The lake is coming along nicely in 2006. We have had rather low Fecal Chloroform levels for most of the summer. The last sample showed a number of 146 colonies, which is still well below what is considered safe for swimming. We have added 100 tons of lime to the lakeshore bottom as well as 3 full treatments of fertilizer to make the algae bloom, keeping light from penetrating to the bottom, so we can help control submergent weed populations.

With the good comes the bad. We have many ducks and geese which continue to increase fecal chloroform levels. Because of this, we may experience levels above what the government and scientific industry recommends as safe for swimming. We are looking at alternatives, like landscaping changes and barriers or fences. Without any natural predators their numbers may increase and we may need to take appropriate action, which could include geese removal. Again, we ask that you kindly NOT FEED THE DUCKS AND GEESE.

I received a number of questions, complaints and comments and I thought it would be a good idea to put together a list of FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions), as well as my responses.

Q-Why did you spray herbicide and kill the aquatic plants I planted in the lake by my shoreline?

A-Many reasons including, but not limited to, the following:

• BLHA owns the lake and the land below the lake. Therefore if you place any plants on the lake, in the lake, or in the land below the lake you are putting plants on BLHA property and as property owners we have the legal right to remove the plants.
• While BLHA loves plants, our lake has had severe problems with aquatic plants in the past and continues to have problems today. Recently we have had to kill lilly pads, water hyacinth and water lettuce. Water hyacinth and water lettuce are both non-native plants to the United States and considered invasive. In fact, it's illegal to possess water lettuce in several states due to its harmful effects on water.
• These plants can reduce fish and aquatic animal populations by removing oxygen in the water.
• These plants can make water unusable for swimmers, boaters and fisherman.
• These plants can jam steering and clog boat engines.
• These plants can reduce property values.
• These plants increase cost to BLHA and its members for lake maintenance.
• You could be held liable for damages and cost to remove invasive plants you put in the lake.
• It's against the law.

Q-You sprayed the plants I put in the water by my shoreline; will you reimburse me for the purchase of the plants?

A-No. BLHA is not responsible to reimburse anyone for illegally placed plants on BLHA property, which are sprayed with herbicide or otherwise removed. Think of it, as if your neighbor planted poison ivy on your property. You more than likely would not welcome poison ivy in your yard, nor would you ever consider reimbursing your neighbor for planting poison ivy in your yard. The same is true for invasive aquatic plants.

A-Our biologist has placed lime and fertilizer in the lake to promote beneficial algae production. These algae will not spread or grow other than to stain the color of the water a dark green and greatly reduce visibility. Earlier this year you could see the lake bottom in 15- 20 feet of water. This means sunlight is penetrating the bottom of the lake where weeds grow. We do have several areas of weeds in the lake and we are trying to control their growth, by using this method recommended by our biologist, Shan O'Gorman.

This is standard practice in man-made lakes with very clear water, in the South.

Q-I have heard algae cause red tide. Aren't you creating another red tide by promoting algae blooms?

A-Not at all. We are fertilizing beneficial freshwater algae, to create an algae bloom to reduce weed production by reducing light. This is industry standard for lake management in the South. Red Tide is caused by a phytoplankton species that contains reddish pigments, which are visible when there is an algae bloom. The bloom is not associated with tidal changes and in most cases is not harmful. However, some algae species release poison into the water and food chain that can eventually harm fish and animals. This is not the case with the algae we have in our lake.

A-Possible, but honestly doubtful, please make a request to BLHA of what you would like to plant. Include the common and/or scientific name. You must get approval from our biologist, as well as the BLHA B.O.D. before you may proceed. Please note: that even if you obtain approval, you are putting the plants on BLHA property at your own risk.

Q-I see a lot of boats without stickers. What should I do?

A-We have noticed a problem on the lake of boats without BLHA registration stickers/numbers. Please obtain as much information as possible, name of person, location boat is docked, photos/video, Georgia Boat Registration numbers and report to BLHA. Other than Deed Covenant Holders, we will send the person a bill for use of the lake and the boat registration fee. If it becomes more problematic, we will report the trespasser to local law enforcement. For 2007, the Board is considering adding a position of Maritime Security, to work with BLHA and Law Enforcement to eliminate unregistered boats and trespassers on the lake.

Q-Do I have to register my canoe or kayak; it's only 12 feet long?

A-Yes, all boats must be registered regardless of size. That includes kayaks, canoes, pontoon boats, Jon boats and any other approved watercraft.

Q-I notice a vehicle with/without a trailer without a BLHA sticker parked on BLHA property.

A-Get as much information as possible including license tag. Please inform BLHA as soon as possible and we will inform local law enforcement. If you are confident the person is not a member, you may call the police directly and report a trespasser.

Q-I paid my BLHA membership dues last year; do I have to pay again this year?

A-If you want to use our facilities, yes. If not, no, you do not have to join every year but you are not authorized to use BLHA facilities. The picnic ground, beach and the lake. You must pay every year to use our facilities or you are trespassing.

A-Homeowners, who as part of their property deed have deeded access to the lake. Some limitations exist, such as only having a boat with a motor of 5 HP or less on the lake. These homeowners have deeded access to the lake without having to join BLHA. They surely can join BLHA and we encourage them to do so. Everyone on the lake should play their part in maintaining the facility.

Q-Can't we just leave things the way nature intended and not worry about geese, overpopulated fish, plants, etc?

A-Unfortunately no. There is nothing natural about Berkeley Lake. Man built the earthen dam in the 50's, to create the lake. The homes were built, the lake was dredged, the fish were stocked and sand was added to create the beach. If we were to leave things the way nature intended. We would all have to agree to drain the lake, remove the dam, tear down our homes, move from the area and work on a reclamation project of hard growth timber, before things would be left natural. Once you create a non- natural environment like our lake, you must manage it, including the natural resources.

Q-What are your qualifications to manage the lake?

A-Other than a personal interest in the outdoors and fisheries management I have no direct qualifications in the fields of biology or lake management. That's why I work with our biologist in the management of our lake and its resources. I do however have 9 years of higher education, 3 degrees and 12 years of professional experience.

A-Yes, I have lived in Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, New Mexico and Minnesota. I have traveled for outdoor recreation to all the previously mentioned locations as well as Alabama, Colorado, Wisconsin, Maryland, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, North Carolina, Kentucky, Ontario, Manitoba, British Columbia, St. Lucia and Puerto Rico.

In summary, the BLHA Board of Directors, our staff biologist and I make decisions regarding lake maintenance. We welcome input from everyone in our community; especially our members. In making these decisions, we must take into consideration the needs of our swimmers, fishermen, boaters, fish and wildlife. Some decisions may seem rather harsh, but that is not the intent. We must manage the resource with all these considerations in mind.

The addition of the Maritime Security position is in no way trying to make Berkeley Lake into a demilitarized zone. It is to protect our resource and the interests of the members who have paid to use the facilities.