Lake Drawdown Proceeding On Schedule, Says Commission Official

The five-foot lake drawdown, which began in September, is on schedule and going according to plan, Steinbaum said. In reference to a resident's question regarding the possibility of closing the dam early if those doing repairs have completed the jobs by Dec. 15, but Park Superintendent Steve Ellis said doing so would be very complicated.

Ellis said that those who wish for a compressed schedule  should come to a lake management meeting. Kerry Kirk-Pflugh, a representative of the state Department of Environmental Protection, said she would bring the idea to experts and share their thoughts at the commission's November meeting. She said she will also look into a penciled in date of March 1 on the lake lowering permit. She said the intended refilling date is Dec. 15, and believes the reference to March 1 is an error.

Ellis reported good news: 2,200 cubic yards of weeds were harvested from the lake. And he said the commission will seek volunteers during the off-season to repair harvesters.

The Lake Hopatcong cleanup is set to go forward Saturday, Nov. 9 from 8 a.m. to noon, Steinbaum said. About 300 volunteers have signed up so far. Anyone wishing to participate is encouraged to register online.