March 1, 2008 by lakeprotector.

Below are the letters of thanks that were sent to Senator Brown and Representative Boehner thanking them for their efforts which have resulted in $1 Million in special funding for projects to clean up two of the creeks feeding the Lake.

March 1, 2008

SENATOR SHERROD BROWN
455 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING
WASHINGTON DC 20510

Dear Senator Brown,

On behalf of the 700 family and business members of the Grand Lake St. Marys Lake Improvement Association, I want to thank you for your efforts which have resulted in the recent $1 million dollar funding of watershed projects by the Natural Resources Conservation Service in the Lake’s watershed.

As you are aware, Grand Lake Saint Marys is one of the most degraded lakes in the State of Ohio. Its hypereutrophic condition is primarily the result of runoff from the agricultural land which makes up the majority of the Lake’s watershed. The $1 million dollar funding for projects in the watershed will significantly contribute to reducing the nutrients in two of the six major waterways draining into the Lake. I hope that this funding will signal the start of the major efforts required at the local, state and federal levels to make the Lake a legacy that we can proudly leave for future generations to enjoy.

While the Lake Improvement Association is a non-partisan organization, I am sure its membership will consider your bipartisan efforts which have resulted in the funding becoming available when they vote in the future.

Sincerely,

William Ringo
President, Lake Improvement Association

March 1, 2008

Representative John Boehner
1011 Longworth House Office Building 1011 LHOB
Washington, D.C., District of Columbia 20515-3508

Dear Representative Boehner,

On behalf of the 700 family and business members of the Grand Lake St. Marys Lake Improvement Association, I want to thank you for your efforts which have resulted in the recent $1 million dollar funding of watershed projects by the Natural Resources Conservation Service in the Lake’s watershed.

As you are aware, Grand Lake Saint Marys is one of the most degraded lakes in the State of Ohio. Its hypereutrophic condition is primarily the result of runoff from the agricultural land which makes up the majority of the Lake’s watershed. The $1 million dollar funding for projects in the watershed will significantly contribute to reducing the nutrients in two of the six major waterways draining into the Lake. I hope that this funding will signal the start of the major efforts required at the local, state and federal levels to make the Lake a legacy that we can proudly leave for future generations to enjoy.

While the Lake Improvement Association is a non-partisan organization, I am sure its membership will consider your bipartisan efforts which have resulted in the funding becoming available when they vote in the future.

Sincerely,

William Ringo
President, Lake Improvement Association

Posted in GLSM Watershed | 1 Comment »

February 23, 2008 by Anthony.

Here we go again! 

We need to lower the lake level in the fall and winter as was done for years prior to the spillway’s construction in 1997.  A neighbor has been here for 16 years and has been flooded four times.  Please support us in this endeavor to have the level lowered to allow for spring thaw and major weather events of rain.  The banks are being beat to pieces with the high water which only puts more runoff and soil erosion into the Grand Lake. 

Posted in Lake level management | No Comments »

December 18, 2007 by admin.

GLWWA Watershed Action Plan
Conditionally Endorsed
Waiting on ARC/GIS files
Goal is to submit for full endorsement before 2008

Lawn Fertilizer Minigrant
Sent post cards to people with coupons, advising program will end December 31, 2007
Will compile results from Helena Agronomic Center
Will be working with Helena (and possibly others) on 2008 program

$100,000 for Grand Lake St. Marys Watershed
Started waiting list of applications
Looking for recommendations for 2008 program
First certifications complete

Geotextile Tube Manure Dewatering Grant
Three tubes filled at swine operation, two at the dairy
Beginning to analyze data
Captured attention of Celina Tent

Volunteer Monitoring Program
Volunteers are needed for this program
Working on quality assurance and supply order
Have location and possible date for Spring training

Water Pollution Control Loan Fund
Forms for septic system replacement and agriculture equipment
Funds will be available Jan. 1, 2008
Next step is to sign MOU with banks

USGS Microbial Tracking
Project could show source of nutrients
Requires a 70% match
May hold off till next year

USGS Proposal for Monitoring Ethanol Plant
Two options
May be grant funds and the possibility of other contributors
Needs to begin as soon as we know the plant will be built

Lake Geotextile Tube Project
$25,000 from state budget for capitol improvements
Assisting State Park to get project started
Proposal was accepted

QHEI Level II Training
Habitat training
Results are not complete
Level III certification

Project Learning Tree/Project WET Training
Certified to train educators in both projects
Active/hands on learning
Can be tailored for all ages

GIS/DSI Training
Learned basics of GIS
Set up personal geodatabases

Ohio Lake Management Society Annual Meeting
Learned they will become a division of Water Management Association of Ohio
Heard many possible solutions for different problems
Spoke with Director Logan

Ohio Watershed Academy
Through OSU Extension
Six month training
Assignments every two weeks

St. Mary’s River Projects
Army Corps
Allen County SWCD, Indiana
Supplied information, received report on initial top priorities

Coordinator’s Upcoming Meetings/Trainings
SWCD all employees meeting, December 20, 2007
Advisory Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m. December 27, 2007, large meeting room
Auglaize County SWCD Planning Meeting, 8 a.m. January 3, 2008, Administrative Building
Lake Improvement Association, 10 a.m. January 5, 2008, Celina Moose
Joint Board meeting, 4 p.m. January 24, 2008, upstairs 4-H meeting room
Science and Civics Facilitator Training, January 25, 2008, Columbus

Posted in Manure management, GLSM Watershed | 1 Comment »