Buckingham Pier Application Approved by DNR

Wawascene.com received word today that the application #PL-21782 has been approved by the DNR. 

Four 4 foot wide piers will extend up to 150' and an additional three 4' wide piers will extend 170' into the lake in the configuration applied for by Buckingham Companies.  (see picture)  A final pier in a "Y" configuration at the center of the property completes the proposed configuration.

There is no limit to how many slips can be configured as long as the main "spokes" of the pier configuration fall within the guidelines above.

A few conditions were placed on the approved application. Installation must minimize the movement of re-suspended bottom sediment from the immediate project area. Small tools must be used to install the piers by hand - no heavy machinery is allowed, among other conditions.

This ruling may be appealed by applying for administrative review. More details can be found in the ...

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RECAP of DNR Hearing on Dredging Around Oakwood

This recap comes directly from Mark Knecht, OPOA Board President who has been kind enough to share with us and you...

(photo from last DNR hearing on Buckingham's proposal)

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1)      There was overflow attendance, perhaps 85 people, many standing due to lack of seating.  The nature of the meeting is not interactive…it’s a sequence of people providing their input/opinion to the DNR, who summarizes it, and provides to the ruling DNR staff.

2)      At the start, a show of hands resulted in not a single hand (i.e. none) in support of the dredging.

3)      There remain questions regarding the impact of public opposition…does it matter?  Will political pressure be brought to bear?

4)      DNR exists to enforce the laws relevant to the Lake, namely environmental, safety, and public rights.  So the focus of most speakers was how dredging might impact the ecology of the Lake.

5)      Speakers recognized and ...

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Oakwood Property Owners Association Letter to DNR

January 5, 2012

Re: PL-21944 – Dredging at Oakwood on Lake Wawasee 

Dear Ms. Oliger,

Based on the 119 years of Park history, all Oakwood property owners have an interest and potential impact from your decision in this matter.

Firstly, we come to Oakwood for the enjoyment and beauty of Lake Wawasee.  The magnitude of the proposed dredging will most certainly have an environmental impact on the Lake.  But, what is the impact?  We ask that you please take the time necessary to perform a detailed environmental impact study so that a clear understanding of the inevitable effects can be determined.

Secondly, Oakwood residents have used the waters directly east of the Oakwood Inn as a swimming area since 1893.  This has been one of the most desirable swimming spots on the Lake for hundreds of years.  The area consists of sand and gravel.  We strongly oppose any piers and ...

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