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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 8, 2002
For
more information contact:
Michael Berry
4015 Beltline Rd
Addison, TX 75001-4383
972.376.0921 / 214.912.0758
972.392.1098 fax
rmberry@steelecreekdevelopment.com
Franklin County Water District, Texas Parks and Wildlife and Nationally Known Ecologist,
with the support of Steelecreek Development to Educate Public and Homeowners on Water Vegetation
National and state experts to give talks on new techniques for refreshing lake waters and ridding nuisance
plants from beautiful but endangered Texas lakes
(NOV 8, 2002 / DALLAS, Tex.) The health and welfare of Lake Cypress Springs,
which is less than two hours east of Dallas, is the topic of a unique workshop to be held Saturday,
November 16, 2002 at the Mt. Vernon (Tex.) High School auditorium from 3 to 5 pm.
Presented by the Franklin County Water District, renowned water resource management
experts are scheduled to speak.
Lake Cypress Springs is the source of drinking water for Franklin County as well as
for recreational purposes, such as bass fishing, sailing and water skiing. Like many other Texas lakes, the man-made
lake is subject to infestations of nuisance plants that clog waterways, prevent oxygen flow to fish, and interfere
with beneficial plant growth. Local area economic stagnation frequently results.
Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) scientist, Dr. Earl Chilton is providing
information about invasive aquatic plants so that lakeside residents can be on the lookout for new invaders. Additionally,
Chilton is going to discuss how the Franklin County Water District's local water plan fits into the State Aquatic
Vegetation Plan. Mike Ryan, TPWD Inland Fisheries biologist, is providing information about the state of fisheries on
Cypress Springs.
Dr. Michael Smart, nationally recognized ecologist specializing in aquatic plant life,
will describe an ecological approach to aquatic weed control techniques developed under his auspices as director of the
Lewisville Aquatic Ecosystem Research Facility in Lewisville, Tex. These approaches are being used at Lake Cypress Springs.
David Weidman will speak about his concerns and role as the general manager of the
Franklin County Water District for overseeing the long-term health of the lake. Having already won a temporary battle
over a hydrilla infestation, Weidman is mindful of the imminent threat of fast-growing nuisance plants.
In his initial assessment, Dr. Smart had this to say: "The Lake is at a critical stage
in its life. Simply put, Lake Cypress Springs is beginning to suffer from an excess of nutrients."
New techniques include planting native aquatic plants, which Franklin County Water
District general manager David Weidman and lakefront developers, R. Michael Berry and George S. Watson of Steelecreek
Development advocate. (Click on Habitat Enhancement at www.fcwd.com)
The first two plantings were commissioned by the water district board of directors and
completed in October 2002. Along with other types of treatment, such as the strategic use of biological, chemical and
mechanical controls, it is anticipated that the lake's ecosystem will become healthier. Steelecreek has contributed to
the program under a cost-sharing plan.
The workshop is designed to inform lakefront homeowners and the public about actions
being taken to protect the lake from further incursions of insidious waterweed growth.
In addition, actions that homeowners can do to improve the quality of the lake will be
outlined.
Anticipated results are the reduction of nutrient levels, improved water quality,
clearer waterways and better fishing.
# # #
ABOUT STEELECREEK DEVELOPMENT, L.P.
Steelecreek Development, LP has a small inventory of
well-located, hard-to-find, private lakefront properties on Lake Cypress
Springs and Lake Bob Sandlin – both spring-fed and drought-tolerant.
Small, intimate subdivisions feature generous properties with an average of
100-plus feet of waterfront each. While secluded, the properties are located
close to the towns of Winnsboro, Mt. Vernon, Pittsburg and Mt. Pleasant, which
offer perfect weekend pursuits for the non-angler and angler alike. For more
information, or to schedule a visit, please contact:
R. Michael Berry
972.376.0921 / 214.914.0758
George S. Watson
972.376.0853 / 214.914.5944
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