JLIA and Newsletter Name Change

JLIA and Newsletter Name Change

During the last Board meeting, we discussed the name of our organization and have decided to simplify and shorten the name.  We filed an application with the State of Florida to do business as the “Johns Lake Association” and it was granted on May 4th.  From now on we will use the new name. We also decided to change the name of the newsletter. The Association was originally formed when the lake was so low that it was taken over by cattails.  A board was elected to deal with the cattail problem. This is no longer an issue, so the newsletter is now called the “Johns Lake Association Newsletter.”

Committees

Committees

At our January Board Meeting, we decided to form a few committees to break up the work and provide engagement by all.  The committees are Invasive Species, Boat Parade, Outfall, Mission Statement, and Marketing/Membership.  Here is a quick summary of each.

Invasive Species – Completed a conference call meeting with our FWC biologist on April 19th.  A lot of good information was shared.  The primary topic was hydrilla and carp. 

Boat Parade – The date was chosen to be December 12.  Additional planning will take place in the third quarter.  Please keep an eye on our website and Facebook page.

Outfall – The study consultants have completed their work and a final copy has been issued.  We are waiting to have a meeting with the County Commissioner and the Town of Oakland to discuss the next steps. 

Mission Statement – The committee came up with four emerging themes to focus on, Communication, Education, Advocacy, and Recreation.  It’s important that we refine the objective and create a clear vision/purpose for the board.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Public Forum on the use of Herbicides on Lakes in Florida

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Public Forum on the use of Herbicides on Lakes in Florida

On February 26, 2019, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (“FWC”) held the last of six public forums on the control of excessive vegetation and/or exotics on freshwater lakes in Florida. This series of meetings is during a “pause” in the use of herbicides throughout the state. The first portion of the meeting, the FWC discussed their four ways of controlling excessive and/or exotic vegetation. Chemical (use of selective herbicides), mechanical (removal of vegetation with equipment), biological (stocking lakes with sterile carp to eat invasive/exotic vegetation), and physical (controlled burns and drawdowns of water). They explained that each lake is unique in the way they control the vegetation.

The next portion of the meeting allowed residents up to three minutes of time to express their opinions on herbicide use. Duck hunters and guides were predominantly opposed to herbicide use as they felt wildlife was being adversely affected by herbicides in that there was no longer sufficient vegetation to support fish and/or ducks. Some of the lakes they mentioned were treated with helicopter and/or airplane spraying. This method of spraying is not used on Johns Lake; the FWC uses airboats, from which they spot treat vegetation.

Fishermen and pleasure boaters were for and against herbicides. Some felt fish were being adversely affected by herbicides, whereas others felt herbicides should be used in conjunction with mechanical and biological means to control vegetation and/or exotics so that navigation would not be impeded. Many felt hydrilla that limits boaters’ navigation would adversely affect the local economy (i.e., bait shops, Tavares Seaplane Base, fishing excursions and lakefront home values).

Most residents expressed concern over hydrilla affecting so many of the lakes in Florida. Ron Hart with Lake County Water Authority stated how easily hydrilla propagates and is transferred from lake to lake by boats. He felt treating hydrilla by whatever means necessary is imperative to the wellbeing of all waterbodies throughout the state.

There was discussion on the bad effects of glyphosate, the active ingredient in Round Up. FWC clarified that they do not use Round Up to treat lakes as it is not effective in treating hydrilla. The chemicals that are being used are all FDA approved and the people that apply them are licensed and trained to do so.

Many felt if the FWC waits too long to continue treatment, hydrilla will thrive and the cost and amount of chemicals used would go up considerably. It is more effective to spot treat more often than to treat an entire lake once or twice a year. The FWC always has to determine which lakes get the most, or soonest, treatment. There were concerns over FWC’s budget for aquatic plant control. Suggestions ranged from soliciting more money from the state, to adding a fee onto boat registrations. Several private companies expressed interest in partnering with FWC to explore new combinations of methods of plant control.

Public Hearing on Herbicides

Public Hearing on Herbicides

Date: February 26th, 2019
Time: 5:30pm-8:30pm
Location: Eustis Community Center: 601 Northshore Dr. Eustis, FL 32726
Several of the JLIA board members will attend and provide a summary.

You should be aware that as of January 28th, 2019, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has temporary paused its aquatic herbicide treatment program throughout the state. During this pause, FWC staff will work to collect public comment regarding the FWC’s aquatic plant management program. FWC will hold a public meeting at the Eustis Community Center to gather input about the program. 

Everyone is invited to attend to provide valuable input about the program. This has not affected private property owners permits and their contractors. The issues and possible chemicals in question however could be the same. 

Stay tuned.

Your New Board Members!

Your New Board Members!

We elected new officers for the Johns Lake Improvement Association in
January. The new board is made up as follows:

President – John Schmidt (Johns Cove)
Vice President – Rick Stuebing (Johns Lake Homesites OC)
Secretary/Treasurer (combined) – Ann Megler (Magnolia Island LC)
Communications – Jason Nadrowski (Johns Cove)
Martin Davis (Deer Island)
Don Hickman (Johns Lake Homesites OC)
Frank Dreano (Johns Landing)

     We are working on several issues and have plans to do a better job communicating, setting up a proactive website, and add value to our stakeholders. We’d like to be a proactive one stop shop rather than having you to reach out to all the various agencies, counties, towns, and so on.

     There are several examples of Lake Associations in the County/State that do a great job of this for their lakes. We believe that as the lake continues to be more populated with residences that we can also educate and provide valuable information to new or prospective owners.

     One of the immediate actions is to make sure we have a good contact list for lake and near lake owners who utilize the lake, so we may need help from HOA’s. We’ll certainly make sure the HOA presidents and agencies are kept informed. Please feel free to forward or provide added contacts for us. Let us know if you have any questions/comments.

Johns Lake Improvement Association Financial Statement

Johns Lake Improvement Association Financial Statement

For year ended 12/31/17

Balance at 01/01/17
$6,884.46
Income
Member dues
1,430.00
Interest received
0.69
Balance with income
8315.15
Expenses
Cattails mailings
263.10
Corporate filing fee
61.25
P.O. box annual fee
68.00
Commercial service charge
8.00
Donation ONP
150.00
Donation FOLA
100.00
Total expenses
650.35
Balance at 12/31/17
$7,664.80

State and Local Agencies

Lake County Aquatic Plant Management
(352) 343-9419
Lake County Department of Environmental Utilities
(352) 343-3776
Orange County Environmental Protection Agency
(407) 836-7400
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (EDPA)
(407) 893-3303
St. Johns River Water Management District
(386) 329-1429 or (407) 897-4346
Orange Storm Water Management
(407) 836-7990
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
(407) 858-6170
Town of Oakland
Dennis Foltz – town manager (407) 656-1117, ext 2103

JLIA Board of Directors

Martin Davis
President
407 877-3455

Ann Megler
Treasurer
407 654-1269

Don Hickman
Secretary
407 656-2392

Mary Louise Grable
407 656-2919