Cascade Water Alliance unveiled the draft of its Lake Tapps Management Plan Wednesday night during a public meeting at North Tapps Middle School.

Created over the past two months by a coalition of Cascade representatives as well as officials from Bonney Lake, Sumner, Auburn and Buckley as well as members from homeowners associations and the Lake Tapps Community Council, the stated goal of the plan is to “form a coherent and shared understanding of the lake and its surrounding environment” and coordinate the efforts and responsibilities of the various organizations and entities that have a stake in the lake.

Specifically, the new plan clarifies the management guidelines for the protection of the residential quality of life, the continued recreational uses of the lake, the protection of water quality, protection of wildlife and the protection of public health and safety.

Cascade Water Alliance bought Lake Tapps in 2009 and 2010 marked its first summer as managers. The plan is to use Lake Tapps as a reservoir to draw drinking water for Eastside cities in the future, though that may not happen for up to 50 years.

In November, the company began a pubic process regarding lake management that started with a survey of residents regarding the top issues surrounding Lake Tapps.

According to the results, the top concern among residents is water quality, with 298 people listing it as a top concern. Second on the list was lake level, followed by safety, boat speed and public access to the lake.

During the meeting, residents were asked for other issues they though important and suggestions included milfoil abatement, boat noise, wake issues and animal/habitat concerns.

At a pubic meeting in January, attendees were asked for other issues they though important and suggestions included milfoil abatement, boat noise, wake issues and animal/habitat concerns.

Attendees were also asked what the key issues to be addressed in a management plan with lake level, water quality and safety again topping the list.

The  new plan addresses these issues and provides details for implementation of the strategies to deal with them.

2011_0310_LakeTapps_MngmtPlan_Overview_draft2

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