E-News / Newsletter
LOCA General Membership Meeting
Results from election below:
Newsletters
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Spring 2024
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Summer 2024
E-NEWS
October 8, 2024
At the September 12, 2024, LOCA Board of Governors meeting, the board approved the Fishing Committee’s request to stock large mouth bass. The stocking is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 9 beginning at the west shore boat launch as well as several other locations around the lake. We will be stocking 970 8”-10” bass at $7.25 per unit, plus tax for a total of $7498.90 supplied and delivered by Frey’s Fish Ponds, a NJ approved fish stocking facility.
Ross Shramko, NJ State Biologist who was a speaker at a recent Fishing Committee meeting, commented on our excellent water quality and that our committees are the most positively involved than many other lakes in the state.
Thank you to the many who have donated to the Fishing Club.
Oct 3, 2024
Recreational Water Quality (RWQ) - E. coli
The final Recreational Water Quality (RWQ) samples of the 2024 season were collected by Carole and Mark Vogel on September 30, 2024 from ten locations around Lake Owassa. The samples were then analyzed in a laboratory to measure the presence of E. coli bacteria, quantifying them in terms of colony forming units (cfu) per 100 milliliters of water.
LOCA has monitored RWQ data since the 1980s to track levels of E. coli, which can cause gastrointestinal illnesses and other illnesses in humans. Research indicates that the risk of illness significantly increases when E. coli levels exceed 100 cfu per 100 ml. When this threshold is surpassed, the LOCA Board of Governors issues health advisories to the lake community.
The following table presents September results, showing an excellent lake median value of 1. This median RWQ is the best possible result and represents a very clean lake from an RWQ E. coli perspective. Note that the minimum sample result is rounded up to 1.0 since this is the laboratory sensitivity limit. There was no observable concentration of cyanobacteria during this collection. The lake level was low but within normal limits for this time of year. Lake levels will continue to be especially closely watched and analyzed.
This RWQ testing enables LOCA to monitor for potential leaking septic systems and other sources of human and animal waste contaminants entering the lake. The highest reading at B-26 is still very low and in single digits which is far below any level of concern. The support from LOCA members for the septic system inspection and pumping program, along with the fertilizer ban, contributes to the overall water quality.
RWQ samples are collected monthly from May through September. If an alert is generated it will be communicated via an E-news with appropriate recommendations. Any alert condition triggers follow-up testing in the following week.
Sept 30, 2024
Water Monitoring Update
By Heather Ronco, Environment Committee
Water monitoring was conducted on Monday, September 30th.
Water sample analysis shows good, green algae dominate, not cyanobacteria. Our phycocyanin average is desirable 7. Clarity is good.
The water temperature average is 66.8°F. Temperature is uniform from top to bottom and well oxygenated, telling us the lake has had its seasonal turnover. Lake turnover is a temperature driven process. In the summer, the lake stratifies – with a warm water layer at the top and cooler water at depth. Such stratification prevents the water column from mixing and causes dissolved oxygen depletion at depth. When the temperature becomes uniform, the deep, oxygen depleted water mixes with the oxygen rich surface waters.
Dissolved oxygen depletion (anoxia) is undesirable for two main reasons.
Fish require adequate dissolved oxygen to survive. If the deep water lacks oxygen and the surface water becomes too warm, the fish have a much smaller zone they can live in.
Lack of dissolved oxygen weakens the bond between iron and phosphorus in the sediment, releasing phosphorus into the water column to be fuel for cyanobacteria that create Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs).
Sept 20, 2024
AQUATIC PLANT SURVEY
Lake Management Sciences (LMS) will be on the lake tomorrow conducting our contracted aquatic plant survey. The airboat will be entering the lake via the west shore boat launch at approximately 9:45 A.M. This is a survey only. No treatment is being applied.
LOCA Board of Governors
August 28, 2024
Recreational Water Quality (RWQ) - E. coli
Recreational Water Quality (RWQ) samples were collected by Carole and Mark Vogel on August 26, 2024 from ten locations around Lake Owassa. The samples were then analyzed in a laboratory to measure the presence of E. coli bacteria, quantifying them in terms of colony forming units (cfu) per 100 milliliters of water.
LOCA has monitored RWQ data since the 1980s to track levels of E. coli, which can cause gastrointestinal illnesses and other illnesses in humans. Research indicates that the risk of illness significantly increases when E. coli levels exceed 100 cfu per 100 ml. When this threshold is surpassed, the LOCA Board of Governors issues health advisories to the lake community.
The following table presents August results, showing an excellent lake median value of 3.6. This single digit median RWQ represents a very clean lake from an RWQ E. coli perspective. There was no observable concentration of cyanobacteria. The lake level was normal for this time of year.
This testing enables LOCA to monitor for potential leaking septic systems and other sources of human and animal waste contaminants entering the lake. The highest reading at B-30 is only mid-teens and far below any level of concern. The support from LOCA members for the septic system inspection and pumping program, along with the fertilizer ban, contributes to the overall water quality.
RWQ samples are collected monthly from May through September. If an alert is generated it will be communicated via an E-news with appropriate recommendations. Any alert condition triggers follow-up testing in the following week.
August 26, 2024
Results of LOCA Election 8/25/2024
* = elected
For President:
Peg Mullins 151 *
Other 4
Abstain 24
For Vice-President:
Phyllis Brown 149 *
Other 3
Abstain 26
For BOG:
Len Ferraro 154 *
Heather Ronco 143 *
Mark Vogel. 137 *
Laura Hume 50
Erin Cassidy 3
Increase of Salary for Secretary-Treasurer: Passed
For 132
Against 39
Abstain 10
Increase of Salary for Patrolperson: Passed
For 128
Against 44
Abstain 9
Increase in Dues: Passed
For 125
Against 49
Abstain 5
Increase in Initiation Fee: Passed
For 134
Against 39
Abstain 6
Thank you to the candidates and to the 179 members who voted in this election. Thank you to Sec-
Treas, Trish Pomeroy, the workers at the front desk, the members of the Voting and Proxy
Committee, and the many others who facilitated the voting process. Congratulations to Peg
Mullins, Phyllis Brown, Len Ferraro, Heather Ronco, and Mark Vogel.
LOCA BOG
August 26, 2024
Gypsy Moth Suppression
If you have had gypsy moth activity on your property please call Frankford Township this week and request to be included in the egg mass survey.
Contact: Diane Brauchle, Deputy Clerk, Frankford Twp this week. 973 948-5566
The state operates a Gypsy Moth Suppression Program but can only work with local municipal governments. When a municipality requests an egg mass survey, inspectors go to the municipal building to pick up a map of locations of complaints of gypsy moth damage. Homeowners can play an active role in this process by requesting that your municipal officials ask the Department for a gypsy moth egg mass survey. Diane will take down your address. Inspection results will then determine if Frankford Twp will be included in next spring’s gypsy moth suppression program.
August 22, 2024
Water Monitoring Update 8/22/24
By Heather Ronco, Environment Committee Chair
It was a chilly start to today’s water monitoring with light winds and air temperature of 64°. Water temperature at the surface averaged 72° . Dissolved oxygen at depth has increased. The phycocyanin numbers remain low. The clarity has decreased slightly due to organic debris and increased tannins, which give our water its tea-like color. Microscope analysis shows harmless green algae dominate (not blue-green cyanobacteria).
It is through frequent and comprehensive data collection and observations that we can quickly assess changes in water quality.
Many thanks to the volunteers who have helped me keep our water monitoring program going all summer including: Gary Pomeroy, Tom Mangan, Kevin Buzdygon, Mark Vogel, Tom Hanemann, Mike Flood and Larry Putera.
From calibrating equipment, to captaining your boat, doing data collection in frigid February or the scorching summer sun, making space in your refrigerator for water and muck samples, driving to labs, doing date entry, analyzing samples on short notice on a Sunday morning
– Thank you
August 16, 2024
Dear LOCA Members,
The minutes from the June 30, 2024, General Membership Meeting are on the website. They will not be official until approved at our meeting on Aug. 25.
This gives members an opportunity to review them prior to the meeting when there is a short span of time between when you receive them at the meeting and when asked if there are any corrections or additions before being approved. This should also cut down on the copying costs. There will be several copies available at the meeting for review for those who may not have email access.
The LOCA Board of Governors
August 14, 2024
Water Monitoring Update
The Environment Committee conducted water monitoring Monday. We are happy to report the rain dance worked! The water level has risen! With the large amount of recent precipitation, we are particularly concerned about increased nutrients from stormwater runoff. The cooler nights are helping to keep the water temperature a bit lower, average 75°. Water clarity is very good and the phycocyanin readings are low, with lake wide average of 8. Dissolved oxygen at depth has increased.
August 8, 2024
Dear LOCA Members,
Our next general meeting is scheduled for 10:00 on Saturday 8/25 at the Lafayette Fire House. Please see the last page of the newsletter for more information. Due to timing considerations, a proxy is not included in this newsletter but will be sent to members separately in approximately one week.
Summer Newsletter above for download
Thanks you!
July 29, 2024
Water Monitoring Update
Here are the results of today’s water monitoring:
Surface water temperature averaged 79°F.
Water clarity measured via secchi disk is excellent
Lake average phycocyanin meter reading is 5. This is well below our threshold of 12.
Water at depths greater than 12 feet are low in dissolved oxygen, therefore not optimal for fish
Duckweed was observed, particularly along the West Shore. Duckweed are tiny, free floating, green aquatic plants. They are not algae or cyanobacteria.
July 19, 2024
Opportunity To Discuss The Projected Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025
Where: Zoom
When: July 25, 2024
Time: 6:30
As discussed during our June General Membership Meeting, this invitation to attend a Zoom call is an opportunity for you to ask questions about the fiscal year 2024-2025 budget projections in preparation for the August general membership meeting. I've attached copies of the Budgets for LOCA Operating Expenses and Water Quality Management and the Budget presentation talking points from the June meeting. Phyllis Brown, Chair of the Finance Committee, and Heather Ronco, Chair of the Environment Committee, will host this call. We hope we can answer your question and provide you with an understanding of the projected budget.
Please join us.
Join Zoom Meeting link below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5049117595?pwd=enpvY3c2MjZwQktmNXh1VHhzb0hyZz09&omn=82895226689
*Download detailed materials under the Proposed Budget tab
July 18, 2024
Environment Committee Update
Current water quality and clarity is good. The most recent phycocyanin numbers show a lake wide average of 7 (12 is our threshold of concern). This is especially good considering the challenging weather this summer – high heat and intermittent storms. This is peak HAB season, so we continue to monitor regularly.
The lake water level increased 3 inches in the last week. Despite the recent rain, the US Drought Monitor classifies Sussex County as Abnormally Dry. We ended June with 50% less precipitation than the 30 year normal. Lake Owassa surface water temperatures are in the mid 80’s. This is a concern for algae growth but also for our fish. Warm surface water and oxygen depleted deeper waters stress the fish.
Enjoy your weekend!
July 16, 2024
Gypsy Moth Suppression
At a recent Frankford Parks Commission meeting, there was discussion centered around both the Lanternfly and the Gypsy Moth.
Gypsy Moth infestations in certain areas of the Township have been severe this year. To that end, Committeemen Civitan spoke during the public comment session suggesting that residents contact Ms. Diane Brauchle, Deputy Clerk, with concerns and descriptions regarding local Gypsy Moth activity in and around their properties. The Township is monitoring area infestations in a preemptive attempt to secure county and state resources for surveys, studies, and future spraying to help mitigate a potentially forest damaging outbreak next season.
Ms. Brauchle is collecting names, addresses, etc., of those in favor of gaining an understanding and helping to control these pests
Contact information:
Diane M. Brauchle
Deputy Clerk, Registrar, CMR, Certified Recycling Professional
151 US Highway 206
Augusta, NJ 07822
P: 973 948-5566
deputyclerk@frankfordtwp-nj.com
frankfordtownship.org
July 15, 2024
Learn to fish
Saturday, July 20 from 10-noon at C2 (Mullins’ dock area)
All ages are welcome to attend and there is no charge!!
Bbq dogs & burgers served after class
We’ll be going over the following:
• Safety
• License
• Hooks n knives
• Bobbers
• Weights
• Types of poles
• Fish in lake
• Weighing & measuring
• Unhooking
• Catch n release
• Eating
Please text (973)819-6266 or email b2s_nj@yahoo.com to pre-register. Walk-ins also welcome!
The LOCA Fishing Committee
July 12, 2024
Environment Committee Update
Current water quality is good, despite challenging conditions of heat and low precipitation.This is peak HAB season, so we continue to monitor regularly.
At the June 30th General Membership Meeting, we expressed our intention to continue to investigate the causes of the low water level we are currently experiencing. We ended June with 50% less precipitation than the 30 year normal. Many lakes, streams and creeks are low. We continue to research if a hydrology study may be useful.
On July 10th, a wildlife technician and furbearer biologist from NJ DEP Fish & Wildlife visited our lake and inspected the Bear Swamp Management Area via kayak from our lake. There are beaver lodges, dams and caches present. None of the dams were particularly high and only one showed a slightly higher water level upstream than down. The biologist and technician did not feel the beaver structures were interfering with water getting into our lake. They felt although there was evidence of lots of beaver activity, Bear Swamp is an ideal habitat for beavers with plenty of food and water. Therefore, the beavers are building more broadly lots of smaller structures rather than focusing on just one location.
An herbicide treatment using Tribune, a regulated herbicide, was conducted by a licensed applicator on Wednesday, July 10th targeting Variable Leaf Milfoil, specifically in the Inlet, E Cove, corner of F/G Cove and some shoreline areas on the West Shore from the boat launch to the A area. Over the next 2 weeks we should see a reduction of milfoil. Non target species such as lily pads may be temporarily impacted but will grow back.
Variable Leaf Milfoil is not native to New Jersey and can be difficult to control once it becomes fully established. Milfoil spreads rapidly and displaces native plant life. Once introduced, milfoil can spread through fragmentation, whereby plant fragments break off from the parent plant through wind or boat action, grow roots and settle in a new location. Seeds are also a means of spread.
Dense beds of milfoil reduce oxygen levels, degrading the water quality for fish and wildlife. Areas of thick growth can make swimming difficult and interfere with fishing and boating. Individual plants near your dock can be hand pulled but denser beds may require several successive years of herbicide treatments to control.
Enjoy your weekend!
July 9, 2024
Lake Management Sciences, using a fanboat, will be conducting the herbicide treatment tomorrow morning beginning at 9:30 A.M.
Just a reminder:
Recommended 5 day restriction on irrigation for household and landscape plants.
• No restrictions on swimming.
• Do not drink the lake water for this 5 day period (including pets).
*Our lake water is monitored according to recreational standards, not drinking water standards. We never recommend using lake water for drinking or food preparation.
The LOCA Board of Governors
July 8, 2024
It has been a great July 4th weekend! The weather cooperated, the water was perfect, and members really had fun!
BUT, there are a few very important issues that need reminding!
First: when operating a pontoon boat make sure ALL doors are closed and secure. All riders need to be INSIDE the enclosed area!
Second: Swimmers should be inside the float line between 1:00PM to 6:00PM
If swimming mid lake in the off hours make sure you have a spotter in a kayak or boat with you.
Third: Hours of operation are as follows: Ski, wakeboard, tubing or fast speed are
• between 1:00PM & 6:00 PM
• No motorized boats before 8:00 AM- at trolling speed only!
• After 6:00PM till ½ hour sunset trolling speed
• No motorized boats after that!
Fourth: STICKERS! Why do we require these??
A member in good standing receives yearly stickers after paying their dues in March-April. It is expected that each member put them on all boats, kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes by May 30! The importance of stickers is to let the Patrolman know the boat is Ok to be on the lake, dues were paid, and it is a registered LOCA boat! Only boats registered to a member may be on our lake!
It is now after July 4th and there are still many boats-mostly kayaks- without stickers!
Please, make sure all your boats are in compliance!
Please be safe and enjoy the lake,
Your LOCA Board of Governors
July 6, 2024
Pursuant to the aquatic vegetation survey and assessment conducted by Lake Management Sciences, an herbicide application targeting variable leaf watermilfoil will occur next week. The exact date of the herbicide treatment is weather dependent, but is planned between Monday, July 8 - Friday, July 12th. There will be an airboat on the lake for a few hours.
Variable leaf watermilfoil is a submerged aquatic plant with fine, densely packed, feather-like leaves whorled around a main stem. While this milfoil species is common to many surrounding lakes and is fine at low densities, its population can grow to high densities if left unmanaged. Watermilfoil can reproduce and spread by fragmentation. Plant fragmentation occurs when a disturbance like a motorboat propeller passes through and chops up the plants into pieces, each of which are then capable of forming a new plant at different locations throughout the lake. The mild winter and mostly ice-free conditions have contributed to aggressive growth of milfoil in many lakes in our region.
After Clipper herbicide application:
• Recommended 5 day restriction on irrigation for household and landscape plants.
• No restrictions on swimming.
• Do not drink the lake water for this 5 day period (including pets).
*Our lake water is monitored according to recreational standards, not drinking water standards. We never recommend using lake water for drinking or food preparation.
June 27, 2024
The Lake Management Sciences airboat will be on the lake Thursday morning, June 27th for 2-3 hours conducting an algaecide application using a low dose copper sulfate. Please stay clear of the airboat.
There are no lake use restrictions associated with the algaecide treatment.
We apologize for any inconvenience, but with the upcoming July 4th holiday next week, your safety and full enjoyment of the lake is our top priority.
The Environment Committee for the LOCA Board of Governors
June 24, 2024
Water Monitoring Update
Emerging HAB Alert
Our water monitoring team has detected an increase of cyanobacteria that form Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs). Over the last week, surface water temperatures reached 88°F+ (16°higher than this time in 2023), phycocyanin numbers lake wide have increased and clarity has decreased. Microscopic analysis of water samples has confirmed our findings. In consultation with our lake management professionals, we have concluded that without intervention a HAB is imminent. We are therefore coordinating an algaecide treatment to take place Wednesday or Thursday, weather dependent.
You may continue to use the lake with caution – avoid visible surface scum, rinse off after swimming. Be mindful of your pets - do not let them drink from the lake. Observe your shoreline and be aware of your surroundings.
More details to follow.
The Environment Committee for the LOCA Board of Governors
June 21, 2024
At our June 30 General Membership Meeting, Danae Dotz will be selling raffle tickets, the proceeds of which will benefit the various projects of the Greater Culver Lake Watershed Conservation Foundation.
One project is the acquisition of the Miller Property which is a 70-acre parcel of land positioned between Lake Owassa and Culvers Lake. It is one of the most pristine and environmentally significant tracts of undeveloped land in the Paulinskill watershed region and it includes a significant wetland. The Miller property serves as a critical groundwater recharge area for our Lake Owassa property wells, a nesting ground for many species of birds including red winged blackbirds, herons and owls, as well as home to an extraordinary number of fauna and flora. It is of utmost importance that we save this large tract of land from development.
Please join the LOCA Board of Governors and the Lake Owassa-Paulinskill Headwaters Conservation Foundation (A NJ non-profit corporation) in our support of the purchase of this property.
June 3, 2024
Princeton Hydro is the company LOCA has contracted to apply the Eutrosorb G this week per our E-news yesterday. They will be placing buoys in the lake marking the original treatment boundary from last year. Please do not disrupt or remove these markers.
Although there is no restriction on lake usage, i.e., swimming, the product needs calm waters to settle to the bottom. Motorized boats that might create water turbulence and wake must remain off the lake during Princeton Hydro's hours of operation.
In order to achieve the best result possible, the entire lake will be a “No Wake Zone” June 4-7. Regular boating hours/rules will apply June 8.
You will be notified if there is any change in application dates due to inclement weather
We appreciate your cooperation during this time.
June 2, 2024
In our effort to move forward with our prevention and monitoring to keep Lake Owassa’s ecosystem balanced and healthy, the second half of the nutrient inactivation treatment is scheduled to start tomorrow, June 3rd, with the delivery of equipment. The application procedure should start on Tuesday and conclude by Friday, June 7, weather permitting. There is no restriction on lake usage; however, please do not interfere with the application boats.
During this time, the West Shore boat launch will be unavailable. The Deer Park launch area on Cottage Ave is unaffected.
As with the first treatment, the plan is to "inactivate" [seal off] the lake's internal load of phosphorus in the bottom sediments, which have accumulated over time from stormwater runoff, septic systems, animal and waterfowl waste, fertilizer use, and natural organic decomposition to limit the release of phosphorus into the water column where it could fuel algae and cyanobacteria growth. As a reminder, the EutroSORB G product does not affect water chemistry and is safe for fish, invertebrates, and personnel. It imposes no restrictions on swimming or irrigation.
The LOCA Board of Governors
May 26, 2024
Dear members,
Tom Long, who passed away this past week, was a long-time lake member spanning almost 6 decades. Several friends and neighbors wanted to share more about Tom and his relationship with Lake Owassa. Rhoda Seider had an opportunity to "interview" Tom's wife Caroline recently who was happy to share their story and with it some of our lake history. Also included is a link to Tom's obituary.
https://obits.syracuse.com/us/obituaries/starledger/name/thomas-long-obituary?id=5517830
Tom's public obituaries detail his family, his passions, his ideals and his work, but they omit his connection to Lake Owassa and our community here. Here's some of what's missing:
Tom and Caroline Long, living and working in Linden, NJ, hoped for a "water-connected" summer place for their family. While many of their friends landed at the Jersey Shore, they followed the Bedrick family to Owassa (Bedrick was Superintendent of Schools when Tom was a Principal). Tom and Caroline rented the house next door to them on the West Shore (A-14, now owned by the Taverniers) for one week in 1967. That's all it took - like so many other folks, they knew right away that Owassa was where they were meant to be.
Their search for their own home here was aided by their realtor, Bob McDowell's mother, whom the kids called "Aunt Sue", and whom they later learned was a distant cousin of Tom's! They purchased their first Owassa house in 1967 on the East Shore, at H-11, which is now owned by the Schundlers.
After several years, they began to feel that this house wasn't big enough to accommodate their teenage children with friends, their large (and always welcome) extended family, and all of their own friends. And over several years, Caroline, walking their dog on the road, regularly noted what appeared to be an unused larger house at H-24. She ultimately called the town, learned the names of the 3 German couples who owned it, and convinced Tom and their kids that they MUST buy it. The 3 families, none of whom had children to take over the house, collectively decided to sell.
So now it's 1982, and Tom and Caroline had what they really wanted: a house big enough to satisfy their need to invite and embrace all of their growing family, large groups of colleagues and friends, and to have all of this happen at gorgeous Lake Owassa. And their kids reluctantly said so-long to a lake house that they loved for this bigger one.
What followed was years (and years!) of Tom and Caroline staying connected to all those long time groups of friends and colleagues from Linden and thereabouts, at the same time enhancing their connection to their Owassa neighbors; owners old and new.
Two examples:
1. When Norm and I first moved to Owassa we were invited to the Long home for the specific purpose of having us meet several of Tom's and Caroline's long time East Shore friends and neighbors - now ours - a practice they continued over the years; gratefully enjoyed by several other new families here.
2. For as long as I can remember, a large group of School Superintendents from many communities spent a VERY happy Owassa summer reunion at the Long's, for which Caroline and Tom spent weeks lovingly preparing. And the attendees of those reunions made it known that they couldn't wait to be invited back.
Over the years, Tom was regularly seen in his motorboat with his own kids and several others from around the lake - skiing or just laughing, howling, and having fun. Or working on their property with a smile and a wave to everyone he saw. Or taking his regular morning walk on East Shore Road to Rte 206 and waving his cane at you as you drove by. Or picking up his newspaper and mail and stopping to engage with anyone on the road. And their house was always busy with family and friends from near and far, young and not so young, on the lake, in the water, on land, or on their deck - all so happy to be with Tom and Caroline and at Lake Owassa.
Tom always had a smile, a hug, an ear eager to learn what interested you, and what efforts he and his family could support to make the world a better place. He happily broadcast his love for Caroline, for all of his children, his grandchildren, his great grandchild, their spouses and friends, his former Public Service and Education related colleagues, his Branchville American Legion friends. And he found room in his life and his heart to love Lake Owassa.
Lake Owassa, and all of Tom's friends and neighbors here, already miss him.
May 8, 2024
Lake Owassa Friends,
The McDowells of Lake Owassa invite friends and family to join us in celebrating the life of Bob McDowell, who died on December 15 last year of heart disease and dementia at the age of 83.
We will be gathering at the Branchville Fire Department on Railroad Avenue, Branchville, 1-5 pm on Friday, June 7.
Please join us for lunch and bring any photos and stories, especially funny, you’d like to share.
The family will also be available to provide boat rides on Lake Owassa, weather permitting, and light refreshments at Bob and Jan’s home, 116 East Shore Lake Owassa Road, Frankford Township on Saturday afternoon.
Please RSVP to Jan at 973-600-5255 as soon as convenient.
April 23, 2024
Good morning! LOCA Dues and membership paperwork are due in a few days!
Spring is here and the growing season is in full swing. We’d like to remind you to...
Be Smart About Lawn Care!
In efforts to limit Nonpoint Source Pollution (polluted runoff) no Phosphorus or Nitrogen containing fertilizer may be applied near Lake Owassa. If you hire someone to do your lawn and grounds maintenance, please make sure they are aware of this.
Given the necessity to maintain high water quality of Lake Owassa, and pursuant to Article IV §4(F)(3) of the Lake Owassa Constitution and By-Laws, the Board feels it necessary to go beyond the requirements set forth by N.J.S.A. 58:10A-61 et seq and enact more stringent requirements for fertilizer usage around our lake. The Board adopts the following position:
Nonitrogenorphosphoruscontainingfertilizershallbeusedonaproperty,forwhich proprietary membership is held, to maintain any lawn or turfgrass at any time of year except for when a new lawn or new turf is being established for the first time after a recent land disturbance on the property. Any fertilizer application based on the aforementioned exception must be done so following provisions in the NJ Fertilizer Law (N.J.S.A. 58:10A-61 et seq) and any county or local fertilizer ordinances. This includes the prohibition of any fertilizer usage for lawns or turfgrass within 25 feet of the lake and the need to create a physical barrier (hay bale or equivalent barrier) between the fertilizer applied area and the lake. Additionally, the Board requires notification from the proprietary member before use of any fertilizer for the purpose of new lawn establishment on their property.
Anymemberwhousescommercialorprivatelandscapingserviceforlawn maintenance, must ensure that the service provider adheres to this fertilizer resolution.
The complete fertilizer resolution/ban is on the website under the tab Current News & Events – Water Quality.
Spring is also a great time to pump your septic!
March 25, 2024
Opportunity Notice- Deadline is April 1, 2024
Trees are again available at NO charge from the Sussex County Municipal Utilities Authority’s Paulinskill Watershed management group. There is no longer a requirement for a receipt that shows you are replacing ash borer trees you’ve removed, This time, the only requirement is that you are a resident of one of the lakes. Our Lake Owassa is included in their list.
There are 150 trees available in total for all the Sussex County lake communities. Each household can request up to 5 native trees to plant on their property. Your trees will be delivered in mid-May and will be provided to you at no cost, thanks to a grant funding provided by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection. Once again, the SCMUA-Wallkill River Watershed Management Group staff will also be able to help you plant your trees, upon request.
To register and select your desired trees, visit : https://forms.gle/WoWjyfVFRP9MWdS17
You MUST register & select trees by April 1, 2024!
Please, notify Judy Roman- juder711@gmail.com if you do sign up to receive trees.
LOCA would like to keep a record of trees delivered to our members.
Sincerely,
The LOCA Board of Governors
Dec 19, 2023
Dear Members,
It is with sadness that we advise of the passing of Bob McDowell on Friday, December 15, 2023, at his home here at Lake Owassa. Bob was a past director of NJ Fish and Wildlife, was a past president of LOCA and was vastly instrumental in working with several other lake members to preserve the areas around the lake from development.
Lake member Mary Ann Raimond, G-6, who was a long-time friend of Bob’s, contacted the LOCA board and asked if we would forward to the members her request for remembrances of Bob. If you have neighbors who may not access emails, please pass on this information.
**As this site is not monitored daily, please do not respond to this email. Forward your reply or any questions to Mary Ann Raimond at owassa5@yahoo.com.
Sincerely,
LOCA Board of Governors.