A new group of concerned residents within the Seven Lakes West community are emerging. This beautiful, seemingly serene lake community has recently become very divided regarding the current and future use of the “crown jewel” – Lake Auman. The lake is the largest in the area, providing 800 acres of aquatic recreation for the residents and their guests. Boating, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming and viewing of nature are among the most popular activities enjoyed by the home owners. Certainly Lake Auman anchors the value of all property within the community.
In the past several years a growing sport, that has received national attention, is wake surfing. The sport has grown quickly and is very popular throughout North America. The sport requires a boat capable of producing large waves, thereby allowing an individual to “surf” in the wake of the boat. The controversy arises regarding the disruptive effect of the wake upon the entire surrounding community. This includes other people utilizing the lake, personal property (such as bulkheads), the earthen dam, the ecosystems within the lake, etc. This problem is NOT unique to Lake Auman and the Seven Lakes community. Some research on the internet will indicate this is a national problem and recreational lakes throughout the country are trying to determine how best to deal with the situation.
Unfortunately, the Seven Lakes West Landowners Association (SLWLA) Board of Directors (BOD) have taken a rather passive role in governing this issue. One of our sister lakes (Lake Sequoia) has banned wake boats, after it was determined the clay bottom of the lake was being damaged and destroyed. The SLWLA BOD, which is dominated by wake surfing enthusiasts, have taken a much different approach by actually encouraging additional wake boats and surfing enthusiasts into the community. Earlier this year, a contested election placed three “wake surfing friendly” individuals on the board (a thorough audit has been requested but denied by the BOD.) So, it was no surprise when a study tailored to Lake Auman, and recommended by the various sub committees, was voted down by the BOD.
As a result of the actions described above the Lake Auman Watch group has been formed. The group has, as its mantra, the transparent governance of the association, particularly all aspects of the lake. A website is now available at www.Lakeaumanwatch.com. There you will find additional information regarding our lake and the current status of our group activities.
