June 4, 2006 Update Blue-green Algae, over $300,000 in lake projects, TMDL info, and float your boat Toxic Blue-Green Algae is BACK and Here to Stay for the Summer ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Have you seen all the publicity on TV and in the news? The Lake is SICK and the recreational value of Carter Lake is dying. The state of Nebraska issued the first Health Alert for toxic blue-green algae for Carter Lake on May 12, 2006. Carter Lake was the first lake to exceed the state’s Health Alert threshold.  Because of the low lake levels and early detection of concentrated blue-green algae, this alert will most likely continue through the summer unless substantial rain is received in the lake's watershed. Carter is one of 35 lakes across the state the NDEQ will be sampling on a weekly basis this year.  Additionally, Nebraska is taking samples for e.coli. bacteria.  There is a link on our website from the “LAKE IS SICK” page to the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality’s weekly monitoring results see: http://www.carterlakepreservation.org/id39.html Over $300,000 has been contributed for 2006 Lake Improvement Projects ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The web site has a detailed list of the all the projects planned for 2006. See page “Successes” at: http://www.carterlakepreservation.org/id5.html Here is a summary of the project contributors: $163,000 by Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors $51,000 by Iowa Department of Natural Resources $35,500 by City of Carter Lake $14,000 by Iowa Department of Agriculture and West Pott County Soil and Water Conservation $13,000 by City of Omaha $12,500 by Iowa West Foundation $10,000 Nebraska DEQ $4,000 by Carter Lake Preservation Society $1,000 Mini-Grant for 2007 Lake Clean Up ----------------------------------------------------- On May 15, the Iowa DNR, REAP and Project Aware awarded the Carter Lake Preservation Society a $1,000 grant to help fund the April 14, 2007 Lake Clean Up. TMDL Update from Paul Brakhage, Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The EPA Region 7 and Parson's Engineering (EPA subcontractor) have begun work on the Total Mean Daily Load (TMDL) Study. The TMDL will determine how much of a nutrient load the lake can handle to reduce the blue green algae blooms.  The sources of the load and strategies to reduce these loads will be determined outside of the TMDL and will be part of the Watershed Management Plan. There is not enough data to facilitate or support a water quality project at Carter and the TMDL will not provide all the answers.  NDEQ will be addressing some additional "project" data needs this summer.  The NDEQ will be conducting a bathymetric survey of the lake to determine lake depths and volumes which would be needed to evaluate dredging quantities and targeted areas.  The bathymetric survey will cost between $9,000 and $10,000. While Carter Lake watershed planning is not to the point of looking at dredging as a treatment, the NDEQ wanted to start collecting supporting data so it is available when it is needed.  Iowa and Nebraska Technical Resources ------------------------------------------------------ The initial meeting was held April 26 with the technical resources. According to Paul Brakhage, the group is waiting to hear from the City of Omaha Parks and Recreation Department to see what their involvement will be to help restore the lake. Omaha Parks are critical for getting NDEQ funding to the project.  REMINDER: Rain Garden Workshop – Wednesday, June 7, 2006 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Free workshop on building rain gardens will be at 305 McKenzie in Council Bluffs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Wednesday, June 7, 2006. You can come and go during the day. Help build the rain gardens in Carter Lake Club Park this fall. For more information, contact: West Pottawattamie County Soil and Water Conservation District: 712-328-2489 ext. 3. Thursday, June 8 is the Next CLPS Meeting ----------------------------------------------- The monthly CLPS Meeting will be June 8, 2006 at 7:00 PM at the Carter Lake Library. This will be the first meeting of the Carter Lake Preservation Society Advisory Board.  Come to this meeting if you want to sign up to help on the various committees such as: Lake Levels and Water Quality, Parks and Recreation, Government Liaison, Marketing and Promotions, or Grant Research and Writing Float Your Boat ------------------- Since you can’t float your BOAT in the lake, decorate it and tow it as a FLOAT in the Carter Lake Community Day Parade Saturday, June 24, 2006. Show support for the Community and the Lake. You can find the registration form and a waiver on the web site on the “Monthly Meetings” page see: http://www.carterlakepreservation.org/id34.html What’s New at www.carterlakepreservation.org? --------------------------------------------------------- We have added information about lake impairments and blue-green algae warnings, funding information, Mercy High School “Day of Sharing” pictures, and previous email newsletters are now available on the website. Donations are always welcome ----------------------------------------- The Carter Lake Preservation Society has a 2006 fund raising goal to raise $200,000 in private funds from individuals and lake property owners. This money will be used as a match for grant applications to pay for the lake recharge solution. We need your financial support in two ways… as a member and as a capital contributor. Please make your donation now. We have applied for a 501 (c) (3) not for profit status from the IRS. You can find the donation form on the web site. Send your check to Joan Harder, CLPS Treasurer, at 1018 Shoal Drive, Carter Lake, Iowa 51510.