Restore the Reservoir The Geist Lake Coalition is leading the effort to restore and preserve the reservoir for our future by forming a conservancy district. Geist Reservoir is heading into a perfect storm

of environmental problems, and left untreated it could threaten public health and decrease property values. The Geist Conservancy District is needed to save Geist Reservoir.

Sign the petition. Visit GeistLakeCoalition.org or email GeistCoalition@aol.com for more information.

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Public OpinionAn Indianapolis-based research firm conducted a telephone survey to obtain input from Geist area residents about current use and conditions at Geist Reservoir. Respondents were also asked about their awareness of and attitudes toward the formation of a conservancy district to help oversee and manage land and reservoir resources.

Key Findings

• Respondents are concerned about the overall quality and health of the reservoir. Over 52% are concerned about the reservoir’s quality, and 27%, very concerned.

• Most expressed agreement that property values could decline if nothing is done, with 82% indicating some level of agreement and 41% strongly agreeing that property values could suffer if the reservoir is not protected.

• Conversely, respondents see a healthy reservoir as an asset that maintains or increases property values. 75% agree that property values will likely benefit from a clean, healthy and usable Geist Reservoir, with 62% strongly agreeing.

• There is near universal awareness of natural and chemical pollutants. 93% of respondents indicate awareness that leaves, rain, soil erosion and phosphorus can negatively impact the reservoir’s water quality.

• The reservoir is a key reason why many moved to the Geist area. Nearly half of all respondents, 47%, say they moved to Geist because of the reservoir and to enjoy its amenities.

• While awareness is low, favorability toward the Conservancy District concept is relatively high. 61% express favoring the establishment of the CD.

Catastrophic PossibilitiesFor an example of the catastrophic possibilities if the reservoir is left untreated, look no further than Grand Lake in St. Marys, Ohio. Widespread, toxic blue-green algae blooms forced the lake to close for recreational use from 2010 to 2013. Cleanup efforts have cost in excess of $150 million between 2010 and 2017. This algae continues to be an issue at Grand Lake, threatening public health, hurting marketing and branding efforts, diminishing property values, and being a nuisance in many other ways. It’s estimated that residents lost $51 million in property value from the toxic algae. For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/2JMF6UO.

These blooms are also common in Indiana waterways. When significant algal blooms are present, they can produce neurotoxins, which affect the nervous system, and hepatotoxins, which affect the liver. These toxins can sicken people and kill dogs/pets. People are warned not to swim, wade or swallow any lake water.

The Geist Conservancy District is needed to protect our health and property values.

What is a conservancy district?A conservancy district is a mechanism by which landowners can organize a local unit of government to solve specific issues related to water resources management. Creating a conservancy district allows property owners to have input on treatment of the reservoir and ensures their interests are met, including ensuring property values are maintained.

Why is a conservancy district needed?A conservancy district is needed to restore, preserve and protect the reservoir and to extend its life so it can remain a recreational asset for all stakeholders. Years of inattention to Geist Reservoir’s ecology, as well as surrounding residential and commercial development, have exacerbated issues on and around the reservoir that are creating havoc.

Among the complex and intertwined puzzle of problems to address:

• The lack of stream bank remediation is causing shoreline instability resulting in heavy sediment load.

• Invasive aquatic plants and species, such as Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussels, are destroying native species, disrupting the natural habitat and clogging watercraft.

• Pollutants and phosphorous flowing into the reservoir are causing the proliferation of algae and aquatic weeds.

• Erosion and sedimentation have caused the need for dredging and creation of catch basins in the lake.

In short, Geist will not survive in the long run if these issues aren’t addressed properly and soon.

How will the conservancy district restore and preserve the reservoir?The conservancy district will:

• Unify common interests of stakeholders on and around the three counties surrounding the reservoir while creating an ongoing, sustainable revenue stream.

• Plan and execute viable long-term solutions.

• Maintain stream banks/shoreline to prevent further erosion and improve drainage.

• Complete ongoing maintenance dredging to restore depths.

The conservancy district “model” has been widely used throughout Indiana.

How much will residents have to pay?The Geist Conservancy District will be funded through a combination of assessments and user fees. The assessments will be collected in the same manner as property taxes, and user fees will be collected from owners (district and non-district) of motorized watercraft who wish to operate on the reservoir. Those who pay the user fee will receive a boat sticker (or temporary permit) indicating that the user fee has been paid.

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Estimated Special Benefits Assessments

ANNUAL

Proposed Motorized Watercraft Permit Fees

ANNUAL

Assumed Homestead Net Assessed

VALUATION* (NAV)

Assumed

MARKET VALUE

$1,000,000 $617,750 $412 $125

$700,000 $422,751 $282 $125

$350,000 $195,252 $130 $125

*Assumes Typical Homeowner Exemptions & Supplemental Homestead Deductions

Proposed Non-District Annual Watercraft Permit $250.00

The Proposed BudgetThe proposed Geist Conservancy District budget is $2 million per year. The District’s main focus will be on dredging, aquatic weed and algae control, stream bank and shoreline maintenance and directional markers.

We anticipate over time that the number will change based on the will of the people and the needs of the reservoir. This initial proposal directs the resources that should have been spent on maintenance of the reservoir toward fixing those issues for current and future generations.

What properties are in the Geist Conservancy District?The Geist Conservancy District boundaries include any neighborhood that contains a Geist waterfront or water- access home or property. As Geist Reservoir is the primary driver of property values in the area, it is imperative that the reservoir stays healthy and that local stakeholders equitably contribute and have a voice in ensuring a healthy future.

Investing for our FutureFor a conservancy district to be effective in carrying out vital programs, it must be able to successfully attain a meaningful level of funding. Conservancy district funding sources will primarily include assessments of real property located in the district and user fees. To maintain the lake in a sound physical condition, it is estimated that a budget of approximately $2 million per year is necessary.

How do I get involved?1. Sign the petition. Visit GeistLakeCoalition.org or email GeistCoalition@aol.com for

more information.

2. Go to the website geistlakecoalition.org and sign up to be in-the-know.

3. Be a neighborhood captain. Email GeistCoalition@aol.com to learn more.

61%

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Proposed Annual Cash Requirements

Budget Category Resource TypeProposed Annual Budget* Estimated Annual Receipts

Management / Admin $125,000

Navigational & Markers 25,000

Aquatic Weed, Algae Control 450,000 Zebra Mussel Washout

Dredging & Erosion Control 1,400,000

Total Annual Cash Requirements 2,000,000

District Assessment $900,000

Motorized Watercraft Permits Fees 900,000

Grants / Other (Est.) 200,000

Total Estimated 2,000,000

Estimated Annual Resources

* Proposed Cash Requirements & Funding Resources - per Geist Lake Coalition, Inc.

“Conservancy districts provide critical focus on the local level and they empower residents to be able to

maintain and strengthen water resources focusing on the health, use and the recreation of the water provided.“

– INDIANA STATE SENATOR JIM MERRITT

GEIST CONSERVANCY DISTRICT BOUNDARIES

A. HAMILTON 1. MARINA VILLAGE 2. BRIDGEWATER 3. SAIL PLACE 4. MASTHEAD 5. TAMENEND 6. ANCHORAGE 7. THE PORTAGE 8. BREAKWATER 9. FOREST KNOLL10. CEDARSTONE11. WATERS EDGE12. GEIST BAY ESTATES13. ASHFORD POINTE14. INTRACOASTAL15. GEIST VIEW ESTATES16. CANAL PLACE17. VALLEYS AT GEIST18. SPRINGS OF

CAMBRIDGE

B. MARION 1. FEATHER COVE 1 2. FEATHER COVE 2 3. FEATHER COVE 3 4. MASTHEAD 5. BACK BAY 6. BAY FOREST ESTATES 7. FEATHER BAY 8. SHOREWALK 9. ADMIRALS WOODS10. ADMIRALS SOUND11. DIAMOND POINTE12. ADMIRALS POINTE13. ADMIRALS BAY14. TREASURE POINTE15. ADMIRALS LANDING16. WINDSONG

C. HANCOCK 1. HAMPTON COVE 2. CARDINAL WOODS

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