ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE

• Fall 2009 competed redesign and updating of two retention ponds partially suppored by a grant. POLC volunteers and POA staff worked to install plantings in the ponds

• May 2009, Began water monitoring program

• Summer/Fall 2009, POLC volunteers and POA staff Installed shoreline protection at four locations on the lake totaling approx 500 feet of shoreline utilizing approx 200 tons of rip-rap

• On 2/2/2009, $326,000 has been applied for by "The Abundance Foundation" on our behalf for several BMPs around the lake.

• A $45,000 grant was received and used for a comprehensive study of the Cypress Creek Watershed

• A $19,000 grant has been awarded for the reconstruction of the retention pond at Rocket ship Playground.

• Installed four rain gardens in the community to stop nutrients from entering the lake.

• Strengthened our rules and regulations regarding the installation of silt fences and the construction of driveways to prevent further erosion and sedimentation (refer to Lake Royale Rules and Regulations, Sections 5.2 Clearing of Lot, 5.3 Driveways and 5.10 Silt Fence).

• Partnered with Franklin County (FC) to apply for several Government grants on our behalf to obtain funding to mitigate many of our storm water problems. If awarded, the grant(s) will be used to protect our lake and minimize costs to property owners

» In February 2006 the POA Manager and the SWMC worked with FC to apply on our behalf for $50,000 from the Clear Water Trust Fund. The state has put the Lake Royale project on the short list; final selection will be made in the Fall 2007. In May 2007, the SWMC hosted a site visit by a representative who will be providing recommendations to the decision makers from the Clear Water Trust Fund.

» If awarded, FC committed to match funds committed by Lake Royale up to 10% of the total grant. Because of the work done by our SWMC this past year, a good percentage of the 10% has already been reached towards earning the matching funds. A portion of the funds will be used to bring in consultants to develop a SWM Plan for the Cypress Creek Watershed.

» In the Fall 2006, a grant was applied for to fund a project for retention ponds at three locations at Lake Royale (McKim & Creed conducted a site visit and developed a proposed plan). Note that some of the projects that the SWMC and POA are doing as stabilization measures will count toward matching funds for the larger projects, if awarded.

» Two other grants have been applied for with FC Soil & Water Conservation in amount of $250,000 for 3 projects; the award decision and distribution of grant money will made this Fall.

• The FC Soil & Water Conservation and the County Planning Director have encouraged Lake Royale to send a representative from our committee to join the FC SWMC to help in the design, and develop a plan for the Cypress Creek Water Shed. Regardless of whether we are awarded grants in this year, having a representative on the FC SWMC will show that there is a long-term commitment and continuing momentum from this community, which will help put Lake Royale in a favored position for future grants. It will also give Lake Royale a significant voice in the management of the water shed.

• With the help of volunteers, initiated a road and drainage survey of our community to map, identify and prioritize trouble areas, determine what repairs are needed to our road ditches and culverts, and where check dams need to be placed based on best management practices.

• Working with POA Office to determine strategic locations for additional retention ponds.

• Submitted proposal and obtained $34,000 from the BOD to install measures in strategic locations to enhance our management of stormwater runoff; retention ponds, rain gardens, and check dams (1/3 of lake each year over next 3 years). Check dams are installed followed by reshaping, filling and seeding of adjacent storm water ditches. Once the grass takes root, it will help to prevent erosion and filter runoff prior to reaching a major outfall or key drainage area of the lake.

• Directed the Maintenance Department to install a few check dams on Buckaroo Drive to prevent further erosion and sedimentation in that area. With the help of volunteers, the SWMC has installed 19 additional check dams in trouble areas leading to the lake to be used as a pilot to determine the most effective design for a particular area, determine more accurate labor and cost requirements, and provide a model to provide specifications for the remaining check dams to be installed over the next year.
3.2 Characterize Lake Water Quality and Reverse any Damage Found

• Created a partnership with Franklin County to utilize their knowledge, resources and expertise to help us protect our lake and watershed and reverse any damage found from the impact of local or upstream activities.

• Compiling historic data obtained from various sources regarding previous testing performed on the water at Lake Royale; this will be used to supplement baseline data generated on our lake water quality.

• Establishing a Work Group that will partner with Franklin County, NCDENR, Meredith College, the Agronomy Laboratory and other water monitoring experts to develop meaningful and accurate tests to characterize and monitor lake water quality.
3.3 Education and Outreach
• Hosted an educational seminar last Fall to educate our property owners about how they could protect the lake (presentations were given by representatives from NCDENR’s Water Quality Division and Franklin County).

• Submitted several articles focused increasing awareness and knowledge of storm water management, including suggestions for best management practices that could be implemented by the property owner dealing with management of storm water runoff, sedimentation and shore erosion.

• Developed an insert to go in the annual dues packet that describes the purpose of the SWMC, its plans, accomplishments and what each property owner can do to help protect our lake and prevent degradation of water quality.

• Hosted an Educational Seminar and Fair on Sept. 8, 2007 and Sept. 13, 2008 at the Clubhouse to help our property owners understand what each of us can do to help preserve our lake and prevent its degradation. Invited experts from the state, county and business that are well-versed in best management practices for storm water runoff to provide property owners with information and guidance were in attendance.