Since the June report the Lake Management Committee has been working on the following projects:

1. GAUGES: Rainfall gauge and lake level logger. This summer Bob Duncan monitored these gauges and plotted the data. See his report.

2. BEAVER DAMS: A group of BLIA volunteers went into the outlet on Oct. 1st, 2nd, 9^th, 22nd and Nov. 6th to clean debris from the creek and to remove 7 beaver dams. Each dam removed was rebuilt by the beavers following the removal.  This indicates a continual need for beaver control if we are to maintain the flow in Ballston Creek.

            Outlet Management: The crew that undertakes this activity needs new members. Keeping the creek open and flowing benefits everyone on the lake by limiting the shoreline erosion and keeping lake level within the shoreline.  Brett Adams has volunteered to organize a crew for this task.  If you are willing to help, please call him at 280-2826 or email at brettonadams@gmail.com.

3.  BENDER GRANT: In July BLIA was awarded a grant from Bender labs to conduct a stream study. This study will enable us to determine whether elevated phosphorus levels in the lake are originating from the land mass surrounding the lake. During 2011, 4 streams were sampled on 7 different occasions for phosphorus levels, velocity rates, and stream volume. We are evaluating this data and formulating the plan for additional testing in spring 2012.

4. LAKESIDE PROJECTS: In 2011 the lake management committee assisted a lake resident in the application and permitting process for a shoreline stabilization project. If you have a dock or shoreline stabilization project anticipated for 2012 and would like help with the DEC and Army Corps of Engineers paperwork please email me at pep416@aol.com. Also the BLIA library has a few books available to help you plan your project.

5. LAWN FERTILIZER: As a reminder, as of Jan. 1, 2012, New York State bans using lawn fertilizer containing phosphorus. This law will be a big benefit to Ballston Lake.

6. YARD DEBRIS: We have noticed some lake residents adding yard debris to the lake.

This is a practice that increases nitrate and phosphates in the water and will contribute to algae blooms and weed growth. So please do not put grass clippings in the wet lands or at the shoreline. Also please do not rake or blow leaves into the lake. It is easy to dispose of these items at the Outlet Road brush disposal facility. Contact the town highway department for accessibility to this site.

7. WAKES: We have had very high water levels this summer. When the lake is high, boat wakes can cause excessive shore erosion and damage to docks and boats. Shore erosion adds increased nutrients that promote algae blooms and excessive weed growth in the lake. Please operate at  “ NO WAKE” speeds when this situation is present.

8. DRINKING WATER  AND ALGAE:  If you draw water directly from the lake, your in take pipe should be between 15 feet and 30 feet deep. Lower then 30 feet gets into the ammonia layer in the lake and above 15 feet gets into the area where there are algae toxins and zebra muscles. “To treat drinking water, run it thru a carbon filter, either in line or at the faucet, or use a reverse osmosis system. Treating the water with chlorine removes algae toxins but it is best to dechlorinate the water afterwards.” Dr. Ken Wagner, PhD.