FOLM BOARD WELCOMES David Holcomb and Jacque Jerkovich as our newest board members.  Jacque lives at Lake Manawa.  She is an outdoor enthusiast who desires to help maintain and  improve the lake, trails and park for now and future generations.   As a frequent Lake Manawa volunteer, he sees the need for Manawa to be appreciated for the local, regional and state asset that it is and the need for truly interested groups and individuals to become actively involved in preserving, developing and improving the entire park.

2010 MEMBERSHIPS RENEWALS The Friends of Lake Manawa board would like thank you for your continued support and encourage you to renew your membership for 2010.  You can either renew with paypal on the Friends of Lake Manawa website: www.friendsoflakemanawa.org, or send in the form at the end of this newsletter.  We currently have 558 members.  There are four types of memberships—individual memberships ($10) which include the right to one vote at the October annual meeting,  family memberships($15) which allow two votes, associate individual memberships (free), and corporate memberships ($100) which allow two votes.   Associate members pay no dues and are not entitled to a vote, but will receive our newsletters by email.   As we are a 501c3 charitable organization, all membership dues should be tax deductible.  (Please check with your tax advisor.)  Questions concerning your membership status can be emailed to friendsoflakemanawa@cox.net.  All memberships will be good until January of 2011.

ICE FISHING DERBY – “Reel in some fun” at the 2010 Winterfest Ice Fishing Derby on Lake Manawa, January 30^th from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.  There will be over $50,000 in cash and prizes!  Doll

 Distributing is again sponsoring the chili cook-off.  It’s exciting just to be out on the ice with all the colorful fishing huts and friendly people!  Added to this year’s event is a pre-tourney ICE BASH sponsored by Recycled Fish.  Held at the Madison Avenue Hy-Vee on Friday, Jan. 29^th from 6-8 p.m., it will include ice fishing seminars, door prizes, a silent auction and a fish fry with part of the proceeds

 going to FOLM.  Our own Todd McCarty alias Crash Davis will be the emcee.  For further details and an entry blank, go to www.winterfestderby.com.

DREDGE – Slowly but surely wins the race.  Progress is being made toward the test dredge that will determine whether the DOT can use our dredge material in their highway projects.  A minor bump in the road came as archeological core samples must be taken before any dredging can occur.  The core samples should be taken this spring.  Details of the test dredge are being worked out so that the bidding process can begin.  Partial funding for this project has been included in the 2010 Lake Restoration budget which must be passed by the legislature.   The project is moving forward with diligence.

RELOCATING THE LAKE MANAWA STATE PARK CAMPGROUND—The campground project is also moving forward.  The design is complete and approved.  Roadwork for the new north shore campground is funded and will begin this spring.  FOLM will begin fundraising activities shortly to support the DNR plans for our new campground.

6^th ANNUAL LAKE MANAWA CLEAN–UP SCHEDULED - We ask you all to keep the afternoon of the first Sunday in May 2010 available so you can join us for the 6th Annual Lake Manawa

 Clean-up Day.  This project is aimed primarily at cleaning up the winter debris.  The DNR has had a major budget cut again this year.  Additional help for the park staff will be scarce.  The responsibility for maintaining our park falls to all of us.  Let’s encourage everyone to clean up after themselves as well as others who don’t.

DNR BUDGET CUTS AFFECT SERVICES AT LAKE MANAWA STATE PARK AGAIN THIS YEAR!  The budget for Lake Manawa State Park has been slashed by another 10% over last year’s cuts.  Dan Jacobs, Park Manager, doesn’t think he will be able to tap last year’s resources for extra summer help.  State wide, seasonal state park workers have been cut from 350 to 30.  Volunteer help may be needed this summer.  Call the Dan at the park office, 366-0220 if interested.

CONTACTING STATE DNR AND GOVERNMENTAL OFFICIALS—We have all heard the old adage—the squeaky wheel gets the grease!  This is so true when dealing with government officials.  We would like to encourage you to contact state DNR officials and your legislative representatives with your positive comments or concerns!  Parks Bureau Chief Kevin Szcodronski -  Kevin.Szcodronski@dnr.iowa.gov,  -Senator Mike Gronstal  -  mike.gronstal@legis.state.ia.us – 712-328-2608  —-Representative Doug Struyk - doug.struyk@legis.state.ia.us – 712-329-3542 — Representative Paul Shomshor - paul.shomshor@legis.state.ia.us – 712-325-0638

KEEPING IN THE KNOW – FRIEND OF LAKE MANAWA ON FACEBOOK – The Friends of Lake Manawa are now a group on Facebook.  Come one, come all.   Post your lake related comments; Lake Manawa pictures; get invited to park events; participate in discussion topics.  Keep in the know!  Join!

USE A WINTER SAFARI TO KEEP CABIN FEVER AT BAY by Todd McCarty   

There can be many cures for cabin fever. Many plan a trip to Florida, Texas, Arizona or a tropical locale.  Some can find solace in spending time in a tanning bed feeling the warmth of the bulbs to escape winter’s wrath.  Still more will embrace the snow and head out of state on skiing trips, northern snowmobile excursions or even ice fishing trips at legendary hot spots.

My advice to you: don’t let cabin fever infect you at all with a winter Safari at Lake Manawa.  No, a Safari is not just an African Excursion. Safari is Swahili for adventure.  Lake Manawa offers many adventures in the winter, even with some of the biggest snow drifts we have seen in years.  Additionally, Lake Manawa offers some serene, peaceful moments many appreciate on a cold winter’s day.

Latch on a set of snow shoes, cross country skis or ice cleats and explore the lake to get a perspective you won’t believe.  A set of ice cleats can be bought for less than ten dollars, making traveling across the ice much safer.  If you are new to exploring ice, follow in the tracks of others.  Avoid ANY open water or ice with water standing on it.  Many times you will have most of the lake to yourself.  It’s not only a great work out and break from cabin fever, but a stroll over frozen water and the drifting snow is an amazing journey.

Be prepared to see more wildlife than you would normally expect. It’s not unusual to see deer on the edge of the lake this time of year in groups of 10, 15, 20 or more as the winter season progresses.  Please, do the wildlife a favor and do NOT feed them.  In addition to the deer, keep a sharp eye out for Lake Manawa’s ever growing population of turkeys.  By most reports there are a few different flocks to witness.

Lake Manawa is often the home of America’s National Bird, the Bald Eagle.  This time of the year and when the migration kicks in, usually around some of the first opening water prior to ice out, you will witness a great many eagles around Lake Manawa anxious to pose for your perfect photo.  All you need is a great lens, a spotting scope or a pair of binoculars and you’re in business.

A careful eye while on Safari around Manawa will notice many winter birds through out the park.  Their winter colors make them stand out against the gray and white background.  Don’t limit your adventures to just hiking, skiing, photography or bird, deer or turkey watching!   Oh yes, there is much more to do!

Lake Manawa is gaining a nice reputation around the area as great ice fishery. Catfish, bluegills, bass, walleye and wipers all are caught through the ice.  New to ice fishing?  Make friends with someone that already has most of the gear.  Equip yourself with a permit and for safety, a pair of ice cleats and you’re good to go.  Expand your winter options by enjoying this hidden metro area treasure.

Inspect the bike trails.  Once they are cleared after a snow, a brisk winter walk or bike ride will get the heartbeat going, stretch your legs and afford you the chance to relax in the great outdoors.

Ever been on a polar picnic?  It’s a great way to have fun with family and friends.  Prepared foods kept warm or simple picnic foods and a thermos of coffee or cocoa make a winter picnic at the park a memory you and your family can cherish for years.  Unlike the summertime, you will probably have your choice of area to enjoy! 

Don’t let cabin fever win!  Explore Lake Manawa in the winter and embrace a Safari.  Be safe but also enjoy the wonderful sites that the park has to offer during this time of year.

OUR THANKS TO……  We have made an effort to keep operating expenses to a minimum by seeking volunteer support from professionals and community businesses and resources. 

                           We would like to publicly thank:

Dickinson & Clark CPA’s, PC for donating their professional tax services. 

The Council Bluffs Fish and Game Club for allowing us to meet in their facility.

 Jeff Kelly for continuing to keep our website up to date.

MINUTES – 2009 ANNUAL MEETING

The meeting was called to order at 7.00 p.m.

Board Members present were: Tom Braddy, Don DeLong, Stacy Genereux, Bob Lappe, Todd McCarty, Cliff Shoemaker, Marge Shoemaker, Sue Walsh, and Gary Woods.

Also present: Dan Jacobs (Park Manager), Matt Veon (Park Ranger), Mike McGhee (Lakes Restoration, Iowa DNR), Bob Schierbaum (Southwest Iowa Director, Iowa DNR), Kevin Seevers (West Pottawattamie County Soil and Conservation District), Mayor Tom Hanafan, Paul Shomshor (State Legislator), Scott Belt (Council Bluffs City Council), Mary Sellers (Lake Manawa Clean-Up), Kent Sovern (Iowa Parks Foundation), Randy Fehl (Schemer, Inc.), 46 voting members, one nonvoting member and 3 nonmembers.
A quorum was present, and due notice had been published.

Cliff Shoemaker opened the meeting by welcoming everyone and introducing the current board members. He then recognized the public officials present. He reviewed the evening’s agenda. He then recognized board members who have resigned within the last year – Jeff Kelly, George Rood and our first president of the board, Norm Colyer. Norm was given a certificate of recognition and appreciation for his dedication in forming and leading the Friends of Lake Manawa. Cliff then opened the nominations for the four, three year board and one, one year board positions that are currently open. Current Board members, Don DeLong, Bob Lappe and Todd McCarty had previously agreed to run. Gary Woods nominated Dave Holcomb. Stacey Genereaux nominated Jacque Jerkovich. With no other nominations forthcoming, Marv Bryant moved to close the nominations. Don DeLong seconded the motion. Gary Woods moved that we take a verbal vote having five candidates and five board positions. Todd McCarty seconded. After some discussion concerning a verbal vote, Tom Brady moved that Todd McCarty’s term could be set as the one year term, thus opening the way for a verbal vote. Stacey Genereaux seconded the motion. It carried unanimously. All board members were then elected unanimously. Congratulations to our new board members: Dave Holcomb and Jacque Jerkovich.

Cliff gave the Annual Report for the Friends of Lake Manawa. He mentioned and thanked all involved with the completion of our contract for the initial campground engineering with Schemer and the Iowa West Foundation, TetraTech’s completion of Phase I of the Environmental Engineering Study, the Ice Fishing Tournament and the Lake Manawa Clean-up Day. He thanked city and state officials for their continued support.

Other Board of Directors and members reported on various subjects. Gary Woods, Treasurer, reviewed and submitted the year’s financial report. Our current consolidated balance is $25,304.16. Don DeLong, Board member, informed us that 1,200 fishermen entered the 2009 Annual Ice Fishing Derby. Mary Sellers reported that the Lake Manawa Clean-Up Day was also a success with 225 volunteers. Sue Walsh, Secretary, added that we currently have 548 members, of which 208 are voting members. She asked that everyone encourage new membership to create a strong citizen advocacy group for both the campground and dredge projects. Anyone who needs to change their membership information should email the board at friendsoflakemanawa@cox.net.

The ongoing Lake Restoration Project and Lake Manawa fisheries were the subjects of Mike McGhee’s presentation. He praised Paul Shomshor’s and Mike Gronstal’s active interest in the project. Relying on TetraTech’s recommendations, Mike thinks the Dutch dredging technology would be most suited to dredging the lake without increasing already existing seepage problems. The DNR is doing the preliminary work necessary for a half million dollar test dredge in a 25 acre area south/southwest of the north peninsula. The test dredge will determine if the Dutch dredging technology is a good match and if the dredge material will be suitable for DOT purchase for roads projects, which would significantly reduce the total cost of the project. The fisheries crew recently sampled the fish population in the lake. They reported some of the best body conditions on 9 to 12 inch crappies, 6 to 7 pound walleyes and 9 to 10 pound hybrid stripe bass. Although water quality was ok, the DNR is looking forward to post dredge water conditions. Changes in area water run off were also discussed. McGhee said a pathway for the relief of excess water in case of a flood year is a serious consideration.

Dan Jacobs updated the members on the campground project and answered park questions from the membership. The total price tag for the new north shore campground will be around two million dollars. Money for the campground roads has been allocated. The road work will begin next spring. As few trees as possible will be removed in the construction process. DNR experts have assured park officials that the eagle’s nest on the north shore peninsula will not be affected by the campground construction. The Friends of Lake Manawa has been asked to help the DNR raise funds for the campground project. Once the new campground opens, the boat trailer parking area on the south shore will be expanded. The remainder of the old campground will be allowed to go back to a natural area.

Kevin Seevers then educated the group on Phase 1 of the City of Council Bluffs’ road improvement project in the south part of old Manawa. The city is replacing a two block section of Huron Circle, an old asphalt road adjacent to the lake, with pervious asphalt pavement. Pervious asphalt is an urban Best Management Practice (BMP) that allows storm water to infiltrate through the pavement into a rock chamber below the road surface. Water in the rock chamber can then either infiltrate into the soil below or be discharged from a tile line in the bottom of the rock chamber into a storm sewer that then discharges into the lake. The asphalt and rock chamber act as a filter that will remove 65 to 95% of some pollutants from runoff water before it enters the lake. The Soil and Water Conservation District is awaiting final approval of a Watershed Project Development Grant that will test a new method of urban watershed assessment on the privately owned land adjacent to the lake. Tetra Tech estimates 11% of the total phosphorous load in the watershed is coming from the privately owned land. A detailed land survey of individual lots, combined with rainfall data and other information, will be used to run the Source Loading and Management Model (SLAMM). SLAMM will be used to identify sources of pollutant loading and develop and test various treatment scenarios that will become part of a watershed management plan of potential BMP’s that can be used to reduce the pollutant load contributed from the assessed areas. The Information and Education component of the development grant will allow Conservation District personnel to educate both the residents and city maintenance crews on the special care needed with pervious asphalt roads.

Kent Sovern, Executive Director of the newly formed Iowa Parks Foundation spoke about the need for public advocacy for Iowa State Parks. Their goals are to connect young Iowans to places of natural beauty, to transform Iowa parks to meet the need of the next century’s users, and to celebrate the state parks of Iowa. The Foundation is looking to raise money for the $300 million worth of current state park needs and to help groups like FOLM with their park improvement projects. Kent invited the members to go to the Iowa Parks Foundation website, www.iaparks.org, where they will find a question and answer sheet and a survey the Foundation would like Iowans to take.

Cliff Shoemaker adjourned the meeting at 8:50 p.m.

Yearly memberships are $10 for individuals (1 vote), $15 for family (2 votes), and $100 for corporate sponsors. Corporate sponsors will have their company website added on our links page.