Detailed Minutes
[00:00-00:56] Stream flow into Grand Lake was significantly reduced in 2025 due to record dry conditions.
– Daily stream flows into the lake were down approximately 55% on average for the year, with some months experiencing up to an 80% reduction.
– The low volume was a result of 2025 being one of the driest years on record, following two other dry years in 2023 and 2024, although those were less severe.
– Much of the rain that did fall soaked into the dry ground rather than creating runoff into the streams.
[00:56-02:50] Despite low stream flows, wetland water processing volume and efficiency increased in 2025.
– A total of 757 million gallons of water were directed into the main wetlands (Prairie, Coldwater, Beaver, and Big Chickasaw) in 2025.
– This volume represents a positive trajectory, increasing from 620 million gallons in 2024 and 440 million gallons in 2023.
– The processed water constituted a significant fraction of the total stream flow in their respective systems:
– Approximately 15% of the total flow in both Prairie Creek and Coldwater Creek.
– Approximately 3-5% of the total flow in Beaver Creek.
– Approximately 4-5% of the total flow in Big Chickasaw Creek.
– Field and lab observations continue to demonstrate that managed wetlands are effective nutrient and sediment sinks, improving water quality.
[02:50-03:49] The comprehensive 2025 annual water quality report will be released at the February meeting, while algal community data shows significant improvement.
– The full 2025 annual report, including specific data on pounds of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment removed by wetlands, is in the final stages of data compilation.
– Action Item: @[Speaker 1’s Team] – Release the full 2025 annual fact sheet and report – [Due Date: At the February meeting].
– The 2025 Alba algal community data showed values significantly below historical averages:
– Fall: 27 micrograms/liter (41% less than historical average).
– Spring: 20 micrograms/liter (60% less than historical average).
– Summer: 26 micrograms/liter (42% less than historical average).
– Winter: Values continued to be low and respectable.
[03:49-05:46] Water quality in 2025 consistently outperformed historical averages and met key benchmarks, despite the increasing difficulty of showing year-over-year improvement.
– Lake values were above the World Health Organization (WHO) average for only 17 weeks, with many of those instances being marginal and only two weeks showing “egregiously high” spikes.
– As overall water quality improves annually, the historical average becomes a more challenging benchmark to beat, yet the team continues to succeed.
– Compared to the worst years on record (e.g., 2014-2016), current improvements would be closer to 90-95% rather than the 60% improvement seen against the recent historical average.
– The speaker emphasized that continued success is a community-wide effort involving many people.
[05:46-07:41] A new piece of equipment, funded by local community groups, will expand algal monitoring capabilities in 2026.
– A coalition of local Rotary International clubs (from Salinas, St. Mary’s, and surrounding areas) and the LIA pooled funds to purchase new equipment.
– The new equipment will automatically identify algae down to the family level, a significant upgrade from the current capability which can only distinguish cyanobacteria from other algae.
– As water quality has improved, the algal community is often no longer dominated by cyanobacteria; the new tool will allow for detailed tracking of the “healthy” algal groups that are returning.
– This provides an expanded capability to track positive trends in water quality beyond just monitoring the “bad” cyanobacteria.
– The equipment is expected to be delivered and launched in early 2026.
[07:41-09:33] The wetland monitoring scope will be expanded in 2026 to include a wider range of habitat restoration projects.
– The monitoring program will expand beyond the “big four” wetlands (Prairie Creek, Coldwater, Beaver, and Big Chickasaw).
– The goal is to assess all different habitats in the watershed, recognizing that many restoration projects have occurred.
– Data and results will be presented monthly on a rotating selection of additional sites, including:
– Burtonwood Creek
– Monroe Creek
– Little Chickasaw Creek (and its stream restoration/wetland expansion)
– Redwing Nature Preserve
– North Shore Green Space
– Gilead Nature Preserve
– Rosenbeck Nature Preserve
– This will provide the group with more information on a wider variety of conservation projects.
[09:48-10:45] Teresa provided an overview of her multifaceted role and upcoming presentation topics.
– Teresa serves in multiple capacities for the county:
– Ag and Natural Resources Director (Community Development Office)
– Facilitator for the Lake Restoration Commission
– Engineer for the Mercer Soil and Water Conservation District
– Her presentation will provide highlights of her work throughout the year across these roles.
[10:45-11:43] Teresa conducted extensive public outreach on Grand Lake St. Mary’s water quality throughout 2025.
– She gave presentations on various topics, including specific projects, a summary of all wetlands, and general lake health.
– It is estimated that she reached at least 500-600 new people through these engagements.
– Presentations were given nearly every month of the year, with March being a particularly busy month for seminars.
[11:43-14:24] The Harmon Preservation Project successfully acquired its land in 2025 and is planning for construction.
– The land was acquired using Clean Ohio funds, a state-bonded program for creating green space. The Mercer County Oglethorpe County Lake Facilities Authority has been successful in submitting applications to this program annually.
– Facilitating the land transaction was a complex, time-consuming process involving legal and governmental procedures.
– The next step is to apply to the Clean Ohio program again for a construction grant, which is permitted once for land purchased through the program.
– Key Decision: [The plan is] to pump water from Barnes Creek to the 50-acre site to treat approximately two million gallons per day. – [Rationale: To improve water quality while creating a public area for walking and enjoyment].
– A group of students from the University of Toledo used this project for a design exercise, providing them with valuable experience.
– The target for project construction is 2027, contingent on securing funding in 2026.
[14:24-15:20] Construction of the Red Wing Nature Preserve was completed in 2025, with final plantings and signage pending.
– The project was successfully constructed in 2025 and appears to be functioning correctly.
– Action Item: @[Teresa’s Team] – Plant wetland plants via frost seeding – [Due Date: During winter when the ground is frozen].
– The team will monitor the establishment of the plants in the following year.
– An interactive informational sign, part of the H2Ohio program, will be added in collaboration with the ODNR.
[15:20-16:45] Teresa is serving on the review committee for the second round of the H2Ohio Technology Assessment Program (TAP).
– The TAP, run by the Ohio EPA, aims to solicit and fund innovative, up-and-coming technologies to help bring them to market.
– Examples of technologies funded in the first round include:
– Automated drainage water management systems.
– Quick wash technology for phosphorus removal from manure.
– Struvite technology for nutrient extraction from manure into a solid fertilizer.
– Electrocoagulation in manure.
– Action Item: @Teresa – Review approximately 20 applications for TAP 2.0 – [Due Date: Over the next six weeks from early December].
– The ultimate goal is to identify and advance new technologies that can improve water quality.
[16:50-17:00] A YouTube video on the struvite process was mentioned but could not be played during the meeting.
– Teresa mentioned a video featuring the struvite process, conducted with The Andersons out of Toledo.
– Due to technical issues (no sound), the video was not shown.
– Action Item: @[Meeting Facilitator] – Post the link to the struvite process YouTube video online for attendees. – [Due Date: Not specified].
[17:00-19:32] Multiple two-stage ditch projects were completed in Mercer County during a busy fall construction season.
– A significant number of two-stage ditch projects were constructed, primarily funded for drainage into the Lake Erie basin.
– The goal of a two-stage ditch is to create a wider channel with flatter side slopes and a floodplain bench, increasing water’s contact time with grass to improve water quality and reduce downstream sediment transport.
– Notable projects include:
– Green Ditch: A massive project converting 12,000 feet of a 16,000-foot ditch into a two-stage design.
– Harner Dickey Waddell Ditch: Converted its entire 6,000-foot length to a two-stage design; noted as a very smooth project.
– Mormon Ditch: A 3,600-foot ditch draining into the St. Mary’s River.
– The dry weather in 2025 made it challenging to establish grass, requiring the use of erosion control blankets.
[19:32-20:54] The Mercer Soil and Water Conservation District is holding its annual spring tree seedling sale.
– The sale offers reasonably priced tree seedlings for pickup from April 7th to 9th.
– Action Item: @[Attendees] – Submit tree sale orders – [Due Date: March 6th].
– Order forms were available at the meeting and are also on Facebook and at the office.
– The forms are expected to be available on the updated Soil and Water website after the first of the year.
[20:54-22:59] Landowners have been highly receptive to two-stage ditch projects despite the loss of farmable land.
– Two-stage ditches typically double the width of the ditch, taking land out of production.
– Despite this, there has been a steady stream of requests from landowners since the first project in 2020.
– Landowner benefits that outweigh the land loss include:
– Having their ditch professionally cleaned out and stabilized.
– Addressing existing erosion issues.
– The ditch being placed on the county maintenance program.
– The maintenance program involves an annual fee, but the county engineer’s office then handles all future maintenance (spraying, mowing, dipping out), removing the burden from the landowner.
– There has been less interest in these projects from farmers in the Grand Lake watershed, who are perceived as being “more protective of their land” compared to farmers further north in the county.
[23:04-23:15] The meeting agenda will proceed with an update from the State Park Manager.
– Following Teresa’s presentation, State Park Manager David Faler will provide an update on the park.
– After the park update, there will be brief LIA updates before the main guest speaker.
[23:24-24:52] Speaker 5 provides a comprehensive park and dredging update for Grand Lake.
– The lake level is reported at negative 15.25 inches.
– The campground is already fully booked for the Memorial Day weekend of 2026.
– A new park office and camp office project is set to go before the controlling board on December 12th for the release of funds. Land clearing for this project has already commenced.
– Weekly design meetings began yesterday for the Fry’s restroom project, which is the last remaining pit toilet at Grand Lake.
– A dredging update for the completed year was provided:
– Total cubic yards dredged: 279,988.28
– Brutus dredge total: 134,726.66 cubic yards
– Hodag dredge total: 145,261.20 cubic yards
– The Hodag dredged in Coldwater Creek to operate a treatment train.
[24:53-25:50] Speaker 5 details specific dredging locations and other cleanup activities.
– Dredging occurred in several specific channels:
– Windy Point boat ramp channel
– Shingle Shack channel
– Lakeshore Marina channel
– Bass Landing east and west channels
– The Dredged Material Relocation Area (DMRA) near the St. Mary’s Boat Club was reclaimed.
– Approximately 500 trees and stumps were removed at the end of the year during cleanup of creeks that had not been worked on for several years.
– The speaker notes that Brian has more specific details on these activities and will likely post them later.
[25:51-27:33] Ted Bertke delivers the financial report, noting recent income and major expenditures.
– The current checkbook balance is $52,432.
– The foundation has a balance of $17,178.
– Income is currently being collected from memberships and pontoon dues.
– Initial complaints regarding PayPal have reportedly been rectified by Brian.
– Major expenditures from the previous month include:
– $6,500 spent on a kayak launch.
– $4,500 paid to the township for the maintenance of walkways.
– $3,000 was spent on scholarships.
[27:39-30:04] A speaker provides an update on the completed West Bank playground and shelter house project, thanking all contributors.
– The project is officially complete.
– The speaker thanks numerous sponsors who stepped forward to fund the project.
– Key individuals and groups involved in the project’s execution were recognized:
– Brad Fisher and Eric Donch from the Grand Lake Rec Club.
– Tri-Star Construction class, led by instructor Brett McGilvery, who built the shelter house.
– VTF Excavation, which assembled and installed the playground.
– Rob Heckler (Dave’s assistant) and State Park staff.
– Special recognition was given to Brad Fisher, President of the Grand Lake Rec Club, for his extensive connections and personal investment in donating equipment and services.
– Eric Donch was also recognized for supervising the construction, leveraging his experience in commercial construction.
– Action Item: @[Unspecified] – Install a sign listing all sponsors and the year of completion to commemorate the project. – [No Due Date mentioned].
[30:04-31:58] The third annual Pontoon Raffle for 2025 is announced as a major fundraiser.
– The raffle is a continued partnership with The Boathouse of Grand Lake.
– The prize is a 2025 Viaggio X20U pontoon with a 115 Suzuki engine, valued at $56,494.
– Tickets are $100 each and can be purchased from LIA officers, at The Boathouse, and soon online.
– A new option is available for the winner this year: a $40,000 trade-in value at The Boathouse towards a different boat.
– Key Decision: The raffle winner will have the choice between the prize boat or a $40,000 trade-in credit at The Boathouse. – [Rationale: To incentivize participation from individuals who may already own a large boat.]
– The drawing will be held live on Facebook on May 2nd.
– The speaker encourages buying tickets as Christmas gifts.
[31:59-33:22] Speaker 3 announces a membership drive with a new incentive and discusses payment processor changes.
– A membership drive has been launched, with emails sent and mailers to follow.
– An incentive is being offered: a $1,500 “Grand Lake dining package” (fifteen $100 gift cards to local restaurants).
– Members who join or renew by January 31st will be entered to win the dining package.
– The speaker frames the incentive cost as an “investment in growth,” stating that more members lead to more funds for lake improvement and a stronger collective voice when addressing legislators.
– Due to past frustrations with PayPal, the association is in the process of switching its online payment processor to improve the user experience.
[33:22-34:30] Jeff Vossler announces the upcoming “Winter Icebreaker” dance and fundraiser.
– The event will be held on February 21st at Romer’s.
– The band “My Yellow Rickshaw” will be performing.
– Ticket and table pricing is as follows:
– Corporate tables: $500
– Group tables: $325
– Single tickets: $20
– Jeff also encourages attendees to visit the new wetland area at Red Wing near the state park, describing it as a neat new amenity.
[34:33-35:18] Speaker 3 provides additional details about the Winter Icebreaker event and its partners.
– The band, “My Yellow Rickshaw,” is from Indianapolis but has local ties, with the lead singer having grown up spending time on the lake.
– Two partner specials are available for the night of the event:
– Westlake Villas is offering $40 off two-bedroom villas.
– Boardwalk Grill is offering 10% off dinner for ticket holders and is also providing food for the band.
[35:23-36:29] Donna Grubbe announces the results of the LIA officer and trustee elections for 2026.
– As no other nominees were submitted in the past month, the slate presented at the November meeting has been reelected.
– The reelected officers and trustees are:
– President: Brian Morris
– Vice President: Jeff Bossler
– Secretary: Michael Emans
– Treasurers: Diane and Ted Berkey
– Master at Arms: Brian Monroe
– Trustees: Seth Brigham, Dylan Correll, and Brian Miller
– Key Decision: The officer and trustee slate from the November meeting was reelected for another term. – [Rationale: No other nominees were submitted.]
– Donna thanks the individuals for their continued service to the Lake Improvement Association.
[36:29-39:34] Neil Baker from the Ohio Division of Wildlife is introduced and begins his presentation on local furbearers.