Hudson Lake Conservation Association – May 2024 Update

Happy Mother’s Day! I am sure there are some Happy Graduations to celebrate too. A little early but – Happy Memorial Day! God Bless America and the veterans who gave so much for us to be free.

Here are the covered topics:

• Lake Levels and Drain Management

• LARE Grants

• Volunteer!

• Merchandise Available on Website

• Membership Dues Reminder

Lake Levels and Drain Management

In the Hudson Lake April 9th report to the LaPorte drainage board, the lake level was a little over 18 inches above the weir. No incidents had been reported.

That afternoon there was concern that the water level of 18 inches above the weir and anticipated rain needed to be addressed. Since the DNR/HLCA agreement to manage the drain is not completed, the DNR alerted HLCA that they were going to direct the DB to open the drain with the intention of dropping the lake level by 3-4 inches since more rain was also anticipated.

The water from the open drain flows through the Taylor ditch to the east of Hudson Lake. It has been a while since the ditch has been cleared of fallen trees and other obstructions. To keep future flooding from water flow from the lake, we are requesting to have the ditch cleaned out – to County Line Road ensuring flow past the road going east. Hopefully this can be on the drainage board agenda to solicit bids and have the ditch cleared. Money is collected through our real estate taxes for this purpose.

A quick summary: The drain was open for 1 day (April 9th) at 10 turns and 10 days at 15 turns. The valve was closed on April 20th. The ditch was checked to ensure the valve closure was tight and secure. The lake levels as measured on ToltHawk went from approximately 18 to 14 inches during that time. Per NOAA, the area had over 1.5 inches of rainfall during that period; thus, it was over 5 inches that the lake was lowered by. This is not considering watershed or any potential spring fed waters. Hopefully, spring continues to bring us rain at a consistent but slower pace. The Taylor ditch cleaning will be addressed.

The HLCA website continues to update monthly lake levels. The Drain Management Agreement is still in the works but has been delayed by competing efforts.

LARE Grants

The Hudson Lake Conservation Association is working with the Lake and River Enhancement Program (LARE) to finalize specifics for soliciting bids for the sediment removal projects on Hudson Lake – the public ramp area as well as the southern channel between the east and west. The goal is to start the sediment removal projects this fall. The process is a suction vs. mechanical. Thus, providing the greatest protection to the lakebed.

The annual Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan (AVMP) plan and invasive species treatments continue. Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM) and Starry stonewort (SSW) invasive species will be treated per the data collected from the AVMP study. These plants have been known to starve and destroy lakes. There are property owners on the lake that have witnessed firsthand how these plants took over an area off their shoreline and then the positive results of keeping these plants at bay by these treatments. We wish we did not have these invasive plants, but we do – ongoing treatment is the only option.

Just like invasive species can clog and starve a lake, so can ages of unchecked sediment levels. It is time to give overdue attention to Hudson Lake.

Volunteer!

As you can see, HLCA is quite active and welcomes the community to get involved. We are seeking board members and project leads. It takes a village to keep a lake safe, healthy, and enjoyable. Please sign up on our website or send us an email: info@hlcaindiana.com. We’d be happy to discuss our projects in more detail as well as answer any of your questions.

Merchandise Available on Website

We have some fun Hudson Lake merchandise for you! Travel mugs, coffee mugs, hoodies, hats, and t-shirts. We’ve gotten thumbs up on the travel mugs. Check it out!

Membership Dues Reminder

As you have seen here the 2024 outlook for HLCA is quite busy as we have significant efforts planned. Our HLCA membership drive is in progress. Use the QR Code below to pay your dues or donate!

A huge thank you to those who have sent in dues and donations!

Can’t wait until summer takes off…