Author Archives: Trustees
Seawall Example
Informational Meeting with Corp. of Engineers & IDNR on 8/5/12
What you should know before doing shoreline work!!
The Lake Delhi Trustee’s want to thank the hundreds of people who were able to come to the Public informational meeting on Sunday June 10th. One discussion point that was covered during the meeting and that needs to be emphasized is shoreline work (walls repaired, new walls installed, and general bank stabilization). It is a requirement per the regulatory agencies that this type of work needs to go through the permitting process in order to move forward. If property owners were to do shoreline work without a permit within the impounded area, it could result in a situation that may prevent the Corps of Engineers from issuing the necessary permits for the reconstruction of the dam. For the sake of your neighbors and friends on the lake, please take this request very seriously that you submit your request for work through the normal permitting process. (See Below)
As a reminder, a requirement that is needed to get the final permit of the Dam is to complete an Archeological Study which was started last year. At that time, it was determined that some areas of the lake would need to have further review and we expect that process to get started in the near future. If you happen to see the archeologists in and around the Lake Bed soon, don’t be alarmed.
Once this study is completed, the regulatory agencies will be able to help us better understand what, if any, areas that will need to be protected for cultural value.
Questions and Answers:
1. If you have filed a permit and are approved to move forward with work, do you need to take any further action? Answer: No, go ahead and complete your work as permitted.
If you or your contractor encounter historical or cultural resources, please stop construction and contact the appropriate authorities.
2. If you would like to complete shoreline work before the Lake archeological study is complete, what should you do? Answer: Please go through the permit process to get approval process started.
3. Could the application process be delayed until the lake archeological study is complete? Answer: Yes. It could be determined that the type of work you propose could impact the cultural value of the lake bed if it is determined to be within an area of archeological interest. You will be given the option to pay for your own archeological study for your project area or you will need to wait to perform the work until after the Lake Study is completed. (There should be plenty of time for projects to be completed after the study is complete and before the Lake is refilled.)
Thank you for your cooperation and please share with your neighbors.
Once we have additional information, we will forward it out to you.
Sincerely,
The Lake Delhi Trustees
To start the permit process: You can use the link for the Iowa DNR
http://www.iowadnr.gov/
or the link for the Corps of Engineers
http://www2.mvr.usace.army.
Please utilize the joint application packet for Iowa located on either site.
Q & A on Boat Lifts & Docks
Common questions and Answers on Boat Lifts and Docks
We encourage property owners to reach out to the local DNR to get additional information and clarification. The phone number is: 563-927-3276 and ask for Sue.
1. Question: Do I have to remove docks and lifts over winter?
Answer: Chapter 16:18 exempts artificial lakes from winter removal of docks and hoists unless they are subject to damage by ice movement. Docks left in over winter are required to have reflective material visible from all directions to operators of snowmobiles, other motorized machines or wind-propelled vessels lawfully operated on the frozen surface of the water body. Additional information can be found at: http://search.legis.state.ia.us/NXT/gateway.dll/ar/iac/5710___natural%20resource%20commission%20__5b571__5d/0160___chapter%2016%20docks%20and%20other%20structures%20on%20public__2e/_c_5710_0160.xml?f=templates$fn=default.htm
2. Question: In the past, hard covers were grandfathered in. Will this remain the same?
Answer: Hard covers were never grandfathered in, but a previous Enforcement Bureau Chief had a hand-shake agreement that they would not enforce the rule banning hard covers during the initial permitting process back in 2007. The handshake agreement contained specific criteria but this handshake agreement is no longer acceptable. Current enforcement staff have decided Lake Delhi needs to come into compliance with state law which has banned the use of hard roofs for approximately 20 years in the State of Iowa.
3. Question: What are dock requirements?
Answer: Interpretation of the dock rules has evolved over the last 5 years both within the DNR and as a result of contested court cases. Major changes include the ruling that Class 1 docks are only for properties with a residential home on the property (no condos, apartments or empty lots). If the abstract for a seasonal or permanent residence built on leased land contains specific wording for shoreline easement, the owner of the residence may be allowed to have a Class 1 permit; however, the abstracts will require case-by-case review. When specific footage is not included in the abstract on leased land, all docks off the property will require Class 3 permits (or Class 4 where applicable). Additionally, dock arrangement will be affected in some areas to (1) guarantee access to the shoreline for angling and (2) guarantee access to the shoreline for boaters in distress. Shorelines cannot be blocked off by large dock/hoist configurations.
4. Question: Where do I go for permits for docks and shoreline work?
Answer: Permits can be printed off online at:
http://www.iowadnr.gov/Recreation/Boating/DockPermits.aspx. You can also find a link to read Chapter 16 (the current dock rules) at this location.
5. Question: What is the renewal process for permits?
Answer: Class 3 & 4 permits (new applications, renewals and/or transfers) must be handled on paper by printing off the application at the address above. Class 1 permits can be handled either on paper or online at https://www.iowadnr.gov/boatdocks/index.php. Docks need to have permits when the lake comes back. If they don’t have water under them until sometime in 2014, for example, residents can wait until early spring 2014 before applying.
6. Question: Do I need to anchor my Docks and Lifts?
Answer: Chapter 16.3: All river docks must be securely anchored to prevent them from becoming floating hazards during times of high river flows. The riparian owner is responsible for dock retrieval and removal when necessary to prevent or remove a navigation hazard.
7. Question: What are the websites I can find more information?
Answer: Residents may go online and read Chapter 16 at: http://search.legis.state.ia.us/NXT/gateway.dll/ar/iac/5710___natural%20resource%20commission%20__5b571__5d/0160___chapter%2016%20docks%20and%20other%20structures%20on%20public__2e/_c_5710_0160.xml?f=templates$fn=default.htm or follow the link off the site https://www.iowadnr.gov/boatdocks/index.php.
The Information provided is not deemed to be all inclusive or represent the Lake Taxing District opinions. Please confirm with the Iowa DNR for rules and regulations
To Be Included in Our Email Distribution List
If you want to be kept up to date with our latest announcements, just send an email to lakedelhitrustees @lakedelhi.org, put in a Subject of “Add me to the Trustee List” to get added to our communication distribution list.
Volunteers Needed!! Here’s our current list.
Here is the list of folks who volunteered for various projects around the lake after Sunday’s meeting. I may have missed some people or spelled your name wrong. Please let me know if that’s the case. Also, if you want to be a part of any of these groups and have yet to sign-up, please don’t hesitate to email us at the Trustee’s website: lakedelhi.org The more help we get the better!!
Fundraising:
Todd Gifford
Pam Klima
Nancy Grimm
Doug Hermon
Chad & Amy Hovdell
Sanitation/Wastewater Management:
Ivan Lilenthal
Corey Groth
Rick Allan
Todd Gifford
Public Access:
Marcheta Cooey
Kelley Kascel
Jim Stepanek
Bob Klima
Dredging/Watershed Management:
Larry Sloan
Todd Gifford
Gary Grimm
Jim Locke
Ken Kray
Dam Project (Construction Management Skills):
Rick Reysack, CM HR Green
Dwayne Donels, Project Supt.
Larry Sloan
Robert Klima, Carpenter Supt.
Doug Ricklefs
Larry Peter
Dam Operations:
Rob Klima
Larry Aschbrenner
Water Quality:
Dudley Brollier
Bob Galiher
Todd Gifford
Ivan Lilienthal
Corey Groth
Jenny & Wayne Garvin
George Kinnard
Lake Bed Clean Up & Weed Control:
Brian Hughes
Bob Galiher
Todd Gifford
Dale Kartman
Darryl Discher
Jackie Smith Duggan
Gary & Nancy Grimm
Deb Knake
Rick Allan
Jim Locke
Chris Jones
Amy Draker
Clint Houdek
Fish Club & Fish Stocking:
Dale Larson
Stan Holt
Cory Pearson
Dan French
Darryl Discher
Wayne & Jenny Garvin
Ivan Lilienthal
Nick Noel
Kelly Salow
Jim Wittenbel
Jim Locke
Trustee Election Information
Here’s a schedule of election timelines that was issued by the County Auditor’s Office:
6/30 Auditor’s office open from 10 am – 2 pm for voter registration and absentee voting
7/2 Worry free postmark date
7/6 Pre-election voter registration deadline
7/13 Last day to request absentee by mail (5pm)
7/17 Absentee voting until 11am at Auditors Office
7/17 Election day (Polls open noon to 8pm)
Lake Bed Plant Management Suggestions/Recommendations
Lakebed Plant Management Suggestions and Recommendations
For: Property owners and land managers of Lake Delhi
Prepared by: Dan Kirby, Iowa DNR Fisheries Biologist (M.S., Wildlife and Fisheries Science – South Dakota State
University; Iowa Category 5 licensed pesticide applicator– aquatic pest control)
Step 1: Identify the plants and identify the problem
Terrestrial plants growing in the lakebed of Lake Delhi during this extended draw-down are providing benefits and challenges to Lake Delhi property owners. Benefits of plants include: stabilization of soils in the lakebed, reduced bank and lakebed erosion, reduced sediment delivery to the Maquoketa River, habitat for wildlife, and habitat for fish. Potential problems associated with lakebed plants include: plants are unsightly to some owners and visitors, views may be obstructed by tall plants, future water travel lanes may be obstructed by woody plants if left untreated.
Some Lake Delhi residents have expressed concerns about increased lake sedimentation and organic matter accumulation from plant growth, and these concerns are certainly worthy of monitoring. However, it is my opinion that herbaceous plants (grasses and forbs) are unlikely to cause significant long-term impacts to lakebed sediments. Increased channel roughness and decreased water velocity associated with terrestrial plants in lake beds does temporarily increase the sediment trapping efficiency of reservoirs. This phenomena lasts only as long as the plants persist, and that is not very long (days to weeks) for most fully submerged herbaceous land plants. Terrestrial plants contribute to the organic matter in lake sediments after reservoirs are filled, but this contribution should be viewed in perspective to other inputs of sediment and matter. An Iowa cornfield or switchgrass field produces about 6 tons of dry matter per acre and we can expect similar production per acre of “weeds” in the lakebed. This means that about 2,400 tons of organic matter could be produced annually on the dry areas of the Lake Delhi lakebed. This sounds like a lot of material and it is, but keep in mind that it is a fraction of the material delivered by the Maquoketa River during an “average year” (estimates are typically about 60,000 tons per year).
I recommend that landowners concentrate on suppression of woody vegetation such as willows and cottonwoods in areas that will be used as travel corridors for boats, docking areas, or swimming areas. Willow trees are more persistent than herbaceous plants after being submerged and could potentially persist for months or years after being submerged (depending on stem size). Annual weeds such as giant ragweed, smartweed, and barnyard grass are common early invaders of wet areas but they are unlikely to cause any significant long-term environmental or infrastructure problems. Perennial moist soil plants such as Reed Canary Grass and Fowl Mana Grass are common secondary invaders of wet areas, but they too are unlikely to cause long-term infrastructure problems.
Step 2: Identify the treatment
If landowners determine that they do have problematic vegetation they have a variety of options for dealing with that vegetation.
1) Mowing. Mowing is an effective method of controlling woody vegetation (e.g., willow trees) and annual weeds. Mowing typically favors perennial herbaceous vegetation (e.g., Reed Canary Grass).
Pros: maintain erosion control provided by plant roots, low potential for environmental impacts, very effective control for woody vegetation. Cons: requires access with power equipment or hand tools, usually requires at least one treatment per year
2) Herbicides. Herbicides provide effective treatment of woody vegetation, annual plants, and perennial
plants. When using any herbicide it is important to understand the personal and environmental hazards associated with the herbicide. It is also important to precisely identify problematic plants because herbicide effectiveness varies among species. Private individuals without a Category 5 pesticide applicators license and appropriate permits cannot use herbicides to treat water bodies such as the Maquoketa River. However, private landowners can use herbicides to control vegetation on terrestrial areas of Lake Delhi under their ownership as long as they follow all label directions. Contact herbicides (e.g., glyphosate) are typically preferred over persistent herbicides (e.g., pendimethalin) when treating plants in sensitive areas such as the banks and bed of Lake Delhi. Some popular herbicides (e.g., Roundup) are labeled for use on terrestrial area, but are illegal to use over water due to potential environmental contamination. In some cases there are aquatic approved alternatives (e.g., Rodeo) to herbicide formulations not approved for aquatic areas (e.g., Roundup). I recommend that landowners considering the use of herbicide in or near the lake bed of Lake Delhi consult with a professional knowledgeable about herbicides before applying the chemical. Most agricultural cooperatives or farm service providers have staff that is extremely knowledgeable about herbicides. Online resources are available for herbicide labels and general information. Pros: can effectively control a broad spectrum of problematic vegetation, less labor intensive than other methods. Cons: requires access with power equipment or hand tools, usually requires at least one treatment per year, best accomplished by professionals with proper protective equipment and intimate knowledge of herbicides.
3) Disturbance (tillage or cultivation). Tillage or cultivation is a common agricultural practice that effectively controls annual and perennial vegetation. Tillage systems are most effective for controlling perennial plants with a long life cycle (e.g., trees) and least effective for annual plants “weeds” with a short life cycle. Pros: can effectively control perennial vegetation without the use of chemicals or mowing. Cons: “loosens” soils and will increase soil erosion and sediment delivery to the Maquoketa River, requires access with power equipment, usually requires at least one treatment per year, not feasible with hand tools.
4) Planting a cover crop. Cover crops protect sensitive areas from invasion by unwanted plants while providing soil erosion protection. Oats are an example of a common cover crop that can effectively reduce the presence of annual “weeds” while providing additional benefits. Pros: provides environmental benefits through improved sediment retention. Cons: difficult to establish at this stage without tillage or herbicide treatment, may require access with power equipment or hand tools, typically provides incomplete coverage of affected area.
5) Fire. Fire is an effective method of controlling woody vegetation and typically favors deep-rooted grass species. Controlled burns are best performed by trained professionals and should be coordinated with neighbors and the local fire department Pros: can effectively control woody vegetation without the use of chemicals or mowing, maintain erosion control provided by plant roots, does not require access with power equipment or hand tools. Cons: fire is unpredictable, can only be accomplished in dormant season, requires the presence of adequate fuel to carry the fire, typically provides incomplete coverage of affected area.
Delaware County Water & Sanitation Department Info
Delaware County, Iowa-Water and Sanitation Department
Delaware County Courthouse
301 East Main Street
Manchester, Iowa 52057
Services Include
- Onsite Waste Water Permits
- Private Well Water Permits
- Private Well Water Testing
- Well Plugging Assistance
ADMINISTRATOR CONTACT: Dennis Lyons
Monday-Friday
Office Hours: 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Phone number: 563-927-5925
Fax number: 563-927-5561
lep 6/05/2012