Lake Ouachita Citizen Focus Committee Minutes
September 2007

CALL TO ORDER:
7:00 PM
 Lake Ouachita Project Office
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers:
 

Richard D. Stokes, Park Manager, Lake Ouachita Field Office
Titus Hardiman, Supervisory Park Ranger, Lake Ouachita Field Office

 Guests:
Mr. Larry Raney, interested in joining LOCFC.

Announcements:

Arnie Habig displayed a New Award received by the LOCFC from the Take Pride in America Program.

Arnie Habig  then informed the members that Colonel Wehr, new Vicksburg District Commander will be at Lake Ouachita, Friday, September 14, 2007. Al Gathright, Dave Doty and he would be meeting with Colonel Wehr that day at Brady Campground

Arnie Habig introduced the newest member of the committee, Mr. Buck Rogers, who gave some background on himself. He stated that he owned a Manufacturing business in Bryant for 30 years, lives in Royal, fishes a lot, and feels he will bring business expertise to the Committee.

Habig introduced Mr. Larry Raney as a guest to tonight’s meeting. He has been recommended as a member by Dave Doty and will be considered.

Rick Stokes discussed some of the finer details of Colonel Wehr’s planned visit. He will be at the OPMO on Friday, and visit the lake that day, which will include a meeting with some LOCFC Members at Arnie’s campsite at Brady.

Minutes Review:

 Arnie Habig asked for a review of the August 13 minutes. Dave Doty. stated that he was left off the roster for that meeting. He also noted a correction in the last paragraph regarding membership stating that it should be clarified the motion that members are not retained instead of removed. Jerry Shields motioned and Pat Smith seconded.

Aquatic Weed:

Arnie Habig found a letter that he had from the AG&F regarding the support of stocking of carp in Lake Ouachita. It was reproduced a given to Members present.

Arnie Habig provided an update on the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force (ANS) and complemented Johnnie Cantrell on his presentation on Aquatic Vegetation. He ( Johnny Cantrell is the COE Lake Biologist ) did a great job. The next meeting is set for October 16, 2007.

Lake Ouachita Vista Trail:

Jerry Shields gave a synopsis on trail status. The NEPA has been approved and they are ready to dig once the funds come available. There is $66,000.00 for National Recreation Trail funds, $55,000.00 to refurbish the Hickory Nut Mountain Vista. The reason for this location is because the Vista’s importance to viewing the natural beauty of the lake. There was a request for 5% matching funds from local interests. The FOLO has agreed to do this since they have the $3,300 for the trail and $3,500 for the Vista portion. LOCFC should know about the grants in December 2007.

The trail crew may not arrive until the spring. That leaves all the trail work to the Corps’ resources and/or volunteers without the trail crew during fall and winter.

The 11 benches have arrived and need to be installed. Jerry Shields said that Rick Stokes has agreed to donate a bobcat and operator and auger to dig the holes. This will be greatly appreciated by the LOViT volunteers.

ADA Trail:

 Rick Shields gave an update. Everything is completed regarding the grant with Montgomery County for $33,000.00. The trail itself has been underplayed and compacted. The road has a double coating of chip/seal that was completed by Montgomery County. There is an issue of funding right now and we are indeed scheduled for CRA. There will be a restroom installed with $35,000.00 matching funds.

Rick Stokes said that he had contacted a friend with plans and specs that will work for the elevated walkway. The AG&F will be sending the Montgomery County judge their pledged $150,000.00 soon. Jerry Shields provided a handout and said that he would get back with Titus Hardiman on the trail crew.

Wastewater Discharge:

Rick Stokes said that there are presently two different interpretations of the high water mark in question between the Corps and Arkansas Department of Health (ADH). Rick Stokes said that he is pushing for the 585’ due to the past history of the lake.

Dave Doty asked with the new District Commander and the new Chief of RE if there is a possibility of a lease compliance audit to explore all portions of the lease and finances.

Rick Stokes said that definitely needs to be done but is unlikely. He feels that there needs to be a discussion between the members of the LOCFC the best approach to tactfully bring this to Colonel Wehr’s attention.

Fisheries and Campground:

 Arnie Habig announced that he had written two letters to each of the Congressional representatives for Arkansas about the Federal Land Recreation Enhancement Act and the need for the USACE to be a part of the Act to get recreation user fee returned to them. He got a response from Senator Mark Pryor and Representative Ross.

Arnie Habig read the letter from Senator Pryor, which basically said he would keep the Corps in mind when dealing with future legislation of this type. This was not received well by anyone on the committee.

Arnie Habig also stated that he received a call from Representative Snyder’s Office. The Representatives Aid stated that he would definitely bring this to Representative Snyder’s attention.

Jerry Shields said he heard from the USFS they will be closing their recreational areas early and opening them later next year because their recreation budget had been cut, yet again. He feels this impact is going to have a direct effect on the surrounding communities. He appreciates and encouraged the committee to continue pressing our delegates for the additional funding of recreation as a priority.

The consensus of the entire committee agreed with Jerry Shields. Arnie Habig  said he would put additional effort in support of this initiative and bring it to Colonel Wehr’s attention at his visit on Friday, September 14.

NRRS Policy Change:

Arnie Habig read an e-mail he received from Reserve America, citing a change from a 240 day to a 160 day reservation placement window. The e-mail also noted the system would be down for upgrades from September 30 to October 17.

Rick Stokes explained the impact and the increased cost of the system. He said the cost of the system in 2008 just tripled in price, but the campers would not feel the increase in price until 2009 when the cost per site could go up by $5.00/day.

2007 Lake Ouachita Cleanup:

Pat Witherspoon gave an update on the lake cleanup. Posters have been printed, shirts due in tomorrow. The food has been taken care of thanks to Bill Barnes at Mt. Harbor.

Little Fir has already signed up approximately 70 persons.

Sue Hale has contacted the Math and Science School, USFS Job Corps and Mt. Pine High School. Howard Wright is bringing the cokes by the office on Friday. The entertainment will arrive at the Crystal Springs Pavilion around 11:00 a.m.

Pat Witherspoon  reminded everyone of the hours of the cleanup and encouraged the members to cleanup wherever they choose. Bob Robbins at KSSN 95.7 and Tom Duke at US 97 will be contacted so they can make announcements on the local radio stations.

Rick Stokes informed the Members that he is proposing an Adopt-an-Island program at Lake Ouachita in 2008. It will be a program where people and groups can register to cleanup a particular island on Lake Ouachita throughout the year.

FOLO

Budget: Jerry Shields provided a budget overview for the cleanup and everything is in the green with a balance of $16,331.14!

Watershed Quality Maintenance:

Arnie Habig provided a very thick document that noted activities going on in Polk and Miller County but there was no actions related to the Lake Ouachita Watershed.

Adjournment:

 8:50 PM