Issues
Channel Restoration
Highway 20 Sediment Flow
Clear Lake is part of the natural watershed and is fed by local streams, creeks and rivers. Hillsides, highway culverts and irrigation drainage. This along with wave actions from natural causes, soil erosion and water vehicles causes silt and other sediments to be deposited within our canals. This effect has diminished the depth in some of the channels. A study is underway by the POA to remove the accumulated silt in order to improve the condition of the channels.
Algae & Weed Abatement Services
Algae Abatement 2009
Clear Lake is a natural lake. As such, it is subject to the forces of nature. One of these forces is the growth of aquatic plants and algae. Every year during the summer months a particular aquatic plant called Duck Weed, grows in abundance throughout the channels. Unfortunately, Duck Weed grows quickly and if left untreated will cover an entire channel from shore to shore. The rapid growth of Duck Weed and other aquatic plants, besides being unsightly, can cause a navigational hazard since it will clog up a vessel's water intake causing the engine to overheat.
Excessive growth of aquatic weeds also slows down the flow of water which in turn diminishes the oxygen levels. Low oxygen levels kill off the fish due to the lack of oxygen. During the year large amounts of dead fish can be seen floating in the water. The smell of decaying fish can permeated the air and make it uncomfortable to enjoy the outdoors.
Around the beginning of the 1990’s, the homeowners of the Keys and the residents and businesses of Clearlake Oaks decided to take action. Funds were raised, and a fleet of four algae spray boats was purchased. These boats, operated by volunteers, began patrolling the channels, spraying water at a high pressure onto the algae. The effect was dramatic. Algae growth was contained, and the water was oxygenated. Fish die off reduced significantly. However, this is an ongoing effort and volunteers are always needed to increase the amount of patrols. Please consider volunteering to be a spray boat operator. Contact the POA via their website or by sending an email to info.keyspoa@gmail.com.
Excessive growth of aquatic weeds also slows down the flow of water which in turn diminishes the oxygen levels. Low oxygen levels kill off the fish due to the lack of oxygen. During the year large amounts of dead fish can be seen floating in the water. The smell of decaying fish can permeated the air and make it uncomfortable to enjoy the outdoors.
Around the beginning of the 1990’s, the homeowners of the Keys and the residents and businesses of Clearlake Oaks decided to take action. Funds were raised, and a fleet of four algae spray boats was purchased. These boats, operated by volunteers, began patrolling the channels, spraying water at a high pressure onto the algae. The effect was dramatic. Algae growth was contained, and the water was oxygenated. Fish die off reduced significantly. However, this is an ongoing effort and volunteers are always needed to increase the amount of patrols. Please consider volunteering to be a spray boat operator. Contact the POA via their website or by sending an email to info.keyspoa@gmail.com.
The Harvester
Keys POA Mechanical Weed Harvester
It was determined another determinant to keeping the channels clean was the accumulation of trash, limbs and leaves. Unmoored docks, abandoned vessels are another hazard seen in recent times. All these conditions lead to unsightly views and potential navigational hazards. For this reason, local residents and businesses again raised funds and purchased a Harvester boat specifically designed to remove debris and aquatic plants from the channels. Together with the spray boats and the Harvester, along with the hard work of volunteers, maintaining the integrity of the channels is less of a challenge.
It is often easy for newcomers to the Keys to take for granted the good condition of the channels. The channels besides being excellent locations for those trophy fish also allow for easy navigation to the main Clear Lake. However, all this would not be possible if it were not for the efforts of volunteers. This dedicated group of Keys residents care enough for their community to give of their own time for the good of all. Your assessments and contributions help to maintain the property value of your property, the beautiful views, the abundance of wild life and the pleasure your guests get from visiting and spending time on the water.
Unlike a typical subdivision where a government entity maintains the streets, our streets on the water (the channels), are maintained entirely by the POA. Remember, you are the POA, please consider volunteering to help keep the channels open for everyone to enjoy.
It is often easy for newcomers to the Keys to take for granted the good condition of the channels. The channels besides being excellent locations for those trophy fish also allow for easy navigation to the main Clear Lake. However, all this would not be possible if it were not for the efforts of volunteers. This dedicated group of Keys residents care enough for their community to give of their own time for the good of all. Your assessments and contributions help to maintain the property value of your property, the beautiful views, the abundance of wild life and the pleasure your guests get from visiting and spending time on the water.
Unlike a typical subdivision where a government entity maintains the streets, our streets on the water (the channels), are maintained entirely by the POA. Remember, you are the POA, please consider volunteering to help keep the channels open for everyone to enjoy.