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 state designated critical area and fragile due to the shallow depth. LakeAnderson.org outlines best practices for maintaining our shoreline, 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.
Avoid fertilizing close to the lake, and keep lawns set well back from the shore.
Prevent soaps, detergents, pesticides, chemicals, paint and stain from entering the lake.
Keep fish guts and pet waste out of the lake.
Manage storm water to ensure water is filtered though gravel before entering the lake.
Maintain the required shoreline buffer of native vegetation and trees, it's vital for run-off filtration, erosion control, habitat and it 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. Tree removal in all of LakeLand Village requires LLVCC ACC approval.
Without a vegetation buffer five times more runoff, six times more phosphorous, and 18 times more sediment goes into the lake, promoting weeds and muck.
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.
Electricity and fresh water is a deadly combination: Electric Shock Drowning Awareness Brochure
Isn't this a private lake?
No, ours is a private access lake. Like 7,800 other lakes, the state owns and regulates the water, with counties regulating shoreline development.What's an SMP?
The Shoreline Master Program is the county ordinance and state law regulating shoreline development the in accordance with Shoreline Management Act of 1971.Who owns the lake bed, weir, and dam?
LLVCC (all 950+ LLVCC members). No residential properties extend into the lake.Can I build a shed, patio or fence near the shore?
Any project (including any size of tree removal, fences, sheds, patios, etc.) within 100 feet of the shore requires county approval, and LakeLand covenants restrict structures within 50 feet of the shore.Can I make or expand a beach with sand or gravel?
It's against 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 remove trees and clear shore vegetation?
Not without county approval and an LLVCC permit. A native vegetation shore buffer is vital for lake health, and “no net loss” of shoreline ecological function is permitted. 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.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.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.