Choctaw Lake

A Living Legacy

Lake Water Quality Update

Lake water samples were taken on June 29th.  The samples were sent into the lab to test for microcystin levels.  The samples were pulled prior to the treatment on the 29th.

We took samples at the beach and in George’s Fork cove.

Results:

  • Beach
    • 6/29/2020   .813 ug/L
      6/22/2020   .280 ug/L 
      6/15/2020   .271 ug/L
  • George’s Fork:
    • 6/29/2020   1.795 ug/L          
    • 6/22/2020   .340 ug/L
    • 6/15/2020   .280 ug/L

Summary:

We experienced an increase in Microcystin over the prior week. The positive news is that we are still well below the level required for the first advisory. Based on observations taken on July 1st, the lake seemed to have responded well to the treatment on Monday. At this point, it appears that water will be in good shape for the holiday weekend! We will continue to keep a close eye on the conditions. The upcoming forecast is very conducive to algae growth. Keep an eye on the conditions each time you enter. When in doubt stay out.

Thank you,

LWQ Committee

Ohio Health Department Advisory Requirements. 

  • Recreational Public Health Advisory: 6 Ug/L
    • A sign is posted on beaches warning that an algal bloom is present and/or algal toxins have been detected. Swimming or wading is not recommended for children, pregnant or nursing women, those with certain medical conditions, and pets. 
  • Elevated Recreational Public Health Advisory: 20 Ug/L
    • A sign is posted on beaches warning algal toxins at unsafe levels have been detected and that all contact with the water should be avoided.

Fireworks: Ohio Law

We know it will be tempting to let off fireworks this holiday weekend. This message is to remind/inform that it is against Ohio Law to do so. Outside of it being against Ohio law, we asked that you avoid doing this out of respect to your neighbors and the pets that live in the community.

Letting off fireworks is also very dangerous to yourself, your property, your neighbors, and your neighbor’s property. Please avoid unnecessary accidents. It will ruin yours and possibly someone else’s weekend.

Below is the ORC and the CLPOA Lake Rule.

ORC 3 743 . 65 (B) Except as provided in section 3743.80 of the Revised Code and except for licensed exhibitors of fireworks authorized to conduct a fireworks exhibition pursuant to sections 3743.50 to 3743.55 of the Revised Code, no person shall discharge, ignite, or explode any fireworks in this state.

Lake Rule 35.F. The use of firearms, fireworks, guns or explosives of any kind within Choctaw lake Subdivision is strictly prohibited, except for fireworks presentations officially sponsored by the CLPOA. Persons violating this rule are subject to a $150 fine for the first offense, $200 Fine for second and $300 for each additional offense. Deputy could charge you with the above ORC as well.

Be safe,

Mike

New Playground is open!

By now many of you have seen the new playground! I am very pleased with the results. The playground is over 2200 square feet and is rated for 36 kids. That’s room for a lot of fun!!

You will notice that we are short on mulch around a few of the edges. We have the proper depth around the play set fall zones. The lead time on additional mulch is 2-3 weeks. Please use extra caution along the edge where you see the mulch thin or non existent.

Many people were involved with this project. This project is the vision of the Long Range Planning Committee. They began planning over a year ago. The CLPOA BOT provided ideas for the final details and approved the project to be included in the 2020 budget.

When it was time to build, additional property owners stepped up by donating time and equipment. Below is a list of Property Owners that volunteered their time.

Chad Brown: Donated his time and Bobcat to auger all the post holes.

Brian Knowles: Brian helped assemble the equipment during the first day. Brian was also the lead in obtaining the group of volunteers that helped out on the final day to mulch and finish the project up.

Al Hedrick Jr.: AJ donated 9 hours on the second day to install the landscape fabric and all the playground edging. AJ took a lot of swings with the hammer!

The residents below all worked on the final day to install the mulch, hang the swings, place the mats, and complete a full sanitization of the play set.

Mike Whistler, Erica Edmunds, Marty Ditello, Braden Ditello, Dante Talley, Dave Stewart, Mike Ruble, Brian and Mandy Knowles, and Steve Baker. Hayden Covert, of the CLPOA maintenance staff, also donated his time on the final day.

My final thanks goes out to Pete Weber and Al Hedrick for their hard work during day 1 and day 2. Those were two hot days!

Please click the below link for a video of the project. Below the link are a few of my favorite pictures from the project.

Pictured is the crew that finished off the project. Teamwork makes the dream work!!
This is all we needed to see to know the project was a success!!! Hadley Knowles(3) said “I love it” when she first saw the playground. Her sister Reagan(6) stated “It’s beautiful!”

Have fun everyone!

Mike Casimir

Lake Water Observations and Testing

The Lake Water Quality Committee has begun monitoring the lake water conditions and algae activity. This past week, we did observe algae growth starting. We will continue to monitor and respond accordingly.

Please take time to read the signs posted at the beach, marina, and the dam. These signs provide information on what to look for when using the lake water.

Not all algae are bad. However, there are types of algae that produce toxins that can be harmful when at a certain limit. Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) can produce a toxin called Microcystin. This is the toxin we test for when we send water samples into the lab.

If you are in doubt about the water conditions that you see, it is advised that you stay out.

The Lake Water Committee will do our best to keep you up to date on conditions. We will share the Microcystin test results when they are taken.

Thank you