Hello Harwood Lake Association Members!Thank you for your continuing support and participation in the Harwood Lake Association, and a special thank you to those who were able to attend the Annual Meeting education sessions, elections, and Ice Cream Social! Great to see you!Now, so many other ‘thank you’s’ to extend along with a summary of the meeting highlights for those unable to attend.Thank you to our expert presenters:*Alex Florian, CISMA invasive species coordinator, provided valuable information about invasive species, plus, unfortunately, identified a new invasive plant in our lake!! – more to follow. For questions about what’s invasive and what’s not, and what to do if true, contact Alex at: invasivesed@vanburencd.org Work: 269.657.4030 x 5*Pat Boyle, Cass County SESC inspector, outlined the long term negative impact of erosion/sediment and how to avoid this from happening. He urged the need to change from an urban (HOA) lawn to a natural shoreland to protect the lake. Before starting any project that disturbs the soil or citing of erosion, contact Pat. pat@cassccdistrict.org Cell: 269.845.9954 POP QUIZ from the meeting presentations:
- Clearing the shoreline or lake bottom invites invasive species growth. True or false
- Erosion/sediment reduces the fish population and life of the lake. True or False
- Answer: Both TRUE
*Jim Kings, HLA president, reported on Harwood water clarity- how clear or cloudy. NOTE: All readings are taken in the deepest part of the lake, same time of day, on Friday – before increased weekend boat traffic. Over the course of the summer, our lake clarity has declined from 22 feet in May to 8 feet in July. Jim has reached out to MLSA for possible causes. Jim, a special thanks for your diligence and all you do for Harwood Lake and Association!
*Broc Watkins, HLA treasurer, presented the Y-T-D numbers and noted a positive balance. . Membership dues remain at $25 per calendar year. While membership is down from last year, approximately 60% of Harwood Lake riparians are members. Broc, thank you for diligence and keeping HLA fiscally healthy!
Other Events – ElectionsThe HLA officers and board members extend gratitude for the opportunity to serve you and support the Harwood Lake Association. The current officers and board will remain in place with one exceptionTreasurer: Broc Watkins resigned. A new treasurer was elected: Scott Morris.
- Broc, thank you for all of your efforts and laying a sound financial foundation for HLA. You will be missed!
- Scott, thank you for accepting HLA financial leadership position! Welcome!!
As earlier stated, MANY THANKS TO MANY.. and apologies for any unintentional oversight of anyone deserving but not mentioned.
Have a great summer and continue to make a positive difference for the Harwood Lake environment!!
Your HLA Board and Officers