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Eight years ago the Chapman Lakes Conservation Association, Inc., (CLCA) embarked on a deliberate lake enhancement program to slow the natural deterioration of the Chapman Lakes and reverse the decline of water quality due primarily to cultural eutrophication and uncontrolled pollution from the adjacent watershed and lakeside. In 1999 CLCA reorganized from what was primarily a "social" organization to a property owner's association. In the ensuing months, numerous public meetings were held and articles published in Making Waves™ describing to the membership what is happening and what needs to be done. Information has also been distributed to local media at every step along the way. CLICK HERE FOR PROJECT SUMMARY 1999-2007.
DIAGNOSING THE LAKES
In 1999, using association funds and a $50,000 grant from the Indiana Lakes and River Enhancement (LARE) program, a diagnostic study to learn the health of the lakes and problems in the watershed was undertaken. Asmall dredging study of major lake areas was included. (Available on CD in pdf format. Send $10 payable to CLCA, P. O. Box 776, Warsaw, IN 46581-0776)
In 2000 the diagnostic study reported the following basic information.
Water quality in Little Chapman Lake is "worse than most" Indiana Lakes.
Water quality in Big Chapman Lake is "slightly better than most" Indiana lakes but is rapidly deteriorating.
BIG LAKE VS. LITTLE LAKE
Because water flows from the big lake to the little lake, pollutants coming into Big Chapman have a direct effect on Little Chapman.
Any control of pollutants coming into Big Chapman will help the health of Little Chapman.
There are four major watershed drains into the lake (Arrowhead, Crooked Creek, Lozier and Highland Park), and numerous small roadside and property drains contributing various pollutants to both lakes.
Major drains were prioritized according to pollutant damage caused: A) Crooked Creek (now completed); B) Arrowhead (now complete) ; C) Lozier, and Highland Park (now undergoing an engineering feasibility study to plan needed work).
DRAINS UNCHECKED
Watershed drain storm water flows unchecked in many areas resulting in extensive erosion sediment in the lakes.
Crooked Creek causes the largest amount of erosion sediment of either lake. (Project completed in 2003!)
Arrowhead brings the largest amount of e.coli. (Now completed.)
A feasibility study to improve the Lozier and Highland Park drains is now completed and Highland drain improvements funded for 2007.
There are uncontrolled non-native aquatic plants, such as Eurasian water milfoil (EWM) and curlyleaf pond weed beginning to flourish due to excess nutrients in both lakes. (More than 30 acres of EWM was treated in May 2005, and 10 acres in 2006.) CLICK HERE FOR MORE.
EXCESS NUTRIENTS=WEEDS [Read the Law]
Widespread growth of aquatic plants is due also to excess nutrients such as phosphorus and other fertilizers from the watershed. An aquatic plant management plan is now completed, paving the way for control measures and will be updated for 2006!
Increased motor boating on the lakes constantly "stirs" nutrients, preventing natural absorption and increasing nutrients availability for excessive aquatic plant growth.
Over-fertilization of lakeshore lawns is a major contributor of excess nutrients to both lakes. The need to "educate" lake property owners about helping to contribute to lake health was emphasized.
Watershed pollution problems must be corrected before permits for lake bottom dredging or weed control projects can be obtained.
TEN YEARS $1, 000,000?
Correcting watershed and roadside drain problems in a five-year plan is now an estimated more than $700,000.
In 2001, using association funds and a $36,000 LARE grant, a feasibility study to determine possible corrective measures for Crooked Creek, and Arrowhead drains was undertaken and projects to improve both those drains are now completed. Identification of lakeside storm water and property drains, many un-mapped and not maintained for many years, was done and the study concluded in 2003.
The engineering feasibility study of Lozier and Highland drains was completed in 2006, and a $30,000 project to repair Highland is funded for 2007. While a small check dam repair on the Lozier drain was completed in 2005, major projects are not yet funded.
More than $130,000 is expected to be needed to remove watershed drain sediment that has collected at the mouths of Crooked Creek, Arrowhead and Highland drains. A dredging master plan was completed in 2006 with dredging now contracted for Fall 2007.
STORM DRAINS NEED FIXING
There are more than a dozen shoreline and lake roadside drains--some public, some private--needing attention to prevent continuing pollution of both lakes.
Many roadside drains need "filters" to stop sediment and debris from flowing into the lakes.
Most roadside drains flow across private property into the lakes.
This study has confirmed that corrections to watershed drains in one lake location can cause direct improvement to lake health in other areas.
FOUNDATION GIVES TAX-DEDUCTABILITY
In 2001, the Chapman Lakes Foundation, Inc., (CLF) was organized to provide tax deductible status for contributions toward lake enhancement projects. The foundation has IRS 501(c)(3) status while the association does not. While the foundation and association work closely together in all lake enhancement efforts, the two organizations are different and separate. It is the foundation that must raise funds and finance all lake enhancement construction.
In 2002, CLF received a $75,000 LARE grant to construct of improvements to lower reaches of the Crooked Creek drain to prevent further erosion pollution (now complete), and in 2003, $50,800 for Arrowhead drain now completed, and 23,700 for Highland for 2007..
An important strategic lake management plan is now completed. You can get a computer CD for $10. CLICK HERE to request a copy.
Chapman Lakes Foundation is currently soliciting donors who will pledge $500 or more per year for the next five years. For information contact any foundation board member, or, you may write the foundation at P. O. Box 776, Warsaw, IN 46581-0776. PLEDGE FORM
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