February 2020 - Johns Lake Association

February 23, 2020February 19, 2022

Johns Lake Drainage Study Update

February 23, 2020

Johns Lake Drainage Study Update

John Schmidt

In August of 2019, Orange County hired an independent company to evaluate the existing condition of the outfall canal connecting Johns Lake to Lake Apopka. The County, the Town of Oakland, and the Johns Lake Improvement Association have expressed concerns regarding the ability of this canal to adequately convey stormwater flows to Lake Apopka during wet periods without causing adverse impacts to property and infrastructure. The canal is more than a mile long and has a lot of trees and brush growing in it which requires regular maintenance

The steps identified were:

Step 1

Data collection and evaluation to identify relevant updates to the primary stormwater management system (PSMS) hydraulics and drainage basin hydrology.

On February 2, we received an update that shows they have been working on step 1 of Johns Lake models. So far, they have looked at the data from the 2001 study and are looking into the changes since that time. They are considering all the land-use changes, local road and highway changes including those proposed, and studying the lake levels since 1959. The data is currently being obtained and reviewed that will support the remaining steps of the Johns Lake Outfall Study and Conceptual Design.

Step 2

Stormwater modeling of the Johns Lake basin to establish the flood control limits provided by the existing PSMS.

Complete watershed evaluation and develop the project model. Proposed model methodologies include: Drainage basin numbers, storage-area relationships, and times of concentration for newly incorporated projects and developments (e.g., Oakland Park, Heritage Hills, Johns Landing, SR 429) will be used from the source models.

Step 3

Development and evaluation of alternatives to improve flood control in the vicinity of Johns Lake and the outfall channel with input from the County, the Town, and the Johns Lake Improvement Association.

Conceptual alternatives are being identified. Once they have identified the alternatives, they will hold a meeting to discuss these alternatives with stakeholders including the Johns Lake Improvement Association. Hopefully, this will occur by the end of the first quarter of 2020. A significant amount of work has been completed and we are hoping this will eventually improve the Johns Lake outflow in the long term.

February 23, 2020February 19, 2022

Johns Lake Quality Indicators

February 23, 2020

Johns Lake Quality Indicators

Rick Stuebing

Over the years, the Johns Lake Improvement Association (JLIA) has dealt with numerous potential problems and threats to Johns Lake. JLIA has recently identified five Quality Indicators that will be monitored and reported in the newsletters moving forward. They included Lake Levels, Water Quality, Invasive Vegetation, Drainage, and Habitat.

An easy to understand reporting tool has been developed using a stoplight approach with a brief explanation for each quality indicator. The JLIA will use data provided from the county and other organizations and will make some subjective measurements. The intent is for lakefront owners to be able to easily see where the JLIA feels issues involving the lake need attention or additional discussion in the newsletters.

Let’s all continue to do our part to keep Johns Lake an enjoyable place to live!

Lake Level

Improving

The lake level has receded somewhat from the recent high level but significant rainfall or future hurricanes could push it too high. With reduced rainfall at this time, the trend here is improving.

Also, we are hopeful that the county will maintain the drainage canal to Lake Apopka after their study is completed. A county study is underway to do an assessment and recommend options to address this important issue.

Water Quality

Stable

Water quality has been steadily improving during the past ten years according to county testing. Long-term, frequent participants in lake sports activities (skiing, wake-boarding) have reported a significant improvement in water clarity.

Invasive Vegetation

Improving

Hydrilla, Cuban Bulrush, and other invasive species are an ongoing concern for Johns Lake. The county will continue to treat as needed and additional grass-eating carp will be added to the lake to augment their efforts. This quality indicator is constantly changing and a combination of weather and treatments can affect the status either way.

Drainage

Being Studied

Johns Lake drainage (aka outfall) is an ongoing concern. Recent water levels are higher than previous years and there is a concern that the current outflow is not sufficient. We will keep you posted on this issue.

Habitat

Stable

Even with the new developments around Johns Lake it is still a vibrant habitat for wildlife. We have otters, alligators, turtles, bald eagles, osprey, ducks and many other species of water fowl. And, as always, the lake is a premier fishing site.

February 23, 2020February 19, 2022

2019 Johns Lake Holiday Boat Parade

February 23, 2020

2019 Johns Lake Holiday Boat Parade

John Schmidt

This past Holiday season we held the Boat Parade on Saturday evening instead of Sunday evening. In the past, we had as many as 42 boats in the parade, with the average being about 20-30 boats. Sadly, this year we had only 10 boats to start the parade and only four at the finish. We moved the parade to Saturday in hopes of having better attendance.

Although there were many spectators on the shore, there weren’t as many boats in the parade this year. The weather wasn’t a factor, as the temperature was mild and there was no rain. We believe the reason for this poor turnout is that many lakefront residents attend holiday parties and other activities on Saturdays leading up to Christmas.

In consideration of the turnout this year, next year’s Parade will once again be held on a Sunday and be our 20th Holiday Boat Parade! Thank you to the lakefront residents that attended both on the water and onshore.