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Take Part in the Save our Shorelines Campaign
DLWID undertook the Save our Shorelines campaign in spring 2010. The goal of the program is to assist and encourage homeowners to plant native deep-rooted plants. The se plants are beneficial for a number of reasons. Their long roots help stabilize soil particles, there by decreasing both shoreline and upland erosion. Secondly, they are able to capture pollutants before they enter the lake. Finally, the plants are larger then grass and thus use and sequester more nitrogen and phosphorus in their own growth. This protects the lake, reducing the nutrients that migrate to the water and become available to nuisance aquatic weeds or in more recent years cyanobacteria blooms.
Save our Shorelines principally focuses on re-vegetating developed lots where the native plants have been displaced often in favor of non-native turf grass. As a result of this type of development, the lake has lost much of the natural buffer that used to protect the shoreline from erosion and capture the pollutants from upland runoff.
The program thus far: District staff has begun working with shoreline landowners to re-vegetate their shoreline. Three property owners have taken advantage and we are looking for more. The District takes shoreline re-vegetation seriously and is willing to pay up to 75% of the planting cost, contract a landscaper, source the plants and organize labor for the planting! The District has also recently released a Native Planting Guide, which provides a great resource for professional and amateur landscapers alike. Click me! |
If you are interested in protecting Devils Lake and own shoreline property please consider doing a re-vegetation project! We are also looking for volunteers to do the plantings. Contact Seth@DLWID.org for more information. |
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What is a Watershed Anyway?
Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB)
recently released a new website focusing on healthy watersheds. The
website offers a number of resources and information on such subjects as
watershed health, restoration projects, community cooperation and water
quality. |
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Ready to Launch
 The Oregon State Marine Board (OMSB) wants to know! OMSB is conducing a survey on the condition of boat docks and public access points to state waters. This survey will help dictate how state funds are appropriated in future fiscal years and thus is an important opportunity to provide public input. Lend your help and let them know if you need more parking, restrooms or boat wash stations. Take the Boat Dock Survey
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Septic Tank Revitalization
The Devils
Lake Water Improvement District and the City of Lincoln City have been working
together to improve Devils Lake water quality by assuring that septic systems in
the Devils Lake watershed are functioning. Failing septic systems can contribute disease
and pathogens to the lake. In addition,
septic systems contribute significant amount of nitrogen and can contribute
large amounts of phosphorous.
The City of
Lincoln City is in the process of drafting an ordinance that would require
homeowners in the watershed to have their systems inspected on a regular
basis. Once the City completes a draft
of the ordinance the District will host an opportunity for residents to give
input on the ordinance before it goes to City Council. The District will send out an email once a
date has been set.
Sewer The Devils Lake Water Improvement District Board made
extending sewer lines one of its top priorities. District Board members Brian Green and Randy
Weldon have begun to look into a two inch sewer line pilot project in their neighborhood on the west side of the lake. They recently sent out a letter to gauge support for the project. Updates will continue to be available at District meetings and in the meeting agendas and minutes. |
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Cyanobacteria (aka Blue-Green Algae)
Water quality is important to all of us, and is something that can also change quickly. These are two reasons the District started the Cyano-Watch program, part of which is the seasonal water testing for cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins.
Cyanobacteria (formerly known as blue-green algae) are single celled photosynthetic organisms, and are a sort of biological hybrid between algae and bacteria. This explains some of the confusion with what they have been called over the years. Like many algae they tend to be microscopic, are generally free-floating (planktonic) and convert sunlight to chemical energy through photosynthesis. They can reproduce rapidly when conditions are right and form what are known as cyano-blooms. However unlike algae, certain types of cyanobacteria produce toxins (cyano toxins), and when in significant numbers can create a toxic bloom similar to what in the ocean is known as a Red Tide. The color of the water can often change to a green or bluish-green tint (hence the thought they were simply blue-green algae), but can also be white or brown too. Red Tides, particularly on the East Coast of the North America have been associated, appropriately, with a reddish color in the seawater but that too is variable. The largest concern with cyanobacteria is the toxins that they can produce. Not all cyanobacteria are toxic, but a fair share, nearly half in fact, can produce toxins as a normal part of their life cycle. If ingested or inhaled, these toxins can have acute effects such as dizziness, cramps and gastronomical discomfort. Skin rashes are an even more likely reaction, similar in many ways to swimmer's itch. Here the toxins are not actually ingested, but come in contact with the skin directly, causing irritability and rashes. More serious issues can arise too like liver failure (due to severe (acute) poisonings or potentially long term (chronic)exposure), paralysis, and even death. Although, death in humans is possible, it has never occurred due to recreational water use.  Pets on the other hand are at greater risk since they often drink the water or lick their fur after going in the water. While not documented in Devils Lake, dog deaths have occurred in Oregon and many other states and nations as well around the world. Protect your pets by not allowing them to enter the water during cyanobacteria blooms. If your dog or other pet go into the water, clean them off with clean water immediately. Fortunately, during bloom conditions, recreational exposure is greatly reduced with some simple preventive measures: - Never drink lake water, even if boiled as the toxins are not destroyed.
- Avoid swimming or water skiing in areas of scum.
- Keep pets away.
- Clean fish well and discard guts when fishing.
- Avoid areas of scum when boating.
 At this point there has yet to be a cyanobacteria bloom. If a bloom is identified, the District will begin sampling for cyanotoxins. While not all toxins are tested for, and toxicity can change for the better or worse quickly, the monitoring is one good tool to evaluate risk. The State of Oregon has published guidelines for recreational use based on cell counts and concentration of the toxin Microcystin which the District's Cyano-Watch program uses and references. Results of tests are sent to those signed up for the Water Quality Alerts through this email service, are posted at public access points around the lake and on the DLWID website. To insure you are getting the updates, you can update your profile by clicking on the link at the bottom of this email. Other Resources: |
Upcoming Events on Devils Lake
Lincoln City Audobon Wings and Waves Festival (Weekend of Sept. 3-6)
The Lincoln City Audubon's Winds and Waves festival is taking place September 3-6. This event has a great mix of events, including educational canoe trips (one of which will take place on Devils Lake), a bird watching scavenger hunt, movies, beginner bird watching training, and great bands! Check here for a full schedule.
Lincoln City Triathlon (Saturday, September 12)
The annual Lincoln City "Sprint" Triathlon will be taking place at 8:30 AM on Sunday, September 12 at Regatta Grounds. It is called a sprint triathlon since the swim, bike and run are shorter then a typical triathlon. The event consists of a .75k swim, 15.5k ride and 5k run. If you or someone you know may be interested in competing, you can register here or at the Lincoln City Community Center (541-994-2131); registration costs $40-$75.
Hydroplane Races (Saturday-Sunday, October 9-10)
Ladies and gentleman, start your engines! The Rocky Stone Memorial Kilo, American Power Boat Inboard Power Racing event will return to Devils Lake on Saturday and Sunday October 9 and 10. Please be aware that lake access will be restricted during warm ups and racing. |
