G. L. U. E. Member Report – January 6, 2009

As we charge off into 2009, there are some positive signs out there with respect to the future of Grand Lake. Not much has changed with the shoreline management plan since the GRDA received the initial letter from the FERC seeking clarification and additional information on the submitted plan. Although this may prove to be a slow process, I now have the assurance of the GRDA of their support in our attempts to get the plan approved as submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Specifically, Dan Boren has offered to arrange meetings, in our nation’s capital with key FERC personnel, to argue our case and the authority has expressed a willingness to participate in those discussions.

But there are plans in the works, some which will be implemented immediately and some which will occur much more slowly, that should be received well by all Grand Lakers. In the past few weeks, I’ve become aware of some positive changes from our GRDA sources.

Many of you may have noticed an ad in last week’s Chronicle for a Lake Patrol Chief. They’ve got a fancy name for it in the ad, but it’s clearly the re-establishment of the chief position, but there’s more. The lake patrol has been under the umbrella of Dr. Darrell Townsend, who heads up the Eco-Systems operation for the authority. In a major change, the patrol will now be transferred to the Homeland Security Group and will be primarily utilized for security and the enforcement of lake rules during the summer recreational season. But in the most significant change, the lake patrol will no longer be handling the responsibilities associated with dock permitting.

A new group, which will still be part of the Townsend team, but made up of mostly non lake patrol personnel, will be handling the responsibilities associated with dock permitting and other activities. For the first time I can recall in my 38 years of Grand Lake experience, the person you deal with pertaining to dock issues won’t be packin’ heat or wearing a law enforcement uniform. They’ll most likely be outfitted in GRDA shirts, but that’s about as close to a uniform as we will see. The three members of the group, Brent Davis, Sam Ziara and Ken Burrow, have all been previously involved in lake activities. The group is currently reviewing the existing practices for possible improvements, but one thing that has already been implemented is the processing of applications on an oldest first basis.

I plan on meeting with the group prior to the Tulsa Boat Show and will issue a report on what other dock permitting changes might be changed for the better in 2009. I think we can all agree this represents a step in the right direction.

The restoration of the 742’ lake level issue is finally starting to show signs of progress. As many of you know, the authority has been actively involved in purchasing additional flood plain easement in the Miami area of the lake. To date, approximately 2500 acres have been purchased which will take the easement up to the 770’ elevation outside the Miami city limits. Inside the city limits of Miami FEMA has been buying up structures which are threatened almost annually by high water. We’re told that once 70% of the required easement property is under contract and a wildlife management plan has been developed for the area, the ill fated millet seeding program can be scrapped. We’re also told once that’s accomplished an application to amend the lake’s elevation curve won’t be far behind. For those of you that took time to sign the GLUE petition calling for an alternative to the millet plan, pat yourselves on the back.

Obviously, our petition was but one contributing factor, but 4,000 plus signatures did help. This is just another example of how there is strength in numbers and how we can make a difference when we’re united.

There has been no change on the habitable structure issue. The authority staff, as directed by the board of directors, is in the process of developing rules and guidelines, which would include annual dock fees, for these structures. There’s much more to come in 2009. We look for some additional legislation to be introduced intended to simplify the leasing of GRDA property where an encroachment has occurred. We’ll keep you posted.

Have a great New Year

Rusty