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By Joy Warren
Kate Dixon, executive director of Friends of Mountains-to-Sea Trail, and Kip Godwin, project coordinator for the Coastal Crescent Trail, which includes a portion of White Lake, gave an overview of the new Strategic Plan for the trail.
According to Dixon, “This 39-mile segment of North Carolina’s Coastal Crescent Trail allows hikers to explore one of the most diverse and intriguing ecological areas in the nation as well as a Revolutionary War site and the resort community of White Lake.”
This section would be called The Three Lakes, encompassing about 10 miles and would include Jones Lake, White Lake and Singletary Lake. A complete copy of the plan is available online at https://mountainstoseatrail.org/2018/02/strategic-plan-for-the-coastal-crescent-route-released/.
In administrative matters, the Board approved Utility Releases ($9,322.83) Tax Releases ($958.36) and inactive Utility balances; approved an ordinance declaring a road closure for the Water Festival Parade on May 19; and approved a budget ordinance amendment for dredging of the waste water lagoon.
The Board approved the 2018 White Lake Cleanup Day for Saturday, May 5. All citizens and local groups are encouraged to participate.
The 40th Annual White Lake Water Festival will be held May 18-19. The parade will be held Saturday, May 19 at 10 a.m.
Mayor Womble gave a brief update on the lake water quality. This is the Town staff’s main concern currently.
There will be a joint meeting of the TAC and Hydrilla Committee on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Town Hall. The proposals for water clarity projects are under review by the State. They are looking at permitting process as well as the scope of work for the project.
The Town is pursuing funding for the Hydrilla project, which will cost approximately $120,000 per year, and will take up to eight years for treatment. In addition, the Town is looking for funding for Lake Water Clarity solutions.
Womble said that he is hopeful that they will have more information after the meeting on Thursday. He has been assured by the State that the lake water quality is safe and they will be providing brochures that can be shared with the public.
The municipal complex will be closed Friday, March 30 in observance of the Easter holiday. A public works employee will be on call to respond to any water/sewer emergencies.
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