The January White Lake Town Board meeting began with the recognition of the retirements of four long-time employees.  Mayor Goldston Womble recognized Tim Frush, Public Works Director; Town Board Member, Brenda Clark, (not present) Town Clerk; Bill Stafford, Sewer/Waste Director; and Ricky Smith, Police Officer, who have retired in the last few months.  Mayor Womble praised them for their professionalism and their loyalty to him and the Town.

Several utility releases ($951.42) and tax releases ($196.83) were approved.  The Limnosciences was included in the Commissioner's agenda packet.  It reported on the total annual rainfall and lake level variability for 2021.  Since "the pH of rain has changed considerably over time," the lake has trended from 4.6 in the 1970's to 5.9 recently.  Much information about the lake water quality can be found at whitelakewatch.com.

The biggest part of the meeting discussed a preliminary strategic plan for the lake management plan.  The Town has partnered with the Lumber River Council of Governments to begin the process of developing a lake management plan.  The cost of this work would be $22,000 during the time frame of February 1 - September 30, 2022.  Mr. Jim Perry outlined several preliminary work tasks to be undertaken as part of the strategic planning process:

Delineation of Authority - there needs to be a clear understanding by all involved parties of the state's goals and objectives and how they mesh with the town's desires for the use of lake.

Technical Tasks
Popular Opinion Tasks
Connection to Land Use Planning
Stormwater Management
Management Group
Action Steps
Motion was passed to move forward with this process.

No doubt about it, White Lake is a hopping place between Memorial Day and Labor Day.  Getting in the water is the #1 activity during that time, but there are many other ways to enjoy White Lake during the Labor Day to Memorial Day period.
There are lots of days when the weather is very pleasant.  Recently, in the middle of December we had a day with a high of 81 degrees which makes for a great day at the lake.  You can read a book or just look out over the water.  And you can sit in the sun, instead of the shade, and feel the warmth along with a cool breeze.  With the sun rising and setting at a different angle in the off season the water magically glistens.  Some even think the winter atmospheric conditions make the famous White Lake sunsets even more stunning.  You can still use a motorboat, canoe or kayak, just don’t fall in. 
There are lots of days in the off season when the water is so still it looks like a mirror.  Less boat traffic definitely contributes to this calmness.  You can even hear noises across the lake, it’s that quiet.  Some think the lake water clarity is better in the off season.
Maybe you like it better when it’s not so crowded.  Less standing in line or waiting on others.  Several businesses have made an effort to stay open during the off season.  More motels are open all year than ever before.   And believe it or not, there are 8 places to eat at White Lake every day, all year round.   
Birdwatchers have an unbelievable array of waterfowl at White Lake, especially in the off season.  Many migratory birds stop here.  You can enjoy kingfishers, herons, geese, osprey, loons, and an occasional eagle and several types of ducks.
Holiday decorating makes White Lake even more beautiful in December.   More than ever before people are going all out to decorate their homes and businesses and especially their piers with thousands of lights for the holidays. You can even enjoy one of the biggest celebrations around with food, beverage and live music as White Lake counted down the clock on New Year’s Eve.