LCA President’s Update – December 5, 2023
Lake Conroe level below normal due to six months of very dry conditions.
At the time of my June letter the Lake was at 201’ msl – normal pool. But due to above normal summer evaporation and minimal summer rainfall the lake level continued to fall until Oct 1, to the lowest point in 2023 at 198.8 msl. We did get two healthy rain events in October that replenished the lake to roughly where we are now at 200.4’ msl.
Fortunately, there were no 2023 Seasonal Lake Lowering Program (SLLP) releases in April or May or in August or September. The 2023 SLLP compromise brokered by the LCA eliminated the 2018-2021 practice of arbitrary water releases to lower lake levels 6-12” below normal pool. Had SLLP releases occurred in 2023, the lake could have been as low as 198.3’ or even lower at 197.8’ msl by Oct 1. The last five years -with and without SLLP releases – confirm that SLLP releases create low “drought like” lake levels and without them the lake stays normal.
Future of the Seasonal Lake Lowering Program (SLLP) – As in the past two years the LCA negotiating team recently met with the SJRA and COH in mid-November to discuss progress of the Lake Houston Dam Spillway, TCEQ authorization regarding release rates, and the future of the SLLP implemented as a temporary program in 2018. As a reminder, in the February 2020 SJRA Board meeting the SLLP was extended “until the Lake Houston Dam Spillway became operational” which was forecasted as 2024. (Letter from Dave Martin Houston Mayor ProTem).
In a recent town hall held by Dave Martin he indicated the Lake Houston Spillway Dam project was fully funded but approval delays had pushed the operational date to March 2026. While the 2022 and 2023 SLLP compromise has been effective at avoiding arbitrary water releases it is the LCA position that continuing the SLLP eight years beyond the original “temporary approval” will require firmer safeguards to avoid any arbitrary releases resulting in significant wasted water resources. Additional meetings will be held in January and February to discuss and agree on a path forward. The LCA will be looking for feedback from residents in the January 19, 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) – see further details on the AGM later in this letter.
Hydrilla Status – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has now finished their Fall lake vegetation survey. The LCA along with others will be attending a review meeting hosted by the TPWD by mid-December about planned actions for 2024. As far as Hydrilla is concerned there was mostly good news from the Fall survey as the overall coverage (approximately 200 acres) did not increase. However, several locations in the northern part of the lake saw substantial Hydrilla growth which created significant problems for a number of residents. SJRA and TPWD did have a summer spraying campaign to address these high growth parts of the lake. This will be followed by a Grass Carp stocking that will maintain the TPWD target level of mature fish to minimize Hydrilla growth. Hopefully this will eliminate the need in 2024 for another large, expensive spraying campaign. LCA will remain vigilant watching for further spreading of Hydrilla. Should conditions change, we will need to be prepared to quickly go into action and possibly request donations to stop further infestation growth.
LCA Annual General Meeting, Existing Voting Membership Renewal, & New Voting Members
The LCA will hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on January 19,2024 as required by its bylaws to elect Board members, assign Board Officer positions, and review and approve its Annual Budget and Plan. Voting members, who have made an annual donation of $100 or more, will be mailed ballots and can return those by mail or attend the AGM in person to place their vote and provide the LCA their perspectives on agenda items including SLLP continuation, Hydrilla, or other individual concerns.
The meeting will take place the morning of January 19, 2024, starting at 10AM at the San Jacinto River Authority Office (Main Conference Room) at 1577 Dam Site Road in Conroe. Key agenda items other than those required for annual business will be the discussion on any continuation of the SLLP in 2024 and the status of Hydrilla coverage and eradication plans.
Current voting members will be receiving information by mail including their ballots by or before early January.
At the same time a major new membership drive mailout will take place aimed at all residents with waterfront properties who should strongly consider becoming a voting member in support of the LCA and its mission to protect Lake Conroe.
The LCA is a 501 c3 charitable entity and membership fees and donations are tax deductible.
This letter along with additional updates on both Hydrilla and the SLLP matters can be found on the LCA website by mid December once the TWPD December meeting is held. Please go to the LCA website by using this link https://lcatx.org/ .
Kevin Lacy – LCA President