1. The MPOA dredging contractor has completed the dredging of White Oaks Bay, and has re-positioned the dredge and pipeline to allow them to begin dredging near O'Brien Shoals. This means that the pipeline is now extended across the middle of Wonder Lake, roughly between West Bay and Wonder Center Beach. While the dredging contractor has installed pipeline markers and pipeline crossings, all lake user's must exercise extreme caution when operating in the mid-section of the lake. As always, no-wake boating is required at all times within close proximity of the dredge, dredge pipeline, and other dredging related equipment. They anticipate 4 to 6 weeks to complete O’Brien Shoals, subject to when weather / temperatures force a winter shut-down.

2. The dredging contractor determined that with the pipeline and equipment currently on the lake, they would not be able to move from White Oaks Bay to Lookout Point, as was originally planned. As a result, the dredging of Lookout Point, which is estimated to take one week, is planned to occur early in the Spring of 2016.

3. All other areas of the lake slated for dredging under the existing contract will be dredged, including any remaining sections of West Bay / Nippersink Creek inlet; Wickline Island; and South Bay. It is hoped to have any dredging near shoreline areas completed before the start of the 2016 boating season, to prevent any delays in piers being installed.

4. As the dredging contract payout is based solely on the verified volume of sediment removed, that verification of the volume of sediment removed to date has begun with a land surveyor, which will be compared against the measurements being taken by the GPS system found on the dredge.

5. In sending out the most recent “dredging update” by email, it was determined that an internet issue may have prevented all intended recipients from receiving this, and possibly prior, MPOA update emails. Among the many other MPOA office procedures that Lance is diligently working on stream-lining (with great success), he will continue to work on making future MPOA email communications as seamless as possible.

6. On September 20th, I met with the Sportsman’s Club to discuss the development of a multi-year plan to stabilize and enhance the WL islands

7. The annual inspection of the Wonder Lake Dam and the Wonder Lake SDF was conducted on October 5th. Due to a change in employment of the P.E. who had formerly conducted the inspections for the MPOA, a new engineering firm was retained. The new firm echoed earlier dam inspection reports that both of these structures are very well maintained, with no deficiencies noted. Those reports will be submitted to IDNR-OWR.

8. The MPOA has now secured a commitment from McHenry County for them to contribute $ 5,000 annually to the cost of maintaining the USGS stream gage at Thompson Road. This gage provides valuable real-time information that benefits both Wonder Lake and the County.