Wet Spring appreciated
Hopefully the rainy season is over for a while. Early June has been wetter and greener here than it has for many years. That is a good thing as it is filling up ground water reserves and providing water to plants and trees that have been stressed for years. The firs and pines are all putting on nice long new growth. The wild grasses are so long the deer can practically hide in it. Too bad they won’t eat it.
Residents along the lake are finding that the mother deer are getting more aggressive and people should take care withtheir dogs.
Talking to TNRD
On June 20 the Loon Lake Road community association, along with representatives from Eagan Lake, met with staff and several directors from the TNRD to discuss alternative options for continuing to provide the bulky recyclable services at Loon Lake Road Transfer Station and to provide the residents of Eagan Lake with continued services.
Four of the TNRD Board of Directors attended – Directors Anderson, Watson, Elliott and Pennel. Four staff members from the TNRD were also present. The LLCRAS is very grateful to them for taking the time to come out here and talk with us about our needs.
We have made a series of proposals that would result in no cost to the TNRD for the removal of scrap metal, tires, and cooling appliances. The cost of handling these was quoted as the reason that the station needed to be closed to these items. The TNRD is considering our proposals and discussions continue.
TNRD Staff have told us that a decision on whether or not to close the Transfer Station completely is several years away yet. The LLCRAS stated very clearly that we had determined that there would continue to be a Transfer Station at Loon Lake; whether the TNRD was part of the operational picture was to be decided. We have begun discussions about the future of the station and this is a major improvement from three months ago when we started our “action plan”. We can now sit around a table and openly present our information and needs and listen to the views of the staff and elected representatives of the TNRD. The TNRD staff is still refusing to disclose cost figures which we need to make an informed assessment. We want a reasonable solution for everyone but we are not prepared to continue to pay an average of $450 per year for waste and recycling to the TNRD and allow the TNRD to withdraw all waste and recycling services at Loon Lake and then tell us we need to raise additional money elsewhere if we want a transfer station.
Also on the issue of the Transfer Station, a community bulletin board has been installed. It looks very good and everyone should take the time to read the notices on the board as you drop off your items at the station.
Fire protection
We have a new fire protection officer. Louise Hanson has stepped up to take on the work and the Fire Smart manuals and other information on reducing the impact of fire on your property are available from Louise.
Sharing creativity
The creative/garden club held a session on card making with pressed flowers, led by local artist Jane Reeves. Now people can make their own greeting cards with the nature from Loon Lake and their own gardens. A second session will be held soon; likely on a Monday evening. Anyone interested is welcome to attend. Call Barbara at 459-2406
Flea Market
On Saturday, July 2 there will be a giant flea market at the community hall with many tables of items of interest for everyone. A number of house owners have renovated recently and have donated boxes of excess house stuff to the community tables – so come out on Saturday. Open from 9 am til 1 pm.
Until Friday, July 1 we will accept donations to the community tables. We also need more volunteers to work one or two hours at a table during the event. Call Barbara if you have something to donate or can help with the event.
Pancake Breakfast
On Sunday the community residents are invited to a Pancake Breakfast at the hall, 1705 Loon Lake Rd. Doors open at 8 am and breakfast is served until 11 am. Volunteers to help with serving are needed, please call Barbara, 250 459-2406, if you can help.