LAKE OWASSA - "Our Little Piece of Heaven"

ALGAE BLOOM RETEST

ALGAE BLOOM UPDATE 9/28/19 Additional Details

The NJDEP and Sussex County Division of Health provided additional details on the algae bloom.

In the sampled bloom site the cyanobacteria cell count was 333,000 cells/ml and alert guidance is at 20,000 cells/ml.

At this level in the bloom area they recommend no contact or ingestion of the water by humans or animals.

The results in the bloom area may not be representative of areas with no visible blooms.

We will continue to coordinate with the NJDEP as conditions evolve.

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September 27,  2019

Dear members,

In follow up to our recent e-news notifications regarding the algae bloom, the NJDEP recommends no physical contact where algae bloom is visible.   Pets and livestock should not contact or drink the water.  DEP also recommends fish caught in the lake should not be eaten.

One sample taken by NJDEP in a heavily bloomed area reported results of 3.31 micrograms per liter of microcystins,  slightly above the NJDEP advisory bathing level of 3 micrograms but below USEPA advisory of 8 micrograms.

We will continue to monitor the situation.

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September 26, 2019

 Dear LOCA members,

 As a follow-up to the e-news of 9-20-2019, screening for potential cyanotoxins (microcystins) from the blue-green algae bloom occurred this week.  A total of five samples were taken. To ensure the best representation of lake conditions, samples were collected from the E-cove, main cove, lower main lake, upper main lake, and the inlet. All results were below the detection capability of the tests (i.e., less than 1 µg/L). NJDEP has a safe bathing advisory limit of 3µg/L and USEPA has an advisory limit of 8µg/L for recreational waters. Our results are well below the advisory limits.   

For safety, we continue to caution against physical contact in areas of the heavy teal, turquoise and/or white blooms. Boating in not restricted. Additionally, pets should not drink or swim in such areas until the bloom passes. As the bloom continues to cycle and evolve with changing environmental conditions, the teal globs will turn white, signifying the death of the cyanobacteria. We will continue to monitor the situation and keep the membership informed should conditions change greatly. Thank you for you cooperation.

August 26, 2019

Dear LOCA Members.

 For those who could not attend the General Meeting on Sunday, the results of the votes on the various issues are as follows:

1.         Two Board members Bill Bork and Ray Earle ran unopposed for positions on the Board of Governors and were elected by acclamation.

2.         The Secretary-Treasurer's compensation was approved by a vote of 141 to 15 (73-9 by those present; 68-6 by those voting by proxy).  There was 1 abstention.

3.         The Patrolman's compensation was approved by a vote of 146 to 4 (78 to 2 by those present; 68-2 by those voting by proxy).  There was 1 abstention.

4.         The Bylaws amendment regarding rentals was approved by a vote of 112 to 43 (54-24 by those present; 58-19 by those voting by proxy).  There was 1 abstention. 

Amendments to the Bylaws must be adopted by a two-thirds vote of the voting Proprietary Members present or voting by proxy.  72% of the voting members voted to approve.

5.         A majority of the LOCA members present at the meeting requested that the Board of Governors reconsider its decision approving the Fishing Committee’s recommendation to stock the lake with an experimental number of Walleye.   

The Board thanks our LOCA members for their high level of participation in this process, and especially for the spirited, honest and open discussion regarding the Bylaw rental issues.

The LOCA Board of Governors

REMINDER:  EFFECTIVE THIS SEASON, NO SWIM FLOATS WITH METAL BARRELS OR        

                            EXPOSED STYROFOAM ARE ALLOWED ON THE LAKE!

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL LOCA MEMBERS ABOUT “FOREIGN” BOATS

No boat, kayak, canoe or paddleboard may be placed on Lake Owassa unless it is owned by the LOCA member and has both the Area Number and current Annual Sticker on the boat.  No renters or guests are ever permitted to place their watercraft on Lake Owassa.  This rule protects our lake from invasive organisms and plants that can infect and harm our lake for everyone.  Despite our constant reminders, some LOCA members have been permitting renters and guests to bring their boats to the lake.  This violation of our Bylaws cannot continue.  Any LOCA members who permit renters or guests to place their boats on Lake Owassa may have their lake privileges and membership suspended or revoked.  The LOCA Board of Governors, to protect our lake for everyone, is now compelled to enforce a zero tolerance policy for this violation. 

Thank you for helping to keep our lake clean, safe and pollution free.

NEW JERSEY PAJAMA PROGRAM

I am Coordinator for The New Jersey Chapter of the Pajama Program for Morris & Sussex Counties. At this time, I would like to hold a pajama drive within our community during our spring through fall season. All donations must be new pajamas. I ask that the donations be in sizes 8 through adult for boys & girls. These sizes are the most needed throughout the winter season. We receive an abundance of infant to size 6. 

 Your donations can be brought to our meetings in June & August, to the picnic, by contacting me or delivery to my house. We also accept monetary donations. 

 Pajama Program, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, promotes and supports a comforting bedtime routine for children affected by instability to help them thrive. Pajama Program was founded in 2001 and has delivered more than 6 million good nights for good days. Through its work with its 4,000 community partners, which are community-based organizations across the country that serve children from birth through 18 years, Pajama Program endeavors to create a world where good nights are good days for all children, everywhere.

For additional information on the program you can go to https://pajamaprogram.org/ or to the New Pajama Program Facebook page. 

 I am proud to volunteer with this organization.  It is comforting to know I help in keeping thousands of children warm throughout our State. If you are interested in volunteering within the organization, please contact me. 

 Thank you. 

Fran Sandomeno

Coordinator of Morris & Sussex Counties, New Jersey Chapter,  Pajama Program

241 East Shore Lake Owassa Road, Newton, NJ. 07860

973-222-7922

Francine.sandomeno@gmail.com

 As we approach a new summer on the lake, the LOCA Board of Governors wants to advise all LOCA members of the rules regarding large inflatable toys, floats and rafts.  With all of the new and large devices for sale on the market, the LOCA Board does not want someone to unknowingly purchase an oversized inflatable device that is not permitted on our lake.   

1.         The maximum size of any inflatable toy, raft, chair or float is 144 square feet.  The inflatable device should also not sit higher in the water than the typical or average swim float or raft (approximately 3 feet).       

2.         All inflatable devices (other than the traditional inflatable devices used for tubing) must always remain in front of one=s own property and inside the line of swim floats.  No inflatable device may be anchored to the bottom of the lake.        

3.         No inflatable devices can remain in the lake overnight.  All inflatable devices must be removed from the lake by dusk (1/2 hour after sunset).  They must be brought onshore or safely placed on one=s dock.  They cannot be stored on top of a swim float.   

4.         Because inflatable toys are not permanently anchored in the lake, a LOCA sticker will not be required at this time.  However, guests or renters are not permitted to bring their own inflatable toys to the lake; inflatable devices on the lake must be owned by the LOCA member.  We do not want our lake to be infected with invasive species or nuisance growths. 

           5.         And please remember that inflatable boats, canoes or kayaks, as with all watercraft, require a sticker before they can be placed on the lake, and trampolines are never permitted on the lake.

Thank you for your cooperation and please have a wonderful and safe summer on the lake.   

The LOCA store has gone online!  You can go to the Loca Store tab on the website or Click HERE or go to https://lakeowassa.itemorder.com to shop for the latest Lake Owassa apparel and goods! Like any store, our designs and options will be changing from month to month and year to year, so please check back often for new items and designs!

If online shopping isn't for you or if you have any suggestions, please feel free to contact us at lakeowassa.store@gmail.com! 

Happy Shopping!

The Lake Owassa Store Committee

Kate Adam, Lisa Diller & Peg Mullins

Coast Guard Regulations

 The US Coast Guard has determined that the Stand Up Paddle Boards are “vessels” and therefore, must follow USCG regulations! The following regulations apply to all vessels

including motor boats, sail boats, kayaks, canoes, and now stand up paddle boards.

• Every vessel must be equipped with a USCG-approved Type I, II, III life jacket for every person on board
• Any person on board under the age of 13 must wear the USCG approved life jacket.
• The jacket must be in “serviceable condition” without rips, tears, or deterioration that will diminish its performance.
• The jacket must be of an appropriate size and fit for the wearer.
• If you wish to read more, go to  www.nrs.com/learn/uscg-regulations-for-sup.asp 

Please, be conscious of these regulations when operating any motor boat, sail boat, canoe, kayak, or stand up paddle board! Also, remember each of these need to have on their LOCA Area sticker and yearly sticker!