Acting on concerns about low water levels voiced by some SLCA members, SLCA president Joanne Burghardt met with Neil McConkey from Crowe Valley Conservation Authority Aug. 6 at the lake’s log dam.

Some like the water high, some like it low.  A lack of rain this year has certainly contributed to the low lake level.

While it may not make a difference in the short term, Neil has placed two boards in the dam that controls water exiting the lake. Should we get A LOT of rain, it may help raise the level of the lake. As Neil explained:

• CVCA generally attempts to lower the lake level in the fall in anticipation of spring runoff in an effort to avoid flooding.
• Around May 24 they check the levels and if the water has dropped to a reasonable level the boards go in.  “We check the lake level multiple times a week in the spring. The first week in May the beavers built a dam and stopped any water from flowing out. There was no point in putting logs in as there was no flowing water. The lake was perfect level.”
• There is a large beaver dam about 100 yds down the creek which, if it rains, would also help retain the water in the lake.

The SLCA appreciates Neil coming out to see us, and all the feedback the SLCA has had from our members. Now it's up to Mother Nature.