LAKE NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2020If you know of someone in the community that is not receiving these communications, have them submit a current email address to the office so their file may be updated. If they do not have an email, copies will be provided at the Office.

NATURE

Here are two of the many reasons we love living here:

WATER LEVELThe lake reservoir will be lowered starting Monday, September 21st to allow residents the opportunity to complete waterfront construction and repair. The water will drop four to six feet over the following two weeks, dependent upon rainfall amounts, and will be maintained at that level for approximately two months. The water level will be restored to winter pool level prior to the winter freeze and thaw cycle, to maintain the integrity of seawalls. Please remove all watercraft from the water or have it stored on lifts in your boathouse. The next scheduled lake lowering is the fall of 2024.

BUILDING AND GROUNDSWith the water level being lowered, now is the time to request a building permit. To prepare to submit your building application, please adhere to the following steps:

1. Familiarize yourself with the rules governing buildings and grounds in the Members Handbook, beginning on page 14.

2. Complete the “APPLICATION AND PERMIT TO CONSTRUCT, MODIFY OR IMPROVE PROPERTY”, this application is available on our website (flattoplakewv.org) and at the office.

3. Mail or drop a hard copy of your application and plans at the lake office, please, no e-mail copy.

The usual timeframe for an application to be approved by the Board is one month and of course no work is permitted until the application has received final approval.

PERIMETER ROADAs more members utilize the perimeter road for such activities as walk, run, ride bicycles and ATV’s and the ever-present deer population, please remind your family, guests, and employees of the 25 MPH limit. In the next month or so the center yellow line will be repainted to help make our community safe.

BOATING AND SAFETY

All watercraft, ATV's, side by sides, scooters, and trailers are required to be re-registered in 2020, as we do every four years. The registration forms are available for downloading on the FTL website (flattoplakewv.org) or members may contact the office for registration forms. As in the past, proof of insurance is required for registration of motorized watercraft, ATV's, scooters, etc. Golf carts are not required to be registered.

There are two options for Members liability insurance coverage now. Since some insurance companies no longer offer a $300K liability policy, a $250K/$500K split liability coverage policy is now acceptable for FTLA registration. In both cases, FTLA must be listed as additional insured.

Please submit 2021 registrations in a timely manner to facilitate the administrative process and to allow uninterrupted use of your equipment. Watercraft and vehicles that have not been properly re-registered by 31 May 2021 will not be allowed to be used on FTLA property. Trailers stored on FTLA property must be registered also, but proof of insurance is not required for trailers.

FALL FESTIVALBecause of the ongoing COVID-19 situation and the current state mandates, the annual Fall Festival and Fish Fry has been cancelled for 2020. We have every hope to renew this most popular event in the fall of 2021.

FISH AND CONERVATIONThe F&C Committee has been working with the Outdoorsmen Club on a few joint ventures this year to improve fishing and habitat. We have added structure in several key areas and will be adding shallow water structure when the lake drops. Several docks have already been approved to stuff brush under which will be especially beneficial during the spawn. Anyone that has room under their dock can attract fish and help with our fish reproduction by putting some brush under it. If you would like to do this but are unable to do so, let Roger Fraley know and your name will be added to the list of docks in consideration. Agricultural lime was purchased and placed around all the feeder streams that feed our lake. This will help us maintain a desirable pH that will help with fish reproduction and overall water quality for all to enjoy.

Several stockings have occurred this year with the usual trout stocking back in the spring. Since then, we have stocked 16,000 small Bluegill (see photo) to increase quality forage in our lake and have added some fingerling largemouth bass. A fish study is being planned in September to give us data points to help manage our lake and plan for future fish stockings.

We have recently held a couple of night tournaments here at the lake and had 13 teams competing for the top spots and big fish prize.

The July 18th night tournament saw Nathan Horne and Carter Rasnake take 1st place, Brandon Lilly and Seth Thompson 2nd place, and Pat Campbell and Scott Settle 3rd place. This was our tightest tournament to date with only ounces separating our top three spots. Brandon Lilly bagged the Big Fish of the night weighing in at 6 pounds 4 1/2 ounces.

The August 1st night tournament had some familiar names at the top of our leader board. Brandon and Seth claimed the top spot, Pat and Scott came in 2nd, and Jamie Coalson and Chandler landed 3rd place. Once again, Brandon Lilly took home the Big Fish prize with a 4 pound 7 1/2 ounce largemouth barely edging out Pat Campbell’s 4 pound 6 ounce catch.

Our next tournament will be held the morning of September 5th during Labor Day weekend. Anyone interested in fishing it can contact Roger Fraley for additional info.

TRUNK OR TREATCurrently, the Ladies of the Lake are still hoping to have Trunk or Treat for the children near the beach with proper social distancing. Let us all use our imagination and create some unusual COVID masks for this fun event. More to come next month.

NEW NEIGHBORSThe following members have joined our community since our last newsletter; join us in welcoming them to our “Almost Heaven” home.

Lot 37: Tami Cooper

Lots 67 & 68: Andrew Hetzer

Lot 96: Anthony Pustovarh

Lot 143: Traci Culicerto

Lot 242: Spencer Murphy

UPCOMMING EVENTSSeptember 5 – Fish tournament

September 21 – Water level will begin the lowering process

October 31 – Halloween Trunk or Treat*

November 1 – Halloween rain date

December 5 – Santa’s workshop*

December 5 – Parade of Lights*this is a tentative date dependent upon COVID-19

Flat Top Lake Association, Inc.

3001 Flat Top Road

Ghent, WV 25843

Office Phone: 304-787-3663

Office Hours

Tuesday, Wednesday& Thursday 9am – 1pm

Friday 3pm – 7pm

Saturday, Sunday & Monday Closed

Email: flattoplakewv@gmail.com

Website: flattoplakewv.org

Facebook: Official Flat Top Lake Announcement Page

Stay Safe and HealthyYour Board of Directors