Western Lake
Management Plan Meeting Synopsis
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
I. Areas of Concern
Outlet Management
Allow for the natural function of the outlet
Concerned with last years management of the lake-specifically diverting of the outlet from its historical course and planting sea oats to assist in the diversion
Education of the details of the proposed management of the outlet
Need a more streamlined process to open the lake
Constructing sand dunes to protect from potential storm surge
Public use of outlet is impacting the dunes that affect the lake
Need more signs to educate the community on the importance of the dunes to the lakes
Alteration to Lake Bathymetry (Bottom of Lake) **
Overall decrease in the depth of the lake due to the accumulation of sand
Increasing the temperature of the lake
Fuels algal growth
Storm-water Runoff ***
Concerned about the overall health of the lake
Concerned about the impacts from Septic Systems
Are there incentives/plans to remove septic systems from the lakes watershed?
What incentives can be provided to homeowners to hook up to sewer?
Governmental Oversight/Enforcement *
Effectiveness of governmental oversight
Oversight of the impacts from adjacent development-specifically the Grayton Grand Project
Who is watching over the impacts of development after the permitting process?
Rules and activities involving the lake should mimic the natural functions as much as possible
Develop new regulations that focus on the impacts from historic (grandfathered) disturbances to the lakes
Need to utilize an adaptive management strategy; manage for diversity of natural communities
Hurricane Debris *
Addressing the debris accumulated in the fingers of the lake
Removing debris leftover from last year some debris is still present
Utilize more environmentally sensitive practices in removing the debris
Education/Outreach *
Need more outreach to absentee homeowners
Shoreline Restoration **
Treatment of Invasive/Exotic
Develop a long-term plan for invasive/exotic species removal-what will take its place?
Develop a risk/benefit analysis for invasive/exotic species removal
Natural water fluctuations assist in maintaining the natural vegetation communities in lieu of fire suppression
Worried about the impact of the common reed and alligator weed now that it is so prevalent around the lake
What are the regulations in applying herbicides around the lakes? How is the lake protected?
Need to restore the shoreline vegetation around the lakes
Encroachment of seawalls
II. Potential Solutions
Create storm-water projects to fix storm-water runoff from 30-A and boat ramp
Create a program to remove septic systems from the lake
Allows water levels to fluctuate more naturally because septic tanks would not be factored in the trigger level
Educate homeowners on proper fertilizing techniques and potential impacts to water quality
Develop watershed education campaign
o Feature educational materials in local newspapers
o Target realtors to help disseminate the brochures
o Focus on education to local students
o Email campaign that utilizes disseminating information in smaller doses
Develop an educational package for new homeowners
o Stress the financial importance of maintaining good water quality
o Target homeowners association
o Utilize associations website
Lump the dune lakes information with a more noticeable topic such as dunes and beaches
Highlighting the economic value and importance of these ecosystems
Asking governmental organizations to look at an ecosystem management approach
Uniting the governmental organizations to cooperate in protecting these ecosystems through additional protection measures-more protection/oversight through County government
Develop a land-use plan to determine potential impact from future development
Educating county officials on the extent of the lakes watershed and the potential impact from development within the watershed
Examine and improve the regulations related to single family dwellings the cumulative impacts to the watershed
Require a set standard of Best Management Practices for any new development around the lake
Provide educational classes to train the local community on the Best Management Practices (BMPs)
Have major organization develop a model site showcasing these BMPs
Encourage a prompt response to hurricane debris removal
o Access points-County Boat Ramp
Develop a set of guidelines to ensure proper removal of debris
o County Government should formally adopt the guidelines
o Provide economic incentives
o Hand removal in sensitive areas, when feasible
Linear Mode
