LAKE
GASTON ASSOCIATION
Meeting Minutes (approved) May 5, 2010
Mission:
To identify lake issues affecting our membership and pursue resolution
with the responsible organizations.
Location:
Lake Gaston Baptist Church
Littleton, North Carolina
Convened
BY:
President Hughes
Pledge of
Allegiance:
Led by President Hughes
Moment of Silence: Led by President Hughes
Visitors:
There were 19 guests including two press; Bill O’Neill Lake Gaston Gazette/Observer, Della Batts Daily Herald. Among the visitors was Mr. Fred Papa the new Economic Development Director for Warren County.
Executive/Director Attending:
Doug Hughes, Jack Saunders, Moira Underwood, John Cataldo, David Duxbury, Ron Skow, Barbara Burgdoerfer, Clarence Drumgoole, Laura Kolb, Fred Kneisel, Ralph Domach, Bill La Monte.
Guest Speakers:
Sarah Miller, SePro Aquatic Specialist, Chemical Treatment Overview:
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Reported that the research labs are always looking for newer/better ‘active ingredients’ for weed control treatment, but that it is expensive and hard to get new products approved for weed control.
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That SePro has test fields and ponds established in N.C., and that SePro aquatic specialist are stationed throughout the country.
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Reported that hydrilla is prevalent on the East Coast & Gulf of Mexico and that SePro works with 8 states in their efforts to eradicate hydrilla.
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That the treatment of choice is sonar applied fluridone because it is a systemic herbicide that kills the whole hydrilla plant.
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Reported that it takes three applications of treatment on Lake Gaston because of the movement of the water in the lake, and that it takes 45-60 days to kill the plants and occasionally up to 100 days.
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That treatment applications are selective (localized) VS widespread.
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Sonar will effect ground vegetation so treated water is not good for plant/yard irrigation.
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As far as drinking sonar treated water is concerned, it is less toxic than an aspirin or caffeine.
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Advised that many residents use copper-sulfate to treat their hydrilla problems. Copper-sulfate is ILLEGAL for use in Lake Gaston and it is very hazardous to fish and other animals that drink treated water.
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Komeen is a contact herbicide that has no restrictions after use, but can harm small fish and trout in ponds, or low water areas.
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Some invasive weeds found in the lake came from home aquariums that were dumped in the lake.
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For the most part, private hydrilla treatments are not reported.
NOTE: Ms. Miller said she would talk to SePro on making an educational video on weeds/weeds treatment.
Guest Speaker: Bruce Johnson
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Each grass carp costs $6.00 to be stocked in the lake and they have a 7-10 year life-span.
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Reported that LYNGBYA appears to be the next possible plant problem on the lake and the only way to kill it is to treat the whole plant.
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Grass carp are territorial and rarely move beyond 2 miles of their placement (unless the hydrilla supply is exhausted).
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The ideal number of grass carp per weed infested acre of lake is 15.
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It is considerably cheaper to treat the hydrilla problem with grass carp VS chemicals.
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All grass carp introduced into Lake Gaston are sterile, thus no reproduction or carp numbers growth in the lake.
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Bruce reported the Corps of Engineers will be at the lake for 3 or 4 days this month to re-vegetate areas of the lake with local vegetation. Volunteers are needed to support this effort.
Secretary's Report: Bill La Monte requested approval of the April 2010 minutes and they were approved.
Treasurer’s Report:
Jack Saunders distributed a copy of the current budget. He requested approval of the budget and it was approved.
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Jack Saunders distributed a copy of the current budget. He requested approval of the budget and it was approved.
Committee
Reports:
Marketing: Bill LaMonte
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Reported there are 69 business members including one that recently joined through the Marketing web page.
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Advised the LGA was advertising in many of the upcoming events to increase exposure.
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Informed all that the LGA will have sponsor booths at many of the upcoming events and that he and membership would be contacting all for help.
Planning
& Development:
Jack Saunders
Lake
Environment/Aquatic Weed:
Vernon Wilson (not present)
Safety:
John Cataldo
Membership: David Duxbury
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Advised that the Officer’s have set recruitment goals of 1,500 in 2010 and 2,000 in 2011.
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Reported on the current number of household members 1,300+
Government Relations:
Ron Skow
Nominating :
Barbara Burgdoerfer
Executive
Director:
Moira Underwood
Moira’s May activities are quite extensive and her complete report will soon be available on the web site.
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Reported that a lot of her activities involved supporting the various county forums.
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She compiled household and business membership numbers & completed welcome certificates and plaques for new businesses.
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She attends most committee meetings
Old
Business:
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President Hughes reported on the meet the candidates forums and his disappointment that we did not have more citizens at the forums. We did have a full-slate of candidates at each forum.
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Shirts/hats for committee members: Doug reported that the LGA had decided to give shirts/blouses/hats to Director’s and active committee members who want them, and will wear them to LGA involved functions.
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To date the LGA has provided 2 shirts, 3 blouses, 2 hats and LGA logo embroidery on 3 shirts/blouses.
New Business:
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Doug reported on some activities with the Economic Development Coordinating Council of Brunswick County, including a meeting of the council with Virginia secretary of Commerce Jim Cheng. Doug reported that he made a pitch to Secretary Cheng to support infrastructure development at the lake to encourage new businesses to relocate to Brunswick County. Doug also reported that the Executive Director of the LG Chamber made a pitch for more coordination of tourism efforts. Secretary Cheng agreed and noted that every $1 invested in tourism brings a $10 return.
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That the Weed Control Council has the necessary $5,000 in it’s budget requested by N.C. State for funding for the volunteer weed survey sponsored by them and carried out by the LGA LEM’S.
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That the Annual LGA Meeting will be June 12th, 10AM, at the normal meeting location. He said Rob Richardson and Dr. Smart will be the speakers talking about weed research.
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Doug introduced Dan Brewer as the next prospective LGA Director. An electronic vote will be taken by the end of the week.
The next meeting will be Wednesday
June 12th.
The next scheduled meeting will be the Annual Meeting on 12 June
Respectfully Submitted
William La Monte
Secretary
Secretary
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