Randy Stowe, lakemanager@gmail.com

• The “Preliminary Dredging Sequence and Timeline” is being posted / updated on the MPOA website as we get new info.  This sequence and timeline will likely shift as dredging continues, based on equipment issues, temperatures, flood events, and other unforeseen circumstances.  Those already on the MPOA e-mail mailing list will be notified when updates are posted to the MPOA website. If you are not on the mailing list, contact Lance at the MPOA office at: office@wlmpoa.org.
• As of today, the dredging contractor is conducting some repairs to the dredge, and when complete, will finish up White Oaks Bay before moving over to Lookout Point.  At that point, we will be bumping up against the Labor Day weekend, so the dredging plan will be adapted to minimize lake use conflict, where feasible.
• While it is impossible to specify an exact date and time when the dredging will be done at a particular location on the lake, the MPOA is working closely with the dredging contractor to try to minimize inconvenience to shoreline landowners and lake users to the extent possible. Lakefront landowners whose access to the lake may be temporarily blocked by the dredge / pipeline may wish to temporarily find other boat mooring locations beyond the immediate dredging work area.  No matter how the contractor proposes to schedule the work, there will be those who feel they are being unduly inconvenienced. All we can do is ask for folks to look at the big picture (a clearer, deeper lake), and be patient.
• On Saturday, July 18th, the area experienced significant rainfall, which forced a short-term closure of the lake to boat traffic. Lake closures are only done when there is a significant concern for safety, or when lake use during high water events would potentially cause shoreline property damage.
• On Monday, July 20^th, there was a spill of pavement sealer into the lake, which originated at a private residence, off the lake, operating a driveway sealing business. The Wonder Lake Fire Department responded quickly, placing booms to prevent the sealant from spreading further in the lake. The Village of Wonder Lake also responded by calling in an environmental remediation firm, which cleaned up the remaining sealant, and removed barrels of contaminated soils. The Village will be pursuing the landowner for the cost of the clean-up effort. Events like this emphasize the need for MPOA members to realize that activities they conduct on their property can have an impact on the lake, even if they don’t live on the lake.
• On Saturday, August 8^th, the Wonder Lake Sportsman’s Club again pitched in to do some needed clean-up work, removing some large fallen trees below the dam.  If you see a Sportsman’s Club member, thank them for all the good work they do for the lake.
• I am still awaiting proposals from engineering firms to perform our annual dam inspection.  I have received one so far, and am hoping for at least one more.
• The Nippersink Watershed Association (NWA) applied for almost $ 900,000 in Section 319 grant funding from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, which if funded would help fund $ 1.7 million in various water quality projects upstream of Wonder Lake, and on Wonder Lake.  The NWA submitted six (6) or 13% of the total forty-five (45) grant applications submitted in the entire State.  An indication of our success won’t be known until early next year.