• Draft letter from Oyster Lake Homeowners Association addressing outlet issues
• Solicit opinions from local residents to determine their thoughts on restoring the overall health of the lake
• Request a meeting with County Officials to discuss the concerns of local residents
• Address the design in the restoration project of the unpaved portion of Thompson Road
• Encourage decision-makers to settle outfall management issues
• Provide a specific definition of a Coastal Dune Lake/System
• Address invasive species by training homeowners
• Address water quality by maintaining current conditions while trying to improve the water quality to historic conditions
• Assist Golf Course in finding sponsor for Audubon Certification
• Address storm-water issues related to the new development in the upper portions of the watershed for both Oyster and Allen Lake
o Proposed developments for the head of Allen Lake
o Two culverts on Thompson Road where storm-water needs to be addressed
o Wetland entry to Oyster Lake from Golf Course
o Replace storm-water culvert emptying into Allen Lake
• Develop educational information regarding Coastal Dune Lakes
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