LAKE ASHTON TRIVIA How many lakes (not ponds) are in Lake Ashton? Can you name all of them? The answer will be at the bottom of the Mind and Body section of this newsletter (page 38). CON S E RVAT I O N A R E A S The conservation areas adjacent to some homes in Lake Ashton are protected by a permit with the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). The clearing or trimming of any trees or vegetation beyond rear property lines is prohibited as these conservation areas lie within the District’s property. The permit identifies the District as the sole manager of these areas, and as such, the District is responsible for maintaining them in the natural state in perpetuity per the permit. These areas were part of the original integral design of the community and cannot be altered from their native state. In addition to trimming and clearing of trees or vegetation, please be sure there is no yard art, garden furniture, bird feeders, or plant trimmings in these areas. Any encroachment into this conservation area that requires remediation may necessitate correction at homeowner’s expense. No maintenance in these areas should be conducted without first contacting staff. If you are unsure if any area near your home is a conservation area or if you have concerns or questions please contact Christine at cwells@lakeashtoncdd.com. Thank you for your assistance in keeping Lake Ashton beautiful and in compliance with SWFWMD. FEEDING SANDHILL CRANES • Cranes fed by humans can become aggressive toward people. In several instances, children have been attacked by cranes. • Cranes also have been known to cause property damage. • Cranes attracted to people's yards for feed are put at risk as they walk across roads. Many sandhill cranes are killed each year on Florida roads. • Cranes' diets, which normally are quite diverse, are disrupted when they eat one food item (such as corn), consistently. • Heavy pesticide use in urban lawns also is of concern. Young sandhill cranes have died from pesticide poisoning. People may inadvertently put sandhill cranes at risk when they attract them with feed. This includes "accidental feeding," such as when bird seed is spilled from bird feeders onto the ground below. In 2002, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission made it illegal to intentionally feed sandhill cranes (Florida Administrative Code 68A-4.001(6)). It's never a good idea to feed wildlife. Florida sandhill cranes have an abundance of natural foods (insects and small animals) and they do not need handouts from humans. More information can be found on the myfwc.com website. SHREDDING EVENT Tessier Law Firm is sponsoring a mobile shredding service on May 8. Bring any papers in a bag to the Clubhouse lobby on this day from 9 am to noon. Please remove all clips and rubber bands before dropping off (staples are ok to keep). 14
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