Hummel Lake boat ramp work continues

As winter winds down and a little bit of spring peeks through, Kwiaht and the Lopez Youth Conservation Corps have resumed clearing invasive blackberry brush, English ivy, and Scotch broom from the WDFW fishing access site at the corner of Center and Hummel Lake roads. More of the original park is emerging from the bushes, and with it, more panoramic views of the lake.

Boats have been pulled from the flooded shoreline and stacked safely away from both the lake edge and ongoing brush clearing. We will soon begin replacing the blackberries with more manageable native shrubs and wildflowers that will attract and feed wildlife without obstructing restored views and lakeshore access. And the charming but deteriorating wooden kiosk for loaner life-jackets will soon be replaced by a weatherproof dock box. Thanks to George Willis for building the original kiosk, and to the Lopez Lions for their gift to help pay for the dock box and new safety signage and gear!

What’s next? Watch for spring and summer events, ranging from planting parties to natural history and boater safety. Perhaps we can also get some help obtaining another picnic table to two?

Here’s one date to put on your calendar: Earth Day, April 22, 1:00 pm, we will combine a planting party with talks and displays on the native plants and wildlife of the lake, and refreshments. Don’t miss it!

Important information for boaters!

On the whole, we have been impressed by how little trash we have had to remove from the site. Thank you to everyone that has enjoyed Hummel Lake and packed out their trash!

Unfortunately, boats left at the landing often drift away, and some have sunk or washed up on privately owned lakeshores. We can do better at storing boats securely, and ensuring that they don’t just become trash or, even worse, safety issues.

If you plan to leave your kayak, canoe or dinghy at the boat ramp, please mark it with your name and a phone number. The state maintenance crew removed several derelict boats last summer, and in future they may remove boats regardless of their condition, if they cannot identify and contact the owners.