Lake Owassa Community Association, P.O. Box 657, Branchville, NJ 07826 Phone: (973) 948-6866 between 9 AM & 3 PM LOCA Email: locasecretary@hotmail.com
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August 11, 2022
Attached is the Summer issue of the Owassa News and Views. Especially note the General Membership meeting on Aug. 28 will be an in-person meeting. Please review the meeting announcement and ballot issues. If you are unable to attend, please complete the proxy and return to the secretary/treasurer or give it to a member who will be attending the meeting. Although not required, mask wearing is strongly encouraged.
Due to the low lake water level, we are reminding those members with power boats to use caution around the known problem spots. There is the buoy at the north end of the lake, in the area of the E and F coves, noting shallow area. Please also use caution near the outlet. The west shore, which is historically shallow, is unusually low at this time.
Several members have reported hitting rocks causing damage to their props and/or gear casing resulting in expensive repairs and loss of boat use for a month or longer.
The LOCA Communications Committee
CA E-News
Nominations and Elections
Elections will be held at the August General Meeting for two Officers and two Members of the Lake Owassa Board of Governors.
The LOCA Nominating Committee was required under the Bylaws to present to the Board of Governors its list of nominations at the July Board meeting. They included:
Peg Mullins for President
Phyllis Brown for Vice President
Ray Earle for Board member
Dan Benkendorf for Board member
In addition to the Nominating Committee selections, there are two additional ways LOCA Proprietary members in good standing can be nominated for a Board or Officer position.
A written nominating petition signed by ten (10) voting Proprietary Members may be submitted to Trish Pomeroy, LOCA Secretary-Treasurer, at least three (3) weeks before the August General Meeting. In order for a nominee’s name to also appear on the proxy in the August newsletter, the petition must be received earlier by August 3rd.
2. Any LOCA Proprietary member in good standing who wishes to nominate someone may also do so from the floor on the day of the August General Meeting.
The 2022 LOCA Nominating Committee consists of David Mintz, Brad Batastini, Judy Roman and Joel Weintraub.
June 6, 2022
For those members who rent or may rent their home, this is a reminder of the LOCA rental policy approved by the general membership by vote on August 25, 2019. Rentals between Memorial Day and Labor Day must be a minimum of 7 days. Rentals outside this time period must be a minimum of 3 days.
Article II Membership
Section 4, C, 5 (b)
All other aspects of the rental policy remain in effect, i.e., no power boats to be used by renters, insurance requirements, etc. Please refer to the Owner/Renter’s Guide on the LOCA website.
The LOCA Board of Governors
JUNE 5, 2022
Please note the Recreation Committee article;
LOCA Picnic - the last line was omitted. LOCA will provide the tent, tables and chairs.
We apologize for the omission.
E-NEWS May 12, 2022
“The Property Committee is happy to announce, with the dock in the water and the delivery of the porta john, the island is open for business. Moreover, all the safety buoys have been placed, the ladder on the floating dock will be attached on the next nice Saturday morning, and the east and west shore boat launches have been cleared of debris and are ready for use.
If you find yourself with any questions or concerns regarding LOCA property maintenance or use, do not hesitate to contact Daniel Benkendorf, (201) 602 3461, or Len Ferraro, (862) 266 4905. Thank you and ENJOY!!!!!!”
APRIL 15, 2022
FERTILIZER BAN & SEPTIC MAINTENANCE
As the weather warms and we eagerly begin prepping our properties for another safe and fun-filled season at the lake, the Board would like to make LOCA members aware of 2 areas of concern.
One key driver of Harmful Algae Bloom (HAB) occurrences is the overabundance of nutrients in lakes, which “feed” these blooms. While nutrients are a part of a healthy lake ecosystem and stem from both natural and human sources, it is imperative that human sources are limited. Therefore, at the March 18, 2021 LOCA Board meeting, the Board voted to adopt a fertilizer ban resolution for lawns. This resolution is just one early step to better understand and manage HAB occurrences as the nutrient input from fertilizer use can be controlled. This resolution can be found on the LOCA website.
As you are aware, a comprehensive and information HAB special general membership meeting held on Feb 6, 2022 resulted in an approval for a $1000.00 assessment to be paid by all members. Inadequate, poorly maintained, or failing septic systems are one of the “point source” areas where we, as a community, can do everything we can to control impact. Please make sure you have had your septic checked or pumped within the last 3 years.
The Board is also looking into other proactive solutions for better HAB management.
We thank everyone for their cooperation on this effort. Be safe and have a Happy Spring!
The LOCA Board of Governors
April 11, 2022
The LOCA store is open again for online orders. Attached is a flyer outlining a few of the items available. Happy shopping.
As the weather warms and we eagerly begin prepping our properties for another safe and fun filled season at the lake, the Board would like to make LOCA members aware of fertilizer usage.
One key driver of Harmful Algae Bloom (HAB) occurrences is the overabundance of nutrients in lakes, which “feed” these blooms. While nutrients are a part of a healthy lake ecosystem and stem from both natural and human sources, it is imperative that human sources are limited. Therefore, at the March 18th Board meeting, the LOCA Board voted to adopt the attached fertilizer resolution for lawns. This resolution is just one early step to better understand and manage HAB occurrences as the nutrient input from fertilizer use can be controlled. The Board is also looking into other proactive solutions for better HAB management.
We thank everyone for their cooperation on this effort. Be safe and have a Happy Spring!
The following information was received from the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife.
We are passing on this important information to our membership.
Moss Ball and Zebra Mussels
The NJ Division of fish and Wildlife is joining fish and wildlife agencies nationwide to alert consumers about aquarium products that may be infested with invasive Zebra Mussels that have been found in “moss balls”, an aquarium plant product sold at aquarium and pet supply stores. Zebra mussels are regarded as one of the most destructive invasive species in North America.
Zebra mussels can quickly take over once they get established in a water body and cause significant damage including disrupting the food chain, changing the chemistry of the water, clogging water intake and delivery systems and damaging boats.
Several major pet product retailers, including Petco and PetSmart, have proactively removed these products from their shelves.
The Division urges anyone who has purchased a moss ball within the past several weeks to strictly follow U.S. Fish and Wildllife Service (USFWS) guidance on how to properly disinfect them and clean aquarium systems.
Guidance can be found on the USFWS Zebra Disposal webpage
Recently the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) has been reported near our lake. This invasive Asiatic species was first reported in Pennsylvania in 2014 and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) has been monitoring this species throughout New Jersey. It mainly impacts fruit trees, along with some ornamental and hardwood tree species, but is not known to harm humans or animals.
Currently there are eight NJ counties under quarantine for SLF, including: Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Salem, Somerset and Warren. The NJDA asks for any sightings of SLF outside these quarantined counties to be reported via email (slf-plantindustry@ag.nj.gov) or phone (609-406-6943) and eliminated.
We thank everyone for their cooperation and for keeping a diligent eye on all different environmental conditions around the lake.
SPOTTED LANTERNFLY
LOCA members, guests and renters are reminded that remote-controlled boats, airplanes and drones are not permitted to be operated on, over or in the lake. This longstanding rule was put in place to protect the safety, privacy and quiet enjoyment of the lake, and will continue to be enforced by our patrolman.
NEW JERSEY CHAPTER OF THE 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. All donations must be NEW WINTER PAJAMAS! We accept all sizes but sizes 8 through teenage/adult are the most needed. We also accept monetary donations.
You can contact me at 973-222-7922 to arrange dropping off or my picking up your 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. As we all know many organizations have been effected by the Corona virus increasing the need of donations & volunteers.
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
CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION REGARDING LAKE OWASSA
Saturday, April 4, 2020
The Lake Owassa Board of Governors met on April 2nd via ZOOM and wishes to inform the lake members of LOCA’s response to the Coronavirus pandemic. It appears that social distancing will be required well into the summer months. To comply with these new regulations and to keep our membership safe, all LOCA-sponsored meetings and activities are on hold until further notice. This includes the June LOCA General Meeting, the Buddy Bass Fishing Contest, Kid’s Sunny Contest, 4th of July Boat Parade, LOCA picnic, Sailboat Regatta, Golf Outing, and Wine and Cheese Party. The fish weigh stations around the lake will also be closed.
In addition, for the safety of all our members, the island will be closed and there will not be a porta-potty delivered this summer unless the public health guidelines for gatherings are changed. Use of the Community Swim Dock is also prohibited. To prevent its use, we will not be installing its ladder. We are also prohibiting boat “tie-ups” until further notice.
Please follow the state order on social distancing on your own floats, swim area, and boats.
When you use masks and gloves, be sure to dispose of them properly—not in the lake! (We have already found masks and gloves in the water!)
The Lake Patrolman will remind you of the safety for all of us when you follow simple social distancing. He has been authorized by the Board to stop and separate anyone who forgets!
Please use local stores and restaurants, and continue to follow suggested policies—stay at least 6 feet apart, wear masks, and gloves where appropriate.
Of course when things change, we will happily inform you via E-news.
The best way to understand how we will get through this will be by assuming that you have the virus and want to protect your neighbors. Lake Owassa is a lovely place for our members to sequester. Many of our members who normally would arrive later in the spring are already here. Let’s do this together and safely!
Note: Governor Murphy signed Executive Order No. 107 directing all residents to stay at home until further notice. The Order provides for certain exceptions, such as: obtaining essential goods and services; seeking medical attention; visiting family or close friends; reporting to work; and engaging in outdoor activities. The Order also prohibits all gatherings of individuals, such as parties, celebrations, or other social events. When in public, individuals must practice social distancing and stay at least six feet apart whenever possible, excluding immediate family members, caretakers, household members, or romantic partners. The Governor’s Order further directs the closure of all non-essential businesses to the public. The list of essential and nonessential businesses can be found on the State of New Jersey website.
REMINDER:EFFECTIVE THIS SEASON, NO SWIM FLOATS WITH METAL BARRELS OR
EXPOSED STYROFOAM ARE ALLOWED ON THE LAKE!
NO-WAKE ZONE NEAR INLET OF LAKE
A small portion of the lake near the inlet has been designated as a “No-Wake Fish Habitat Protection Zone.” A white buoy will be placed in the lake at the start of that zone. The Board of Governors has considered designating this area a No-Wake Zone for a number of years because of the narrowness of the lake in that area, the difficulty in making a turn with a skier or tuber in tow without getting too close to swimfloats, and the heavy erosion from waves that takes place in that narrow part of the lake. With the recent recommendation of the Electrofishing Study to better manage our fishery by sinking structure and encouraging lilypad growth in a part of the lake that would not conflict with swimming and boating, it was determined that the inlet portion of the lake was the best location. Making this small portion of the lake a No-Wake Zone will have little impact on our lake members, since most water skiers and tubers already make the turn before they reach that area of the lake. And as in the Cove, motorboats and all other watercraft (along with fishermen) may continue to enjoy this part of the lake so long as the No-Wake rule is respected.
The Board of Governors thanks you for your cooperation in our efforts to improve our fishery and to make our lake safer.
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.
LOCA MEMBERS PLEASE READ THIS FILE: A HOMEOWNERS GUIDE TO SEPTIC SYSTEMS
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.
Natural Poison Ivy Treatment
1 Cup salt
1 Gallon vinegar
8 drops liquid dish detergent
Combine salt and vinegar and heat until salt dissolves.Cool, add detergent.Pour into spray bottle or pour directly on poison ivy.
Be careful where sprayed as the mixture kills all vegetation.
PLEASE CHECK THE NEW OWNER'S/RENTER'S GUIDE TAB FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION.
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.
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!
REMINDER!!!
All people (members, guests, and renters), ages 16 through 69, MUST have a valid 2022 NJ State Fishing License to fish in Lake Owassa.
Only boats registered to proprietary members and having proper LOCA stickers are allowed on LOCA waters.
No family members, guests, or renters are allowed to bring their own boats, kayaks, canoes, paddle boards and put them in the lake.
SWIM FLOATS & RAFTS
Before you put your swim float/ raft in this year, please make sure your LOCA area number is visible on the raft/swim float.
IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE THE "NICE RED/WHITE STICKER"!! You can paint it on or buy letters/numbers at Lowes/Home Depot. We just need to identify your swim float/raft, if it drifts away and we need to notify you.
We have had a number of floats that drifted away during the last season, and there is one that we need to locate it's home this Spring. Thank you in advance for your help. Ted Roman (Patrolman) 973-570-3786
BONFIRE/CAMPFIRE PERMITS
Anyone wishing to have a bonfire/campfire needs to call the NJ Forest Fire Service and obtain the proper permits. These are free and are issued monthly. You may request as many months as you want at the same time. Each month has a different permit number. Either the day before or day of your bonfire you need to call and inform them. They will then have it on record in case anyone calls in that there is an unauthorized fire. The number to call for permits is: 973-786-6350. The permit will contain the number to inform them of your fire.
Reminder to our LOCA Members: No Motorized watercraft are to be on the lake after dusk, which is 1/2 hour after sunset!!
Please, check the daily sunset times and adhere to this By-Law. See page 16 of our By-Laws for detailed operating times.
Thank You-The Board of Governors
WATER CHESTNUT
IMPORTANT NOTICE!!! Other lakes in the area have been invaded by the Water Chestnut which can wreak havoc on the lake environment and balance of nature on a lake. There is a presentation under the LOCA WATER & SEPTIC tab or Click Here for complete information and photos on detection and advice on what to do and who to contact if you see it on the lake.
If there are any documents on this website in PDF format, you would need to have Adobe Reader installed on your computer. If you don't have it, please download and install Adobe Reader and try viewing the document again. This is a free download.
Check the Fishing Club tab for lots of updated information! The latest LOCA newsletters are now under the Minutes & Newsletters tab (password required).
The Sussex County Website has information on many topics such as West Nile Virus & Mosquito Control. Click Here to go to their website News Page.
IF YOU ARE A LOCA MEMBER AND HAVE A CHARITY, WALK-A-THON, SOMETHING TO BUY/SELL (e.g. BOAT, ETC.), OR SOMETHING FOR OTHER MEMBERS TO BE AWARE OF, ADD IT TO THE MEMBER NETWORK page. CLICK HERE TO EMAIL METHE INFORMATION TO BE ADDED.
If you have any suggestions on how to improve the website or wish to add photos, committee news, events, etc., you can either email or fax me the information at (845) 610-3179 - please provide your name and phone number on the email/fax in case I need to contact you to clarify or ask questions about any submissions. I hope you will enjoy using the website. Sincerely, Gordon Shehab
You will need the user ID and password only for the Minutes & Newsletters, Member Comments, andPhone Contacts pages. The ID and password are the same that were on the old website. If you have forgotten them,click here to email meand I will provide them to you upon verification of your LOCA membership.
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