Dear Editor,

I am writing in response to Valerie Jeffrey’s May 8 letter titled “Greater Clarity Needed on Proposed Conservancy District.” Her comments misstate both the purpose of the recent postcard mailing and the background of the proposed conservancy district for Webster and Backwater Lakes.

The district is being proposed to ensure future maintenance, repair or reconstruction of the Webster/Backwater Lakes Dam — not because of a Webster Lake Conservation Association board vote, as Ms. Jeffrey claimed, but due to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ termination of a prior repair contract. With the state stepping away from responsibility during ongoing litigation, a conservancy district is the most viable path to preserve and maintain the dam.

The sole purpose of the postcard was to inform property owners within the proposed district of two informational meetings scheduled for May 31 and June 7 at 9:30 a.m. at the North Webster Community Center. Owners need only attend one session. As stated in the postcard, each meeting will cover the project’s goals, proposed district authority, management structure, boundaries and the petitioning process required before the court can authorize public comment hearings.

Ms. Jeffrey also misquoted the final paragraph of the postcard. Her version reflects speculation rather than fact. Additionally, her assumptions about the WLCA board’s intent and approach are unfounded; she has not attended WLCA meetings or reviewed prior correspondence sent to lake residents. As a result, her portrayal of WLCA’s role and transparency is inaccurate.

WLCA has continuously worked to keep stakeholders informed. The Mail-Journal, Warsaw Times-Union and InkFreeNews have covered this effort in detail as WLCA has engaged with both town and county officials. The upcoming meetings are another step toward open communication and transparency.

Representatives from Jones, Petrie, Rafinski (engineering consultants), WLCA and public officials will present at the sessions.

For clarity, the actual final paragraph of the postcard reads: “These are informational meetings. Questions will be taken and answered. No public comments will be accepted at these meetings. Meetings for Public Comment will be held upon Court Approval of the Project.”

We encourage all owners to attend and learn the facts firsthand.

Sincerely,
Michael Wyrick
President, WLCA