Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks And Recreation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Veterans Memorial aerators praised; algae problems, carp and fishing derby discussed during public comment
Summary
Public commenters thanked the county for recently installed aerators at Veterans Memorial Park lake and raised concerns about heavy algae on the southwest end ahead of an April 26 kids’ fishing derby. County staff said a lake management company is treating the algae and that aerators were recently installed.
During the public‑comment segment of the April 1 meeting, Ray Porterfield of the Baker County Veterans Council thanked the board for four aerators installed at Veterans Memorial Park and reported that the water clarity has improved. Porterfield and others handed out photographs showing heavy algae on the southwest end of the lake.
Concerns and responses: Residents asked for treatment before a children’s fishing derby scheduled for April 26 and cautioned that a large, broadcast algae treatment could deplete dissolved oxygen and cause fish kills; a commissioner and staff urged a measured approach. County staff said a lake management company (referred to as The Lake Doctors) had been out and was coordinating treatment; staff added the aerators have been in place about one week and should help reduce algae over time.
Other suggestions from public comment included stocking carp (algae‑eating fish) and timing plantings and fish stocking to prepare for the youth derby. Residents asked for one or two additional seasonal part‑time staff to support the derby; commissioners asked staff to coordinate with Porterfield on event logistics.
Ending: Staff said the lake management contractor would continue treatments and the county would coordinate cleanup and event preparations ahead of the April 26 children’s fishing derby.
