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$600,000 Watershed Partnership EPA Grant Approved! (continued from Home Page)   FEBRUARY 2013 The RCD is pleased to announce that we have received approval for a 319 Grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), officially titled “Upper Babbling Brook Multi-BMP Project”, to address the stabilization and improvement of over three miles of Babbling Brook which flows through the Bettner Farm, beginning at its source and ending at the boundary of the Nachusa Grass Lands newly acquired Orland property. The grant application was mailed to the EPA in July 2012.  To view/download the Grant Application (.pdf), click here . Project Details: • Stabilization of over 3000 feet of stream bank • Installation of over 4500 feet of fencing to limit cattle access to the stream that flows through pasture lands • Installation of several cattle crossings that limit cattle to stream access as well as crossing at non-erodible stream bank locations • Construction of over three acres of a silt containment/peripheral wetlands area for increased water filtration • Re-meandering of over 1000 feet of stream that was at one time straightened • Re-tiling of current pastureland to allow filtered drainage of an area prone to soil erosion • Development of a 10-year Watershed Maintenance Program to ensure long term viability of the project As some may ask, “why the heck should we be interested in this or spend the dollars doing this?” Here are the answers: The RCD has and will continue to be on a long term program supporting our mission, which is to protect and improve the Clear Creek Watershed of which Lost Lake is part of. In reality, of the 10,000 acres comprising the watershed, Lost Lake covers only a little over 88 acres (.9%), but is the “recipient” of whatever the remaining 9,922 acres throw at it. So in order to accomplish any improvement on the lake itself, and downstream to the Rock River, we need to do whatever we can to improve the rest of the watershed. The only way to do that is by reducing the amount of non-point sources of silt, fertilizers, farmland runoff, etc. that flow downstream from the water sources of Clear Creek and Babbling Brook. Currently, Nachusa Grass Lands cover an area of over 3000 acres which Clear Creek flows through. As stewards of the land, we have seen the work they have done reap the benefits of a major drop in runoff entering the lake through Clear Creek. Babbling Brook is the other major source of silt and materials flowing into the lake. The Bettner Farm purchased land north of Hay Road, which contains the headwaters of Babbling Brook, and except for a few acres, contains over three miles of the brook. What this says is that this length of Babbling Brook is the last area we can improve to significantly lower silt and other farm runoff flowing into the lake. Nachusa Grasslands, with its acquisition of the Orland property that borders the lake and community, will manage the rest of the improvements on their property. This is essentially the third major grant funded project supported by the EPA the RCD will tackle in the past 5 years that supports its mission. The first was establishing the Clear Creek Watershed Planning Committee and completing a comprehensive watershed plan, approved by the Natural Resources and Conservation Services (NRCS) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This involved the RCD beginning a shoreline stabilization program that continues today. The second was the Babbling Brook Stabilization Project completed this past year. These are significant projects, that when added to this grant, total well over a million dollars of improvement to our watershed the result of which will be improved water clarity, less silt, less fertilizers, more plant growth, more fish and aquatic life throughout the watershed, including Lost Lake. Finally, collectively these projects will greatly reduce the amount of silt and other runoff materials that enter our lake and in some cases find their way to the Rock River by increasing natural filtration and/or greatly slowing down the rate at which water flows into and through the watershed and streams. Reducing silt alone will reduce future costs and frequency of dredging the lake. Once this project is completed, the RCD will be planning to dredge, the last of this long term plan we now have in play. Cost Details of the 319 Grant The total grant is for $600,000 of which $240,000 (40%) must be matched either in dollars and/or in-kind. “In-kind” is defined as hours, value of equipment and materials, donated dollars, etc., that are directly attributed to the grant. As an example, as Project Manager, I keep track of my hours and a value is placed on them. Although I receive no payment for those hours, as a volunteer their value goes against the match, effectively reducing actual dollars the RCD must pay out of its budget to support the project. As a member of the Watershed Partnership, Ed Bettner and his family have joined the RCD’s efforts and have signed on to the Watershed Plan supported by the RCD, The EPA and the NRCS. Since the work will also benefit the Bettner Farm, the Bettner Farm will contribute $120,000 of the $240,000 required match. The RCD will provide the other half.  The Project Team will consist of Steve Larry, Project Manager; Marty Portner, RCD Liaison and PR Consultant; Becky Breckenfelder, Grant Administration Assistant; Joe Rush, On-site Construction Consultant; Rebecca Olson, Grant Administrator and Wetlands Consultant; Dick Baumann, Engineering Consultant; and Ed Bettner, Construction Manager. For those of you who recall the Babbling Brook Project, except for Marty and Ed, this team was responsible for bringing that project in on time and on budget. So we have an expert team in place for this one. When will the project begin? In actuality, it already has. Preliminary engineering and design work was completed as part of the grant application process and as noted above, our team has been formed. So actual “construction” could begin as early as this fall, weather permitting with completion sometime next year. Meeting this aggressive time line, although not easy, can be accomplished. As for all of what the RCD does, this project will have full transparency. Updates will be posted on our web site and everyone interested in keeping up with the project may also do so by attending our regularly scheduled monthly meetings.  Grant Application Exhibits: Click on the below thumbnail images to expand Show More

Archived Podcasts This podcast updates the lake dredging project, our most recent grant application, and the cafe/marina project. Podcast #6 | March 14, 2016 - 00:00 / 00:00 Podcast #5 | January 18, 2016 - 00:00 / 00:00 This podcast updates the Schings Park dredging project and overviews a new grant proposal, and the conversion of the Lake Court Center. Podcast #4 | November 24, 2015 - 00:00 / 00:00 Listen to CCWP interview (Part 2), Schings' Park dredging report, learn about a Lake Court Center business opportunity, and a Christmas Tree Walk. Listen as the RCD discusses the Clear Creek Watershed Partnership, the lake dredging project, the Pennies For Parks' "Haunted Hayride", and more. Podcast #3: October 18, 2015 - 00:00 / 00:00 Podcast #2: September 13, 2015 - 00:00 / 00:00 Listen as the RCD discusses fish stocking, lake dredging, "Pickle Ball", and more. Podcast #1: August 10, 2015 - 00:00 / 00:00 RCD Vice President Glenn Baldwin discusses fiscal challenges faced by the RCD, a $100,000 grant application for further shoreline stabilization, and upcoming lake dredging.

Memorial Program NEW IN 2026! LEGACY TREE AND BENCH PROGRAM HONORING OUR LOVED ONES WITH RECREATIONAL BEAUTIFICATION Honor the legacy of a loved one or pet by sponsoring a beautiful bench or tree in their name. This program offers the opportunity to create a peaceful space for celebration, remembrance, and reflection. The RCD’s Memorial Program allows community members to make a donation to the RCD for the purchase and maintenance of a park bench or the planting of a tree to commemorate events, people, or pets. The donation to this legacy program includes engraving on the bench or a plaque near the tree. What a great way to honor a loved one while supporting beautification in Lost Lake Community! BENCH PROGRAM Bench Specifications & Cost To maintain a cohesive aesthetic, the RCD has selected a standardized bench design: 6-foot bench, cedar color, black legs, made with composite materials. The current donation requirement is $1,400. This fee includes the cost of the bench with custom engraving, and the RCD will cover installation costs. Bench Location & Placement Placement is limited to pre-approved sites within RCD parks & properties. Applicants may request a specific location; however, the RCD board reserves the right to make the final determination based on underground utilities, maintenance access, and existing bench density. Bench Inscription Standards Text must be dignified and may not include advertising, political slogans, or derogatory language. Maintenance & Term of Dedication The RCD guarantees the bench for 10 years from the date of installation. We will perform routine cleaning and minor repairs. We are not responsible for natural weathering or minor wear and tear. In the event of severe vandalism or theft, the RCD will make a one-time effort to repair or replace the bench. TREE PROGRAM Tree Specifications & Cost A variety of tree species are available to memorialize. The RCD will work with the applicant and a local nursery to choose the appropriate tree. To view the current list of tree varieties available, CLICK HERE . The current donation requirement is $250. This fee includes the cost of the tree and plaque with custom engraving, and the RCD will cover installation costs. Tree plantings take place in the spring and the fall. Tree Location & Placement Placement is limited to pre-approved sites within RCD parks & properties. Applicants may request a specific location; however, the RCD board reserves the right to make the final determination based on underground utilities, maintenance access, and existing bench density. Tree Inscription Standards Text must be dignified and may not include advertising, political slogans, or derogatory language. Maintenance & Term of Dedication The RCD guarantees the tree for 3 years from the date of planting. The RCD will water and care for the tree until it is established. MEMORIAL PROGRAM APPLICATION Ready to purchase your memorial beautification item? CLICK HERE to download the our Memorial Program Brochure & Application . Completed applications should be sent along with payment to: Lost Lake RCD 404 Lake Ct. Dixon, IL 61021 Questions? Contact our office at info@lostlakercd.org or 815-652-2006.

Lost Lake Management The Lost Lake RCD owns and manages an 88-acre Lost Lake. The lake was formed in the mid 1960s as the cornerstone recreational asset of the original real estate development, "Lost Nation Woodland Homesteads". For the first eight or so years of its existence, the lake was approximately half of its current acreage. Then, around 1972, the lake's current dam and spillway were built, and the original earthen dam and spillway were then dismantled and breached, forming the current 88-acre lake which is fed by two feeder streams (Babbling Brook and Clear Creek). The "peninsula" which is located northeast of the West Beach area is what remains of the original dam/spillway. Interestingly, the original developers had also hoped and planned to enlarge the lake yet one additional time, building yet another dam/spillway further downstream to the northwest, flooding what is now the campground area and property adjacent to the Lost Nation Golf Course, which was, at that time, owned by the real estate developers and a integral part of the "Lost Nation Woodland Homesteads" community. In the 1980s, the RCD, as a governmental taxing body, was formed to gather and provide enlarged funding for improved management of the lake. We pursue lake viability through the EPA grant programs in conjunction with private grant programs. These programs seek to partner with government/private bodies to reduce the silt and pollutant contributions to the lake through planning and administration of best land-use practices, contributory stream management and stabilization and natural habitat wildlife management. In this manner, we can amplify the effects of taxpayer dollars by capitalizing on the "free money" from the grants. Lake management activities and practices provided by the RCD include: • professional contracted lake management consultations • beach water testing per Illinois Department of Health • silt management / dredging operations • dam/spillway maintenance • shoreline stabilization programs • fish stocking • carp and shad reduction programs • boat rack and boat dock construction/maintenance Electroshocking Surveys Electroshocking of the lake allows scientific study of the quantity and quality of the lake's fish population. From these surveys, fish management programs, including fish stocking recommendations, can be intelligently developed and implemented. 2019 JadEco Lake Electroshocking Survey 2017 JadEco Lake Electroshocking Survey 2015 IDNR Lake Electroshocking Survey 2011 IDNR Lake Electroshocking Survey 2009 IDNR Lake Electroshocking Survey 2007 IDNR Lake Electroshocking Survey 2006 IDNR Lake Electroshocking Survey 2004 IDNR Lake Electroshocking Survey 2002 IDNR Lake Electroshocking Survey Fish Stocking The RCD provides $3,000-$5,000 annually toward fish stocking of Lost Lake. Below are historical fish stocking data going back to 1985.

Budget + Financials The Lost Lake RCD (officially, the "Lost Nation/New Landing River Conservancy District of Illinois") is a county (Ogle County) agency and taxing body, governed under the Illinois Compiled Statutes Special Districts, River Conservancy Districts Act, 70 ILCS2105/1. We are funded by tax dollars from within our district. The maximum rate which can be extended by the District in any fiscal year for its general corporate purposes is $.75 per $100 of the value assessed.  Presented below are key RCD financial documents. To view or download the document(s), simply click on the document title. As always, should you have any questions or comments, please contact us.  The RCD's Fiscal Year is May 1 – April 30. FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 Public Notice of Preliminary Budget & Public Hearing Budget and Appropriation - Preliminary Budget and Appropriation Ordinance FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 Public Notice of Preliminary Budget & Public Hearing Budget and Appropriation - Preliminary Budget and Appropriation Ordinance Tax Levy Annual Financial Report FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 Public Notice of Preliminary Budget & Public Hearing Budget and Appropriation - Preliminary Budget and Appropriation Ordinance Tax Levy Annual Financial Report

Board, Officers & Personnel The RCD Board of Directors is comprised of five property owners within the district. To be on the board, your primary residence must be registered within the taxing district and you must be a registered voter. The board member terms last for five years and become due to expire in a staggered pattern so that each year only one board member's position will expire. At that time, the existing board member, as well as any other interested parties, must apply at the County Clerk's office at the Ogle County Courthouse and be interviewed for the new term. Applications for normal end of terms should be in by the end of March as the position officially starts on May 1st. This same process will apply for a position that is open midterm. Openings are announced in the local newspapers, the bulletin boards at the front entrances to Lost Lake, on our Facebook page, and here on our website.  Click here to view/download a Board of Trustees Application For Appointment form Board meetings are open to the public and occur on the second Thursday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at the Lake Court Center. Our Current Board of Directors: (left to right) Hal Warren, Tim Spelde, Doug Jones, Tim Sanders, Norm Eakley ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES Tim Spelde (President) • Facilitates meetings and manages organization • Oversees employees • Attends to all legal matters and interpretations • Oversees RCD asset management, including building, grounds, beaches, and parks • Involved in the preparation of the Annual Budget • Manages the dam, including maintenance • Works with Wildlife Manager to ensure proper application of wildlife control techniques • Responsible for campground issues and upkeep including road access • Oversees RCD Lake Security Program, including boating and dock regulatory enforcement • Liaison with Lost Lake POA and Lost Lake Utility District • Oversees Hunting Program • Responsible for Fish Stocking and Management Program Hal Warren (Vice President) • Runs meetings and manages organization during absence of President • Oversees Watershed Program • Manages Silt Basins • Reviews and approves all dock construction/shoreline improvements • Oversees Private Dock Compliance Norm Eakley (Treasurer) • Signs financial documents • Oversees all financial operations of the RCD • Manages Lake Court Center building upkeep Doug Jones (Secretary) • Signs official documents as needed • Reviews meeting minutes for accuracy Tim Sanders (Member at Large) Beth Caudill (Employee - Office Manager) • Manages all administrative needs of the RCD, including all required postings, meeting minutes, etc. • Manages use of Community Center, Campground, Lake, and properties; maintains boat and dock registrations • Maintains and updates website • Advisor to the President and Board on legal administrative issues • FOIA Officer • Helps prepare for and attend meetings • Performs Financial Duties, including creating budget and levy, annual and monthly reports, employee tax filing • Prepares Financial Reports Mark Ryerson (Employee - Building & Grounds Maintenance) • Handy-man Maintenance of Lake Court Center and other properties as requested by the board Bryer Peters (Employee - Grounds Maintenance) • Grounds Maintenance at Beaches, Parks, and Campground as requested by the board Rebecca Olson (Olson Ecological Solutions) (Contractor - Grant Manager) • Researches, Manages and Applies for Grants on behalf of the RCD • Wetland and Shoreline Plant Advisor • Helps Supervise Watershed Program Meetings Joe Rush (JadEco) (Contractor - Aquatic Manager) • Advises Board on Management of the Lake and Grant Funded Projects • Inspects Shoreline Improvements • Advises at Watershed Program Meetings • Advises Board on Dredging • Completes electroshocking surveys and provides recommendations for fish stocking

I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. Babbling Brook Project(s) July 2015 - Babbling Brook Project Evaluation and Final Report (49 pages) Click here to view/download/print this .PDF document Babbling Brook and Lost Lake Stabilization Project Video

The Lost Lake RCD is dedicated to managing, preserving and protecting the watershed and environment associated with Lost Lake. Our Beaches are OPEN for the Season, until Labor Day. Our Next RCD Special Board Meeting will be held on Thursday, June 18th at 5PM at Lake Court Center CURRENT NEWS RCD NEWSLETTERS See the latest RCD Newslette r Article HER E . DID YOU KNOW??? Click Here to See if You Know. RECYCLING OPPORTUNITIES Save your Pop Tabs for Ronald McDonald House. Save your Plastic Lids for A Bench for Caps Scouts projects. Please bring these recycled items to the RCD office at Lake Court Center. FISH STOCKING Based on our annual survey performed by our lake biologist, we stocked the following fish in September of 2025: Walleye: 300 Muskie: 20 Small Mouth Bass: 300 Lost Lake RCD Calendar Want to know the upcoming dates of RCD meetings and events, Lake Court Center rentals, and key community activities? CLICK HERE QUICK LINKS ► Beaches ► Boating ► Campground ► Fishing & Creel Limits ► Lake Court Center Rental ► RCD Calendar ► RCD Newsletter ► Memorial Program ► Meeting Agendas & Minutes Monthly RCD meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6 PM at 404 Lake Court, Dixon, IL unless otherwise posted. Office Hours: Thursday and Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM HOLIDAY SCHEDULE The Office will be Closed on the following Holidays: New Years Day Good Friday Memorial Day Independence Day Labor Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas Eve Christmas Day New Years Eve SUBSCRIBE TO OUR E-NEWSLETTER! Never Miss Important News From The RCD Subscribe Now 2026 FISHING CREEL REGULATIONS Il linois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) laws and regulations are in force while fishing Lost Lake. CLICK HERE to view/download current IDNR laws and regulations (76 pages).

RCD E-News The RCD will occasionally and as necessary send E-Newsletters and email alerts to our subscribers. To subscribe, click the "Subscribe Now!" button below. Importantly, the RCD will never share, rent or sell your subscription information, and you are always provided the opportunity to "unsubscribe" from our subscription list. Subscribe Now!

Winter Boat Storage NEW! The RCD now offers winter boat storage at our Campground. A storage rental program is available for landowners within the RCD district, and while all landowners qualify, there will be a limited number of spaces (14) available. A renter will be able to store a registered boat with trailer at the campsite from September 1 to April 30 with the following restrictions: Only boats with trailers 24' and under in length will be allowed to be stored at the campsite. Renter must provide 2x12s to rest tires and tongue on, to protect the property from damage. Window to place boat with trailer for the season will be from September 1 to September 30. Window to remove boat with trailer from storage will be from April 1 to April 30. Renter's boat/trailer still in storage after May 15 will be towed away at the owner's expense, and the owner will need to work with the towing company on getting their boat back. Renters accept all liability as it pertains to storage. The RCD is not responsible for any damage to renter's boat/trailer while in storage at campsite including theft, vandalism, floods, or other acts of nature. Any embellishments to the storage site are only to be completed by the RCD or with RCD approval. Renters will pay $150 non-refundable fee per season. Renters will need to schedule with the RCD to open the campground gate to store or retrieve your boat. Renters will retain the first option to extend to the next season. (Rates may be adjusted.) The RCD may terminate a rental agreement for non-compliance with no refund issued to the renter. Please complete & return the Winter Boat Storage Rental Agreement to reserve your space.

Wildlife Management The RCD is committed to maintaining Lost Lake’s viability as a recreational resource for the taxpayers. We must at the same time be respectful to Mother Nature. The lake and its watershed are, after all, an ecosystem with its own unique combination of plants and animals that live in a symbiotic relationship. This in turn contributes to the long-term health of Lost Lake. To that end, the RCD operates a Wildlife Management program. The aim of this program is to balance the needs of both wildlife and the human inhabitants of the adjacent properties.

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