Lake Improvement Association holds June Meeting-Click for a summary and to listen

 

 

The Lake Improvement Association held its June Meeting on Saturday Morning June 7th at the Moose in Celina. Speakers included Grand Lake St Marys State Park Manager Dave Faler, Ag and Natural Resources Director Theresa Dirken and Grand Lake Region Visitors Center Director Matt Staugler. To hear the meeting in its entirety:

 

The following is an AI Generated summary of the June Meeting of the Lake Improvement Association:

1. June Lake Improvement Association Activities, Finances, and Community Partnerships

• Financial Report

  Ted Bertke presented the financial report. The checkbook balance is $38,069, and the foundation has $20,117. These figures do not yet include money from pontoon sales or a $1,473 donation from the Moose. The shelter house is "fully funded" but "just short a bit."

• Fundraising Activities

  Brian Miller discussed the main fundraising activities: membership (number one income), the bar (flyers coming soon), the icebreaker dance, and the pontoon raffle. The pontoon raffle nets $10,000.

• Pontoon Raffle Partnership and Winner

  A.J. Mast from The Boathouse at Grand Lake presented a check to the LIA for the pontoon raffle, thanking participants. The partnership with The Boathouse has been very successful, even selling an additional 100 tickets this year despite increased pontoon prices.

• Boardwalk Bike and Boat Show

  The Boardwalk Bike and Boat Show went well. The cornhole toss jackpot was hit for $740, but the event still made money. It was also a good event for new member recruitment.

• Grand Lake Rec Club Bicycle Poker Run

  Brad Fisher, president of the Grand Lake Rec Club, announced their 13th annual bicycle poker run for next Saturday on the Mazama Bike Path. Registration is 10 AM to noon at Bayview Pub, with pre-registration available since May 15th. A raffle will also be held.

• H2Ohio Funding Advocacy

  The LIA is actively working to influence state senators and representatives regarding the H2Ohio operational budget, which is facing severe funding cuts. This funding is critical for treatment trains and agricultural use. Theresa, Stephen, and Brian testified in Columbus.

• West Bank Playground and Shelter House Project

  The playground at West Bank is installed by Van Tilburg Farms at no cost. A fence was quickly erected with Brad's help after initial criticism. The shelter house is ordered for September delivery and will be built by TriStar students (who will also pour concrete) at no cost, in partnership with Brad Fisher and McGillivray.

Conclusion

1. Financials are good, and the shelter house is mostly funded with a small shortfall to be discussed.

2. Various fundraising efforts are successful, with the pontoon raffle being a significant contributor.

3. The pontoon raffle was highly successful, generating significant funds for the LIA through a strong partnership with The Boathouse.

4. The event was successful financially and for member recruitment, despite a cornhole jackpot payout.

5. The annual bicycle poker run is scheduled, with details provided for participation and support.

6. The LIA is advocating against proposed severe cuts to H2Ohio funding, which is vital for the lake's health.

7. The West Bank playground is complete, and the shelter house project is progressing well with significant community partnerships and no cost to the LIA.

2. Community Development, Tourism, and Park Management in the Grand Lake Region

• Community Playground Project Update

  Discussion on the latest playground project, including recent donors (Wabash Mutual Telephone, Armcork), the remaining donation goal of 4,000, and the total project cost of about $86,000, just shy of $90,000. Positive feedback was received regarding the playground's features, particularly the slides.

• All Abilities Playground Development

  An update on the All Abilities Playground, which will be located on the East Bank by the First Shelter House. It has been secured with grant dollars, in collaboration with AuglaizeCounty, DD. Quotes for the necessary fall material are currently being obtained, with installation anticipated later this year.

• Barstool Open Fundraiser

  Details about the upcoming Barstool Open on August 9th, highlighting its importance as the second-largest fundraiser. A call for volunteer judges was made, and it was announced that signup packets would be distributed to participating bars within the next couple of weeks. Brian Morris created the event poster.

• Grand Lake Trails Website Launch

  Introduction of the new grandlaktrails.com website, conceived by Matt, Theresa, and Brian Morris. The website serves as a promotional tool for ecotourism, showcasing pictures, length, and locations of trails, including treatment trains. It was designed by Brian Morris and is linked to the Lake Improvement's website and Matt's website.

• Grand Lake Region Tourism Report

  A comprehensive report on tourism in the Grand Lake region, including a recap of 2024 and plans for 2025. Key points include the economic impact of visitors ($150/day for day-trippers, $350/day for overnight visitors, $268 million annual impact for Mercer and Allglaize County, supporting 3,300 jobs). There was a 23% increase in hotel stays, the largest in 15 years. The launch of a new 2025 Visitors Guide (22,000 printed, 18,000 distributed) and a new brand (launched April 1st) with a 'space' theme were highlighted. The new brand has shown significant increases in Meta reach (88% in April, 144% in May) and web traffic (26% in April, 41% in May). Paid media has expanded to Columbus, now the top market. New light pole banners and window decals are being implemented to engage both visitors and locals. Current hotel occupancy is high, with Best Western, West Bank Inn, and Quality Inn (St. Mary's) sold out this weekend, attracting visitors from various states.

• Hospitality Labor Market Challenges

  Discussion on the difficulties faced by the hospitality industry, particularly restaurants, in finding employees due to a tight and competitive labor market. The Ohio Travel Association and the State Department of Education and Workforce are working with career tech programs like TriStar to promote hospitality as a viable career path, not just temporary jobs. It was noted that these efforts are ongoing but not a quick solution.

• State Park Operations and Updates

  An update on State Park operations, including the lake level at +4.80 and rainfall figures (3.79 inches in May, 8.37 inches year-to-date). Tree planting efforts included 1,200 trees at West Bank and a 70% survival rate for 400 trees planted last April at the DMRA, despite a drought. Three of 86 trees planted a couple of years ago died and will be replaced this fall. The pool pump is shot and needs repair. Camping has seen high occupancy, with 3 weekends completely full and 5 weekends at 95% occupancy. The Prairie Creek and Coldwater Creek treatment train trails were highlighted for their ecotourism value, particularly for birding, with sightings of eagles, waterfowl, shoreland birds, deer, and sandhill cranes. The park does not actively decrease cottonwood trees, considering them natural resources.

Conclusion

1. The project is nearing completion, with only about 4,000 more donations needed to reach the goal. The total cost is approximately $86,000, just shy of $90,000, and feedback on the slides has been positive.

2. The All Abilities Playground is funded and progressing, with quotes for fall material currently being gathered for installation later this year.

3. The Barstool Open is scheduled for August 9th and is a significant fundraiser, with a need for volunteer judges. Signup packets will be distributed to bars in the coming weeks.

4. The new grandlaketrails.com website is a valuable promotional tool for ecotourism, designed by Brian Morris and linked to other relevant sites.

5. The Grand Lake region has experienced significant tourism growth, with a new brand and marketing efforts yielding positive results in increasing visitor engagement and economic impact.

6. The hospitality industry faces ongoing challenges in finding employees due to a tight labor market, with efforts underway by state organizations to promote hospitality careers, though a quick solution is not expected.

7. The State Park has successfully planted trees, managed water levels, and maintained high camping occupancy, while addressing facility repairs and promoting the ecotourism value of its treatment train trails.

3. State Park and Lake Improvement Initiatives

• East Bank Road Condition and Repair Efforts

  Discussion about the poor condition of East Bank Road, efforts by ODOT and All Glaze County for patching, lack of budget for major repairs, and plans by a commissioner to push for a capital budget request for state parks.

• Wetland Tour and Related Activities

  Announcement of a wetland tour on Saturday, July 19th, starting at Chickasaw Creek boat ramp, traveling to Gilliland wetland, Prairie Creek Wetlands, and finishing at Windy Point. Free lunch available, RSVP required. Wildflower and wetland plant identification activity for kids. In conjunction with Ohio Wetlands Association.

• State Directors' Visit and Water Quality Discussions

  Hosting state directors on June 25th, including a tour around the east side of the lake, new projects, and fish hatchery. Discussion about water quality improvement.

• Wetland Performance and Water Pumping Data

  Update on water pumping volumes and reductions in nitrate and phosphorus. Coldwater Creek (ramped up from 1 million gallons/day since May 19th), Prairie Creek (1.5 million gallons/day), Beaver Creek (0.5 million gallons/day, maxed out), Big Chickasaw (0.5-0.6 million gallons/day). Upwards of 50% reduction in nitrate and phosphorus.

• Prairie Creek Modifications

  Plans to expand the pond and make it one larger, deeper pond to improve sediment reduction. Also, moving the intake back on the channel to reduce pump maintenance. Seeking funding for this.

• Beaver Creek Grant Application

  Submitted a grant application to add another pump to double volume from 0.5 million to 1 million gallons/day at Beaver Creek.

• Red Wing Wetland Complex Project

  VTF Excavation awarded the Red Wing wetland complex project adjacent to Red Wing Nature Trail in Auglaize County. Building a wetland complex, expected to start excavation in July. Will pump 0.5 million gallons/day from the lake for treatment. Funded by H2Ohio.

• Harmon Project

  New project near Harmon's Landing in Auglaize County, goal to treat water from Barnes Creek (only tributary without treatment wetlands). 51-acre site. Closing on property June 24th (funded by Clean Ohio). Seeking H2Ohio funding for the project itself.

• Microcystin Monitoring Data

  Long-term microcystin monitoring data from Celina Water Treatment Plant, updated weekly. Spike after large rain event in May, now down. Available on LIA website.

• South Shore Sportsman's Club Kids' Fishing Derby

  Annual kids' fishing derby by South Shore Sportsman's Club, over 50 years running. Over 350 kids registered, fishing from 10 AM to noon. Free lunch and prizes.

• Dredging Operations

  Two dredges active: one off West Bank, one at Windy Point Boat Launch Ramp Channel. Staffing issues affecting Pomp-A-Little. Cubic yard numbers for removal are up to power.

• LIA Trustees and Their Role

  Introduction of LIA trustees (Eric, Seth, Cindy, Ted Bertke, Jeff Vossler, Donna, Brian, Dylan). Encourage community to approach them with ideas.

• Next LIA Meeting Details

  No July meeting. Next LIA meeting on August 2nd. Presentation on history of Miami Area Canal and Grand Lake St. Mary's.

Conclusion

1. No clear conclusion on immediate major repair, but a plan to seek capital budget.

2. Tour scheduled and details provided.

3. Visit scheduled.

4. Data presented, showing positive reductions.

5. Plans outlined, funding sought.

6. Grant submitted.

7. Project awarded, starting soon.

8. Property acquisition ongoing, funding sought.

9. Data available, shows fluctuations.

10. Successful ongoing event.

11. Dredging active, some issues.

12. Trustees introduced.

13. Next meeting scheduled.

Next Arrangements

• Flyers for the bar (fundraiser) will be coming out soon.

• The Grand Lake Rec Club's 13th annual bicycle poker run is next Saturday on the Mazama Bike Path, with registration from 10 AM to noon at Bayview Pub.

• Pre-registration for the bicycle poker run can be done at Bayview and Shingle Shack (started May 15th).

• The shelter house for the West Bank Playground is ordered and expected for September delivery.

• TriStar students, in partnership with Brad Fisher and McGillivray, will pour the concrete and build the shelter house at no cost to the LIA.

• Barstool Open signup packets will be distributed to the bars in the next couple weeks.

• New light pole banners will be installed on West Bank Road, from Boardwalk to the Spillway, next week for the rest of the summer season.

• Three trees that died over winter will be replaced this fall.

• Wetland tour on Saturday, July 19th.

• State directors' visit on June 25th.

• Red Wing wetland complex excavation starting in July.

• Harmon Project property closing on June 24th.

• Next LIA meeting on August 2nd.

• Prairie Creek modifications and Beaver Creek pump addition planned for Fall/Winter after pumping season.