Summer has returned — let's have some FUN!!! By the time you are reading this newsletter, we would have held two time-honored events at the lake. First, the "Spring Fling", Berkeley Lake Homeowner Association's (BLHA) quarterly meeting in the picnic area and second, a "BLFF" (Berkeley Lake Fantastic Friday) at the beach. These events are focused at renewing friendships and meeting new neighbors along with providing an update on the management of Berkeley Lake, adjacent BLHA facilities and the general state of our homeowner association. Reminder... all Berkeley Lake residents are eligible to become members of BLHA and have access to the lake, beach and picnic facilities. Save $$$ and time this summer... come to the beach at Berkeley Lake. We have been expanding on the improvements to our picnic and beach facilities as we discussed during our annual meeting in January. These improvements will contribute to the fun you and your family can have by taking a very short trip (less than 5 minutes!!!) to the beach. As gas prices and temperatures increase this summer, you will be glad to know the beach at Berkeley Lake will be here to offer cool refreshing waters and ample shade to lounge around in. There are even a few trees to tie up a hammock and take a peaceful afternoon nap. Guys and Gals... escape the "honey do" list and come to the beach.

If you are not currently a member and would like to visit the facilities or see the lake from a pontoon boat, please contact us, at the email addresses listed on the "Contacts" page of Reflections, to make arrangements.

BLHA's Membership event was held on May 16 and was successful in managing all the day's activities with no rain delays. This year's theme was focused around baseball, the new Gwinnett Braves team and stadium that opened this April. Here are some items covered:

• BLHA membership has surpassed our target goal of 250 members
• Income and expenses are in line with approved budget
• New BLHA website was launched in March, with thanks to George Sipe
• Watershed & Development activities continue to be monitored for the two lots adjacent to Peachtree Blvd.
• Lake Management reports the lake is healthy and good progress is underway to reduce bass population to recommended levels. Consideration of stocking of shad, bluegill and grass carp will be deferred until spring
• Thanks to the assistance of many volunteers during the two days we achieved our goals of cleaning up BLHA areas and several improvements projects

Capital Improvements projects include:

• New Adirondack chairs
• Installed stone walls along with stone tables and benches
• Created new landscaping areas
• Upgraded AC power panel to 200-amp service (No Charge)
• Created Bocce Ball Court
• Installed two canoe & kayak racks
• Organic garden is full with over 30 garden plots – added split rail fencing
• New irrigation system being installed using lake water

• Added split rail fencing around the patio area
• Planted new landscaping around the patio and along property lines
• New engraved flagstones have been added
• Plan to repaint the pavilion and storage structures

• Planted new landscaping
• Installed new "Access Gate"

On June 4th, our lake management company applied algaecide along the shoreline to treat an algae bloom that appeared recently. This application should remove the algae within 48 hours. Individuals on the lake are requested to monitor areas near your homes and report any remaining algae blooms to BLHA representatives.

• Lake visibility is 10-12' in the main body of the lake. BLHA has an objective to maintain 4-5' visibility to achieve a balanced ecosystem for aquatic life and limit plant growth along the shoreline.
• Liquid fertilizer was applied to the lake in May to enhance the growth of phytoplankton. With clear water, phytoplankton is not present and results in a lack of food source for newly hatched fish.
• For the lake to have phytoplankton growth, it needs to have the appropriate PH levels. This is achieved by adding fertilizer and lime to the lake at specific intervals; lime (100 tons) is added every 4-5 years and fertilizer is applied monthly, once the water temperature reaches the required level
• Lake Water Quality – E. coli monitoring results (< 200 is considered safe); test results from beach and boat ramp areas reflect a count of 4 — Very Good.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Signature Homes, one of our local contractors in Berkeley Lake. They have been very supportive in assisting BLHA achieve the improvements at the beach and picnic facilities. Joe and Jill Voyles have a long history of helping the homeowner association, from participating on the BLHA Board and Committees, to providing guidance and construction expertise on the projects BLHA has undertaken during the past 15 plus years.

In closing, please be safe on the water and be mindful of your neighbors as you enjoy the summer at Berkeley Lake. "Building Memories for Today & Tomorrow".