One notable issues discussed was the delay in authorizations for the Stonewater Mass project, a significant undertaking intended to enhance the lake’s infrastructure. The commission had already disbursed a $50,000 initial payment to Precise, the contractor, with a total project budget of $160,000. The project is expected to generate a reimbursement of $200,000 from the state. However, the commission has faced prolonged delays in receiving necessary approvals from the state department, identified only as “D” during discussions. These delays have been attributed to complications with the SAGE system (System for Administering Grants Electronically), which have persisted for over six weeks. The commission underscored the urgency of resolving these issues, given a looming deadline of July 31, 2026, for finalizing submissions. Members expressed a desire for improved communication with the state to mitigate these holdups and stressed the importance of effective coordination, particularly during the summer months when vacations and staffing shortages could exacerbate the situation.

Shoreline protection emerged as another area of concern, sparked by Ocean Township’s zoning board decision to approve a seven-bedroom house’s construction on a lot adjacent to the lake. This decision was met with dissatisfaction from the commission, which felt that critical factors like the need for a variance due to the property’s width had been overlooked. A commission member, who attended the zoning meeting as a concerned neighbor, highlighted the oversight and expressed the commission’s desire to be involved in future decisions impacting the shoreline. The commission aims to obtain relevant information and provide input on notable decisions affecting the lake’s environment.

In lighter topics, the commission celebrated the successful reduction of goose populations around the lake. Members noted fewer sightings of baby geese compared to previous years. Observations included reports of a family of seven geese that were almost fully grown, further indicating a potential decline in overall geese numbers.

The commission’s attention also turned to organizing a community cleanup initiative focusing on the lake’s water and shoreline areas. The cleanup, tentatively scheduled for August 9, 2026, aims to involve community members in both boating and land-based activities. Discussions included distributing gear and trash bags to participants and identifying centralized locations for trash collection, such as the boat ramps in Allenhurst and Asbury Park. The commission decided to hold the cleanup on a Sunday to accommodate residents’ schedules better, acknowledging that many community members have commitments on Saturdays. Challenges such as shoreline accessibility due to dense vegetation were noted, yet members stressed the importance of addressing litter, particularly in areas like Asbury Park, where parking lot debris often ends up in the lake.

Addressing an oil spill issue from March 2023 was also on the commission’s agenda. Members had corresponded with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regarding cleanup efforts in Asbury Park and Interlaken. The commission remains committed to ensuring a thorough cleanup, mindful of the spill’s lasting effects on the environment.

In new business, the commission discussed the recent restocking of Fireman’s Pond with 40 largemouth bass and 400 sunfish. A local minister participated in the event by blessing the fish, fostering a communal and celebratory atmosphere. The restocking has encouraged community engagement, with children fishing at the pond, despite the fish’s current small size. The commission is considering restocking minnows in the fall, based on recommendations from the hatchery.

Additional topics included the status of the boat rack, Lake Appreciation Month plans, and a green appearance in the eastern portion of the lake near Dill Golf Club. This discoloration raised concerns of algae blooms, though the commission clarified that no harmful algae bloom had been identified by the DEP’s monitoring dashboard. Monitoring efforts by Monmouth University are ongoing to provide alerts if conditions change.