I am increasingly concerned about the destruction of land and vegetation surrounding the large lake between The Waters and The Reserve at The Waters. Over the last few years, nearly every lot owner along this lake has cleared beyond their lot lines to the water’s edge. This lake has been designated as wetlands and/or is within a conservation easement recorded in public records (Santa Rosa County Records Book 2942, Page 490) and referenced on the recorded plats. These owners have cleared extensive vegetation that has increased runnoff into the lake, causing the water level to have risen permanently by nearly a foot since development and flooding the lake during heavy rains.
The county has designated a drainage easement into this lake, increasing runnoff and overflow from the adjacent holding ponds in the Waters neighborhoods. The initial report form county officials was that it was the natural flow, but this influx of water from the cleared lot boundaries, along with the additional drainage from the development and natural runnoff, has altered this natural spring-fed lake and its original ‘natural flow’, water level, clarity and overall biological integrity.
Santa Rosa County GIS site can be accessed at www.santarosa.gl.gov/470/Mapping-GIS and click on the GoMaps – Interactive GIS mapping system. You can search by address and utilize the map layers tab to change the aerial views to easily see the previous natural water’s edge and the more recent map that shows the cleared land. The property appraiser’s website also has a similar mapping system with current and past aerial photos that show a similar impact. I have attached a few views for your review.
Lot 15 in The Reserve at The Waters has done extensive clearing beyond the lot line to the water’s edge. This lot line abuts the conservation easement and areas designated as jurisdictional wetlands. The area beyond the lot line was cleared and filled, then sodded to the water line. After heavy rains, a large chunk of land along the length of the waterfront eroded and fell into the lake. The owner has since constructed a retaining wall, presumably along the actual lot line, but you can still see the edge of the land that clearly broke off and fell into the lake – none of which part of their property.
Lot 14 in The Reserve at The Waters has been cleared to the water and the owner has constructed a dock at the water’s edge, outside of the lot line.
Lots 11 thru 15 in The Reserve at the Waters have been cleared to the water’s edge.
Lot 6 in The Waters has been cleared to the water outside of the lot’s boundary and across the water’s edge along the retention parcel adjacent to this area, even constructing a fire pit.
Lots 2 thru 5 in The Waters has cleared to the water’s edge, also constructing waterfront improvements outside of the lot lines.
The owner of Lot 2 in The Waters has cleared to the water’s edge and at the rear of Lot 1 without the participation of the owners of Lot 1, and openly discusses a planned dock, complete with sunken pilings inside the lake itself. When asked if it was legal, they indicated they would not be asking for permission.
The beautiful lake was here first and many neighbors over the years have told us stories of swimming in the lake as kids, fishing this water and just observing the wildlife in and around the previously crystal-clear spring water. It is heartbreaking to watch this selfish destruction of a natural habitat.
Thank you for the work your organization does for this community and I hope Save Our Soundside can make some progress in stopping the continued destruction of a natural spring-fed lake and land designated for conservation purposes and jurisdictional wetlands. Speaking to the owners of these lots has done nothing to change their behavior or understanding of the impact they are having. Short of extensive planting, shoring and other improvements to prevent the continued erosion and runnoff, this lake will soon just be a mud puddle.
View in 2015
view in 2019
