LAKE LIFE LEDGER- Fish & Lake

ANNUAL MEETING: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25 - 6:30pm    Food provided / BYOB

Fall Lake Drawdown

Each year around November 1, Cinnamon Lake’s water level is lowered several feet by releasing water at the dam. The purpose is mainly practical: to protect docks, seawalls, and other shoreline structures from winter ice damage. It also lets property owners maintain docks, lifts, and retaining walls while levels are low and increases storage capacity should spring snow, or rains raise the lake quickly. Fall drawdown is a common lake management practice.

Fish generally tolerate this change without harm. As the water recedes, they move to deeper areas. Although the reduced volume concentrates fish, cold water slows metabolism, so feeding and predation decline. The drawdown’s impact on fish populations is minor.

For aquatic plants, the effects are more complex. Because the drawdown occurs after most vegetation is dormant, established plants are usually unaffected. However, the freeze–thaw cycle in exposed areas can damage roots, especially during a plant’s first year. This makes it harder for vegetation
to take hold, slowing efforts to expand plant coverage in shallow zones. Lowering the lake also exposes mudflats that may briefly attract shorebirds and waterfowl before freeze-up. Hibernating reptiles and amphibians appear unaffected. Overall wildlife impacts are minimal. 

Although the annual drawdown makes shoreline plant establishment more difficult, it remains a necessary and effective measure to prevent ice damage and causes little or no harm to fish or other aquatic life.

Keeping Organic Waste Out of the Lake
Many members have noticed the black sludge that collects along Cinnamon Lake’s shorelines. This sludge results from leaves, grass clippings, and other organic matter that sink and decay. Wind and waves push debris toward the edges, where the thickest layers accumulate. This buildup is more than just unpleasant to see, smell, or wade through. As it breaks down, decaying matter consumes oxygen, reducing water quality and stressing fish and
other aquatic life. It also releases nutrients that fuel algae growth, making the lake murky, producing odors, and harming the ecosystem. Over time, decayed material fills in shallow areas, making them less usable for recreation.

Since Cinnamon Lake was created over 50 years ago, it has slowly filled with sediment and organic matter—a natural process for all lakes. However, by keeping leaves, grass clippings, and other yard waste out of the water, we can slow this process and extend the lake’s life. Properly disposing of yard
waste away from the shoreline helps keep Cinnamon Lake cleaner, healthier, and more enjoyable for everyone, now and in the future.

Octoberfest

The FISH & LAKE COMMITTEE is an all-volunteer group of CL residents who strive to do everything we can to make our lake a wonderful place for all to enjoy.  Over many years, this group has raised funds and donated countless volunteer hours to improve our lake for family-friendly recreation such as swimming, fishing, boating, picnics and an overall appreciation of nature. 

Here's how you can help...

• Join this committee!  You'll get "hooked" by giving back to this community.

• Attend meetings!  We meet on the 4th Wednesday each month @7pm @The Lodge.

• Support our fundraisers!
  
  Register for the OKTOBERFEST 5-1/4-mile Run, 1-mile Walk, or Youth Fun-Run. 

  • Get all the details at cinnamonlakerace.com 
  • Adults are guaranteed a shirt, but you must REGISTER ONLINE by September 15.
  • All registrants receive a complimentary meal.

  This is a major fundraiser for the committee so even if you don't want to run/walk it, your registration helps our community and gets you a shirt and a meal!

• 9/14/25: THANK YOU to all who enjoyed the 'garage sale luncheon'.   You donated generously and it is appreciated!

The "garage sale luncheon" is on Friday, September 12th 11am - 2pm.

C'mon down to the lodge for lunch.

That's it for now; gone fishin'!