Changes to Personal Water Craft Regulations
The Lake Panorama Board of Directors has approved changes to the personal watercraft (PWC) regulations for 2003. Nationally, some states are banning two-cycle engines in PWC due to noise and pollution considerations. As several PWC manufacturer’s have now come out with four-cycle engines and the horsepower and engine size are sometimes above the current PWC regulations at the lake, new regulation limits for four-cycle PWCs have been formulated.
       Four-cycle PWCs will be allowed with a maximum of 1500 cc engines or a maximum of 185 horsepower. Most four-cycle PWC are heavier and slower than similar two-cycles. The primary reason for the change is noise reduction, as the non-oil burning four cycles tend to be much quieter running. In the long term, most two cycles will probably be phased out according to industry experts.
       A list of eligible 2003 four cycle PWC’s is available at the LPA office.
       

Changes in Association Owned Lot Sales Policy
The LPA owns a large number of lots throughout the development. In order to not compete with privately owned lot sales, the LPA has established new minimum prices for sales of LPA owned lots.
       “A” waterfront lots owned by the Association will sell for a minimum of $20000 or the appraised value, whichever is greater. Non waterfront lots will sell for a minimum of $10000.
       For people who already own non waterfront lots, an adjacent LPA owned lot can be bought for a minimum of $4000 or the appraised value, whichever is greater, provided that the adjacent lot is “joined” with the existing owned lot.
       There are many privately owned lots for sale at the lake. For information, contact your local realtors or local advertising. There is a bulletin board at the lake office that often has privately owned lots listed. For information on LPA owned lots, contact the office for more information and the details of the lot sales policy.
       

BUILDING PERMITS SWELL AT END OF SEASON

       Thirty building permits have been issued for homes at Lake Panorama as of the 24th of October.
       

Island Vegetation Removal Completed
Willow and cottonwood trees and other heavy vegetation on silt deposits in the upper basin of the lake have now been removed.
       
        A contractor from Louisiana with special "swamp" equipment was engaged to float the equipment out to the island deposits and dig up the trees. The material, along with some silt, was hauled to shore on large barges pushed by LPA work boats. That material was unloaded on shore and will dry over the winter and be regraded and seeded next spring.
       
        The clearing process will allow the LPA dredge, the HORIZON, to begin removing the islands and help to open the upper basin to boating again, probably in 2004.
       
        The Lake Panorama Rural Improvement Zone is funding the project and will be funding rip rap of LPA owned property in the upper basin. Private property owners with lakefront property will be required to repair rip rap or renew it.
       

Water Department Tips for Winterizing
Lake Panorama Water Company supervisor Rod Scott recommends that members leaving their homes for the winter should have their water turned off at the curb. This protects the home from damage from leaking pipes that may result from freezing conditions. The service is free. Call the LPA office to make arrangements at 641 755 2301
       

Deer Hunt Underway
The controlled special deer hunt is underway again at the lake development. Hunting for deer has been allowed in order to reduce the excess population of the animals. Heavy population has caused predation of member's landscaping and problems with trampling and droppings.
       
        The hunt is limited to certain areas of the lake development, mostly away from homes. Bow hunting is allowed during the main period of the hunt with muzzle-loader hunting allowed during the appropriate weekends.
       
        The LPA has received cooperation from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to provide for the special hunt. For information, call the LPA office at 641 755 2301
       

Winter Security Checks
The LPA security department offers winter home checks for members convenience. The service includes checking the home twice weekly to see if doors and windows are secure and if the inside temperature is at the proper level. (This is done by viewing a thermometer placed so that it can be seen from outside.)
        There is a fee for the service. For details, contact the LPA office at 641 755 2301 or LPA Security supervisor Jeremy Bennett.
       

Lake Levels Will Return SLOWLY
Unless significant precipitation falls in the lake watershed, the Lake levels will remain low for sometime. A gradual increase is expected for a while. Most likely, levels will not return to normal until spring.