Garrison Lake Restoration Committee

Location:  Port Orford City Hall - Gable Chambers, June 18, 2008

Attendees:

Board members: Mike Murphy, Frank Eckley, Georgia Nowlin, Ed McQuade, Dennis Miller, and John Leuthe.

Liaison-Councilor Bill McArdle, Mayor Auborn and Cindy Myers (SCWC) attended

Guest speakers: Dr. Mark Sytsma and Steve Mazur

Absent:  Board members Todd Confer, John Monks and Don Ivy.  

Meeting was called to order at 5:36 pm.    

1. The board approved the Minutes of April 16, 2008 posted at www.GarrisonLake.org

Old Business

a. OPRD Garrison Lake Outlet Project update - Frank Eckley explained how the lake level is naturally dropping, so the outlet flow is expected to stop soon. “Everything is working as planned”, per Eckley. He said that the outlet held the lake level at a winter maximum of 16.8′, with a gradual decline from the outflow (as per design). Eckley agreed that the dunes are building back up. There was a discussion about the recent OPRD purchase and development of Arizona Beach RV Park.

b. Garrison Lake “Facts Sheet” - The board had no corrections, but did suggest improving the format to more reader friendly. (It will be posted to the website).

New Business

a. City water activities update - Mike Murphy stated that the treated water loss is at approximately 50% on average. He explained how leak detection is ongoing with immediate repairs performed when leaks are located. Murphy clarified that broken pipe repair does not add pressure and cause additional leaks within the adjoining pipes, contrary to local suspicions.

b. Port Orford Watershed Council update - John Leuthe recapped how he stepped down from the Council chairmanship after 9 years, and Steve Taylor is now the chairman. Leuthe said the Wetlands are an ongoing Council project and they keep abreast of land development that can impact the watershed. Leuthe mentioned that there is a Cedar Terrace development, preparing for 31 homes. He shared his concerns about land clearing and the invasive plants that frequently take over the disturbed soil. Leuthe shared photos of several sites that have been overcome by broom and other invasive weeds. Leuthe is pursuing some form of stewardship regulations to manage these invasive plant issues. Discussion followed on weed abatement with a consensus that there are no county or city regulations. Leuthe intends to address the P.O. Planning Commission. Murphy suggested a county ordinance may be the tool to pursue. Leuthe also brought up possible usage of Garrison Lake for fish rearing. Myers and Mazur pointed to the decision to stabilize the lake, with minimizing salinity, as being the turning point away from its use for rearing anadromous fish. (Anadromous fish move from saltwater to spawn in freshwater, examples: Coho Salmon, Steelhead Trout).

c. ODF&W programs update - Steve Mazur, Assistant Fish Biologist, spoke about fish stocking and sampling of Garrison Lake. Mazur stated that every year since 2002 the ODF&W have been sampling Garrison Lake. He said that over the last five years, less salt water intrusion has eliminated the herring population and there are now more Cutthroat trout. The Cutthroat includes large females and many in the 10″-12″ range. Mazur said ODF&W have stopped stocking Steelhead. Mazur said Rainbow Trout are now stocked, and 8.000 small Rainbows were added in the fall of 2007, followed by catchable size stocked in the spring of 2008. ODF&W have found Steelhead using the outlet to enter the lake. Mazur explained that rearing conditions are very good in the lake, but large populations of anadromous fish are unlikely to develop. He said that the Rainbows will probably not spawn, but some Cutthroat may spawn up the creeks feeding Garrison Lake. He stated that ODF&W do not currently track spawning. Mazur said that 600 Large Mouth Bass were stocked in 2007, with many being found in the samplings that have followed. Nowlin asked about the environmental requirements for the fish, and Mazur said that ODF&W are very pleased with the improvement of the water and insects of Garrison Lake. Mazur mentioned that Cutthroat do eat small fry (supplemented by excess from the hatchery), plus the insects. He said that historically Bass have been in the lake and they are top level predators, eating bull frogs and other fish. McQuade asked about weeds impacting the sport fishing and ODF&W sampling. Mazur said he was not aware of any problems. The board agreed that the weed problem gets more intense in late summer and fall. Mazur pointed out that the weeds are primarily natives and the higher lake levels help in respect to fishing. Mazur added that conifers should be planted along the lake to replace the trees that were lost over the years, because shade improves fish habitat as well as the downed trees.

d. Lake Management Plan development - Dr. Mark Sytsma, of Portland State University Center for Lakes & Reservoirs lead an informal discussion with the group. Sytsma stated that his staff have visited and done sampling of the lake, but his last visit was about ten years ago. He noted that when he last visited, the Eurasian Milfoil was rampant around the 12^th Street Boat Ramp and was pleased that he did not see any today. Sytsma referred to some of the items on the “Facts Sheet”, and pointed out that the areas within the 16 foot depth range are ideal for many plants. He said his method to management/funding is generally to use DEQ for planning funds and ODA for aquatic weed abatement funding. Sytsma acknowledged that Garrison Lake has drawn the interest of DEQ, but their general stand is “wait a couple of years for the ecosystem to stabilize” prior to designing a management plan. Discussion around Garrison Lake not being on the DEQ list of critical water bodies. Sytsma said the lake waters should be sampled for pH (by probing) and for chlorophyll this summer, to establish current water quality. Myers said the sampling tools were available, but funding was an issue. Sytsma added that noxious weeds are also a category that would move the lake into “water quality issues” status, but it does not seem to be a current problem. Sytsma’s team has been working on the Siltcoos Lake, which had toxic algae blooms and is a drinking water source. He explained that those issues qualified Siltcoos Lake to just make it on to the bottom of the DEQ list. McQuade brought up the “tules” expanding their area around Garrison Lake. Sytsma pointed out they do provide fish habitat, but could be addressed through site management (such as clearing paths for boat access). Sytsma suggested that the group review documentation on the website for the Center for Lakes and Reservoirs, http://www.clr.pdx.edu/. He said there is a step by step plan on vegetation management, covering the three methods of mowing, bottom barrier, and chemicals. Sytsma mentioned that mowing could be hired from a TenMile Lake company. Myers pointed out that excavating to remove weeds is not allowable. Mazur clarified that excavating a 50 cubic foot area is permitted on some waters, but not Garrison Lake. Sytsma suggested that the group look at the detailed management plans posted on the website. He summarized with “you have to choose the problem to address, the whole lake is not the problem”, adding that he prefers to create site specific management plans. Miller asked if Sytsma would consider scoping a management plan. Sytsma said he will talk with Pam Blake of DEQ and discuss more details with Cindy Myers. (Note: 6/19 am - He toured the lake on John Leuthe’s boat and retrieved some plant samples) 

e. Open topics for discussion -

Water sampling c/o Surfrider through the P.O. Ocean Resource Team:  McQuade summarized the foundation’s efforts, including the March Water Festival and ongoing water testing.  McQuade explained how water samples have recently been taken from Mill Creek, the exit of Mill Creek, and the lake water approaching the outflow.  He stated that the findings showed 20ppm, 30ppm and 100ppm of enteroccocus respectively (advisories are issued at 150ppm of these bacteria).  Additional samplings will continue through summer.  Miller added that the warning decals have been applied to several entrances to the storm drains, a project of the POORT.

DEQ testing of beaches:  Myers briefed the group on beach water sampling taking place, which is expected to include Hubbard Creek.  She stated that Surfrider wants to recruit additional volunteers for sampling and Jared Tarr is the contact (332-1032).

Oregon Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Finance Summit:  Nowlin distributed a flyer for this summit on July 17^th at the Oregon Garden Resort, Silverton.   Chris Marko, Rural Community Assistance Corporation, is a key contact.

4. Adjourned at 6:56pm.

Location:  Port Orford City Hall - Gable Chambers, April 16, 2008

Attendees:

Board members: Mike Murphy, Georgia Nowlin, Ed McQuade, John Monks, Dennis Miller, and John Leuthe.

Liaison-Councilor Steve Abbott and Carl Page, guest speaker, attended.

Absent:  Board members Todd Confer, Frank Eckley, and Don Ivy.  

Meeting was called to order at 5:36 pm.           

1. The board approved the March 19, 2008 minutes posted at www.GarrisonLake.org

2. Old Business

• a. OPRD Garrison Lake Outlet Project update - Frank Eckley was absent. Dennis Miller said he believes the outlet is working well, and noted that last year the lake level crested at 21 feet. Miller said this year the height reached approximately 16 feet, thanks to the outlet. Miller noted that the vegetation planted along the channel is growing.

3. New Business

• a. New Zealand Mud Snails - presentation from Carl Page, President, Wild Rivers Chapter, Trout Unlimited

Carl introduced himself as a fisheries biologist and mentioned several of his government and research clients in California.  He said he is currently focused on educating the public on the risks of the invasive N.Z. Mud Snails.  Membership in Trout Unlimited helps to fund eradication signage and public education.

Page distributed a vial of sample snails, explaining how they can easily live outside of water for two weeks.  Page’s presentation covered many facets of invasive mollusk issues, highlighting the fact that one female snail can become 40 million in a year!.  He showed several statistics on invasion routes and eradication investments in progress.  Zebra and Quagga Mussels were included in the presentation because they have invaded the Great Lakes and have now moved into western lakes as they get trailered overland.  The invasions occur because the snails are transported on fishing gear, waders, boats and trailers.  The mollusks often are introduced into rivers by commercial vessels, and then reach lakes.   Page stated that there should have been an eradication plan begun much earlier, before the invasion became so critically high risk.  Page mentioned that eradication objectives include finding a method to kill the snails on waders and boats, dockside pressure washing, and washing off with chlorinated water.  Page said there is a parasite in New Zealand which controls the snail, but it is not approved for the U.S.  He also mentioned a few methods being researched which include copper barriers (blocking upstream migration), steam, sun drying for two weeks, and the liquid product “409″.

Page can be reached through Aquatic Resource Specialists, 707.487.5585 or ARSconsulting@aol.com, http://www.arsconsulting.org/.

b. Brainerd Foundation grant - John Monks said he read the material and has experience in writing grant proposals. Monks feels that the GLRC should identify specific project goals and then look for the appropriate grants. Monks explained that the Brainerd Foundation could be lucrative, as the founder wants to focus on the northwest and spend the money in his lifetime. Murphy and Nowlin agreed that a prioritized list is needed first. McQuade reminded the committee that grants must be administered by a 501 C3, such as the South Coast Watershed Council. McQuade sent an email to Cindy Myers asking for her input on this grant. McQuade and Monks added that the Brainerd Foundation will fund environmental focused projects ranging from “seed money to putting out fires”. Leuthe suggested following the rough draft of a plan, coauthored/provided by Dr. Sytsma. Leuthe acknowledged that progress has been made in the formation of the GLRC and the OPRD managing the outlet.

c. City water activities update - Mike Murphy said the water loss is still high and the results from repairing the leak on Lakeshore are not yet known.

d. Port Orford Watershed Council update - John Leuthe said he is a member of the Small Grants Board which issues funds for environmental projects. Leuthe said he was involved in identifying a property owner that is dedicated to improving the water runoff from their waterside property. Leuthe said Scotty Auble has a plan to improve the water runoff from his roof, removing the sediment prior to it reaching the lake. The cost of the proposed project is $14,000 and is under review. Leuthe said he is stepping down from the chairmanship of the P.O. Watershed Council.

e. Open discussions

• Dr. Sytsma, PSU Center for Lakes & Reservoirs, visits in May and Miller is working on finding a boat for his tour and complimentary motel accommodations.
• Review Garrison Lake “Facts Sheet” - Miller asked the committee to review the information and respond next month with any corrections or questions.
• What issues should this committee be addressing ? - as noted above
• Artifacts around Garrison Lake - Miller read an email response from Don Ivy in which he acknowledged there are artifacts and would be willing to present to the local community on this subject.
• Salinity sampling -Cindy Myers of the South Coast Watershed Council has offered to loan the testing equipment and provide the results. McQuade said he tried to follow up on “Lee Strenroski’s water sampling” as mentioned during the March Water Festival, but it is still a work in progress. Page suggested inquiring with DEQ.
• Elk River Land Trust - McQuade explained that Jerry Becker recently presented to the Chamber of Commerce, highlighting a Salmon Stronghold Partnership which is funding work on the Elk River. Becker told McQuade that the Trust is also concerned about Garrison Lake and would be willing to discuss partnering on projects.

4. Adjourned at 6:43pm.

GARRISON LAKE RESTORATION COMMITTEEMEETING MINUTES

Location:  Port Orford City Hall - Gable Chambers, March 19, 2008 at 5:30 pm

Attendees:

Board members: Mike Murphy, Ed McQuade, Dennis Miller, and John Leuthe.

Joanne Ruoff of the Curry Fire Protection Association also attended.

Absent:  Board members Todd Confer, Georgia Nowlin, Frank Eckley, John Monks, and Don Ivy.  Liaison-Councilor Steve Abbott was not in attendance.

Meeting was called to order at 5:38 pm.

1. The board approved the minutes of February 20, 2008 as posted at http://www.garrisonlake.org/

2. Old Business

a. OPRD Garrison Lake Outlet Project update - Frank Eckley was not in attendance. Dennis Miller provided a brief update, stating that the water was still flowing out and the “stream bank” vegetation was showing spring growth.

b. DEQ 319 Grant update - Urban Stormwater - Miller said he confirmed with Cindy Myers that this grant proposal was not approved. It would have been managed by Colleen Ellis of the South Coast Watershed Council. Myers mentioned that Ellis does have some other ideas, and Miller will follow up on those.

3. New Business

a. Water Festival summarization and contacts - Ed McQuade provided a list of ten people that signed a “support list” at the GLRC booth. Miller said that Mr.Strenroski, on that list, has been doing water sampling of the lake. McQuade said he would try to contact Strenroski, and Miller suggested sharing any of his information with Kim Nye (Driftwood Science teacher). Miller also suggested that Kim Nye might appreciate being put in contact with Dr. Sytsma of PSU, Center for Lakes and Reservoirs. McQuade said that displaying a plat map at the GLRC booth did draw interest, as many people stopped by to find their lot. He said the festival was very well organized and gave the local public an introduction to the GLRC.

b. NOAA B-WET grant - Ed McQuade said that the grant is geared to K-12 education systems and did not align well with GLRC. He suggested it be forwarded to Kim Nye.

c. City water activities update - Mike Murphy said the meter replacement is targeted to meters upon reaching a million gallons of usage tracking. He stated that the city’s water loss increased to 62% last month, and there have been more leaks detected by the city crew. Murphy explained how some of the problems are due to aging infrastructure, which is a shared issue for many other cities. Murphy said he did apply for a $20,000. grant, working with Colleen Ellis (SCWC). That grant will include sampling and the preparation of a water quality management plan. The city will also go to bid on replacing the culvert on Port Orford Loop Road. There was also a culvert replaced off of Silver Butte.

d. Port Orford Watershed Council update - John Leuthe said the council is addressing similar topics; the water festival, water supply issues, fire hazards, and Sudden Oak Death disease. Ruoff explained that the disease has spread outside of the Chetco River valley and now extends north towards Whaleshead and east to the Kalmiopsis Wilderness. Leuthe said that they are also working on the “salmon hatch back” issue where salmon are being eaten by bass, asking ODFW not to stock bass into Garrison Lake. Leuthe also mentioned that he used to test the lake’s salinity, and there might be some historical data available from the man that had loaned him the testing equipment. Leuthe shared the publication Curry Currents, published in partnership by the South Coast Watershed Council and other contributors.

e. Potential hazards to water supply - Joanne Ruoff was the guest speaker and provided an overview of the Curry County Wildland Fire Protection Plan. She explained how the Plan came about in response to public concerns following the 2002 Biscuit Fire. A grant was obtained to fund the creation of the Plan and the associated research required. A Wildland Fire Protection Team was formed, involving members from several county, state and federal agencies. Ruoff is on the Team and explained how they performed a census of homes and related fire hazards in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI). The WUI encompasses Cedar Terrace and other county lands neighboring Port Orford. The next step is to obtain grants to accomplish projects such as clearing gorse in the watershed, clearing brush around communication towers and educating the public. Ruoff explained how resources are restricted when a major fire occurs, and how the landowners will soon be held responsible when the Oregon Senate bill 362 goes into effect. Senate bill 362 may require homeowners to be responsible for up to $100,000. if fire hazards exist on their properties. Ruoff said that the local problems have been identified, and the public needs to be educated to coordinate better preparation for fire safety. A grant valued at $400,000 is currently in process which will include funding to eradicate gorse in the watershed. Mike Murphy actively participated in these efforts and shared Ruoff’s hopefulness for the grant.

f. Open discussions:

Dune stabilization and saltwater intrusion - McQuade said that he met a man at the recent water festival who is studying the dunes.  McQuade asked if it was logical to work on issues within the lake waters while the saltwater intrusions continue over the unstable dunes.  Miller gave an update on recent conversations he has had with contacts from the PSU Center for Lakes and Reservoirs and the South Coast Watershed Council which address the salinity issue.  Miller said that the equipment to test for salinity might be available on loan.  Discussion went on, mentioning the reoccurrence of saltwater intrusion over the last century.

Pinehurst Boat Ramp Docks - Miller asked when and if the floating docks will be installed at the Pinehurst Boat Ramp.  Murphy explained that the obstacle is money.  Ruoff said she had acquired a previous bid for the Parks Department, and it came in at a high price, involving technical expertise.

Manure dumped at 12^th and Wyoming - Discussion on the possibility of this fertilizer pile leaching downhill to the lake.  Ruoff said the property owners use the material for their garden and have done so in prior years.  Murphy said it is not recognized as a violation of city ordinances.

4. Adjourned at 6:53pm.

GARRISON LAKE RESTORATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTESLocation:  Port Orford City Hall - Gable Chambers, February 20, 2008 at 5:30 pm

GARRISON LAKE RESTORATION COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES

Location:  Port Orford City Hall - Gable Chambers, January 16, 2008 at 5:30 pm

Attendees:
Board members:  Don Ivy, Mike Murphy, Ed McQuade, Frank Eckley, John Monks, Dennis Miller and John Leuthe.
Mayor Jim Auborn was in the audience.
Absent:  Laison-Councilor Steve Abbott and board members Todd Confer and Georgia Nowlin.

Meeting was called to order at 5:33 pm.

1.    The board approved the minutes of October 17, 2007 as posted at www.GarrisonLake.org

2.    Old Business

a.    Locate and secure new voting board members – Miller said that Georgia Nowlin and John Monks were approved as GLRC board members by the Port Orford Watershed Council.

b.    OPRD Garrison Lake Outlet Project update – Frank Eckley clarified that the outlet begins flowing at 14.5 feet (per the measurement grid at the 12th Street boat ramp).  He explained that the lake did reach 16.5 feet recently during the heavy rains, as the watershed flow greatly increased.  This fluctuation is exactly the range designed into the engineering of the outlet.  Eckley mentioned that he has heard indirectly that there is public comments mistakenly stating that the outlet was expected to maintain the lake at a constant 14.5 feet.  Eckley said that he could be reached by phone at the Humbug office and would be happy to speak directly with anyone having concerns about the outlet. The board agreed that the outlet is working well.  Eckley noted there was some light damage from recent storms and high surf which is being repaired.

3.    New Business

a.    Ocean overtopping dunes north of Outlet Channel – Eckley noted there was overtopping in three spots.  Miller mentioned that the GLRC can make a recommendation to build up the dunes.

b.    Outlet Channel fish passage and habitat project possibilities – Eckley said there is a good chance for fish passage as the habitat grows into being more like a stream, instead of a concrete culvert.  Discussion on how the Elk River Fish Hatchery provides young salmon for release by ODFW.  McQuade relayed that Todd Confer has stated there is an ODFW goal for cut throat trout to use the outlet for spawning.  McQuade suggested that Confer might comment more on that project.

c.    Outlet Channel relationship to marine reserves – Leuthe said he understood there were discussions on incubating fish in Garrison Lake.  He said the intent would be to release the young fish into the projected marine reserves.  Miller agreed to contact the Port Orford Ocean Resource Team to arrange further discussion, possibly a guest speaker to cover this subject.

d.    City water activities and requested grants – Mike Murphy explained that a proposal to raise the dam on Hubbard Creek was one of ten projects presented to the legislature.  He said this is on the top of the list for Curry County.  Discussion followed on the city water loss continuing between 45% and 50% from the treated volume to the end user consumption.  Murphy spoke about the professional searching methods and how the findings point to meter problems.  He said there are over 600 “suspect” meters that need to be replaced, which will take time.

e.    DEQ 319 Grant update (2007/2008) – Cindy Myers was not able to attend, but she sent information to the GLRC board which can be discussed at a future meeting.  Myers noted in her email that Garrison Lake was not on the DEQ 303 list, which is their current focus for funding.

f.    South Coast Rural Policy Forum (11/27/07) – Ed McQuade attended the meeting and believes that state government is recognizing that problems in rural Oregon have been left out of government benefits.  McQuade explained that Jim Azumano has been appointed as a leader to organize legislators and tour rural areas to understand and prioritize the issues.  McQuade said that the forum was sort of a prelude to an upcoming annual Rural Oregon Day.  McQuade was on the committee presenting coastal water issues to the forum attendees, and he intends to follow through with another pitch at the Rural Oregon Day event.

g.    NFWF: Five-Star Restoration Program – Ed McQuade and John Monks reviewed the application and feel that it is not possible to meet the deadline of February 15th.  McQuade brought the application package and asked Murphy to look it over for possible application by the city of Port Orford.  Discussion on how the matching funds and/or in kind labor required for the application could be a challenging factor.  Leuthe suggested that the GLRC reevaluate previous information provided from the Center for Lakes and Reservoirs at PSU in order to set specific project goals for the GLRC.  McQuade recommended contacting Dr. Sytsma (CLR-PSU) now that the lake is stabilized, and Miller agreed to follow through.

h.    Port Orford Watershed Council update – John Leuthe said that the last meeting was in November and there will be a January meeting tonight.  He said that the POORT presented in November and they mentioned organizing a “water festival” which might include participation from GLRC.  Tonight’s meeting will include a presentation on wildfires and the watershed.

i.    Open discussions –
Horse defecation on streets without owner clean-up was brought up by Miller as a current issue that he addressed with the City Council.  He spoke about the horse manure runoff fertilizing the lake’s weeds.  The other members commented on how it is offensive, but not a significant impact because there are not many horses.

“Education is the key”, as Murphy pointed out.  He said the bigger impact from yard fertilizing should be addressed with the public.  Discussion on how education should be directed to youth as future stewards.  It was suggested that GLRC submit public interest/educational news articles to get the information into circulation.

“Water quality issue literature exists”, as Don Ivy brought out.  He suggested tapping into various sources, such as DEQ, to investigate how they might supply public education materials to the schools and local community.

4.    Adjournment of the meeting was done at 6:40 pm.