Lake Committee
By Brad Marion

Greetings from Lake Louise and all the best to neighbors across Fox Point as we approach the holidays!
A few observations from the Lake Committee, both looking back and forward.

1) This year, we switched vendors helping us with water treatment and algae control for Lake Louise. While there was a bad stretch in late July and early August, the water conditions in Lake Louise were generally better than recent years due to the cool weather (thanks: Jan Romenesko). That said, we know that we have work to do.

2) Lake County conducted a water quality survey of Lake Louise in 2008. When comparing that data with information from 1998 and 2003, it confirms what many residents would suggest: Water quality in Lake Louise has gone downhill over the last 10 years.

3) As you can imagine, there are a lot of factors that influence water quality in Lake Louise, some of which are outside of Fox Point control. The Lake Committee is talking with several area consultants who specialize in lake management, with the intent of gaining their experience and counsel to develop a 3-5 year lake management plan for Lake Louise. This will address water quality, fishery, sedimentation, island erosion, algae control, and other issues.

So, in the meantime, what can each of you do that will help?

*As we finish the Fall and approach Winter, please try to keep leaves and grass clippings out of gutters and away from the lake and Flint Creek. Everything that washes into the storm sewers around Fox Point ends up in Lake Louise. Also, please be moderate with you use of salt during winter months and remember that salt is most effective when applied at warmer temperatures (25'-35'), so when the thermometer plummets, please hold off. All this salt runs into Lake Louise as well, and diminishes water quality.

*As we look ahead to Spring, use of non-phosphorus fertilizers is crucial.

*We will likely try some aeration this year, as well as selective planting of aquatic vegetation (water lillies), both of which should help water quality. We will likely organize a carp-derby, as a recent fish survey by the Illinois EPA confirms what many suspected: we do have a carp problem.

*We may even start encouraging homeowners along the lake to begin considering a more natural shoreline (versus manicured) and for those homeowners with electricity and pumps along the lake, selective irrigation with Lake Louise waters. Both initiatives have positive water quality implications for Lake Louise.

*Finally, for those of you with an interest in Lake Louise, happy to have your assistance. Please let me know if you have an interest. As we complete the lake management plan, we anticipate that there will multiple initiatives underway over the coming years, which undoubtedly will require some leadership.
And, even though winter lies ahead, please enjoy the lake. With Tom Slager's predictable efforts, we have wonderful ice-skating right around the corner (thanks Tom).

But: please be careful of ice-thickness and make sure you have several inches of ice before venturing out.




Past Reports

Spring Green offers a phosphorus-free fertiziler at a very competitive price!
If Fox Point home owners want to take advantage of a group purchase price of
$52.95 per visit by Spring Green they should call Rick Helfer 815-230-1253
directly. I would ask everyone to see what they are paying per application.
Here is a way for people to save some money and save our Lake.