Okoboji Protective Association

Fall 2009

From the OPA President

Dear Membership,

This summer we were blessed with some of the clearest lake water we have seen for many years. We have made a lot of progress in the last few years with implementing Low Impact Development to contain storm water runoff. Or maybe it was the cool June that prevented algae from growing in the early part of the summer. Either way, we enjoyed some of the clearest lake water we have seen in a long time.

The Lower Gar - 230th Avenue issue moved a little closer to a solution at the November 24th Dickinson County Board of Supervisors meeting. The OPA has spent the last year trying to work with the Supervisors to resolve the issue. We have attended almost all of the BOS meetings, proposed action plans, and presented a 510 signature petition - with little progress prior to November 24th. See separate articles on the Lower Gar history and recent actions.

Another area of concern is the threat of Aquatic Invasive Species - particularly Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussels. During the last three years the DNR has ramped up their AIS activities on the Iowa Great Lakes. Three Water Patrol Officers were assigned to boat ramps to educate boaters and inspect their boats and trailers for AIS. This past summer the DNR added an AIS Fisheries Bureau intern to their forces. But with 12 major boat ramps in Dickinson County the DNR can't cover them all. For the last two summers the lake protective associations organized boat ramp volunteers to educate boaters and inspect their boats to be sure AIS do not infest our lakes. We ask summer volunteers for two hours a month to protect our lakes. Next summer we plan a more expanded program to protect our lakes from AIS. See separate article for our 2010 plans.

The OPA, along with the East Okoboji Lakes Improvement Corporation and the Spirit Lake Protective Association, worked with the Department of Natural Resources to develop three Boater's Maps: West Okoboji, East Okoboji - Lower Lakes, and Spirit Lake. The maps feature 3D depth contours, names of lake features along with the location of hazard buoys, marinas, and gas docks. The maps included an Aquatic Invasive Species message on the back side. Maps are available at boat ramps, marinas, resorts, bait shops, and chamber offices. You can print your own maps from a PDF file by visiting website www.watersafetycouncil.org/boatinginfo/.

The DNR Environmental Protection Commission has been working on stronger rules to protect Iowa's lakes and streams. It is called the Antidegradation rulemaking. A part of this process was to designate certain Iowa waters as Outstanding Iowa Waters (OIW). There is little doubt West Okoboji qualifies along with East Okoboji and Spirit Lake. But Lake Minnewashta, Upper Gar, and Lower Gar are tougher questions due to their poor water quality. Some cities oppose stronger rules to protect water quality citing increased costs to their sanitary sewer systems. The OPA has filed three letters in this DNR rulemaking to protect the Iowa Great Lakes.

A year ago, the DNR contracted with Iowa State University to research the use and community thinking about the lower Okoboji lakes - particularly Lower Gar Lake. One facet of this research was an internet questionnaire. In September, the OPA sent a letter to our members asking them to take part in the ISU internet study. A total of 84 responses came from the OPA link. A public meeting about the lower chain of Okoboji lakes will probably occur this winter.

It has been tradition for the OPA President to serve a two year term. I will complete my two year term at the end of this year. It has been fun, exciting, and interesting to serve as your President. I trust you enjoyed the ride. I will continue after the first of the year as Chairman of the Communications Committee to follow the Lower Gar issue to completion. On January 1st our Vice President for the last two years - Joe Fitzgibbons - will become OPA President. At the August Board of Directors meeting Jim Rosendahl was elected OPA Vice President. Both Joe and Jim have lifelong interests in our lakes and will do a fine job.

Historically the OPA Secretary and Treasurer serve for many years. Barbara Mendenhall will continue to serve as the OPA Secretary. Her vast knowledge of OPA prodedures and traditions has been very valuable to the association. Bill Sackett has served the OPA as Treasurer with his financial expertise for more than ten years. Our new treasurer, effective Jauary 1st, will be his son - Barry Sackett. New members of the Board of Directors elected at the July Annual Meeting are: Steve Rose, Puala Henry, and Mike Thoreson.

The OPA needs more members. There are a thousand homes around West Lake Okoboji while we have 430 dues paying members. The strength of OPA membership shows the DNR, legislature, city councils, board of supervisors, and other organizations how strongly we feel about protecting our valuable natural resources. Trying to come up with a Christmas gift for your Okoboji friends? Why not give them a year's OPA membership ($25) that includes our informative newsletter? We will apply your contribution to their 2010 dues.

The OPA Board of Directors meets April through September on the last Saturday of the month at 9 AM at Iowa Lakeside Laboratory. For May, June, July, and August our one-hour meetings will start at 8 AM to accommodate Okoboji Yacht Club sailors.

We welcome your ideas and suggestions. Feel free to discuss your concerns with the officers or directors of the association. Do not forget to visit our website www.okobojiprotectiveassociation.org. Email can be sent to information@okobojiprotectiveassociation.org.

Phil Petersen
President