Monday, September 20, 2010
Sept. 2010 Birch Lake break-ins
At least two cabins on the west side of the lake were recently burglarized, most likely during the week of Sept. 13. The door of one was pried open with a pry bar and tools and items for quick sale were stolen. Please be alert for strangers or people who seem to be casing cabins.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Townsite meeting notes for Oct. 26, 2009
The meeting was held in the Borough chambers at 7:00. Fifteen people were in attendance. The main issues discussed included: action report on reorganization of townsite; report on the road upgrade and new signs; reports on lake level, fire and safety hazards, and theft.
The balance of the townsite fund is approximately $32,000 after the road upgrade and new signs have been paid off. The money is currently invested in a cd. Dave Witt moved to keep townsite status as is after a discussion of the pros and cons. Monte Slusher seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Erosion due to high water levels has become an issue in some areas. The history of the lake level and the weir were discussed as well as possible courses of action for lowering the level.
Safety concerns revolved around clearing/cleaning brush and old trees. Forest fires are a potential threat and could be lessened by selective clearing and cleaning of brush and trees.
The recent spat of thefts prompted discussion of potential remedies included enhanced security with cameras, alarm systems, and scrutiny from property owners. Residents were encouraged to take pictures of suspicious vehicles and persons. Creating bumper stickers to identify resident vehicles was another option raised.
Another meeting may be held in the spring around March to discuss progress on this or other issues.
Anyone desiring alerts when blog items are added should contact Larry Meath at lmeath@alaska.net.
The balance of the townsite fund is approximately $32,000 after the road upgrade and new signs have been paid off. The money is currently invested in a cd. Dave Witt moved to keep townsite status as is after a discussion of the pros and cons. Monte Slusher seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Erosion due to high water levels has become an issue in some areas. The history of the lake level and the weir were discussed as well as possible courses of action for lowering the level.
Safety concerns revolved around clearing/cleaning brush and old trees. Forest fires are a potential threat and could be lessened by selective clearing and cleaning of brush and trees.
The recent spat of thefts prompted discussion of potential remedies included enhanced security with cameras, alarm systems, and scrutiny from property owners. Residents were encouraged to take pictures of suspicious vehicles and persons. Creating bumper stickers to identify resident vehicles was another option raised.
Another meeting may be held in the spring around March to discuss progress on this or other issues.
Anyone desiring alerts when blog items are added should contact Larry Meath at lmeath@alaska.net.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Road improvements and miscellaneous items
If you haven't been to the lake lately, you'll no doubt notice the improvement to the road on your next outing. A culvert has been added along with widening and clearing so it is at least passable in the tough spots. Mitch Loveless did the work with funds from the Birch Lake Town site fund.
The next meeting of the town site will be at the Borough building chambers on Oct. 26 at 7:00. Note that this is a change in date and place from the previous venue of the Borough library scheduled for Oct. 27.
Also, please be aware that a number of break-ins occured about a month ago. Thousands of dollars worth of items were stolen in a methodical plan. Motorcycles, a 4 wheeler, gas, tools, etc. were stolen with only a few small items recovered near Lost Lake. Be alert to strangers and vehicles cruising in the premises.
The next meeting of the town site will be at the Borough building chambers on Oct. 26 at 7:00. Note that this is a change in date and place from the previous venue of the Borough library scheduled for Oct. 27.
Also, please be aware that a number of break-ins occured about a month ago. Thousands of dollars worth of items were stolen in a methodical plan. Motorcycles, a 4 wheeler, gas, tools, etc. were stolen with only a few small items recovered near Lost Lake. Be alert to strangers and vehicles cruising in the premises.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Townsite meeting 9/8/09
A group of about 20 Birch Lake property owners met on Sept 8, 2009 to discuss the possibility of organizing into a legal entity necessary to facilitate the distribution of trust funds. Approximately $50,000 exists in a trust fund from the sale of properties after the townsite survey in the 1950's. Robert Schneider, the federal trustee, discussed some of the options available to the group. If the townsite incorporates, the money can be turned over for distribution as the townsite sees fit. If the townsite remains unincorporated, the money can still be distributed for projects but with federal oversight.
Bud Fate discussed the options of incorporating as a class II city or a non-profit corporation. Each has pros and cons, and he urged those in attendance to "do the homework" and check out the advantages of each. Brief discussion ensued regarding incorporating. Participants were urged to check out the state boundary commission web site.
Bill Larry asked if each individual would name one thing that would benefit the townsite. A number of items were raised, but the consensus seemed to be moderate upgrades to the road, especially those areas where safety might be a concern. Others items mentioned included weed control, erosion of the existing bank, creation of a public dock or launching area, water level, and pollution of the lake. Mr. Schneider reminded the group that the money must be spent on the townsite and not the lake per se. Thus, weed control would probably not qualify unless a link to the benefit of the townsite could be made.
Bud indicated that Mitch Lovelace gave a rough price of $12,000 for road improvements and replacement of a culvert. It was agreed by acclamation that basic road improvements be made to troublesome areas but that areas in generally ok shape be left alone. More signage indicating the location of the public campground to keep traffic off the road was also approved.
The next meeting was set for Oct. 27, 2009 at 7:00 pm at the Borough Library.
Bud Fate discussed the options of incorporating as a class II city or a non-profit corporation. Each has pros and cons, and he urged those in attendance to "do the homework" and check out the advantages of each. Brief discussion ensued regarding incorporating. Participants were urged to check out the state boundary commission web site.
Bill Larry asked if each individual would name one thing that would benefit the townsite. A number of items were raised, but the consensus seemed to be moderate upgrades to the road, especially those areas where safety might be a concern. Others items mentioned included weed control, erosion of the existing bank, creation of a public dock or launching area, water level, and pollution of the lake. Mr. Schneider reminded the group that the money must be spent on the townsite and not the lake per se. Thus, weed control would probably not qualify unless a link to the benefit of the townsite could be made.
Bud indicated that Mitch Lovelace gave a rough price of $12,000 for road improvements and replacement of a culvert. It was agreed by acclamation that basic road improvements be made to troublesome areas but that areas in generally ok shape be left alone. More signage indicating the location of the public campground to keep traffic off the road was also approved.
The next meeting was set for Oct. 27, 2009 at 7:00 pm at the Borough Library.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Initial Posting
Birch Lake is located approximately 60 miles south of Fairbanks, Alaska on the Richardson Highway. The lake has a military recreation camp as well as a state campground, but most of the access to the lake is through privately owned land.
The purpose of this blog is to create awareness about issues connected to Birch Lake as well as provide a forum for education and input from those with a share in the "stakes."
A few items of interest include the savings account for Birch Lake Townsite (roughly $43,000), the status of the road loop on the south side of the lake that was originally the Richardson Trail, the status of the weir on the North side of the lake, and sundry other issues. Please feel free to post comments, questions, and items of concern or for general publication.
The purpose of this blog is to create awareness about issues connected to Birch Lake as well as provide a forum for education and input from those with a share in the "stakes."
A few items of interest include the savings account for Birch Lake Townsite (roughly $43,000), the status of the road loop on the south side of the lake that was originally the Richardson Trail, the status of the weir on the North side of the lake, and sundry other issues. Please feel free to post comments, questions, and items of concern or for general publication.
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