Recent EPA tests indicate water clarity to a depth of 19 feet in Mountain Island Lake, outpacing both Lake Norman and Lake Wylie in visibility.

Ambient Lake Water Quality Index Values for June at six sampling sights on Mountain Island Lake were Good/Excellent to Excellent. The seventh sampling sight on McDowell Creek Cove indicated a reading of Poor/Fair. McDowell Creek Cove is affected by non-point source runoff caused by development activities in the McDowell Creek Watershed. The EPA has recommended the use of a new modeling tool to assist the towns of Cornelius and Huntersville in estimating the amount of impact development will have on water quality in Mountain Island Lake. McDowell Creek enters Mountain Island Lake a short distance upstream of the water intake for Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The intake supplies water for more than 600,000 residents in the region.

Tee shirts and hats will be available at the Annual Meeting of the Mountain Island Lake Association on August 20. Tee shirts are $12.00 and available in three sizes. The shirts were designed and produced by Awards Express. Hats are available in both men’s and women’s styles at $15.00 each and display the MILA logo.

Any member who has not yet picked up their license plate is encouraged to do so at the Annual Meeting. Additional tags are available for $8.00 each.

          October 20, Kings Point Marina, contact Scott Spivey-

          704.587.7054 (one day class)

The Mountain Island Lake Marine Commission has joined with the Lake Norman and Lake Wylie Marine Commissions to produce a publication entitled Safe Boating Begins With You! The brochure is intended to inform boaters of the new regulations on area lakes.

Safe Boating courses will be offered this fall in the following locations:

September 11, Lake Wylie Marina, contact: Charlotte Power Squadron- 704.366.2515

October 6, Lake Wylie Library, contact Scott Spivey- 704.587.7054 (one day class)

October 20, Kings Point Marina, contact Scott Spivey- 704.587.7054 (one day class)

The Mountain Island Lake Marine Commission would like to recognize people or organizations which have done positive things on or around Mountain Island Lake which benefit the lake residents and its visitors.

Known as the “Blue Fin” award. The Marine Commissioners are interested in our “unrecognized heroes”. These heroes could be a rescue squad, police officer, boy or girl scout troop, or volunteer who worked for the benefit of Mountain Island lake. Marine Commissioners and judges are NOT eligible.

Nominating someone for the Blue Fin Award is easy. Call 704.347.4710 for a nomination brochure. Nominations will be received through September 1, 2001 and announced at the October 3^rd Commission meeting at Mt. Holly City Hall. The winner will receive a plaque and recognition from the Marine Commission.

If you have an idea for an article or would like to see something in the newsletter and on the web site, please contact:

Kim Duren

704-822-6113

[email protected]

Pam Beck                                    

704-827-3558                             

[email protected]     

Hydrilla is an aquatic plant that is not native to the United States. Its origin is Africa. The plant was imported into the United States as an aquarium plant.

This plant is hearty. It can reproduce in three ways. It flowers, and the blooms drop to the bottom of the water. The plant under stress produces tubers on its roots, which can survive for up to ten years. Each section of its stem can root and form a new plant.

Hydrilla is now prevalent in the Catawba River chain. In 1999, 400 acres of Mountain Island Lake were covered with hydrilla. The plants were first found behind the island across from Latta Park just before the bend in the lake. A fisherman who mistakenly thought it would attract bass probably introduced it.

In 1999, the plant was found from the sandbar to the Route 16 bridge. Last fall a resident of Mountain Island Harbor spoke to the Mountain Island Marine Commission; hydrilla was in his cove. It is now found in Duck Cove.

The plant is so dense that it can clog the water intakes for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities, Gastonia and the Riverbend Steam plant. Duke Power and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities have started control measures.

There are three ways to approach the problem. The plants can be mowed. The methods of plant reproduction make this futile. Initially, eradication was attempted by using a mild herbicide. It did not work. Last fall 5,000 sterile carp were introduced into the lake.

The carp eat hydrilla. They are sterile because they are not native to the United States. They are imported from China. Each carp must be ten inches long or they would become a meal for the bass. Their appetites are greatest when they grow from ten inches to 24. Ordinarily they live for two to four years.

Duke Power and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities shared the expense for the fish. Plans currently call for the release of another 4,000 sterile carp. The results are going to be evaluated by both parties.