Allen/Oyster Lake
Management Plan Meeting Synopsis
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
I. Areas of Concern
Outlet Management
? Outlet needs to flow naturally
Private Property Rights vs. Preservation
? Does the lake have any rights?
? Local politics trumping federal/state policies
? The lakes are a public resource, and policies should be made with this in mind
Proposed Restoration Project****
? Hydrology of the lake has been diminished due to alterations of the outlet and adjacent wetlands
? Restore hydrology to a more natural condition
? Support the current restoration project
? Amend the project to remove the unpaved portion of Thompson Road, reconnect the wetland and install structures similar to the ones proposed for the Causeway
? Ensure that the outlet/culvert portion of the project be initiated
? Expand the lake to its historical condition
Storm-water Runoff
? Control runoff into the lake and wetlands
? Potential impact from golf course and individual homes
? Control runoff from 30-A
Septic Systems
? Potential impact from existing septic tanks
? Lack of requirements to change septic tanks to the public sewer system; may need to alter existing language to encourage adoption of sewer system
Rules/Regulations
? Protect the remaining wetlands; do not allow them to be filled
? Require less density within the watershed; minimize the land-use amendments
Education/Outreach
? What can citizens do to protect the lake?
? Need more awareness on the importance of the lakes
? Need more scientific knowledge to make more educated decisions about the lakes
? Utilize educational resources from the TDC
Recreational Use
? Recreational use has diminished; especially as it pertains to fishing and fisheries
II. Potential Solutions
? Draft letter from Oyster Lake Homeowners Association addressing outlet issues
? Solicit opinions from local residents to determine their thoughts on restoring the overall health of the lake
? Request a meeting with County Officials to discuss the concerns of local residents
? Address the design in the restoration project of the unpaved portion of Thompson Road
? Encourage decision-makers to settle outfall management issues
? Provide a specific definition of a Coastal Dune Lake/System
? Address invasive species by training homeowners
? Address water quality by maintaining current conditions while trying to improve the water quality to historic conditions
? Assist Golf Course in finding sponsor for Audubon Certification
? Address storm-water issues related to the new development in the upper portions of the watershed for both Oyster and Allen Lake
o Proposed developments for the head of Allen Lake
o Two culverts on Thompson Road where storm-water needs to be addressed
o Wetland entry to Oyster Lake from Golf Course
o Replace storm-water culvert emptying into Allen Lake
? Develop educational information regarding Coastal Dune Lakes
