Stow-A-Way Marina and RV Park Lake Conroe Blog
Toyota Texas Bass Classic & The Stow A Way Marina Sunday Morning Tournament Team Up In 2012
by LaMarr Anderson on 01/20/12Stow-A-Way Marina & RV Park is proud to announce the Toyota Texas Bass Classic will return to Lake Conroe in 2012 on September 28, 29, and 30. Come out and enjoy a great weekend with family and friends. They will also be sponsoring the Stow-A-Way Marina & RV Park Sunday Morning Team Tournament for a six tournament series and a Championship season finale. The Series dates are Feb 26, March 11, March 18, April 22, May 20, and June 17 2012. The Championship will be held September 16, 2012. Up for grabs in the Series Race are 2 Pro-Am Spots in the T.T.B.C. to fish with the top Pros in the World. The T.T.B.C. is also donating $ 1500.00 towards the Championship Fund. For more info or to register call 936-856-4531.
Ignition Bass Team Open Lake Conroe
by LaMarr Anderson on 11/15/11Garrett Pierce and Jaun Monroy take top honors at the Ignition Bass Team Open last weekend at Stow A Way Marina And RV Park on Lake Conroe. Their first place stringer weighed in at 20.14 lbs. with a 7.51 lbs. kicker.
Boat Ramp Reopened
by LaMarr Anderson on 11/01/11After an extensive project, the boat launch at Stow A Way Marina and RV Park reopens. The launch ramp has been extended 36 feet along with major dredging allows the marina's customers to launch their boats again.
Lake Conroe summer's drought may worsen next year
by LaMarr Anderson on 08/23/11
As historically bad as this summer's drought has been, we may not have seen the worst of it. There's growing concern among some scientists that Texas' drought could linger through another dry winter and return next summer to more deeply ravage an already water-stressed state. "I've started telling anyone who's interested that it's likely much of Texas will still be in severe drought this time next summer, with water supply implications even worse than those we are now experiencing," said John Nielsen-Gammon, the state climatologist and a Texas A&M University professor. In the short term, there's little relief in store. Houston topped 100 degrees (101) again Monday, beating the record of 32 total days with temperatures reaching the century mark set in 1980 (not consecutive). Rain chances through the end of the month are low, although isolated showers could break through the high pressure during afternoon hours this week. But the odds of sustained, widespread rain showers are low for the foreseeable future, and the climate outlook for this winter isn't much better. Earlier this month, the federal Climate Prediction Center raised its forecast odds for the return of La Niña conditions in the equatorial Pacific Ocean this winter to 50 percent. During a La Niña winter, Texas generally experiences mild temperatures and drier-than-normal weather, but there are no guarantees. "When you think in terms of a climate forecast and a condition such as La Niña, what's really happening is you're changing your odds," said Mike Halpert, deputy director of the climate prediction center."There have been some La Niña winters in Texas that have been wet. But most of them have been dry." La Niña factor Nielsen-Gammon, who correctly predicted the onset of a significant drought last October because of a La Niña winter, said chance favors at least parts of Texas continuing to experience a drought that will stretch on for two or more years. More than 55 percent of Texas, including Harris, Waller, Brazoria and Galveston counties, is presently experiencing its worst one-year drought on record. Houston has had a shade under 11 inches of rain this year, putting it more than 25 inches below normal for the period since Jan. 1. It's by far the driest start to a year on record in Houston. The drought has begun to stress water supplies, putting the city of Houston and many surrounding communities on mandatory water restrictions. According to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, 796 communities across the state are now limiting water use, including 506 which have issued mandatory restrictions. If the drought persists into next year, the state of Texas won't have the buffer of nearly full water reserves. 'Just as severe' After a fairly wet 2010, Texas entered this year with water reservoirs used to supplement water supplies at 81 percent of capacity. The upper Texas coast region, including Harris and surrounding counties, was in an ever better posture with reservoirs 91 percent full, said Robert Mace, an administrator with the Texas Water Development Board. As of August, the state's reservoirs are at 68 percent of their capacity. The greater Houston region, which has been especially hard hit, has seen its total reservoir capacity fall to 64 percent. "That's the lowest it's been for the upper coast region since we started collecting data in this way," Mace said. The water board has kept this kind of data for two decades. Texas has never experienced a drought as acute as the present lack of rain. However, the infamous 1950s drought from 1950 to 1956 lasted much longer and therefore had a deeper effect on water resources. "Compared to the 1950s, this single year is so intense that it might count for two or three years of the 1950s drought," said Nielsen-Gammon. "In other words, the current drought doesn't need to last the full seven years that the 1950s drought did for it to be just as severe."
TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY LAKE LEVEL SURVEY LAKE CONROE, TEXAS
by LaMarr Anderson on 08/22/11The Lake Conroe Association (LCA) has been working with Texas A&M University and Montgomery County to assess the impact of projected lake level fluctuations resulting from the San Jacinto River Authority’s (SJRA) Groundwater Reduction Plan. Thanks to the generosity of LCA Members, the LCA was able to contribute $62,000 towards this $142,000 project. Lake Conroe is certainly a treasured amenity for residents of Montgomery County, and reduced lake levels clearly impact use of the lake, local business success and residential property values.
Aside from evaluating engineering studies commissioned by SJRA to estimate the effects of removing water from Lake Conroe, an important element of the Texas A&M Study is a survey of local residents. Texas A&M mailed invitations to participate in the Lake Conroe Survey in late July to a one-in-ten random sample of residents within four miles of the lake. It is very important to respond so that A&M’s findings can incorporate our perspectives into estimates of the potential impact of the proposed SJRA Groundwater Reduction Plan. These findings will help our leaders make choices that are sensitive to our perspectives and concerns as they address the serious water issues in our County.
(1) If you are one of those who have already responded, thank you very much!
(2) If you received an invitation but have not been able to respond, it’ not too late. Go to the website (hrrc.arch.tamu.edu/lakeconroe) and enter your unique identifier from the post card you received in the mail. If you’ve misplaced the post card, you can call the research team at Texas A&M at 979-845-7284 and they will be happy to get you started.
(3) IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THE SURVEY BUT DID NOT RECEIVE AN INVITATION, you can send your e-mail address to Dr. George Rogers of Texas A&M at GRogers@TAMU.edu with a “subject line” of “Lake Conroe Study”. He will accumulate these and forward them to the research team to invite you to participate in an “interested parties” survey that is separate from the random sample. This “interested parties” survey is your opportunity to share your perspectives and be heard. The survey will ask for your street address so that the data can be geo-coded, and the address will be subsequently deleted to assure anonymity.
Usually, the LCA asks you to make a donation and WE do the work. This time, we aren’t asking for money but, rather, a small amount of your time. We can’t respond to a survey requesting YOUR opinions. We REALLY need your participation at this time! PLEASE HELP US HELP YOU!
WATER MEETING CALLED BY JUDGE SADLER:
I was asked to attend a water meeting yesterday by Montgomery County Judge Sadler. Attendees included representatives from The City of Houston, Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District, SJRA, Region H Water Planning Committee, Montgomery County, The City of Conroe, Lake Conroe Communities Network (LCCN) and various interested parties. I thought you would appreciate an update of what I interpreted was presented in that meeting. I list the following:
1) Current lake level on Lake Conroe is 196.92 (normal pool is 201.0). The lowest Lake Conroe has ever reached is a level of 196.
2) The City of Houston started removing water from Lake Conroe on Tuesday, August 16, 2011. The estimated rate of removal equates to approximately one half inch per day, or fifteen inches per month. Without significant rainfall to modify their plans, The City of Houston expects to remove a total of three feet of water by the end of 2011. As two thirds owner of Lake Conroe’s water supply, The City of Houston will pay nothing to SJRA for this water.
3) The City of Houston’s contract with SJRA for water removal is based on a calendar year. They can remove two thirds of 100,000 acre feet of water (or approximately 3 feet of water) in any calendar year. Therefore, if significant rainfall does not modify their plans, The City of Houston COULD start withdrawing water from Lake Conroe under its 2012 allotment starting January 1, 2012. At one half inch per day, The City of Houston COULD remove another 3 feet of water from Lake Conroe by the end of March, 2012. Since water use reduces during the Winter season, it would be more likely that The City of Houston removes that 3 feet of water by mid-2012 and not the end of March, 2012.
4) Summer evaporation rates approximate one third to one half inch per day, and total approximately 4 feet per year.
5) While weather forecasters are certainly not always accurate, climatologists do not foresee significant rain for our area for the balance of 2011. Further, with an estimated 50% accuracy, climatologists predict a 2012 drought similar to that we are experiencing in 2011.
6) In big, round numbers, our lake level could reach a level of 190 (or eleven feet below normal pool) by the end of 2011. The math used would be: Current pool of 197… less 3 feet of water removed by The City of Houston… less 2 feet of water evaporated in the second half of Summer/Fall… less 1 ½ feet of water which could be sold by SJRA (their one third of 100,000 acre feet)… less ½ foot of water to account for the surface of Lake Conroe reducing as the water level drops (similar to a bowl….more surface at the top of the bowl and reducing surface as you approach the bottom of the bowl).
7) Looking for the most time-effective solution to our water shortage, the individuals attending Judge Sadler’s meeting strongly encouraged immediately drilling further test wells into the Catahoula Aquifer. Determining the quality and sustainability of this aquifer is of utmost importance in evaluating our water options.
8) Judge Sadler also encouraged the Region H Water Planning Committee to move forward with evaluating the feasibility of building another reservoir in Montgomery County to supplement the waters of Lake Conroe. Previous requests of this nature in 2010 were denied by Region H. With Region H entering a new 5-year planning cycle beginning in 2012, Judge Sadler pointed out that ignoring this request for another 5 years would be unacceptable given water shortages across our area.
9) Judge Sadler further requested that Region H provide a thorough financial review comparing the costs of all water options available to our County including a new reservoir, buying water from the Trinity River Authority and a host of other potential options.
10) While only briefly discussed due to time constraints (priority topics were The City of Houston’s water withdrawl, projected lake levels, use of the Catahoula Aquifer, and Region H’s review of a new reservoir), other water topics of interest included conservation, water restrictions, use of treated effluent for golf course and residential irrigation, and mandatory use of treated effluent incorporated into the development of new communities for irrigation and water features.
Thank you for your support of the Lake Conroe Association and your interest in our Lake Conroe community.
Mike Bleier, President
Lake Conroe Association
Toyota Texas Bass Classic Offers $100,000 Prize for Biggest ShareLunker Caught on Lake Conroe
by LaMarr Anderson on 08/22/11
Promotion limited to first 1,000 registrants
CONROE — The Toyota Texas Bass Classic is proud to introduce the first-ever ShareLunker Club Tournament (SCT) on Lake Conroe, October 1 – 21, 2011. This unique tournament allows the everyday angler to compete like a pro for the chance to win $100,000.
To participate in the tournament, interested anglers need to register and become a SCT member, and then fish on Lake Conroe any time between October 1 – 21, 2011 (the “Tournament Period”). A $100 contribution is required to become a member of the SCT and only pre-registered members will be eligible for the $100,000 prize. The member that catches the largest Toyota ShareLunker from Lake Conroe, during the Tournament Period, will win a cash prize of $100,000. A portion of the proceeds from the program will benefit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s youth outreach programs.
“The ShareLunker Club Tournament is a great way for anglers from throughout the state to fish for big time money at Lake Conroe, the home of the Toyota Texas Bass Classic,” said Dave Terre of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. “Lake Conroe and the City of Conroe are incredible hosts of this event and we’re excited to start the ShareLunker season off with a bang. The funds raised from this tournament provide fishing opportunities for youth and their families through the Department’s Neighborhood Fishin’ Program.”
A Toyota ShareLunker, as defined by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, is considered any legally-caught largemouth bass that weighs at least 13.00 pounds and is accepted into the Toyota ShareLunker Program. The contest will be limited to the first 1,000 anglers signed up, and anyone who signs up after Sept. 29 will be subject to a 48-hour grace period before they are eligible to participate. Visit toyotatexasbassclassic.com to download a registration form and submit the membership fee. In addition, anglers can submit their registration and membership fees at Roadhouse Tackle (936-856-3009) located at 1360 Cude Cemetery Rd. in Willis, Texas.
The 2011 SCT will kick off the annual Toyota ShareLunker Program across the state of Texas. The Toyota ShareLunker Program runs Oct. 1 through April 30 with the mission of promoting the catch-and-release of large fish and selectively breeding trophy largemouth bass.
The ShareLunker Club Tournament is the perfect lead-in to the Toyota Texas Bass Classic, which will be held on Lake Conroe, Oct. 28-30. The Toyota Texas Bass Classic will feature 50 of the best professional anglers in the world along with three days of concerts. The anglers will compete for three days for the undisputed world championship of professional angling.
The Toyota Texas Bass Classic tournament functions are operated by the Professional Anglers Association with technical assistance and support from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Inland Fisheries Division. Title sponsor for the event is Toyota. Additional sponsors include Evinrude, IKON, Oakley, Carrot Stix, US Reel and Mustang CAT. Corporate partnership opportunities are available for 2011. For additional information, visit toyotatexasbassclassic.com or call 1-866-907-0143.
Toyota Texas Bass Classic Announces Concert Lineup Lake Conroe
by LaMarr Anderson on 08/22/11
Conroe– The Toyota Texas Bass Classic (TTBC) will once again bring a stellar lineup of country music artists to Conroe, and this year it is free! The Toyota Texas Bass Classic will take place Oct. 28-30 at the Lone Star Convention & Expo Center and concerts will be headlined by Billy Currington on Friday, Oct. 28, Pat Green on Saturday, Oct. 29, and Robert Earl Keen on Sunday, Oct. 30.
Limited quantities of tickets are free this year to the three-day outdoor music festival and professional bass fishing world championship through exclusive tournament partners. Free tickets are only available while supplies last through respective sponsor promotions or by visiting Houston-area Toyota dealerships. Tickets will be available beginning Monday, Aug. 22 in stores and online.
Tickets are available for Friday, Saturday and Sunday individually. Walk-up tickets the day of the event will require a donation towards the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and all days are subject to sell out. Fans interested in attending are encouraged to visit toyotatexasbassclassic.com for complete details on how to obtain free tickets in advance.
Amid Texas drought, a water war brews Stow A Way Marina and RV Park Lake Conroe
by LaMarr Anderson on 08/22/11
A drought in Texas is reaching historic proportions. The record drought has cost state farmers more than $5 billion in lost crops and livestock. Bigad Shaban reports for CBS News on how Houston is tapping into its emergency water supply, even at the risk of sinking local businesses.
Lamar and Kelly Anderson's livelihood depends on Lake Conroe. But the worst one-year drought in Texas history is drying up the 19-mile lake -- and the Andersons' marina business.
"I have two small children that are 9 and 11," said Kelly Anderson. "We've got to take care of our kids, and what the future holds is so unknown, that it's just very scary."
Water levels are dropping at the rate of two feet a month, not just because of the sun. Sixty miles away, a thirsty Houston has started sipping Lake Conroe's water.
One-hundred-and-fifty-million gallons of water now flow out of Lake Conroe through a spillway every day destined for the taps of Houston. That's enough water to supply the daily needs of 750,000 people.
Lake Houston is a main source of water for the area's two million people. The reservoir's water level is critically low.
Deborah White has walked the shores of Lake Houston for more than 30 years. She can now go a half mile into the lake without getting wet. She calls this a problem.
"We've never really been without water," she said. "so we look at water as abundant. Now we don't have it, so people are a bit confused."
Lake Conroe was built to supply Houston during a water shortage. This is the first time in 23 years it's been tapped.
Houston Mayor Annise Parker makes no apologies.
"It is what it is," she said. "There may be recreational impacts. We have to provide the necessary water to our population."
Kelly Anderson has a different view. "It seems unfair," she said. "It seems like an injustice to me. I wish we had the water. We need the water, too. Everyone needs the water. It's a drought."
It's a drought that's likely to last through next year. The Andersons' business may not last that long. Their marina's boat ramp will be dry by September.
TOYOTA TEXAS BASS CLASSIC SUNDAY MORNING SERIES POINTS WINNERS
by LaMarr Anderson on 08/10/11Congratulations to our series points winners!
Fishing Tournament Results and Pics from Lake Conroe
by LaMarr Anderson on 03/29/11Be-Friend us (stowawaymarina) on FaceBook, to stay in the know on all Lake Conroe's tournaments out of Stow-A-Way Marina and RV Park.
T.T.B.C. Sunday Morning Tournament Series Kicks Off In Style
by LaMarr Anderson on 03/22/11The inaugural Toyota Texas Bass Classic Sunday Morning Tournament was held March 20, 2011 out of Stow-A-Way Marina & RV Park on Lake Conroe. This event was won by Dusty Schultz & Rusty Lawson with a 5 fish sack weighing 23.27 lbs. Clay Hutchins & Jarrod McElroy took 2nd with 20.71 lbs and 1st place big bass with a chunky 8.20 lbs sow. Third pace was won by Daryl Stewart & Joe Mazzdreo with 13.97 lbs and 2nd place big bass weighing 7.33 lbs.
Josh Ward Wins The Lake Conroe Big Bass Classic
by LaMarr Anderson on 03/08/11Congratulations to Josh Ward who won the Lake Conroe Big Bass Classic sponsored by Oakley. He boated a 9.98 lbs. largemouth bass Sunday afternoon to win the last hour of the tournament and also capture first place overall, which was worth a 2011 Nitro Z7 bass boat and $1000.00 for the hour.
Father and Son Win Ignition Bass Team Tournament on Lake Conroe
by LaMarr Anderson on 02/22/11Mark Goetzman and his son Tyler Goetzman won the Ignition Bass Team Tournament on 2/20/2011 at Stow-A-Way Marina and RV Park with a five fish stringer of 22.87 lbs. They also won Big Bass with a 8.38 pounder. Second place went to John Thorton and Richie Thorton with a five fish stringer weighing 19.83 lbs. Third place went to Travis Moore and James Coleman weighing 17.45 lbs.
Crappie Move In To Shallows On Lake Conroe
by LaMarr Anderson on 02/22/11The crappie have started their yearly run to the backs of the creeks for their annual spawn. These fish are mostly caught on minnows under a cork. Come out and try your luck or call Butch Terpe at Lake Conroe Guide Service 936-856-4531.
Savings On Boat Storage and RV Spaces on LakeConroe
by LaMarr Anderson on 02/17/11We are offering the 2nd month free for on the water boat storage with lift ($200 value) and / or your 4th week free during a one month stay at our rv park ($90 value). Print off our coupon at LakeConroe.com. Just click on the coupon tab at the top of page.
