Lake Maintenance

Each year the Lake Management and Ecology Committee works to ensure the health and survival of Lake Galena and consults experts for their opinions on how to properly maintain the lake and fish population. Some projects include:

Lake and stream water monitoring

Each season water samples are taken in the lake, Smallpox Creek, and the stream that flows into North Cove. The results are submitted to the lake biologist who uses the information to make recommendations to maintain the health of the lake and the fishery. Also, the insect larvae are monitored in May in Smallpox Creek when it flows into the lake and after it exits the waterfall. By determining what in living in the creek, we can tell how clean the water is.

Fish habitat creation

Each spring structure is dropped into the lake to create habitat for the fish. The bottom of the lake was cleared during the construction on the dam in 1975, and there isn’t any cover for the fish and other creatures.

Canada Goose control

Each spring the goose nests are monitored for eggs. Any eggs that are found are oiled to prevent them from hatching. This keeps the goose population low and avoids the problems associated with high numbers of geese.

Fish Electro-shocking

Every year the lake is shocked to determine the population of fish in the lake by specie and their health. This information is submitted to the lake biologist to help him make recommendations for the management of the lake.

Fish Stocking

Each year species of fish are stocked in the lake. Generally they are walleye, muskie, and occasionally another fish, depending on the results of the shocking, water quality, and other data.

Dredging

During 2005 and 2006, the marina, North Cove, and Plum Cove are being dredged. This will allow use of these coves and easier access to the marina. Contact the office for more information.

Shoreline erosion control

In 2001 the Galena Territory Association was awarded grant funding to repair shoreline erosion. Twenty-one sites along the shore were repaired, and in 2006 some of them will be burned as part of a program to maintain the shoreline.

Streambank restoration

Beginning in 2001, the Galena Territory Association has successfully been awarded two grants to repair the erosion that is occurring in the tributaries that feed the lake. This work was done along trail 6 in 2002 and 2003. In 2006 and 2007, we will be doing work in conjunction with Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa to repair damage in the Plum Cove and in the 8th hole of the North Course. More work will be done in the North Cove area as well. Another project is restoration of Pond Court. The dam will be restored, and wetland plants will be installed along the shore and in the detention area below the dam. The water from the pond flows along the East Course and eventually into the lake.