What's New on the Lake?
October 2, 2005
October 2, 2005
Welcome to the Lake Gatlin Website. The Board of Directors decided that a website would best serve the lake front owners in bringing you updates and information regarding Lake Gatlin. We will update this site as often as we can with a variety of information. You too can participate by sending in information to be posted or asking questions via the website. We will post those that are beneficial to the homeowner’s quest for understanding how the lake is progressing and how homeowners can participate in improving the quality of the lake.The latest activity that will affect our lake is the Lisa Canal. This canal is the first canal that you come to as you leave Lake Gatlin going under the bridge. This canal is on your right. For years this canal has been neglected. Much of the Orange Avenue stormwater runoff comes down this canal and into Lake Gatlin. The State, as well as Orange County, has made funds available to improve this canal and its run off effect on our lakes. Construction should start soon.
As many of you are aware, the State has chosen Lake Gatlin as a test lake to try to improve fisheries. The State feels that improved fisheries will improve water quality and clarity. They believe that proper plant management will improve fisheries. Many homeowners have seen stakes placed in their back yard at the waters edge. These stakes were placed by Fish and Wildlife agents to mark areas where new vegetation is to be planted. Some of you may remember that a few years ago the State came in and removed unwanted vegetation and replanted good vegetation at no expense to the homeowner. This planting program continues to this day. Should you see a stake in your back yard and wonder what it is for, you now know that it is the State improving your lake at no expense to you.
Lake Gatlin is also participating in the WAV program. Watershed Action Volunteer is a program that monitors the water quality on a monthly basis. Water is tested for Dissolved Oxygen, pH, Chlorophyll, Alkalinity, Hardness, Nutrients, Oil and Grease, and a host of other parameters. Although our lake is far from clear, it is on the right track for recovery. Thanks to the efforts of Orange County and the State we should see continued improvement.