Pat Costner pointed out last Tuesday that Parks had approved its current Master Plan for Lake Leatherwood in 2013. The plan called for a professional analysis of the lake, which was completed by Steven Patterson and J. Thad Scott of the University of Arkansas in 2016, but not much has been done since to follow up on suggestions in the study.
Costner led commissioners point by point through the Patterson-Scott report, which was a response to the vision of maintaining the lake as “a high quality aquatic jewel around which recreation in LLCP revolves.” The report commented on the issues of water safety, safe and pleasant swimming, good fishing and paddling.
She commented water safety in some areas depends on goose management but there are septic systems near enough to the park to be a factor, also. Nutrient management is a key to managing water quality because swimming, fishing and paddling are affected.
“I don’t like paddling in algae,” Costner said. She noted aquatic incursions at the south end of the lake were spreading north. Sediment deposits contribute to the problem because the shallower water is more stagnant, and increased plant material traps more sediment. Parrot’s-feather is a plant in the milfoil family that is expanding its presence in the lake. Any tiny piece of the plant might establish a new plant, so control is a challenge. Costner stated annual mapping would identify where to focus on cleaning up, and suggested recruiting volunteers to monitor conditions around the lake monthly April through October.
She also commented the septic system at LLCP might be beyond its expected lifespan.
Chair Bill Featherstone agreed it was incumbent on Parks to develop a management plan and take action, but stated the solutions were very expensive. Huss said he has a plan for what to do, but Parks needs to set aside the money. Besides vegetation management and goose control, the lake needs to be dredged. He said there is an accumulation of sediment on top of the gate in the dam that must be removed so they can open and close the gate. What to do with the sediment once it’s removed is also an issue.
Commissioner Steven Foster said they need to establish a Lake Committee to develop a plan for monitoring the lake, establishing budgetary needs and engaging volunteers to help carry out the duties. Commissioner Cameron Denoewer volunteered to serve on the Lake Committee.
Featherstone thanked Costner, “You’ve hit the reset button for us.”