Rip Rap of Upper Basin has begun
Work has started on the upper basin rip rap project. As of December 1, over a half mile of shoreline has been shaped and the fabric backing has been installed.
       So far work has all been done on the east shore of the lake, starting near the work dock for the dredging department.
       Peterson Contractors, Inc. is the contractor for the job which will be paid for by RIZ, private property owners, and the LPA.
       

Dragline Work started in Burchfield Cove
Dragline work has started in the narrow upper channel of Burchfield Cove. The Contractors and LPA maintenance department personnel have done preparation work to ready the area for depositing silt from the channel.
       This process was done several years ago. Dirt will be piled on the west shoreline on the old silt retention dam that exists there. Once the deposits have drained and dried significantly, they will be leveled into the old silt basin area.
       

Winter Road Conditions

       Winter residents of the lake should be aware of winter weather forecasts that may affect their driving. The LPA maintenance department will be applying salt brine to some areas if conditions permit its use. The brine helps the packed snow and ice from attaching to the pavement surface. Crews will be mobilized for plowing and sanding/ salting as conditions dictate.
       Members should be aware of snowplows and sanding equipment that will be on the road during storms.
       

Dredging Progress Report
As of December 1, the HORIZON dredge has dredged another 710000 cubic yards of silt and sand from Lake Panorama. The latest dredging areas are between the Fansler bridge and the upper basin. Enlarging and deepening this area should result in trapping much future silt there before it gets to boating waters. Part of the existing river channel was widened by about 500%, close to original lake size in that area.
       

Bald Eagles Come Back

       Winter at Lake Panorama has been enhanced the past few years with frequent sightings of bald eagles. The first eagle of the season was spotted in the upper area of the lake Thanksgiving week. The eagles often hunt in the open water areas below the dam when ice is covering the rest of the lake.
       

New Water Testing Program Adopted
The LPA Board of Directors has approved a new program for water quality monitoring for lake water. The newly adopted staff proposal will duplicate the methods by which the Iowa Department of Natural Resources reports beach water quality.
        Testing will be done weekly beginning in mid April and ending in October. The lake samples will be tested for E. Coli bacteria, a reliable indicator of the presence of animal or human waste in the sample. If levels of the bacterial exceed the limits established, Lake Panorama beaches will be posted with a “Swimming not Recommended” sign with explanatory material. This notice will be visible from the water and will also be present at the marina boat ramp. In addition, signs advising swimmers how to reduce their risk of infection will be provided.
        As all natural and artificial lakes have organisms that can cause health problems in susceptible individuals, this should be an aid in members recognizing those risks.
        It is important to note that conditions vary considerably around the lake. If one beach is posted, others may not be posted. Sample testing is only good for the times and places it is done
       

New Water Tower Planning Has Started
The LPA Board of Directors has approved the budget for 2004. Included in the capital expenditures is funding for a new water standpipe. The water storage structure is proposed to be built in the highland area on the east side of the lake near the CIPCO basin.
       Funds for the structure have been accumulating through the water rates paid by users of the Lake Panorama Water Company. The Association has approved an engineering agreement and pressure studies, soil borings, and other preliminary work is being done now. Bid letting will be in early spring. The standpipe should be online for some usage during the 2004 season.
       

Security Department Offers Seasonal House Check Services
During the winter months the LPA Security Department offers house check services for those snowbirds and second homers who desire. The service consists of two checks of the homes each week that include a walk-around to check for problems and a check of house temperature (from thermometers visible from outside).
       
        The fees are $45 per month or $200 for the season (November 1 to March 31.) Please contact Jeremy Bennett at the LPA offices for more information
       

2003 Lake Statistics
1379 boats and 280 personal watercraft were registered at the Lake in 2003. This compares to 1353 boats and 274 personal watercraft in 2002. For reference, five years ago the number was 1148 boats and 196 personal watercraft.
       
        Of the 1379 boats, 1004 were over 10 horsepower.
       
        54 single memberships, 87 couples, 23 families and 23 students had memberships at the Par 3 course in 1993. 87 is the highest number of couple memberships ever.
       
        36 annual camping permits were issued, the highest since 1990