BY JENN SAMSEL
Special to the Monitor
The Save Our Lakes meeting, held on Tuesday, March 11, at the First Baptist Church, began with statistics on Lake Brooklyn’s water level.
President Vivian Katz-James said rainfall over the last 12 months reached 52.48 inches. Lake Brooklyn is situated at an elevation of 111.5 feet.
Black Creek Project
Next, the Save Our Lakes president discussed the Black Creek Water Resource Development Project.
She said the pump station, intake pump, and pipeline are all 99% complete.
The first water treatment cell has begun testing and filtering. Once complete and approved, it will start filling Lake Brooklyn.
Katz-James said, “Eventually, all six will be operational and be able to pump up to 10 million gallons a day basically. Expect to be 7.5 million gallons a day.”
By June, they’re hopeful that the water will be flowing smoothly.
Lake Geneva restoration
Regarding the Lake Geneva restoration project, Katz-James stated that the Water Management District has 30 days to respond to an Environmental Resource Permit application. They are currently awaiting the county’s approval of the permit. Once approved, they will be able to list the permit for public input or comment for 21 days.
She said she’s confident they’ll receive a response by the end of March.
Katz-James mentioned that anyone with questions regarding the Lake Geneva Restoration Project should reach out, but it’s important to allow time for the consultant to respond. A list of questions and answers is available on the Save Our Lakes website.
There was a conversation about the lake’s water levels, which are set to hold steady at 102.9 feet.
Katz-James reiterated that Lake Geneva was never entirely covered in trees. In the 1950s, Lake Geneva was one large lake filled with boats. It only became how it is now after the lake levels receded and have not returned to their original state.
Once the permit is approved, the timber company and their surveyors will place stakes along the 102.9-foot line, indicating where the trees will be removed and where the water will rise on the property.
Scott Slater, a board member, reminded everyone that once the pumps are activated and Lake Geneva rises to 102.9 feet, natural factors, such as storms and hurricanes, could cause the lake to rise higher, exceeding the safe level. The pumps will automatically shut off when the lake reaches the 103-foot mark.
Colonel James L. Booth mentioned that areas with endangered species might delay tree-cutting until the migration season ends. Fishing and wildlife will determine this.
Slater also mentioned some large trees with a diameter of 20 inches. A specialized company will need to transport these trees to Georgia because there are no mills in Florida that accept trees with a butt diameter exceeding 20 inches.
Fishing Pier
The fishing pier project is progressing and will be ADA-compliant. The estimated cost remains around $200,000, and the project team is actively seeking grants to help complete it.
So far, the Keystone Heights Volunteer Fire Department has donated $105,000, and the City of Keystone Heights will also be contributing to the funding.
Unfortunately, one of their major donors, Chemours, cannot assist now.
Katz-James said, “Ultimately, we want to have the fishing pier complete as part of the 100-year celebration and have a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the City of Keystone Heights to be able to turn it over to them.”
Slater announced that a debris cleanup is scheduled for May, and they are seeking volunteers. Side-by-sides and other equipment will be needed to assist with the project, so anyone who has them should please help by bringing those items.
