Issues
Canal 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 soot and soil to be deposited within our canals. This effect has changed the depth of our canals and some are facing depth that could in the future effect the navigation of or canals waterfront. A program by the property owners through assessments and applications for county and state grants is in process to remove this buildup from our canals.
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 algae. Algae grows in abundance, and at the end of the summer, it dies off, emitting a smell that is similar to rotten eggs, an open sewer line, etc. For decades it was common for the canals of the Keys to be covered with several inches of algae in the summer months. When the algae started to die, the smell permeated everything. The algae choked off the supply of oxygen in the water, leading to the die off of hundreds of fish each year.
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 canals, spraying water on the algae. The effect was dramatic. Algae growth was contained, and the water was oxygenated. Fish die off reduced significantly.
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 canals, spraying water on the algae. The effect was dramatic. Algae growth was contained, and the water was oxygenated. Fish die off reduced significantly.
Keys POA Mechanical Weed Harvester
Later, it was determined that trash, limbs, leaves, and weeds promoted the growth of algae. Local residents and businesses again raised funds and purchased a Harvester boat and conveyor to remove debris from the canals. The spray boats and the Harvester, along with the hard work of volunteers, have made a tremendous difference.
It is often easy for newcomers to the Keys to take for granted the good condition of the canals. The only thing keeping the canals from deteriorating into a condition that will erode property values and quality of life is the work of volunteers and the financial contributions of property owners. Unlike a typical subdivision where a government entity maintains the streets, the canals, which are another type of “street”, are maintained by no entity other than the property owners and as a completely voluntary contribution of time.
It is often easy for newcomers to the Keys to take for granted the good condition of the canals. The only thing keeping the canals from deteriorating into a condition that will erode property values and quality of life is the work of volunteers and the financial contributions of property owners. Unlike a typical subdivision where a government entity maintains the streets, the canals, which are another type of “street”, are maintained by no entity other than the property owners and as a completely voluntary contribution of time.