Wetlands Update - Spring 2012
We have contracted with LandKeepers for another year of wetlands maintenance. Although our wetland plan called for a partial burn of selected wetlands, this years early spring left us with less than optimal conditions for a controlled burn. The burn will be postponed for a year hoping we have better conditions in 2013. Landkeepers will be doing spraying for weeds and brushing. This is similar to last years maintenance and it will keep the areas worked last year from degrading.
Homeowners adjoining the wetlands will notice workers in the wetlands this spring and summer. Questions regarding maintenance should be directed to the manager at LandKeepers 815-334-8266
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Wetland Update - August 2011
Landkeepers is doing our secondary herbaceous herbicide treatment. Thus far, the initial treatment looks very rewarding! Many of the teasels and biennial thistles are dead or showing signs of significant decline. Additionally, we believe VERY LITTLE if any seed has been produced this year by them. Hopefully, after next year (since biennial seed from last year will show it's ugly head next year), the area will start showing a significant drop in those populations! I do not think Teasel seed lasts long in soils, so we should start really being able to bask in our success by 2013! Additionally, very little sweet clover, thistle, and rose are surviving. We are hitting all of those populations as well as any Teasel that appears to have any green on it (we're really shooting for the kill here). Finally, we are really focusing now on the first year biennials (especially, sweet clover and Teasel) to stop the growth/seed cycle. This will help make an improvement in as early as next year!
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Wetlands Update - Summer 2011
Brushing of Remington Trail/Turtle Creek Lane Basin
The first part of removing all woody invasive trees (box elder, young cottonwoods, young cherry) and undesirable plants (willow, buckthorn, honeysuckle, multiflora rose, raspberry, etc.) has been completed. The woody debris that is down on the ground has been left there to improve the soil and once dried out, will become fuel for the future prescription burn. This burn will aide in killing off any invasive re-sprouts and allow the native plants to thrive. This is all part of the process to restore the ecological health of the natural areas within Valley Lakes II. This can be done but like all things Mother Nature does, it will take some time.
LandKeepers will be back at Valley Lakes II to begin herbiciding the non-native plants in the prairies surrounding the townhomes and the prairies within the wet basins. The goal is to reduce the current large population of invasive plants which will improve conditions for the native plants to come through and increase in size and number. What you may notice is some curling of plants and/or turning brown which is to be expected. This is a large area to cover and LandKeepers is planning to be at Valley Lakes II for the entire week, weather permitting. If you happen to see the crew and have questions or concerns, please feel free to chat with them.
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Wetlands Maintenance
Beginning April 25th and through the next several weeks restoration will be done in the Remington Trail and Turtle Creek Basin natural areas. The goal for this area during the first phase of the project is to reduce the invasive and aggressive undesirable woody vegetation along the slopes of the basins. This will encourage a greater diversity and density of native plants to reduce soil erosion issues and support a healthier balanced ecosystem. The aggressive woody plants (willow, buckthorn, honeysuckle, box elder, etc.) will be cut down and the remaining stumps will be treated with herbicide to prevent re-growth. Future treatments of the herbaceous understory will also occur to continue the proper maintenance of this natural area.
Please direct any questions regarding this work to Dottie Corbin or Nicky Obenauf at LandKeepers
Work Area
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New Management Agent
The Board is pleased to announce that we have engaged LandKeepers LLC as our managing agent. Ms Dorothy Corbin CMCA is our Community Manager. LandKeepers is located at 700 McHenry Ave., Woodstock IL 60098 and their phone number is 815-334-8266. LandKeepers was chosen because of their expertise in managing wetlands for Associations of our type
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Wetlands Maintenance
Spring 2011: We will begin wetlands maintenance in selected areas of the wetlands that require immediate attention. More information will follow as the schedule is made.
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Millennium Trail update
July 2010
Update: The Daily Herald reports that construction of the trail has begun again. The current plan is to extend the trail from the south up to the Round Lake Park on Fairfield (also known as the Disc Park) and complete this part of the project by the end of 2011. This expansion will possible touch the far south end of our community but no word on when or if the Lake County Forest Preserve District will continue the trail through Valley Lake 2 as originally planned.
July 2009 Update:The trail construction along the ComEd right-of-way has been stalled. Due to liability issues with the use of their property by the County. More info when it becomes availalble.
Preliminary work on the Millennium Trail has begun in our neighborhood. The Lake County Forest Preserve has begun engineering work on the trail from Nippersink road north along the ComEd easement up to Fairfield Road. You may notice excavating equipment and surveying flag work being done in the next few months. This is the initial effort before Trail construction. It’s estimated that the preliminary work may take as long as 6 months in order for the Forest Preserve District to get the necessary easements and permits. They’re still having some issues with crossing Wilson Road on the south end of the trail but the Forest Preserve District has decided to go ahead with Trail construction from the Round Lake Park south to Baxter. So we should see work on and off for the next few months.
More information will be added as we get it.
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Caution – Coyotes on the prowl
Spring 2009
Be aware of increased coyote activity in the Valley Lakes 2 area. A number of residents have reported a pack of 2 to 4 coyotes roaming the area. They have been seen and heard along the edge of the wetlands near the townhomes and a few sightings of a bold coyote walking down Fox Trail. We don’t know if these coyotes pose a threat to humans but they certainly pose a threat to small pets (cats & dogs) so guard your pets Day & Night.
Don’t risk injury to you, your children or your pets, avoid coyote contact.
More information is available on the Lake County web site. http://www.co.lake.il.us/
January 2, 2008 update: The Village January 08 newsletter has additional information. They point out that wild animal problems are the responsibility of the Illinois DNR at 815-625-2968 or Lake County Animal Control at 847-377-8080. RL PD only handles cat and dog problems.
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Veteran's Affair Bonus Payment
A bonus of $10 per month for domestic service and $15 per month for foreign service is payable to a veteran who was a resident of Illinois at time of entering service, served at least 60 days on active duty between September 16, 1940 and September 3, 1945, and received an honorable discharge. Survivors are entitled to a benefit of $1,000, if the veteran's death was service-connected and within the period specified.
Korean, Vietnam, Persian Gulf, and Global War on Terrorism (Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom) Conflict Bonus
A $100 bonus is payable for service during one of the following periods:
- Korea - June 27, 1950 - July 27, 1953
Vietnam - January 1, 1961 - March 28, 1973
Vietnam Frequent Wind - April 29, 30, 1975
Persian Gulf - August 2, 1990 - November 30, 1995
Global War on Terrorism (OEF/OIF) - on or after Sept. 11, 2001
The claimant must also be in receipt of one of the following medals:
- Korean Service Medal
- Vietnam Service Medal Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal Vietnam Era or the Southwest Asia Service Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal or the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
The claimant must also be a resident of Illinois for 12 months immediately prior to entering service and have received an Honorable Discharge.
Go to Illinois Department of Veterns' Affair website for more information and application. http://veterans.illinois.gov/benefits/bonuspayment.htm
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