Club News

Sheila Gerot was hostess to seven Log Cabin Questers at Lake Darling State Park. The group met at the greeting center at the park entrance. They viewed the bronze bust of Jay N. ?Ding? Darling, created by Doris Park. Through recently installed signs, they learned about the life of ?Ding,? a renown conservationist and cartoonist, whose name was bestowed upon the lake as he closed the dam's gate in 1950.

The program was presented by Fay Vittetoe, of Friends of Lake Darling. Fay summarized the large-scale restoration of Lake Darling, beginning in the early 2000?s, with the installation of numerous watershed features for the control of erosion and nutrient run-off and, ultimately to improve water quality. The in-lake and park renovation phases of the project were initiated following a complete draw-down of the pool in 2008. Notable project features which include both improvements to current infrastructure and new construction are an upgrade to the dam, numerous sediment retention basins in the watershed, two in-lake silt dams, a two-foot increase in pool elevation, additional shoreline rip-rap, new fishing jetties and a pier, an ADA fishing bridge and fishing/multi-use trail, new boat ramps, picnic areas, a modern campground with 50 amp service, concrete park roads, new East Loop Trail bridge, a four season lodge with day-user complex, three ADA four-season two-bedroom cabins, and an expanded Youth Center beach.

Funding for the nearly $16 million Lake Darling Restoration Project was made possible with the help of numerous public and private funding sources. The Friends of Lake Darling provide assistance to further the connection of clean water from good land stewardship to an economically vibrant community. A documentary, ?Darling is Back,? which tells the story of Lake Darling restoration, will be released this fall. Watch for the details as it is shown on IPT, and in local locations.

Sheila Gerot conducted the business meeting. Minutes of the previous meeting were accepted as read. Norma Stutzman gave the treasurer?s report. A motion was made to give a donation to Friends of Lake Darling to help with the continued restoration efforts. Members were reminded of the upcoming state meeting in Story City on Oct. 17; registration deadline is Oct. 5. There will be a State Day in Oskaloosa on April 8-9. The president?s project is working with Music Man Meredith Willson?s memorabilia. Programs for the upcoming year were handed out and reviewed. Refreshments were served.

The next meeting will be October 1 at the home of Dorothy Koehler. Stephanie Pomeroy will present a program on ?picture Nails.?