The following tips for lake debris removal were originally penned by Steve Meyer, HLWID Board Chairman, long-time resident on Hayden Lake, and experienced debris hauler.  Still appropriate for the ’25 Program, we’ve updated them to reflect current dates and details.

Before hauling lake junk to the staging site, please apply for a ’25 Lake Debris Removal Program Permit.

Timing:

1. The best time to pull wind-blown junk – like logs and broken-down dock parts – off your shoreline is a few days after high water. Don’t wait too long, or some of the heavy logs will get stranded, and you’ll have to wait until the water rises again next year.
2. The last week in May is the best time to haul your waste to the staging site. In ’25, that’s the weekend of May 31 – June 1.
3. Don’t miss the waste drop-off period. It will have a firm closing date of June 9.

Preparing your debris for transport:

1. Fill out the permit application form to receive your permit via email. When it arrives, download, print, and staple it to your debris.
2. Tie your debris together with old rope that you don’t mind leaving at the disposal site. Retired water ski poly ropes work great.
3. If you make a big raft of lake junk, use a stout rope for your tow line. You’ll bring this home with you.
4. Take a loose 15-foot piece of junk rope to tie up your stuff at the disposal site.

Making the Trip

1. Anticipate a slow trip. A big bundle of old logs or dock sections will be cumbersome, and slow is best.
2. A power pole on the north end of the sandbar is the only navigation aid when the water is high in springtime. Stay to the left of the power pole. Have your 1st mate watch the lake bottom on the starboard side of your boat.
3. Once you are 150 yards past the sandbar, look to your right to see the county road at the upper southeast corner of the bay. Head toward the road.
4. Up near the top of the bay, tie your debris to a bush stem on the eastern shore. If there are already other docks or lake junk there, it is OK to tie yours to the stuff already moored there.
5. Please do not leave your raft of junk loose in the bay. Ensure your tie-up is secure. The wind will blow loose stuff to the shore, which creates a hazard and annoys the shoreline property owner.

If you are lucky, it will be a sunny day for this job and a fun outing on the water. Thanks for caring for Hayden Lake.

For more information, see the ’25 LDRP notice, “25 Lake Debris Removal Program – Keeping Hayden Lake Safe and Clean.”