LAKE GASTON ASSOCIATION
Minutes (non-approved) of the Annual Meeting - June
12, 2010
Mission: To identify lake issues
affecting our members and pursue resolution with the responsible
organizations.
Location: Lake Gaston Baptist Church
Members Welcome:
President Hughes
Executive/Director’s Present: Doug Hughes, Linda Hedgepeth, Jack Saunders, Moira Underwood, Vernon Wilson, John Cataldo, Ron Skow, Ralph Domach, Laura Kolb, Barbara Burgdoerfer, Dan Brewer, Clarence Drumgoole, Bill La Monte.
Members Present: There were 33 members present, 1 visitor and two press:
Pledge of Allegiance:
Led by President Hughes
Special Reading:
President Hughes read an article about a Medal of Honor earner who was being harassed by his homeowner association because he erected a flag pole, and flew the flag daily, in his front yard. The homeowner won out on flying the flag after his plight stirred national attention. The morale of the story is that every homeowner has the right to fly an American Flag on their property.
Moment of Silence: Led by President Hughes
Special Recognition:
President Hughes presented plaques of appreciation for service to the LGA to Ralph Domach and Vernon Wilson. John Boyle was not present for his plaque.
President Hughes presented a special plaque of appreciation to Moira Underwood for her outstanding service to the LGA.
Guest Speakers:
Dr. Rob Richardson: North Carolina State University Aquatic Plant Specialist
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Stated that it is recommended that there be 15 grass carp per hydrilla vegetated acre of lake area.
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That grass carp have a 30% mortality rate for their first 2 years of placement and a 20% mortality rate after the 2nd year. This is the lowest mortality rate for grass carp of any other waters evaluated in the region.
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This year there will be 7,347 grass carp added to the lake.
50% will be placed at Granite Hall Shores, 25% at 6 Pond/Song Bird Creek and 25% at Big Stonehouse.
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He stated there is no maximum age determined for grass carp and that there is no evidence of grass carp escaping from the lake.
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Reported that there are no plans to tag any new fish and that VA allows bow-hunting with the fish being sent to research facilities.
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There were a total of 103 carp tagged previously and they showed little movement after they found a vegetated area to feed in. The average movement was less than 3.6 miles from the point they were introduced into the lake.
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Stated there is 1,477 acres of hydrilla on the lake and this is a 10% increase over last year. Most of this growth is in the “Flats Area” on the north end of the lake.
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Volunteers sampled over 1,625 points on the lake during 25 different sampling dates.
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To test the effect of a mix of herbicides on hydrilla a 20 acre test site was developed. The results of the test are not yet in.
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Lyngbya; The newest problem on the lake, covers about 3% of the areas tested and most of that was located in coves.
Dr. Mike Smart: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Aquatic Plant Specialist
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Stated that Lake Gaston is currently a healthy lake with native plants.
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Advised that the total eradication of hydrilla is not a good thing for the lake as hydrilla provides food, protection and breeding grounds for different variety’s of fish.
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Recommended there be a lot of local plant re-vegetation and that local aquatic plant nursery’s be developed.
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He recommended American Pondweed, Illinois Pondweed, Water Shield, American Lotus and White Water Lillie’s as the primary local vegetation to be planted in the lake.
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Stated that submerged vegetation needs protection from carp and turtles.
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That when treating hydrilla, Fluridone can do a lot of harm to native plants.
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Reported that grass carp had only a moderate effect on reducing hydrilla at 2 of 8 test sites.
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Advised it is important to increase the restoration sites of native vegetation and that when cages are used, they should be moved annually to determine the restorative effect of plantings.
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That this year 357 plant cages were built and installed including 8 24’by24’ cages. There were 630 nursery grown plants put in the cages with a 90% survival rate.
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That due to a change in Congressional interest and funding for Lake Gaston and other waterways, the Corps of Engineers is going into an advisory capacity as far as its involvement on the lake. It will still provide test results as received.
- NOTE: There were numerous questions from the audience. President Hughes thanked Dr’s Richardson and Smart for their presentations.
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- Secretary’s Report – Bill La Monte
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Bill La Monte asked the Board to approve the May Director’s Meeting minutes. They were approved. He then asked the membership to approve the 2009 Annual Meeting minutes. They were approved.
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Treasurer’s Report – Bill Lindenmuth
President Hughes gave a brief break-down of the state of the budget showing we were in good shape so far for 2010.
Nominating Report:
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President Hughes nominated Barbara Burgdoerfer to her first 3 year term, Dan Brewer to his first 3 year term, Clarence Drumgoole to his first 3 year term and Laura Kolb to her second 3 year term. All were elected to the Board of Directors by a vote of the membership present.
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President Hughes also recognized Barbara Burgdoerfer as the new Nominating Committee Chairperson and she encouraged everyone to get involved.
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Old Business: President Hughes
Gave an overview of the year’s activities which included a heavy emphasis on Watershed Protection, the LGA’S efforts to keep the lake clean, the work the LGA is doing to encourage the five counties to keep their budgets and tax rates to respectable/acceptable levels for all citizens in each county and the LGA presence at virtually every county meeting. He also talked about LGA efforts to acquire grants that will be used for the betterment of the lake. President Hughes concluded by thanking everyone for their interest in the LGA and for the outstanding work being done in promoting a ‘Lake Way of Life’ suitable to everyone.
Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Johnson were thanked for providing the aquatic weed display of the various aquatic vegetation found in the lake.
Respectfully submitted,
William La Monte
Secretary
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