Board discusses sonar measurement, potential muck removal funding and smaller harvester that removes weeds

Board members discussed long-running concerns about muck accumulation and plant control and described two linked paths: measuring muck to establish a baseline and pursuing removal or a change in equipment.

The Chair said he had sought quotes for companies that use sonar from a small boat to map muck depth across lake areas and argued that measurement and monitoring are critical “if you're gonna go try and do anything to fix” the problem. He referenced Lake Sherwood’s liquid-based muck removal—where material was pumped, dried and stored onshore—as an example of an available approach but noted the cost and the need for resident buy‑in (potential special assessment district) to cover removal costs.

On plant control, the board reviewed a proposal to acquire a smaller eco-harvester that would pull weeds rather than cut them, potentially reducing chemical usage. A board member explained the device can reach closer to shore and under bridges, and the board agreed to pursue permit work with the county (Eagle) and to include purchase funding in next year’s budget rather than this year’s operating funds.

No formal decision to dredge or buy equipment was made at the meeting; the Chair said follow-up would include getting measurement quotes and continuing permit discussions with Progressive and Eagle.

Next steps: obtain sonar measurement quotes, gather resident interest for any special-assessment funding approach, pursue permit discussions for a harvester and include procurement in next year’s budget cycle.