Lake Owassa Community Association, P.O. Box 657, Branchville, NJ 07826 Phone: (973) 948-6866 between 9 AM & 8:30 PM LOCA Email: secretary@lakeowassa.org
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE – JANUARY 2016 On behalf of the Board of Governors, I wish our LOCA members and their families a Happy New Year. We hope that 2016 gives us the opportunity to enjoy the natural gifts that Lake Owassa places at our doorsteps each and every day: the pristine waters, the protective ridges, the sunrises and sunsets, the quiet evenings, the majestic eagles, the amazing herons, the bountiful fish, the nighttime frogs, the lazy turtles, the precocious otters, the industrious beavers, and even those slithering snakes. In the uncertain world in which we live, Lake Owassa can hopefully provide the restorative beautyand serenity that we all need and deserve.
It is the job of the Board of Governors – and our hardworking Committees – to protect these natural resources. Sometimes it’s gratifying. Sometimes it’s stressful and difficult. Not all decisions are self-evident or popular with everyone. But we always try to do the right thing for the lake. With this in mind, we’re setting priorities for this coming year – and we need your help.
First, we ask you to pump your septic tank every three years. The runoff from poorly maintained septic systems sends bacteria and nutrients directly into our lake endangering swimmers and increasing algae blooms. Pumping your septic tank also protects your septic field from expensive repairs in the future. If you need any assistance, please contact the Septic Pumping Committee.
Second, we ask that all un-encased styrofoam, plastic and steel drums currently used on swim floats or docks be removed from the lake by March 31, 2018. Styrofoam may be carsinogenic and the drums have often stored and transported chemicals which can leach into the lake. Please replace them with seamless, molded plastic dock floats available from marine supply companies. Local vendors may be able to provide discounts for LOCA members.
Third, we ask that you no longer place sand on your property where it is likely to end up in the lake. Existing “beaches” at the lake’s edge should not be replenished. Recent studies have shown that sand entering lakes accelerates eutrophication, interferes with the life cycles of many plants and fish, and often contains contaminants such as oil and heavy metals.
As requested by the membership, the Board also plans to issue reports on ice fishing identification, paddleboard safety, cantilever docks, and the need for an increased lake patrolman presence. And, of course, we look forward to our 2016 Boat Parade, the Picnic, the Golf Evening, the Sailboat Regatta and the Wine and Cheese. The Recreation Committee will be working overtime in 2016.
The Board is also pleased to announce the appointment of Danae Dotz as Secretary-Treasurer. We thank Danae for her work as Acting Secretary-Treasurer and have accepted her required resignation from the Board. Danae is well-qualified and experienced, and LOCA is lucky to have her.
Finally, the Board, pursuant to Article VII of the Bylaws, voted to fill the vacancy created by Danae’s resignation with Larry Putera. Larry lives on the East Shore, and his family has been part of the Lake Owassa community since 1941. Larry grew up on the lake; he knows the lake’s history; he has built a beautiful home here; he is an avid fisherman; and he actively serves as co-chair of LOCA’s Environment Committee. For years, Larry has shown an interest in the Board’s work; he has chosen to attend Board meetings in the past; and he had previously offered his services to the Board if and when a vacancy occurred. Larry brings a thoughtful, collegial and quiet intelligence to the Board. We are pleased to have him.
Thank you all and we look forward to Spring.
David
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 2016 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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