Crime Rises with Temperatures

With the onset of Spring, we see an increase in the amount of crimes committed in the region as temperatures begin to warm, particularly at night.  GRDA Police are currently investigating thefts from docks and boats on Grand lake that are primarily occurring during the hours of darkness.  A notable increase in thefts from docks and boats, as well as the theft of boats has occurred on the north end of the lake near Wolf Creek and the Elk River, as well as on the south end of the lake near Pensacola Dam.  We have no suspects at this time, but believe these subjects are operating from the water now that nightly temperatures have risen.  Most of these crimes have occurred after 8 PM till 8 AM. 

In order to reduce your risk of becoming a victim of crime, we offer the following information:

• Check your lake property as often as you can and call police to report any losses.
• Watch your neighbors properties and report any suspicious activity on the lake, especially after dark.  Should you see anything unusual, such as flashlights, boats operating without navigation lights, hear noises, voices or barking dogs, call police at 911. 
• Secure your property on your docks and boats.  Don’t leave anything of value where it may tempt others to steal it. 
• Record serial numbers for all electronics and remove them from your boat when not in use.
• Install lighting on your docks so it can be seen at night.  Motion sensor lights will not only garner the attention of you and your neighbors, but will act as a deterrent to thieves working at night.
• Consider installing a surveillance camera recording system for your property, including your dock and boat.  Current technology available in video systems can provide police with a big advantage in apprehending criminals. 

Rush for Brush Coming Soon

One of the most successful and popular Grand River Dam Authority programs is making its return to the shores of Grand Lake on April 1.  Volunteers have helped to build and place close to 14,000 artificial fish habitats since GRDA’s first workshop over a decade ago. The first 2017 Rush For Brush workshop is scheduled for Saturday, April 1 at Wolf Creek Park in Grove and, like popular workshops of the past, it will be an opportunity for volunteers to build artificial fish habitats for placement in the lakes at the location of their choice. An additional workshop is also planned for Saturday, May 20 in the lower parking lot, adjacent to the GRDA Ecosystems and Education Center in Langley.

GRDA initiated the “Rush For Brush” program over a decade ago and it has only grown in popularity and participation each year. The Authority provides the materials (mostly PVC pipe) for the “spider block” habitats and volunteers provide much of the manpower. The habitats protect fry and fingerlings and will stay in place longer than a natural brush pile, because they are weighted with concrete blocks or bricks. Since the spring of 2007, GRDA estimates that volunteers have helped to construct close to 14,000 artificial habitats. As always, GRDA anticipates a large turnout for the workshops and is asking participants to register to insure that enough materials are available. You can do that online by clicking on the “Lake Information” dropdown menu on grda.com, then following the “2017 Lake Events” link to “Rush For Brush Registration.” You can also contact the GRDA Ecosystems Management Department at (918) 256 0895.  For over a decade, this program has helped enhance the fisheries of Grand and Hudson lakes, two of the most popular fishing destinations in the region. GRDA’s goal is to continue that effort, with volunteer help, in 2017.