Lake Wilson has been so low for a few years that it was almost impossible to launch a boat. Fishing was difficult due to shallow water and a very irregular bottom. We couldn’t access Horse Shoe Bend or any of our favorite spots in the west end. That has now changed! The recent and on-going big rains have dumped LOTS of water into the Saline River and Lake Wilson. We can launch a boat at Elm Creek now—and that hasn’t happened for years.
I drove up there and got these pictures. The lake should be pretty much full after these rains. It is a gift! The west end up in the Saline is filling up with Phragmities that we discussed last week. It is really thick in the channel. We are already losing habitat and access. I hope the State or Wildlife Department starts to control some of that awful weed or we will lose a lot of our precious space. It is going to require considerable effort and resource, but I’m not sure we have a choice. What a terrible weed.
Our marsh is getting ready for teal season. Boat ramps and access sites have been cleaned and are ready for the hunters. I haven’t seen large numbers of teal yet, but they are certainly visible in most of the pools.
Someone put 3 rounds of 45 caliber bullets through the window and side of one of the department tractors over by the highway. I just don’t understand that mentality. The $2,000 plus could have been spent on any number of things to make our marsh better. That activity is up there with the people who shoot highway signs. We always blame kids, but the kids I know wouldn’t do stuff like that on a bet. I somehow suspect alcohol. Let’s all be really careful hunting and birding in the marsh this year and not make me use my assistant coroner credentials.
Hoisingtons Labor Day Celebration was a lot of fun. I appreciated Mr. Kruckenberg representing the Commissioners in fine fashion. Jerry Moran is always there and is admired. We missed the governor and Dr. Marshall and the state reps that usually show up. It was a grand parade and everyone had a swell time. I don’t see how any car can survive that Demolition Derby—but the winner was in the parade on a float. We are always grateful to Craig Jaynes for his loyal and skillful artistry that supports Kans for Kids. Lots of good things done by good people make all of us proud and better! We certainly live in a great place!
Doc