October 3, 2008

     The Friends of Cosby Lake met to form their recommendations of what rules should govern the use of Cosby Lake. The non-profit organization will give their list to the City of Clay Park Board.

     Also present were Mayor Charles Hart, Councilman Benny Grissom, Councilman-elect L.B. Feemster, Councilwoman-elect Jackie Hambrick, City of Clay Planning and Zoning Commissioner Steve Ostaseski, Park Board members Ben Thackerson and Charles Webster. Webster is also going to take office in November as a councilman.

     Brian Rushing, with the Alabama River Land Trust, said they are working out the details of the wording in the conservation easement which will be signed by the City of Clay.

     The City of Clay purchased Cosby Lake earlier this year with $250,000 in a contribution from the Land Trust in exchange for a conservation easement. The Land Trust also provided legal expertise. A conversation easement puts restrictions on use and future development.

     "Each conservation easement is different," said Rushing. "Our organization is responsible for protecting the easement forever."

     Already the City of Clay restricts fishing by granting permits for a fee, the amount depending on the person's age and whether the person is a resident of Clay. Fishing permits from the City of Clay can be acquired from City Hall.

     Mayor Charles Hart said this does not restrict anyone wanting to canoe in the lake. No permit is required for that.

     Rushing said the easement on Cosby Lake will allow picnic tables. "But it will ensure  it will look and be the same as it is now," he said.

     He said the city will be responsible for the maintenance and care of the lake. But the Land Trust will come back once a year to make sure the terms of the easement are being met.

    "If the future council wanted to take down some trees, they would need to renegotiate the easement," Rushing said.

     Hart showed a proposed path for the walking trail around the lake. The map he had showed the path ending in cul de sacs at the edges of the two houses on the lake. Hart said that will likely change. He said he is looking at whether it will be best to have the walking trail go next the lake to complete the loop or go next to Old Springville Road to complete the loop.

     This issue brought comments from Feemster about the safety of having a walking trail close to Old Springville Road.

     Grissom agreed, 'I wouldn't ask anyone to walk next to Old Springville Road, even if there is a barrier."

     Hart said that having cul de sacs will likely not work. He said if the distance is short, then even if the trail doesn't complete the loop next to the lake or go up next to Old Springville Road, people will just walk across the private property of the two houses. They won't walk all the way back around the lake if they want to get back to their car. They will take the shortest route, he said.

     Grissom said a wooden fence at the edge of the private property will solve that.

     Conversation then turned to the walking trail. Hart said there is an old road bed still along the back side of the lake. He said a company exists who can cut and mulch the trees in place. He said the trail will have to meet federal disability access requirements, and wood chips are allowed.

     Another concern was a beaver dam.

     Rushing said he has seen that efforts to tear them down does not work because the beaver will build it back. And he said the main concern is that they don't want the beavers to compromise the current natural dam.

     Hambrick suggested a retaining wall be built because erosion is likely polluting the lake.

     Rushing said the best answer is planting woody plants. He said their agreement with the city will likely require pervious surfaces.

     Hart said he has already negotiated with the Land Trust for only troll motor boats or nonmotorized boats allowed. No gas motors or aircraft except in times of emergency, such as search for someone a body in the lake or LifeSaver helicopter.

      Feemster said he didn't want bicycles to be allowed.

     Others disagreed, saying a family enjoyment will be enhanced with strollers and bicycles being allowed. 

     Rushing said if the trail is at least eight feet wide, it can accommodate bicyclists and walkers.

     Steve Ostesaski said the gravel or wood chips trail will prevent speed bikers.

See the October 9 Clay News for a list of the rules suggested by the Friends of Cosby Lake.