Lake Improvement Association Reports Record Wetland Treatment and Continued Park Improvements

The Lake Improvement Association received updates on water quality, dredging, park improvements and community projects during its October meeting.

Water-quality officials reported that reconstructed wetlands throughout the Grand Lake watershed had treated more than 975 million gallons of water through October 1. Even if all remaining sites stopped operating immediately, that would represent the largest amount of water treated by the wetlands during any year over the past decade.

Prairie Creek, Beaver Creek and the Wildlife Refuge wetland have been shut down for the season. Other sites, including Big Chickasaw Creek, Red Wing Creek, Coldwater Creek, Burntwood Creek, Monroe Creek, Rosenbeck and the wetland near Wright State University–Lake Campus, remained in operation.

Testing has shown strong reductions in dissolved and particulate nutrients. Algae concentrations have fluctuated following periods of heavy rain, but officials said the lake remained below its long-term historical average for most of the year.

September brought approximately 7.5 inches of rain, raising Grand Lake to about 9.5 inches above its normal level. Officials said September precipitation was approximately 336 percent above the long-term average, while August rainfall was about 315 percent above average.

Dredging operations have removed 128,365 cubic yards of material so far this year. The Brutus dredge is working near the West Bank Road area, while the Hodag is operating near Harbor Point.

Several capital projects are also nearing completion. A new heated restroom facility is about 90 percent finished and is expected to open by the end of October. The building will remain available throughout the year. Construction on the state park office is also progressing, with concrete and asphalt work completed and the windows, electrical, plumbing and most HVAC components installed.

The association also reviewed its recent children’s fishing derby, which drew more than 240 children and approximately 140 aides, teachers, parents and volunteers. More than 500 hot dogs were served during the event.

An all-abilities playground was also formally dedicated near the lake. The project, valued at more than $180,000, was supported through grants and donations from the Auglaize County Board of Developmental Disabilities, St. Marys Eagles and numerous businesses, service organizations and community members.

The association will hold elections in December and expects to have at least one open board seat. Anyone interested in serving is encouraged to contact an LIA board member.

The next Lake Improvement Association meeting is scheduled for November 7. The featured speaker will be the president of the Lima Astronomical Society, who will discuss objects visible in the night sky above Grand Lake.