Lake Anderson
Private Access Lake in LakeLand Village, Allyn, Washington
Lake Anderson is a valuable asset for all 950 members of LakeLand Village in Allyn, WA, but it needs to be protected. It's a designated critical area and especially fragile due to the shallow depth. LakeAnderson.org outlines best practices for maintaining our shoreline, clean water, and property values.
The site features resources ranging from planting guides, do-it-yourself weed removal, to County and State shoreline regulations and permit requirements as well as LakeLand Village HOA (LLVCC) rules. When property owners work together, we can maintain the natural evergreen aesthetic mandated in the LLVCC covenants, reduce herbicides and enjoy swimming, boating, fishing and natural views on our lake for decades to come.
Are there leeches in the lake?
Yes, and they have always been here! They are icky, but totally normal and nothing can or should be done to eradicate them. Read more here.Why do the county and state have anything to do with our private lake?
Ours is a private access lake. Lake Anderson is part of a larger watershed which supports wild Coho salmon and cutthroat trout making it a designated critical area with the water and shore deemed "waters of the state" and "shoreline of the state." As such, it is subject to water and shoreline regulation just like the vast majority of lakes in Washington State.Who owns the lake bed, weir, and dam?
LLVCC (all 950+ members of LakeLand Village). Residential properties do not extend into the lake.What's an SMP?
Shoreline Management Program, the county ordinances regulating the shoreline in accordance with Washington's Shoreline Management Act, established by statewide referendum in 1972.Can I build a shed, patio or fence near the shore?
Any build project (including fences and sheds) within 115 feet of the shore requires county approval, and LakeLand covenants restrict building within 50 feet of the shore.Can I make or expand a beach with sand or gravel?
It's against county and state regulations, and LLVCC covenants. Land below the high water mark and the lake bed is community property owned by all LakeLand members.Can I clear native shore vegetation and trees?
A native vegetation shore buffer is vital for lake health, and it's against county and state regulations to remove native plants and trees without a county and/or state permit. Invasive plants and weeds can be manually removed and replaced with native shore plants (pdf).How can I landscape the shore?
Ensure landscaping doesn't interfere with the natural filtration and habitat function of the shoreline, no pavers, paving, grading or retaining walls. Start with Mason County Planning for questions and permits.Can I remove invasive weeds?
Yes! But since the aquatic weeds are on LLVCC community property, please do it properly: WDFW Aquatic Plant Removal and Control (pdf).How can I tell if plants are invasive?
Here is a Weed Identification Guide. Also see the Lake Weeds page.Are there nice looking native plants I can plant on the shore?
Yes! It's easy choosing the right ones: Lakeshore Planting Guide (pdf). Look here for great local native plant nurseries. Did you know Alderbrook Resort landscapes with native plants?I want to build a dock, who do I talk to?
Mason County Planning, and LLVCC for required permits.Where are some resources I can research myself?
Start with the Resources Page or reach out the Mason Conservation District.Should we care about protecting the lake? Do other lakes have problems?
Unfortunately yes, and they often get worse over time. See list of local lakes with closures.
Maintain required shoreline buffer of native vegetation and trees, it's vital for run-off filtration, erosion control, habitat and curbs algae and weeds. Removal of native trees, and plants, building any structure, paving or grading within 100 feet of the lake requires a permit from Mason County Planning and tree replanting. Tree removal in all of LakeLand Village requires LLVCC ACC approval.
The more developed and altered the shoreline becomes, the more sediment, pollutants and fertilizer get in the lake. This promotes weed growth and muck. Without a vegetation buffer 5 times more runoff, 6 times more phosphorous, and 18 times more sediment goes into the lake.
Manually remove invasive weeds and noxious plants from the lake and shore, keeping cut vegetation out of the lake, and avoid leaf blowers spreading seeds into the lake. Learn about invasive weeds and plants on and in Lake Anderson here.
Avoid fertilizing close to the lake, and keep lawns set well back from the shore.
Prevent chemicals, paint and stain from entering the lake.
Keep fish guts and pet waste out of the lake.
Manage storm water to ensure filtered drainage.
Bulkheads, docks, paving and paver stones on the or near the shore severely impact runoff-filtration, and do require county permits.
Electricity and fresh water is a deadly combination: Electric Shock Drowning Awareness Brochure