Lake supporters told ‘the work is not over’

Members of the Association for the Preservation of Clear Lake received outstanding news about the condition of the lake at their annual picnic held Friday.  However, the group was cautioned to remain vigilant in its efforts to continue to protect Clear Lake.

“It’s been a great year for Clear Lake-- from the dramatic rebound in the lake water level, to no swim advisories posted, to welcoming a new CLEAR Project leader, but the lake still needs our attention,” Deb Tesar, president of the APCL told about 75 persons gathered at Clear Lake State Park.  She noted the group’s achievement in the past months have also included funding for continued water quality monitoring and continued cost share programs for shoreline preservation and rain garden projects which help to filter water flowing to the lake.

Department of Natural Resources Lakes Coordinator Mike McGhee and DNR Fisheries Biologist Scott Grummer echoed Tesar’s positive message.

“We’ve done the major work here, but we are still learning about parts of the system and studying ways to improve management,” said McGhee.  He noted the wet spring and early summer resulted in approximately one-third of the lake’s water being replaced with run-off, working through the pump system located at the west end of the lake.  The quick gain of water has contributed to an increase in algae bloom, he noted.

The containment site located south of Ventura, which was created to accept water and material dredged from the west end of the lake, is being readied this fall for public use in the near future.  

McGhee noted the State is now working in 26 locations in the state to make improvements like those which have improved water quality in Clear Lake.

“You are one of our shining stars-- a great example of what can happen when we all work together,” McGhee told the group.