FOBHL
Board Meeting Minutes
Bighorn Federal Meeting Room
September 8, 2009 at 6:30 pm
Lovell
Call to order and Welcome – Bob C
Approval of August email minutes: Motion by Jerry Second by Lisa
BICA chip/seal project……created some problems with oil seeping out on top of the gravel and getting on shoes then into boats and vehicles on the ramp. BICA put sand on the ramp areas to cover and soak up the surplus oil which we all appreciate!
Invasive species concerns: ramp closures, decontamination stations, public education, expense of, procedures for inspection, and etc were reviewed. Bob C reviewed info from several sister national parks and recreation areas in the mountain west to understand how they are dealing with the issues.
Wake surfing update, 20’ tow rope rule, CO fumes, superintendents compendium were discussed as to what other NPS units are doing with the problems associated with wake surfing. There are as many ways they are handling it as there are parks. We will be discussing wake surfing and how BICA will address this issue with Superintendent Jerry Case soon.
We feel that there needs to be some guidelines as to when the docks are adjusted or removed from Horseshoe Bend and Barry’s Landing when the ice period begins. We held a BICA/FOBHL issues meeting last March where local weather data was presented that we hope will assist in determining a reasonable criteria for winter dock placement. This data indicated that over the life of the reservoir the freeze up dates for Horseshoe Bend were about December 1 and Barry’s about January 1 or later. We hope to have opportunity to discuss this concern with BICA in the coming weeks.
The board approved contracting for a 12’ X 48’ billboard on Highway I90 between Laurel and Billings from April thru September 2010 to promote Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. It will have a vinyl cover with a BighornCanyon color photo as background with info/photos over laid on the top. This summer our survey of parking lot vehicles on the weekends show 70% were from WY and 30% from MT. The WY vehicles break into 90% from Park/Big Horn counties and the rest from the Worland, Sheridan and Gillette areas. We must do a better job of informing the Montana folks that BigHornLake has awesome water and great services!
We need to get info from BICA as to their plan for implementing the Clean Engine requirement starting in 2013.
The board decided to table any action on getting the FOBHL Logo printed at present.
Ferrell and his wife attended the BICA VIP appreciation activity at BlackCanyon campground the end of August. They had a nice boat tour from Barry’s Landing to BlackCanyon and return plus lunch, visiting and award presentations. Ferrell accepted the award for the FOBHL Board of Directors and thanked all our members for their service at BICA.
Crow Compact concerns with Congress returning this week….If this bill passes as written BICA and all in the Wind, Big Horn and Shoshone River drainages will be in trouble when it comes to water needs. The State of Montana and the Tribes have all their water uses protected in this legislation.
FYI
No new info on the well at Horseshoe Bend
Bob C spoke to the Powell Kiwanis club in late August concerning the Crow Compact and Invasive Species issues for our local lakes.
The USBR is conducting Invasive Species surveys of their reservoirs including Yellowtail.
The new sidewalks at VC are nearly completed.
VC winter schedule will be different this winter.
The BICA Visitor/vehicle survey is in its last month
The concrete ramp for the ML landing should be poured in the coming weeks.
The USBR at Yellowtail Dam will drain the Afterbay lake for dam inspections in mid Oct. This is done in concert with the Montana F/W/P group to protect the fishery.
BighornLake will be at full pool elevation of 3640 feet by mid October.
The Horseshoe Bend Marina will be open in September but call for hours of operation.
Family renewals are still slow, too many folks showing apathy since we have water now. The Businesses recognize the benefits of a full lake and are supporting FOBHL very well. If we are not focused constantly on this issue we will have a dry lake again. If you doubt this come to one of the Bighorn River Issues Group meeting and listen to our neighbors to the north. We must do all possible to support Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area in keeping the needed reservoir levels up in BigHornLake for year around recreation!!!!
The next FOBHL Board meeting will be in Powell October 13 at 6:30pm.