The lake gained national notoriety in the mid 1980s for its poor water quality which was a direct result of unsafe residential and agricultural practices, including poor septic systems and the heavy use of phosphorus-based fertilizer. The result of this phosphorus loading was nuisance algae blooms, referred to as “China Lake Syndrome.” “Since then, considerable state and federal funding and local grassroots efforts (China Region Lakes Alliance, China Lakes Association, Kennebec County Soil and Water Conservation District, Kennebec Water District-water quality monitoring) have supported numerous well-planned and implemented lakeshore and watershed remedial projects designed to address and reduce the external loading of total phosphorus.” (page 5, Final Lakes TMDL Report, October 2001)

With these active and responsible organizations in place to deal with the water quality issues, considerable time and effort have been spent assisting lakefront and watershed landowners to implement non-point source best management practices to control soil erosion. In the Summer 2009 China Lake Association Newsletter, president Dave Landry wrote: “Since the China Lake Restoration Project was started in 1990, over 300 erosion control type projects have been done in the watershed of China Lake, all aimed at improving water quality.”

Landry notes that the water quality has improved over the last 15 years but more work needs to be done to control erosion and create vegetated buffer strips. “The primary mission of the China Lakes Association is ‘to preserve and protect the water quality of China Lake,’ so it is great news when we can report that last year China Lake had the best water quality that we have see in 15 years! . . . One year of great water quality does not signal victory in the battle over seasonal algae blooms, but it is encouraging.”

China Lake is noted for its game fish, namely big bass, brown trout and white perch. Fishing tournaments are held here throughout the year. Boat launches are located in Vassalboro, China Village and South China.

The quaint, historic village of China is home to a general store, the China Baptist Church, which maintains a beach, Albert Church Brown Memorial Library and antique shops. The China Four Seasons Club offers Red Cross affiliated swim lessons and miles of trails to explore via your ATV or snowmobile. In South China you’ll find the China Dine-ah and the South China Public Library, the oldest continually operating library in the State of Maine.

Search for lakefront properties on China Lake

Located only 15 minutes from the capital city of Augusta, 20 minutes from golf courses and within easy driving distance to Colby, Thomas and Unity Colleges, why not let China Lake be your four season lakefront destination.

Guest Post by: Jon Whitney

We’re pleased to announce we’ve extended services to our friendly neighbors to the North!

Consistent with our U.S. site, LakeFrog Canada provides users with the newest and most innovative lakefront and lake area home search available on the web.  From Yukon and the Northwest Territories to Newfoundland and Labrador, lake real estate professionals and home owners can take advantage of free property listings, lake home search, and access to a nationwide audience.

We’ve just launched, but if you or anyone you know is a Canadian real estate professional or has lake property listings in Canada, be sure to let them know!

Thanks and enjoy!

LakeFrog Canada: http://ca.lakefrog.com/

Lake Norrell, in Alexander, Arkansas is a 280 acre lake located just 40 minutes from Little Rock and has been a well kept secret, with the exception of a few avid water enthusiasts who frequent Lake Norrell to take advantage of boating, fishing, scuba diving and jet skiing.  Lake Norrell, located in Northern Saline County less than 3 miles from the Pulaski County line, has been for many years the emergency or back-up water supply for the City of Benton.   In fact, Lake Norrell is owned by the City of Benton.  Normally, when you mention Lake Norrell, most people in Central Arkansas never heard of it.

Over the years Lake Norrell residents have enjoyed the quite solitude and serenity this beautiful lake had to offer.  Lake Norrell has been one of those places that is so remotely located, that you really had to have a reason to go there.  In 2005 a major paper company decided to sell some of their property bordering the lake and now much of it has already been sold to individuals or to developers who see the real potential of this remote area of Saline County.  New houses are beginning to “pop up” which will definitely have an impact on current and future property values.

You know when you get to Lake Norrell because all of the roads have names like, Falcon Cove, Bluebird, Bream, Hummingbird and Bob White.  Over the years the population of Lake Norrell had included those that were weekenders, summer residents and several full time residents.  In viewing the shoreline, you will see everything from small weekend fishing cabins to residence that would be valued at well over $300,000.

There is no question that the popularity of Lake Norrell has mushroomed and values will continue to reflect tremendous demand over the next 2 to 10 years.  There are a lot of potential issues involved in purchasing or selling property at Lake Norrell and you’ll be well advised to seek the expert advise of a company like Network Real Estate that sells the majority of the property at Lake Norrell.

A few of the nicer homes at Lake Norrell:

For more, see:  www.LakeNorrellHomes.com

Or, contact Jerry Hill-Active Rain Profile: http://activerain.com/jhill2103

Guest post by David W. Bolick

For more lakefront and lake are homes nationwide, see http://www.lakefrog.com/

The Lake should be up to Full Depth in 2010 after being drawn down in 2009 for Dam Repair!

Guest post by:

Pocono Mountain Lakes Realty

Rick Cordisco – Owner / Realtor

Search Pocono MLS for FREE

Search Pocono ‘Lake Community’ Homes

Book Your Pocono Vacation

Build Your Dream Home in the Poconos!

To see Pennsylvania lake homes on lakefrog.com click here!

Tuscany Hills Lake Elsinore is a master planned community built by Pulte Homes.  It is just East of the 15 freeway by the Railroad Canyon Rd exit. Get off the freeway and turn East on Railroad Canyon Rd – then turn left at first light on Summerhill Rd.  There is a noticeably long – steep grade upward as you approach Tuscany Hills CA – it makes me think to service the transmission in my car.  It is that kind of steep – but it is worth the drive.  In fact, it is this hill that makes Tuscany Hills California a hidden gem of a community.  Because it is up and over the hill-facing away from the freeway – on the far side of the hill – most of the homes are out of view.  I have met several locals that have never even been to Tuscany Hills.  The homes are terraced on the hillside facing East.  Many homes have breathtaking views of Canyon Lake CA with a back drop of the San Bernardino National Park mountain ranges.  There are two mountain ranges that command attention – the mountains behind Hemet and the mountains behind San Bernardino.  In the winter they are snow capped and just beautiful.   The sun sets in the west and it illuminates the Eastern view – in a most spectacular way.

There is a beautiful waterfall display as you enter Tuscany Hills.  There are many hillsides lush with trees and shrubs- and that doesn’t happen in the Lake Elsinore valley without a crew and lots of water.  So there is a Tuscany Hills HOA or Home Owners Association.  But I must say- that you can see the benefits everywhere.  The entire community is exceptionally nice and open with large open areas that are maintained – it is very pleasant.  Additionally, there is a community center that offers Tennis courts – a junior Olympic size pool and a fitness club.  See photo right.  It is common to see people walking their dogs or jogging around the neighborhood, they are out just enjoying the surroundings.  And need I mention the near perfect SoCal weather?  OK, I will!  For the California residents our weather is reported on the news as valley temperatures meaning it is a little cooler in the winter and a little hotter in the summer than on the coast.  We get some frost on the cars overnight on some nights in January and February – but we also get some seventy and eighty degree days as well.  In the summer it gets warmer than the coast and we get some days that go over one-oh-five in August and September.  I consider air conditioning mandatory for good sleeping during the hottest months of summer.  Bear in mind, I have only mentioned the two coldest months and the two hottest months – that leaves about eight months of pretty perfect weather!  And no June-gloom like on the coast.      All the streets have Italian names to go with the Tuscany Hills theme.   There is Villa Roma, Bella Vista, and Via De La Valle to mention a few.  And of course, it looks like the rugged hills of Tuscan Italy. Here is a photo of a expansive park with two baseball diamonds and those awesome mountain views.  It is great on an eighty degree day – to view the snow capped mountains!  The entire community has been approved to build two thousand homes in total.  And they are still building homes in small numbers.

If you are interested in buying or selling a home in Tuscany Hills Lake Elsinore – or would like more information on Tuscany Hills Homes – feel free to give me a call, to preview Tuscany Hills homes for sale

Rob Thorburn ePro Realtor® – Re/Max Elite Team

Tuscany Hills Lake Elsinore Neighborhood Realtor

(951) 237-3229

Shop for homes online and get email notification of new homes on the market at: http://www.dreamhomesbyrob.com/

Contact me by Email: JustSold@DreamHomesByRob.com

I am ready to list your property for sale or help you buy a home in Lake Elsinore – Temecula – Murrieta – Menifee – Wildomar – Corona and Riverside County CA

Disclaimer: All information provided by this author is strictly an opinion, and is not guaranteed, I strongly urge all readers to check the facts for themselves.  Some of the information contained may be time sensitive, and facts may change very quickly.

Copyrighted, 2010 By Rob Thorburn, All rights reserved. Tuscany Hills Lake Elsinore

Located between Seattle and Tacoma, Federal Way has over eight miles of Puget Sound waterfront! Real estate available on the beautiful Puget Sound and surrounding lakes offer beach access, luxury and custom homes, mountain, territorial and vista views, plus much more.

Don’t forget about all that Federal Way has to offer! Shop Federal Way Commons, Opus Crossing, a grand Farmer’s Market and a variety of shops in Federal Way’s shopping district. Local beaches and parks make outdoor activity abundant. Sporting events abound in Federal Way with championship caliber soccer and baseball fields. The city hosts regional and national competitive sporting events each year as well. Enjoy a symphony, theater, and fine dining in Federal Way.

For the most current information on Communities in Federal Way, please click on any of the highlighted/underlined key words for instant access to all active listings. You can be sure to get expert guidance on all of your real estate needs by contacting ACCURATE REALTY GROUP at:

www.seattledailymlssource.com

Photos courtesy of NWMLS

Guest Post by: Nikki Boad

There is a community pool located toward the entrance of the area and a boat ramp and dock on the lake side.

Homes range in price (generally) from $75-$160K

There is a great sense of community in Simmons Shores and this is an excellent area for full time families, a great area to walk or ride your bike in – and most definitely a great golf cart community!

90 Pecan Drive (which just happens to be my listing!!) is an excellent example of homes for sale in Simmons Shores.  Newer construction, 3 bedroom, 2 bath with screened in porch, carport, 4 lots and a large metal workshop.  Here is MLS information on 90 Pecan Drive in Pottsboro .

Click here for a complete list of Simmons Shores Homes at wonderful Lake Texoma.

For all your real estate needs in Grayson County – Sherman, Denison, Pottsboro – call Lainie Ramsey with Century 21, Dean Gilbert Realtors 903-624-0688 or visit my website – www.HomesByLainie.com

Guest post by Lainie Ramsey – Your Lake Texoma Specialist!