April Minutes
First let me thank all who helped in our Highland Lakes clean up day. Carole Fortenbach did a wonderful job spearheading the important event!
It is the time of year when our members begin to use and enjoy our beautiful lakes. The Club tries its best to manage the lake conditions using the expertise of:
- Princeton Hydro
- Allied Biological
- HLCC Club Management
You, our members, play a very important role!
Reminders for our 2008 year:
- We need TREES – Do not cut! PLANT
- Clean up after your pets
- Please don’t litter
- Septic Cleaning
- Phosphorus free fertilizers
Join the Ecology Committee
March 13, 2008 Minutes
Present: Joan Ross, D. Cooper, Bob Reffelt, Carole Fortenbach, Paul DeCoste.
Minutes of the last meeting were read by Carole Fortenbach.
Re: Snow plow damage to lake areas: P. DeCoste was advised by Joan to call the Club Manager.
Photo copies of invasive weeds and “good” weeds were requested by Joan for Ecology Committee information.
A list of not difficult trail hiking sites was requested of P. DeCoste.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Ecology Committee
Minutes
February 21, 2008
Present: Joan Ross, Dottie Cooper, Paul De Coste, Pat De Coste, Carole Fortenbach, Barbara Weller
Highland Lakes Community Clean Up Day: Saturday, April 26, at 10 am – 12 noon.
Planning is being coordinated by Carole Fortenbach.
Ecology Committee Representation: Each lake is different.
Joan Ross stressed the importance of representation from all areas.
∑ Lake 1 (Main Lake) is currently represented by several members from different areas of the lake.
∑ Barbara W. will contact members from the southern end of lake for additional input.
∑ Lake 2 (Little Lake): needs representation.
∑ Lake 3 (Indian Lake): Carole F. will encourage someone to come to Ecology meetings.
∑ Lake 4: Joan R. will contact someone from that area.
∑ Lake 5: Paul and Pat De Coste live in that area.
Keep walking the lakes, monitor the lakes with Secchi dishes, take pictures, identify problems and alert the Ecology Committee.
Native Planting: Joan R. will contact John McAlary re Newsette articles on Native Plantings.
Future Plans/Projects for the Committee:
∑ Education to Road Plowers.
∑ Dog owner education – still needs improvement.
∑ “Environmental Areas” – HLCC&CA lots that could be made into small nature preserves?
∑ Newsette Articles – look for pictures of the good and the bad.
∑ The Law re: animals and birds.
∑ Poster Contest for Kids – work w. Club youth programs, exhibit at Family Day.
∑ How to make Highland Lakes more walkable – i.e. to and from beach.
∑ Senior Club – ideas for presentation.
∑ Canoe Trip.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 13, 2008, at 7 pm, in the Lake Room.
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We had our 1st Ecology meeting for 2008. I would like to share with you our comments and concerns:
I. We would like to have a club member from each of our 5 lakes!
II. Please share with new members the importance of trees! We need trees to
- Prevent rapid runoff to our lakes;
- Clean the Air;
- Lower heating bills (windbreaker)
III. Please pick up after your dog.
IV. Lakefront owners – Please plant a proper shoreline buffer that is environmentally safe for our treasured lakes.
V. Have septic systems pumped every 3 years.
VI. Join us for some planned walks.
Next meeting, March 13th at 7PM.
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The Ecology Committee wishes to thank our Highland Lakes members for their careful leaf removal this year.
Blowing leaves into the lakes have contributed to the poor condition of the lakes.
The Committee continues to research strategies to reduce risk of Aquatic invasive species.
The best way is to inspect and clean your boat if you have traveled to other lakes for pleasure or competition.
Finally, SAVE THE TREES! Healthy trees are a must if we are to save the lakes and wetlands.
Help educate neighbors that might not be aware of their importance. There is a tree ordinance to protect the trees.
The Committee welcomes new members and invites you to our traditional cookie and coffee hour at
our December 13th meeting at 7PM. Happy Holidays!
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Notes of the Joint Meeting of the
Planning, Ecology and Buildings & Grounds Committees
Lyn Kaplan, Chairperson Planning Committee
October 17, 2007
A joint meeting of the above three committees was held to provide input to the Buildings & Grounds Committee from Planning and Ecology in relation to the upcoming project to enhance the Clubhouse parking area. Although Buildings & Grounds is going to be in charge of this project, there are a number of relevant concerns, issues and ideas that Planning and Ecology felt were important to bring to the attention of Buildings & Grounds. The purpose of improving the parking area is both for aesthetics, since this is the focal point of our community, and to protect the “big lake” by minimizing runoff and drainage into the lake. It is hoped that this project will come to fruition in as short a time as possible.
IF YOU WERE UNHAPPY WITH THE CONDITION OF THE WATER IN THE MAIN LAKE THIS SUMMER…
Carole Fortenbach, Ecology Committee
This is a wake-up call to everyone. The watershed of the Main Lake consists not only of the lakefront residents but all the residents here at the lake. The algae growth, the green and blue surface scum, the white “soapy looking foam” that had plagued the Main Lakes during August and September has not gone unnoticed by the club or the Ecology Committee.
We are all responsible for much of the lake’s condition. Do you walk your dog (anywhere up here) and forget to pick up after her/him? Do you use fertilizers on your lawn? Do you use soap and detergents that are not phosphate-free? Do you wash your car and let the soap water run down to the lake? Even worse, there are people who let their washing machine’s discharge onto the roads. Do you have your septic pumped every 3 years (every 5 year if you are only a summer resident)? Do you rake your leaves or grass cuttings into the lake? All of the above and more are reasons the lake is struggling with algae blooms. And if you answered yes to any of the above, then you are part of the problem. It will get worse if we do not change our ways. We cannot keep putting “garbage” into our lakes and expect them to be clear.
If you see or know of anyone who would answer yes to the above questions, talk to them, inform them. They may not realize what they are doing is harmful. If you don’t want to speak to them directly, circle this article in red or cut it out and slip it in their door. You can always pick up an extra Newsette at the office. We have to start somewhere to save our lakes and we need EVERYONE’S help.
Remember, we all have to take responsibility for the condition of the lake water. We welcome any suggestions or help you would like to give. Ecology meets the 2nd Thursday of the month at 7PM. (It’s always a good idea to check with the office (973-764-4366) on the day of the meeting).
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WHAT HAPPENED?
It was the largest and most persistent algae bloom that residents had ever seen. August of 2007 saw a widespread bloom of the blue-green algae- the most hardy, prolific and malodorous form of algae. The Ecology Committee received many photos of ugly foaming algae and floating green slime. Residents complained that they had no desire to swim nor invite guests to swim in the lake. What happened? According to our lake water consultant, Steve Souza of Princeton Hydro, there were two major causes. The first was the weather which was hot and dry. There was little wind to mix and oxygenate the water. The second was excessive phosphorus loading. Phosphorus in the lakes provides a rich nutrient medium for the proliferation of algae. The sources of phosphorus are lawn fertilizers, leaky septic systems and stormwater runoff. Although we have little control of the weather, we do have control over the amount of phosphorus running into our lakes. The Ecology Committee plans to reach every homeowner with lake-friendly information. Homeowners should minimize their lawns and use phosphorus free fertilizer if needed. There should be a 10-15’ vegetated buffer at the edge of lakes and streams to slow down and absorb stormwater runoff. Septic tanks should be pumped out every three years. We will be working to give you the information you need to accomplish this- a list of native plants to plant at the water’s edge, where to buy phosphorus-free fertilizer, how to reduce the impervious surfaces on your property which cause stormwater runoff, etc. We will also invite Steve Souza to an upcoming Ecology meeting to explain the science behind the recent algae bloom. The HLCC Voting Board has included in its new budget the money needed to design a deep water aerator for the main lake. Although much is being done to improve lake water quality, the one that will make the most lasting impact on the lakes’ health is YOU.
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Dear Ecology Committee,
The next meeting of the Ecology Committee will be on Thursday, September 13th at 7 PM in the Lakeroom. We hope to have the latest reports from Princeton Hydro, our lake water Consultants, and Allied Biological regarding the heavy and persistent bloom of the blue-green algae.
Please scroll down for August minutes.
Best regards,
Brenda Susman & Joan Ross
Ecology Committee
Minutes
August 9, 2007
Present: Joan Ross, Dottie Cooper, John Dolan, Carole Fortenbach, Bob Gellner, Mark Grammerstorf,
Lucy Grollman, Jeanne Jameson, Barbara Weller
Minutes of the previous meeting were read.
Condition of the Lakes was discussed:
∑ Eutrification
∑ Sand on beaches – Evaluate the need for new sand annually in order to save money as well as to reduce the amount of sand “filling” the lake. Consider cleaning/recycling old sand on the beaches.
∑ Lake 4 (Blueberry Lake) – Filtration system might need to be relocated
∑ Dogs on beaches – they are not allowed on beaches
∑ Secchi Dish Monitoring of water quality on beaches - Lifeguards call the office daily with results – Marguerite maintains the record.
∑ Unusual clarity of lakes early this summer
∑ Weeds emerging
Highland Lakes Seniors Meeting – Joan has rescheduled a presentation to the Seniors till early next summer.
Buffer Plantings – The Ecology Committee’s request was approved by the Board. The next step is to prepare and present a budget to the Board.
Meet at the swim lanes on Monday, 8/13/07 at 11 a.m. to mark the designated area and plan for preparing a budget at the September meeting.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 13, 2007, at 7 pm, in the Lake Room.
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How to Love Highland Lakes!!!!
Joan Ross -4441
Thank you for coming to the Annual Meeting. Your input is most welcome.
You are the WATERSHED! Your actions directly contribute to the state of our lakes. You are the people we count on to protect our wonderful lakes for years to come. The very minute you step out your doors you control what drains into our lakes. Think if it! Not only do you control our lakes but our ground water as well. We drink this water. Thank you for your continued effort to:
I. Avoid overuse of fertilizers.
II. Pick up after your pet.
III. Treat your septic system with respect.
IV. Dispose of household hazardous waste properly.
V. Keep us litter free.
VI. Save the trees!
An increase in nutrients such as fertilizers laden runoffs and nutrients from malfunctioning septic systems produce algae "blooms".
Community involvement equals a successful watershed.
Thank you for your help!
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Educate Yourself About Lakes
Clean septic system regularly
Observe and protect your watershed
Lessen litter
Offer some time to your club
Group work helps
You can make a difference!
Next meeting August 9th at 7PM.
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I – Conserve H2O
II – Control the use of chemicals
III – Manage your shoreline.
- leave an unmowed buffer strip along the lake at least 20ft. wide.
- Steep bank? Leave native vegetation
IV. – Less lawn, less chemicals = Lovely Lakes
V – Work with others! Join the Ecology Committee
ECOLOGY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
April 12, 2007
Present: Joan Ross, Brenda Susman, Dottie Cooper, Michael Ewasko, Carole Fortenbach, Jeanne Jameson, Barbara Weller
Joan Ross conducted the meeting.
She thanked Carole Fortenbach for her efforts re: Newsette article.
Vernon’s Earth Fest - April 28 and 29 at Mountain Creek.
Jeanne Jameson is preparing and manning a table for Highland Lakes
Dottie Cooper and Nino Spillacci are setting up the photography exhibit - inside the hotel.
Clean-up Day in Highland Lakes - May 5, 10 am - 12 noon.
Carole Fortenbach has everything well in hand: notices, supplies, etc.
Buffer Planting - The Ecology Committee’s Spring Project, in lieu of Ecology Day.
The Club Board has designated an area for this purpose. Tentative date - early June.
Clubhouse Parking Lot Area - Still in planning stage. Planning Committee and Buildings and Grounds Committee are working on this.
Lake 2 Destratification System - Dr. Souza’s Annual Report again recommended that this would be beneficial. Needs further study. Lake 4’s new system should be up and running this season - monitor results there. Check with other lakes that have such systems.
COLA (New Jersey Coalition of Lake Associations) - Saturday, April 21, 2007, 9 am, at Lake Mohawk Country Club. Glenn Sullivan of Allied Biological to speak about use of copper sulfate in treatment of lake.
“Open House at the Lake” - April 20, 2:30-6:30 pm, at Lake Shawnee Clubhouse.
Program to include three lake management presentations by: Allied Biological, Inc.; SePRO Corporation; and Applied Ecological Services, Inc. RSVP by April 10.
“Pest Alert” - flyer by US Dep. Of Agriculture, Forest Service - distributed, re: Gypsy Moth
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 10, 2007, at 7 pm, in the Lake Room
with a presentation by Linda Gangi, of New Jersey Audubon Society, at that meeting.
ECOLOGY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
May 16, 2007
Present: John Dolan, Carole Fortenbach, Jeanne Jameson, Barbara Weller
Guest: Linda Gangi
Minutes of the April 12 meeting were reviewed.
∑ It was noted that Brenda Susman is this year’s recipient of the Schlesinger Award at Vernon’s Earth Fest on April 28 - and is to be congratulated.
∑ Carole Fortenbach reported that Clean-up Day in Highland Lakes on May 5 went well - a big thank you to Carole.
Linda Gangi, Project Manager, Birding and Wildlife Trails was introduced and gave her presentation. She is creating “Birding and Wildlife Trails - Skylands Region” for the New Jersey Audubon Society and seeks participation/input. There were handouts.
She would like nominations for trails/sites by July 31, 2007.
Visit: www.njwildlifetrails.org for more information.
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 14, 2007, at 7 pm, in the Lake Room
Ecology
Joan Ross and Brenda Susman, Co-Chairpersons
We all realize that the quality of our water is linked to how we use the watershed surrounding it. Creating a good natural watershed will protect our lakes for generations to come.
Please continue to protect our lakes as follows:
1. Place litter in trash receptacles.
2. Avoid overuse of fertilizers.
3.Pick up after your pet(s).
4. Do not feed the geese.
5. Dispose of household hazardous waste properly.
6. Recycle all used motor oil.
7. Use non-phosphate detergent.
8. Treat your septic system with respect. Pump every 3-5 years.
The quality of our lakes depends on YOU!
The gypsy moth is back!
Egg masses can be destroyed from August to late April by scraping them off with a penknife or thin putty knife. Collect egg masses in a container and burn them. Report to the town.
We welcome all new members and look forward to seeing you at our next meeting on May 10th.
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Vernon Township Clean Communities Clean-Up Days-
The DPW announces that on April 28 and May 5th 2007 they will be having a bulky waste and tire clean-up at the DPW complex on Church Street from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Bulky items that will be accepted are tires, furniture, mattresses, carpets, and appliances. Stoves, washers, dryers, refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners, including T.V.’s will be accepted.
Vernon residents will be allowed four tires per household.
No truck tires or tires on rims will be accepted, nor yard waste (leaves, brush)
Hazardous waste – paint, chemical etc. will not be accepted.
Proper identification will be required to dispose of the bulky waste and tires. Please present at time of drop off (i.e. Driver’s license, tax bill, utility bill etc.). Any questions please call DPW at 973-764-3021.
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THE HEALTH OF THE LAKES...
On February 8th, Steve Souza Ph.D. from Princeton Hydro, our lake consultant, gave a presentation to the Highland Lakes community at the Ecology meeting about the health of our Lakes. In a nutshell, he reported that Lakes 1, 3 & 5 are "gems" according to water quality monitoring. Everything possible should be done to keep them that way.
Lake 4 had the worst report. The new aerator was not able to be operational as early in the season as needed for optimum results. Lake 2, the main lake, also has had problems for the past few years with excess phosphorus loading and algae blooms. Dr. Souza recommends a deep-water aeration system, which would mix more oxygen into the water to destratify the layers of water. The aerator would provide better water quality and better conditions for fish. The Ecology Committee has recommended to the HLCC Board that they look into the cost of the proposal for the Destratification System and into the cost of the installation and maintenance of the system. Dr. Souza emphasized the importance of keeping phosphorus out of the Lakes. Residents should clean septic tanks every three years, use lawn fertilizers without phosphorus, and keep vegetated buffers at the edge of the lakes in order to filter out sediment and pollutants before they reach the water. Dr. Souza’s presentation can be seen online at www.hlcc.org. Member Information, Ecology.
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The Ecology Committee invites everyone to come to the February 8th at 7:00PM to hear Dr. Stephen Souza, President of Princeton Hydro give a talk on our lakes. He is the past president of the North American Lake Management Society, and an adhoc member of the State’s Lake Advisory Task Force. Dr. Souza is the person who oversees the condition of our lakes and he will tell you why they are what they are. He gives a most interesting presentation.
We hope you will join us in the Lakeroom at the clubhouse for this presentation.
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ECOLOGY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
January 11, 2007
Present: Joan Ross, Brenda Susman, Dick Batchelder, Dottie Cooper, Pat DeCoste, Paul DeCoste, Michael Ewasko, Carole Fortenbach, Tom LoSasso, Nino Spallacci, Barbara Weller
Joan Ross conducted the meeting.
Dr. Stephen Souza was unable to attend - rescheduled for February.
There were no minutes available for the December 2006 meeting.
Global Warming -
- Al Gore’s DVD, “Inconvenient Truth,” is available for viewing.
- Brenda Susman presented a letter from Ken Mankoff (a member from Highland Lakes), asking the Ecology Committee to sponsor a meeting at which he would like to present.
- Discussion followed. Joan Ross will discuss this further with her trustee, Sam Lewin.
Gypsy Moths -
- Based on findings of an aerial survey done last summer, the State does not recommend spraying the Vernon area in Spring 2007.
- Joan Ross suggests further research at various websites, i.e.: Rutgers, and Master Gardeners, etc., and advised everyone to contact the Sussex Coounty Shade Commission to let them know of our concerns.
Vernon’s Earth Fest Plans - Saturday, April 28, 10 am - 6 pm, at Mountain Creek.
Many exciting events to include: wolf show, raptor show, green technology, gondola run, etc.
Clean-up Day in Highland Lakes - Carole Fortenbach will schedule.
Preservation of Wetlands owned by Highland Lakes -
- Discussion of the importance of maintaining our wetlands.
- Carole Fortenbach will check with the office for a map which can be used to designate specific areas.
- Paul DeCoste will write up goals for further discussion and action.
Disposal of Garbage/Rubbish/Leaves/Branches - was discussed.
- Suggestion was made to request Club involvement, i.e. dumpster .
- Look into this for further discussion.
Buffer Planting - The Ecology Committee’s Spring Project, in lieu of Ecology Day.
The Club Board has designated an area for this purpose. Tentative date - early June.
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 8, 2007, at 7 pm in the Lake Room.
Dr. Stephen Souza will present his report at that meeting.
cc: Jamjean@warwick.net; Dgsus@aol.com
Thank you for
helping to protect and preserve our lakes.
