| News & Updates |
Lake Manitou “closed” status continues through 2008
Lake Manitou residents adjusted to our “closed lake” after the DNR officially restricted day
launching beginning October 1, 2006. With the discovery of the invasive weed Hydrilla, the Indiana
DNR in cooperation with your lake association moved aggressively to eradicate the weed from
Manitou and prevent its spread to any other body of water.
We are pleased to report that the treatment plan has knocked Hydrilla “down for the count”.
Sampling showed no additional spreading of Hydrilla and live tubers appear scarce. The war is not
won, but we are winning!!
Lake residents experienced a weed-free Manitou for the first time ever! The LMA and lake
biologists have discussed concerns about the now limited vegetation and the long term effect on the
lake ecology and fishery. Although the hydrilla treatment plan remains the DNR’s top priority, they
are monitoring the lake vegetation and aim to strike an acceptable balance in the continuing treatment
program.
Season #1 a Success: But the Battle is not over!
By Doug Keller, Indiana DNR invasive species coordinator
The first year of hydrilla treatment is behind us and the project has proven to be extremely
successful. Eradication was not expected in the first year but great strides were made in achieving
the goal.
A lack of rain during the treatment season made it very easy to maintain a lethal concentration
of herbicide and resulted in much less Sonar than anticipated being applied. The initial application in
mid-May and the “bump” treatment at the end of June amounted to a total application of 22 parts per
billion (ppb) lake wide. An additional 13 ppb were unused since rain did not dilute the concentration.
With reduced herbicide being necessary, the total cost for the project in 2007 was much lower
than anticipated. DNR was prepared to spend approximately $500,000 in 2007. Costs however
came in at $350,000.
Treatment began at precisely the right time to assure elimination of hydrilla plants. Hydrilla
was just beginning to sprout from the tubers when the first application took place. Young, tender, and
actively growing hydrilla plants are very susceptible to a low dose of Sonar and were quickly
eliminated. The last identifiable hydrilla plant observed in Manitou in 2007 was found on June 15; just
one month after the initial treatment was made.
With the hydrilla plants quickly eliminated one might be led to believe that the population was
eradicated. The species however is not eradicated until all of the tubers lying in the sediment have
sprouted and the subsequent plants are killed. Tuber sampling was conducted immediately before
the treatment began and then again in the fall of 2007. The tuber population declined by 80% or
more in the first year of treatment. With tubers still present, we cannot let up on chemical controls.
Many of you certainly recognized the limited amount of submersed aquatic vegetation in
Manitou in 2007. There was significant and unexpected collateral damage to non-target aquatic
vegetation. DNR is taking steps in 2008 to reduce the damage to native plants while still remaining
aggressive enough to assure quick elimination of hydrilla plants. The same herbicide (Sonar) will be
used, but application strategies will change. A low lake wide concentration of Sonar will be
maintained, while areas where hydrilla was once known to occur will be targeted with higher
concentrations.
Approximately 70 lakes within a 60 mile radius of Manitou had plant community inspections in
the summer of 2007. Hydrilla has not been detected at any other bodies of water.
We have made great advances at eradicating hydrilla in the first year. Continued treatment
and full compliance with the access restrictions are critical to achieve the final goal of elimination of
hydrilla from Lake Manitou and prevention of spread to other waters.
Boat launching schedule set for 2008 season
Thank you to ramp volunteers, lake residents and local boat launching vendors for showing an
extraordinary amount of cooperation and patience as we waded into our initial season of restricted
lake access.
This season’s procedures for launching will be similar to 2007. DNR authorized boat dealers and
pier/lift service companies will continue servicing lake clients. Individual lake residents (or season long
pier renters) will have free launch times available at the White Creek DNR launch site. LMA trained
volunteers must monitor and inspect all boats during launching and recovery. Ramp access outside
of schedule times will continue by appointment only ($10 fee). Call our “LMA Heroes” Jack and
Phyllis Brown at 223-9888 to schedule 24 hours in advance.
2008 Spring Launching Sat and Sun 10-2 April 5 - June 1
2008 Fall Recovery Sat and Sun 10 -2 Sept 13 - Nov 2
Dredging enhances navigation and property values
Dredging resumed at both the Coney Island channel and the County Club Drive South areas in the
early spring of 2007. Two dredging contactors worked for several weeks completing the LMA
contracts as well as serving individual property owners through private agreements. We` now have
safer depths for boat traffic in White Creek, Poet’s Point, Coney Island, and Rain Creek areas.
Approximately 70 homes have been directly impacted by the sediment removal initiative. Some of
these properties previously had water depths of two feet or less and were nearly inaccessible to
watercraft. Sediment removal is still a high priority of your association. Dredging has been
temporarily suspended due to the Hydrilla chemical treatment program. The association hopes to
resume further dredging as soon as permissible. Dredging is financed by state LARE grants (part of
your boat registration money) and your LMA dues.
Tour of Homes 2008 to precede “Party of the Year”
Elaine Briggs and her energized committee are organizing the third annual Lake Manitou Home Tour.
This year’s tour will be held June 28 and will feature three of Manitou’s newest homes along with two
recently rejuvenated Colonial Bay condominiums. Pontoon shuttles will again be the preferred
transportation, departing from the Elk’s lodge. The tour is 11 am and 5 pm preceding the LMA
dinner, silent auction, and pontoon bash the same evening.
The committee wishes to thank the Dimond, Easton, Shirley, and Renie families for graciously
opening their homes last summer. The rainy day event was far from a ‘washout”. Hundreds of
umbrella toting visitors piled onto eight pontoons and made the tour a huge success.
5th annual “pontoon bash” at Elks following Home Tour
Rochester’s Elks Lodge will again be the site of the LMA’s “party of the year” June 28, 2008. This
fifth annual Pontoon Give-a-Way and Silent Auction will feature a catered dinner, live music, drinks
and the drawing for a beautiful 2008 Sunset Bay Cruz 190 with a 25 hp Honda four stroke engine.
The pontoon is currently on display at Bo’s Marine and will be paraded during the Round Barn
Festival. Raffle tickets are on sale at Bo’s, Lakeshore Realtors, Main St Grill, Rochester Glass, and
Webb’s Pharmacy. This is LMA’a major fundraiser of the year and is one party you do not want to
miss!
Steve and Sue Cox winners of 2007 Pontoon Raffle
The fourth annual Pontoon Raffle and Silent Auction were held Saturday June 23, 2007 and was
again a big success for the Association. The raffle, silent auction, and home tour netted the
association nearly $23,000. Thank you to all the members and local businesses that bought tickets or
donated items for the auction. Congratulations to Steve and Sue Cox of Country Club Drive South
who were the big winners that night! Members enjoyed the music of “Lost Luggage” who provided
tunes for the party. One week later, on July 3rd, the band hosted a free boat-in concert on Brent
Evans north shore deck. Thanks Brent!!
LMA Membership booms in 2007
Association membership hit a new high of 460 members in 2007, up from 306 in 2006.
With just over 500 homes and condos on our lake, we are proud to have this high level of support.
THANK YOU!!!!
Obviously the closing of the lake only rallied lake residents! Most of you recognize that to make
“lemonade from the hydrilla lemon” we need to stay organized. The future of Lake Manitou appears
very bright. Last season offered the cleanest, weed-free waters in memory, good fishing, and better
navigation in the newly dredged areas. Soon we will enter the post-hydrilla era. What we are
learning about weed control and lake management will be invaluable.
Manitou homeowner factoid
While housing prices nationwide are declining, Lake Manitou real estate prices continue to improve
with average values nearly doubling in the last ten years. Even with some negative press regarding
the “lake closure” Manitou homes values hit new highs in 2007.
Lake Patrol explored, postponed for 2008
The LMA in conjunction with the Fulton Co. Sheriff Dept. discussed the feasibility of a volunteer lake
patrol for 2008.
Several lake residents were concerned about boating violations that they witnessed last season.
The LMA board voted at the November meeting to initiate better communication of boating laws and
therefore postpone the lake patrol plan. Please remind family members and guests of boating rules.
We hope to avoid the expense and effort of maintaining our own boat patrol.
Help us keep Manitou safe!! Review the laws at www.boat-ed.com.
Check your PFD’s !! - (lifejackets)
1. All boast must carry one PFD for each person on board or being towed.
2. Boats 16’ of longer must have one throw able buoy or cushion.
3. All jet-ski and wave-runner passengers must wear a PFD.
For complete boating rules visit www.boat-ed.com
Age 15? Take the test!
Motorboat and PWC operators must have valid vehicle driver’s license to operate on any of Indiana’s
public waters. Operators who are 15 years of age may operate a motorboat or PWC only if they
complete a boater education course. No one under 15 years of age may legally operate a motorboat
greater than 10 hp.
Visit www.boat-ed.com for complete details.
Manitou contest photos grace RTC phonebook
Tom Rose of Country Club Drive East was named overall winner of last summer’s LMA photo
contest. Winning photos were selected by the Rochester Telephone Company. RTC then featured
second place Dan Ronk’s entry for the cover of this year’s phonebook. Fifteen photos were selected
as winners, three in each of five categories. If you have not seen these beautiful pictures, see them
at the LMA website www.lakemanitou.org.
Thanks RTC!!
Mt. Zion Bridge/Dam replacement in 2009?
In November, Congress overturned President Bush’s veto of the $23 Billion Water Resources Act.
Buried in Section 5003 of this 250 page document is mention that the Secretary of the Army Corps of
Engineers may provide funding to enhance dam safely at Mt .Zion dam, Fulton Co. IN.
After years of lobbying by your lake association, dedicated efforts of the Fulton County
commissioners, and cooperation from the offices of Senators Lugar and Bayh, we appear to be on
track to see replacement of the dam/bridge by 2009.
Also in November, the Fulton County Commissioners held a public information meeting to share
design renditions of the planned project. Representatives of the consulting engineering firm American
Structurepoint, Indianapolis presented their proposal for construction of the estimated $3.3 million dam
and bridge. Artist drawings are displayed at the commissioner’s chambers in the Fulton Co. office
building.
LMA Survey
Manitou experienced professionally managed weed control in 2007. What is your vision for the post-
hydrilla era?
____LMA should invest in weed control, keeping the lake weed free.
____LMA should manage weeds in selected areas only.
____Owners choose to manage weeds in front of there own home, no LMA.
____No chemical weed control allowed in the lake. Keep lake free of treatments.
Comments:
Orange buoys positioned via GPS. Volunteer needed.
The LMA’s adopt- a- buoy program is designed to provide guidance, safety, and shoreline protection
to our lake. In 2007 we implemented GPS positioning. Buoys were set 200’ from shoreline and 350’
apart around the lake and resulted in more even spacing. Members are still encouraged to maintain
their adopted buoy, even if the position is now not exactly in front of your property. Please place
buoys before Memorial Day and remove Sept 15-Nov 1.
Dave Toppen, LMA Vice President and “buoy master” is requesting help. We need a volunteer
to assist in maintaining the buoys. All you need is a boat and an hour or less a week. Contact
Dave Toppen 224-2205 or Max Borden 223-8494 for more details.
Lake Manitou residents adjusted to our “closed lake” after the DNR officially restricted day
launching beginning October 1, 2006. With the discovery of the invasive weed Hydrilla, the Indiana
DNR in cooperation with your lake association moved aggressively to eradicate the weed from
Manitou and prevent its spread to any other body of water.
We are pleased to report that the treatment plan has knocked Hydrilla “down for the count”.
Sampling showed no additional spreading of Hydrilla and live tubers appear scarce. The war is not
won, but we are winning!!
Lake residents experienced a weed-free Manitou for the first time ever! The LMA and lake
biologists have discussed concerns about the now limited vegetation and the long term effect on the
lake ecology and fishery. Although the hydrilla treatment plan remains the DNR’s top priority, they
are monitoring the lake vegetation and aim to strike an acceptable balance in the continuing treatment
program.
Season #1 a Success: But the Battle is not over!
By Doug Keller, Indiana DNR invasive species coordinator
The first year of hydrilla treatment is behind us and the project has proven to be extremely
successful. Eradication was not expected in the first year but great strides were made in achieving
the goal.
A lack of rain during the treatment season made it very easy to maintain a lethal concentration
of herbicide and resulted in much less Sonar than anticipated being applied. The initial application in
mid-May and the “bump” treatment at the end of June amounted to a total application of 22 parts per
billion (ppb) lake wide. An additional 13 ppb were unused since rain did not dilute the concentration.
With reduced herbicide being necessary, the total cost for the project in 2007 was much lower
than anticipated. DNR was prepared to spend approximately $500,000 in 2007. Costs however
came in at $350,000.
Treatment began at precisely the right time to assure elimination of hydrilla plants. Hydrilla
was just beginning to sprout from the tubers when the first application took place. Young, tender, and
actively growing hydrilla plants are very susceptible to a low dose of Sonar and were quickly
eliminated. The last identifiable hydrilla plant observed in Manitou in 2007 was found on June 15; just
one month after the initial treatment was made.
With the hydrilla plants quickly eliminated one might be led to believe that the population was
eradicated. The species however is not eradicated until all of the tubers lying in the sediment have
sprouted and the subsequent plants are killed. Tuber sampling was conducted immediately before
the treatment began and then again in the fall of 2007. The tuber population declined by 80% or
more in the first year of treatment. With tubers still present, we cannot let up on chemical controls.
Many of you certainly recognized the limited amount of submersed aquatic vegetation in
Manitou in 2007. There was significant and unexpected collateral damage to non-target aquatic
vegetation. DNR is taking steps in 2008 to reduce the damage to native plants while still remaining
aggressive enough to assure quick elimination of hydrilla plants. The same herbicide (Sonar) will be
used, but application strategies will change. A low lake wide concentration of Sonar will be
maintained, while areas where hydrilla was once known to occur will be targeted with higher
concentrations.
Approximately 70 lakes within a 60 mile radius of Manitou had plant community inspections in
the summer of 2007. Hydrilla has not been detected at any other bodies of water.
We have made great advances at eradicating hydrilla in the first year. Continued treatment
and full compliance with the access restrictions are critical to achieve the final goal of elimination of
hydrilla from Lake Manitou and prevention of spread to other waters.
Boat launching schedule set for 2008 season
Thank you to ramp volunteers, lake residents and local boat launching vendors for showing an
extraordinary amount of cooperation and patience as we waded into our initial season of restricted
lake access.
This season’s procedures for launching will be similar to 2007. DNR authorized boat dealers and
pier/lift service companies will continue servicing lake clients. Individual lake residents (or season long
pier renters) will have free launch times available at the White Creek DNR launch site. LMA trained
volunteers must monitor and inspect all boats during launching and recovery. Ramp access outside
of schedule times will continue by appointment only ($10 fee). Call our “LMA Heroes” Jack and
Phyllis Brown at 223-9888 to schedule 24 hours in advance.
2008 Spring Launching Sat and Sun 10-2 April 5 - June 1
2008 Fall Recovery Sat and Sun 10 -2 Sept 13 - Nov 2
Dredging enhances navigation and property values
Dredging resumed at both the Coney Island channel and the County Club Drive South areas in the
early spring of 2007. Two dredging contactors worked for several weeks completing the LMA
contracts as well as serving individual property owners through private agreements. We` now have
safer depths for boat traffic in White Creek, Poet’s Point, Coney Island, and Rain Creek areas.
Approximately 70 homes have been directly impacted by the sediment removal initiative. Some of
these properties previously had water depths of two feet or less and were nearly inaccessible to
watercraft. Sediment removal is still a high priority of your association. Dredging has been
temporarily suspended due to the Hydrilla chemical treatment program. The association hopes to
resume further dredging as soon as permissible. Dredging is financed by state LARE grants (part of
your boat registration money) and your LMA dues.
Tour of Homes 2008 to precede “Party of the Year”
Elaine Briggs and her energized committee are organizing the third annual Lake Manitou Home Tour.
This year’s tour will be held June 28 and will feature three of Manitou’s newest homes along with two
recently rejuvenated Colonial Bay condominiums. Pontoon shuttles will again be the preferred
transportation, departing from the Elk’s lodge. The tour is 11 am and 5 pm preceding the LMA
dinner, silent auction, and pontoon bash the same evening.
The committee wishes to thank the Dimond, Easton, Shirley, and Renie families for graciously
opening their homes last summer. The rainy day event was far from a ‘washout”. Hundreds of
umbrella toting visitors piled onto eight pontoons and made the tour a huge success.
5th annual “pontoon bash” at Elks following Home Tour
Rochester’s Elks Lodge will again be the site of the LMA’s “party of the year” June 28, 2008. This
fifth annual Pontoon Give-a-Way and Silent Auction will feature a catered dinner, live music, drinks
and the drawing for a beautiful 2008 Sunset Bay Cruz 190 with a 25 hp Honda four stroke engine.
The pontoon is currently on display at Bo’s Marine and will be paraded during the Round Barn
Festival. Raffle tickets are on sale at Bo’s, Lakeshore Realtors, Main St Grill, Rochester Glass, and
Webb’s Pharmacy. This is LMA’a major fundraiser of the year and is one party you do not want to
miss!
Steve and Sue Cox winners of 2007 Pontoon Raffle
The fourth annual Pontoon Raffle and Silent Auction were held Saturday June 23, 2007 and was
again a big success for the Association. The raffle, silent auction, and home tour netted the
association nearly $23,000. Thank you to all the members and local businesses that bought tickets or
donated items for the auction. Congratulations to Steve and Sue Cox of Country Club Drive South
who were the big winners that night! Members enjoyed the music of “Lost Luggage” who provided
tunes for the party. One week later, on July 3rd, the band hosted a free boat-in concert on Brent
Evans north shore deck. Thanks Brent!!
LMA Membership booms in 2007
Association membership hit a new high of 460 members in 2007, up from 306 in 2006.
With just over 500 homes and condos on our lake, we are proud to have this high level of support.
THANK YOU!!!!
Obviously the closing of the lake only rallied lake residents! Most of you recognize that to make
“lemonade from the hydrilla lemon” we need to stay organized. The future of Lake Manitou appears
very bright. Last season offered the cleanest, weed-free waters in memory, good fishing, and better
navigation in the newly dredged areas. Soon we will enter the post-hydrilla era. What we are
learning about weed control and lake management will be invaluable.
Manitou homeowner factoid
While housing prices nationwide are declining, Lake Manitou real estate prices continue to improve
with average values nearly doubling in the last ten years. Even with some negative press regarding
the “lake closure” Manitou homes values hit new highs in 2007.
Lake Patrol explored, postponed for 2008
The LMA in conjunction with the Fulton Co. Sheriff Dept. discussed the feasibility of a volunteer lake
patrol for 2008.
Several lake residents were concerned about boating violations that they witnessed last season.
The LMA board voted at the November meeting to initiate better communication of boating laws and
therefore postpone the lake patrol plan. Please remind family members and guests of boating rules.
We hope to avoid the expense and effort of maintaining our own boat patrol.
Help us keep Manitou safe!! Review the laws at www.boat-ed.com.
Check your PFD’s !! - (lifejackets)
1. All boast must carry one PFD for each person on board or being towed.
2. Boats 16’ of longer must have one throw able buoy or cushion.
3. All jet-ski and wave-runner passengers must wear a PFD.
For complete boating rules visit www.boat-ed.com
Age 15? Take the test!
Motorboat and PWC operators must have valid vehicle driver’s license to operate on any of Indiana’s
public waters. Operators who are 15 years of age may operate a motorboat or PWC only if they
complete a boater education course. No one under 15 years of age may legally operate a motorboat
greater than 10 hp.
Visit www.boat-ed.com for complete details.
Manitou contest photos grace RTC phonebook
Tom Rose of Country Club Drive East was named overall winner of last summer’s LMA photo
contest. Winning photos were selected by the Rochester Telephone Company. RTC then featured
second place Dan Ronk’s entry for the cover of this year’s phonebook. Fifteen photos were selected
as winners, three in each of five categories. If you have not seen these beautiful pictures, see them
at the LMA website www.lakemanitou.org.
Thanks RTC!!
Mt. Zion Bridge/Dam replacement in 2009?
In November, Congress overturned President Bush’s veto of the $23 Billion Water Resources Act.
Buried in Section 5003 of this 250 page document is mention that the Secretary of the Army Corps of
Engineers may provide funding to enhance dam safely at Mt .Zion dam, Fulton Co. IN.
After years of lobbying by your lake association, dedicated efforts of the Fulton County
commissioners, and cooperation from the offices of Senators Lugar and Bayh, we appear to be on
track to see replacement of the dam/bridge by 2009.
Also in November, the Fulton County Commissioners held a public information meeting to share
design renditions of the planned project. Representatives of the consulting engineering firm American
Structurepoint, Indianapolis presented their proposal for construction of the estimated $3.3 million dam
and bridge. Artist drawings are displayed at the commissioner’s chambers in the Fulton Co. office
building.
LMA Survey
Manitou experienced professionally managed weed control in 2007. What is your vision for the post-
hydrilla era?
____LMA should invest in weed control, keeping the lake weed free.
____LMA should manage weeds in selected areas only.
____Owners choose to manage weeds in front of there own home, no LMA.
____No chemical weed control allowed in the lake. Keep lake free of treatments.
Comments:
Orange buoys positioned via GPS. Volunteer needed.
The LMA’s adopt- a- buoy program is designed to provide guidance, safety, and shoreline protection
to our lake. In 2007 we implemented GPS positioning. Buoys were set 200’ from shoreline and 350’
apart around the lake and resulted in more even spacing. Members are still encouraged to maintain
their adopted buoy, even if the position is now not exactly in front of your property. Please place
buoys before Memorial Day and remove Sept 15-Nov 1.
Dave Toppen, LMA Vice President and “buoy master” is requesting help. We need a volunteer
to assist in maintaining the buoys. All you need is a boat and an hour or less a week. Contact
Dave Toppen 224-2205 or Max Borden 223-8494 for more details.