With the lowering of the lake BLHA / BLOKES members braved the cold on Saturday, February 10 to clean up the beach and picnic areas. The first project was the daunting task of removing over a dozen pipes that were once part of a dock structure from years past. We are pleased to report this was accomplished and the area adjacent to the dock is free of obstructions.

Getting an early start on "Spring Maintenance" Charles Carroll, a longtime Berkeley Lake resident and BLHA member, provided a masterful touch with his tractor to redistribute sand in the beach area. With the lowering of the lake he was able to remove leaves and pine straw from the beach and lake bottom. Using the existing sand Charles graded the area not only to cover the swim area, but extended sand to either side of the swim area where watercraft come ashore. With the return of the lake to normal pool and an increase in temperatures, the beach is ready for another season.

In addition to the activities listed above the "Dirty Dozen" (as we appeared at the end of the day) accomplished several other deeds:

• Picked up debris from the lake bottom
• Removed several dead trees
• Constructed multiple "fish habitat" structures
• Repaired, added and relocated some of those old time "fishing holes"

Many thanks to all the volunteers who showed up on a cold morning to lend a helping hand.

Pictured are a few of the volunteers taking a moment to get some nourishment and to replace some depleted fluids brought about by the day's activities.

• Contracting with a tree service to remove some trees as well as the removal of dead limbs in the beach and picnic areas
• Cleaning the dock area at the picnic ground and adding a sealer and / or stain to protect the surface
• Landscaping projects in both the beach and picnic ground areas
• Reviewing ground water run off from the Chapel parking lot