LCA PRESIDENT’S UPDATE

Happy Holidays to our LCA Members.  We’re pleased that Lake Conroe is far more visually appealing and watercraft-usable than we experienced in the Summer.  Due to a number of factors, our Lake is closer to becoming theLakewe have all enjoyed in the past.  And while the battle over invasive weeds is far from over, we seem to be moving in the right direction thanks to your generous contributions to the Lake Conroe Association.

Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) has completed its November/December, 2007 aquatic plant survey and released those results today to the committee with whom they have work closely over the past two years (including San Jacinto River Authority, LCA and angling organizations).  In general, TPWD has seen a reduction of “topped-out” hydrilla but acknowledges that sub-surface hydrilla is still of serious concern for the year ahead.  While committed to reaching its stated goal of “40 acres or less of hydrilla by March, 2008”, TPWD reported the current hydrilla infestation to be 1,942 acres.  This represents an increase of 167 acres from the July/August, 2007 survey which reported 1,775 hydrilla infested acres.  TPWD reported that hydrilla is currently being found out to a depth of 9 feet below the lake’s surface, and that the average height from the lake floor is 2 to 4 feet.  TPWD expressed optimism because it has observed a significant reduction in the density of the hydrilla (or said another way….even though the number of infested acres has increased, the total volume of hydrilla material has decreased).

TPWD reported a significant hydrilla infestation in the northeastern portion of theLakewhich had limited infestation previously.  The two most significant infestations were in areas referred to as Cagle and Stubblefield.  TPWD reiterated that the inhabited, southern portion of theLakeremains its first priority, but that this newest northeastern infestation is of concern and measured 400 to 500 acres.

Given its reported hydrilla infestation of 1,942 acres, TPWD has suggested that 15,775 white amur grass carp be added toLakeConroein January, 2008 to compensate for fish mortality since the August, 2007 stocking.  The calculation of white amur mortality is based on studies which report a 32% annual mortality during the first year after stocking and a 39% mortality each year thereafter.  SJRA and LCA have agreed to 50/50 cost share this stocking as done throughout 2007.  As a “stocking factoid”, it is calculated that 23,300 white amur have died out of the 86,200 stocked since March, 2006.

TPWD intends to perform a new survey in January, 2008 specifically in the three most infested (and populated) areas referred to as Little Lake Creek, Lewis Creek and Caney Creek.  Should the infestation in these areas not decrease in the next month, TPWD stated it intends to then permit additional white amur beyond the 15,775 already permitted and discussed above.

TPWD stated that they still believe they can achieve the stated goal of “40 acres or less of hydrilla by March, 2008” even though they have reported 1,942 acres currently.  TPWD emphasized that the Plan (Lake Conroe Aquatic Management Plan effective throughMarch 31, 2008) calls for a “measured approach” to the problem – meaning that the objective of hydrilla reduction cannot override the goal of maintaining the native vegetation inLakeConroe.  TPWD expressed that hydrilla reduction AND maintenance of native vegetation are both priorities.  In fact, TPWD intends to enhance native vegetation in 2008 by planting tape grass/water celery in the uninhabited areas of theLake.

Rather than wait for you to ask the question, I’ll pose the question “What does the LCA think about TPWD’s presentation and proposal today?”  We were very disappointed to learn that the number of hydrilla infested acres increased from 1,775 to 1,942 between the July/August, 2007 survey and the November/December, 2007 survey.  We are especially concerned that this increase occurred during a period where 1) we had approximately 63,000 white amur eating hydrilla (the largest quantity since the early ’80’s), 2) enormous sums of money were spent on herbicides and white amur, and 3) this growth occurred during a slower growing period based on cooler water temperatures.  The LCA requested a January, 2008 stocking greater than the 15,775 permitted by TPWD to proactively deal with an infestation that continues to grow, and we do not believe that a more aggressive stocking would negatively affect native vegetation significantly.  TPWD denied our request to increase this stocking and offered the January, 2008 survey as their best alternative.  Since only TPWD and SJRA are “Cooperators” under the Plan, the LCA must accept this proposal and commit to actively review the infestation on a very regular basis (which we WILL do).

The LCA contributed $252,000 to SJRA during 2007 for aquatic plant management.  While fund raising in the Winter months for aquatic plant management proves difficult (in part due to “out of sight, out of mind”), the LCA continues to work behind the scenes on your behalf.  We recently sponsored a booth at the Conroe Chamber of Commerce annual trade show in an effort to meet with local businesses and express our genuine need for their support.  Through phone calling and personal meetings, we have engaged local businesses to join the fight against invasive weeds onLakeConroeand successfully enlisted numerous businesses as LCA Business Members.  To acknowledge the increasing commitment from the local business community, we have listed those businesses making contributions of $250 or more at the end of this Update.  We hope you keep these business partners in mind when making purchases in their area of specialization.  The LCA also maintains ongoing communication with our local representatives inAustinto reinforce our need for their support in securing funding for aquatic plant management in 2008.

The next comprehensive Residential Fund Raising Campaign will not occur until Spring, 2008 but, of course, donations are graciously accepted throughout the year.  Donations to our 501 (c) 3 charitable corporation can be sent to Lake Conroe Association, PO Box 376, Willis, Texas 77378-9998.  Donations should be tax deductible.

For those concerned over AVM (Avian Vacuolar Myelinopathy), a disease typically carried by birds and potentially deadly to man, TPWD confirmed that it sampledLake Conroe twice in 2007 for AVM and reported no signs of this disease.  Accordingly, TPWD states that for now there is no concern for Lake Conroe.

It’s time for calendar year LCA Board elections once again.  The Nominating Committee has suggested that 2007 LCA Directors be re-elected for 2008 to provide continuity and allow these volunteers to see the resolution of weed infestations through to the end.   The 2007 LCA Officers have accepted this nomination.  Accordingly, you will shortly receive a ballot through the mail to cast your support for the recommendation of the LCA Nominating Committee or write-in your own candidate(s).  If you are interested in joining the LCA Board in 2008 and desire to have your name considered by the Nominating Committee before the ballot goes to our Members, please contact me as soon as possible.  Anyone interested in this position should be available to attend LCA Board Meetings on the second Tuesday of each month at10AMand intend to become involved in LCA activities/responsibilities.  If the LCA Board is re-elected as is, it should be noted that the LCA Board’s intention is to re-elect the 2007 Officers for the upcoming 2008 term.  The 2007 LCA Officers were Mike Bleier (President), Colin Stead (Vice President), Tom Butz (Treasurer) and Sue Wheatley (Secretary).

Thank you for your time in reviewing this information.  We will continue to endeavor to provide you with timely information whenever new data becomes available.  Until then, we wish you and your family a safe, happy holiday season; and please find below a listing of LCA Business Members and a brief description of their services and products.

Mike Bleier, President

LakeConroeAssociation

****LCA BUSINESS MEMBERS****

The Board of Directors of the LCA would like to recognize the following businesses who have given a minimum of a $250 donation in 2007.