Wednesday, June 1, 2011

LAKE CHARMAINE CLOSED TO BOAT TRAFFIC

As of June 1, 2011, Charmaine Lake is closed to all boat traffic due to low lake levels. We managed to get through the Memorial Day weekend without closing the lake but levels this morning were at the critical stage. The reason the lake closing is necessary is to prevent wash out from boat waves below the apron on the dam. Have you heard the old saying "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"? To leave the lakes open would cause costly repairs in the future. We will open the lake back up as soon as we get some rain and the levels rise. PRAY for rain. PLEASE remember we are under a burn ban.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Karen - Is this only for motorized watercraft? What about kayaks or canoes?

Anonymous said...

If we go slow (no wake!), can we take our boats out of the water? Leaving them in the lake without running them can create costly issues due to algae build up.

Thanks.

Karen said...

Lake is not closed to kayaks or canoes. As far as removing a boat from the lake, please call Ron at 377-1936 to let him know when you would like to remove your boat and he will arrange for the gate to be unlocked at the main launch area at the community center.

Sarah Warren said...

What about the damage to the apron at the park across the lake from the community center? What about the "boil-up" we have been hearing about? Shouldn't something be done about residents watering their lawns and vegetation by pumping the lake? Personally, I think it is shameful to suck water from the lakes!

Karen Sikora said...

Any concerns about the dam apron should be sent on to the city officials. The IPOIA is no longer in charge of dam repairs or any questions about problems directly related to the dam. If you are referring to the bulkhead washout plans are in place to take care of that within the week. I suggest that you relay your concerns about the pumping of water from the lake in a letter to the IPOIA and the city.

Sarah Warren said...

I have contacted city officials. The city is working on the dam issue. I believe in transparency. To say as soon as water levels rise is an inaccurate statement. The residents of Ivanhoe need to be accurately informed so we can all band together and work on whatever issues arrise in our community. Pumping water out of the lakes has been an isssue for years. In my opinion it is wrong, especially now! I have spoke with several board presidents through the years, including our current president. Always to be told, "there is nothing we can do". I would write a letter but why?

Karen said...

As far as letting people know what is going on we do post here on the blog IPOIA business and occasionally I do post city business. The Marquee up front is also used for important notices. Plans are being made to start the newsletter again in the month of July. The city is working on their own website. You do have the option of speaking at the IPOIA meeting( submit written request 1 week prior to meeting to appear before board) and the city meeting (sign up 15 min. prior to start of meeting). Since the dams are under city control it is not up to me how the residents are informed about issues related to the dams. If at some point the city gives me a bulletin about the conditions of the dams I will post it here.

Sarah Warren said...

I understand "protocol" and I understand your position of silence. My point is saying as soon as the rains come the lake will be open to motorized traffic is inaccurate. Unfortunately, we have a dam problem. I believe on this blog we all have the right to voice our opinions or provide information to interested parties. I still believe pumping water out of the lakes is wrong. I live on one of the lakes and I will pay for my water like the other non-lakeside residents of Ivanhoe. If I thought writing a letter and standing up in front of the board would make a difference I would....guess I will just stay seated!

Karen said...

As of this date and to the best of my knowledge the lake will be re-opened once the lake levels are sufficent to prevent damage to the apron of the dam. I made that statement with the information on hand on the day I posted the article. I have not and never will post something I personally know to be untrue. I do not operate under a "code of silence". I appreciate your feelings on pumping from the lake and can honestly say the only way something will get changed is to voice your opinion in a meeting.

Sarah Warren said...

This is not a personal issue. It was meant to be informational.I sincerely hope the dam is in great shape needing no repair. We will see. Sorry if I hit a nerve with you. I have voiced my opinion before to no avail. I sign off from this "Battle of the Blog".

Karen said...

Sarah, you did not hit any nerve of mine....if you knew me you would know I am an easy going person. I never consider answering your concerns was a battle. I apologize if you got that impression. As you say, I feel we have blogged this question to it's end.

Sherry said...

Hi everyone,
Karen, you mentioned that the city is working on a website. How's that coming along?

Anonymous said...

In reguard to pumping water out of the lake ,that is one of those benefeits people have for paying extra to live on the lake but water should only be pumped if water is spilling over the dam being wasted. If they are pumping under low water conditions like this they should go to jail or pay the same fine as burning.