Monday, August 11, 2014
The Beach
A concern around Bear Lake has been zebra and Quagga mussels. As you may have noticed, additional mandatory watercraft inspection stations have been set up around the lake on both the Utah and Idaho sides. Our lake has not yet been infected with these invasive species; however, nearby Lake Powell was recently identified as being infested with zebra and Quagga mussles, which heightened concern for our lake.
I once lived on a Midwestern lake infected with zebra mussels, and it was not pleasant. Aside from interrupting the natural food chain cycle, kids and dogs routinely sliced their feet and paws on the razor sharp shells. We all need to be aware of the risk zebra mussels present and do our part to ensure our lake remains uninfected. More information can be found at www.bearlakewatch.com or http://www.agri.idaho.gov/Categories/Environment/InvasiveSpeciesCouncil/Quagga_Zebra_Mussels.php
Utah and Idaho have enacted legislation that restricts how visitors launch watercraft and drive on the beach. Both states have initiated inspections and proof of inspection programs for watercraft. Our amenities board felt it is in the best interest of our beach to restrict vehicle usage and thereby eliminate the launching of watercraft since we lack the resources to police this activity. Added concerns relate to reduced visibility when pulling out of the beach and restricted parking have added to the concern with launching of watercraft at the beach site.
Accordingly, we are in the process of building a rock entrance that will restrict passage onto the beach to ATV/UTV vehicles only. Vehicle parking has always been limited at the beach area due to the very small area of land above high water mark that is available to us, less than .16 acre. So, please be considerate of others when parking next to the highway and of the limited visibility at the South corner. Also, please do not block the ATV/UTV entrance to the beach.
I once lived on a Midwestern lake infected with zebra mussels, and it was not pleasant. Aside from interrupting the natural food chain cycle, kids and dogs routinely sliced their feet and paws on the razor sharp shells. We all need to be aware of the risk zebra mussels present and do our part to ensure our lake remains uninfected. More information can be found at www.bearlakewatch.com or http://www.agri.idaho.gov/Categories/Environment/InvasiveSpeciesCouncil/Quagga_Zebra_Mussels.php
Utah and Idaho have enacted legislation that restricts how visitors launch watercraft and drive on the beach. Both states have initiated inspections and proof of inspection programs for watercraft. Our amenities board felt it is in the best interest of our beach to restrict vehicle usage and thereby eliminate the launching of watercraft since we lack the resources to police this activity. Added concerns relate to reduced visibility when pulling out of the beach and restricted parking have added to the concern with launching of watercraft at the beach site.
Accordingly, we are in the process of building a rock entrance that will restrict passage onto the beach to ATV/UTV vehicles only. Vehicle parking has always been limited at the beach area due to the very small area of land above high water mark that is available to us, less than .16 acre. So, please be considerate of others when parking next to the highway and of the limited visibility at the South corner. Also, please do not block the ATV/UTV entrance to the beach.
Fire Prevention
As an owner of property that was scorched in the Rockport fire, where neighboring cabins burnt to the ground, I wanted to take a moment to remind POA and HOA homeowners of fire danger. Studies have proven that embers can get swept up and catch nearby hillsides on fire up to two miles away.
Our POA and HOA boards have been developing a relationship with County Fire Commissioner. The Board is helping the County develop written contingency plans in the event of a fire emergency on the mountain. We will be disseminating additional information as our efforts progress.
In the meantime, please use common sense. Cut back grass and weeds with a string line trimmer. Remove any dead brush from around all structures on your property. As always, do not ignite fireworks on the mountain. Please be extremely cautious using any flammable materials. Never leave a fire unattended and always pour several buckets of water over the coals, even if you think they have cooled. You should be able to touch the coals with your bare hands.
Additional information relevant to Idaho, including fire-wise landscaping tips, can be found at www.utahfireinfo.gov.
Our POA and HOA boards have been developing a relationship with County Fire Commissioner. The Board is helping the County develop written contingency plans in the event of a fire emergency on the mountain. We will be disseminating additional information as our efforts progress.
In the meantime, please use common sense. Cut back grass and weeds with a string line trimmer. Remove any dead brush from around all structures on your property. As always, do not ignite fireworks on the mountain. Please be extremely cautious using any flammable materials. Never leave a fire unattended and always pour several buckets of water over the coals, even if you think they have cooled. You should be able to touch the coals with your bare hands.
Additional information relevant to Idaho, including fire-wise landscaping tips, can be found at www.utahfireinfo.gov.
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