SUMMER 2010 | ASSOCIATED MANAGEMENT, INC. – AN ASSOCIA MEMBER COMPANY
Shoreline
THE NEWSLETTER OF THE LAKERIDGE SHORES ASSOCIATION
Saga
THE
B
O F T H E L A K E R I D G E SWA N S
ecause of the recent dissension among property owners and differing opinions of what was to be done regarding the pair of swans and their cygnets (babies), the board thought it was important to make all residents aware of what has actually taken place. Last year Lakeridge Shores received a gift of a pair of swans from a Reno widow who was downsizing her ranch after her husband died. The board welcomed these beautiful birds unanimously with open arms. The swans became part of our community as they made the lake their home. Last winter, when the Lake began to freeze over, the maintenance crew and some community homeowners pitched in to install a water aerator to keep a small area of the lake form freezing so the swans would be safe from predators and still have an area in which to swim. The board also helped augment the swan’s food supply in order to keep them healthy. In the spring the swans mated and built a nest in the reeds near the marina. Ludwig, the male swan, being protective of the female, became very territorial and aggressive toward anyone coming near the area where their nest was located. Both people and dogs walking in the common area near the marina were confronted by him and, in some case, were bitten and bruised by Ludwig. Additionally, Ludwig, was being tormented by kids and some adult residents as he guarded the female and the nest. It became a three-ring circus for the marina neighborhood. The atmosphere became disruptive and fearful that someone was going to get seriously hurt. The management company posted signs warning residents of the swans nesting area and roped off the posted area. Finally three cygnets were born and the swan family became mobile, being seen in multiple locations all around the lake. As summer temperatures began to rise many residents began boating on the lake. This brought on new problems as Ludwig, protecting the
young brood, continued his aggressive behavior, attacking many of the boaters without provocation. A senior couple that has been boating on the lake for many years was attacked and complained they wouldn’t use the lake as long as Ludwig was there. Another family, a father with his daughter was also attacked and he threatened to sue the Association if his child was hurt. We also had complaints of people chasing the swans and exhibiting aggressive behavior toward them. It appears there was aggressive behavior by both the swans and residents. It’s unfair to put all the blame on the swans when they were being provoked. The board has been in a difficult position, caught between two factions of homeowners - those who cherish the majestic beauty of the swans swimming in our lake and the other who want to use the lake and beaches without fear of being harassed by the male swan. Additionally, there was concern about the liability facing the association if there was a serious injury caused by the swan. At our last board meeting a motion was made and passed to form a committee to help resolve the problems dealing with the swans. Needless to say, many people on both sides of the issue have weighed in circulating emails and phone calls arguing their positions. There was a sense of urgency in addressing the issue due to potential liability/ punitive damages, and insurance problems, as well as, protecting the swans from harassment. Therefore, a committee appointed by the board was set to meet the following week after the board meeting. Before the meeting could be held, a member of the board, who felt strongly about potential liability, researched options. On his own, he made the decision to place the swan family with a government agency who relocated the swans to a Lemmon Valley animal rescue ranch. The timeline of events, as explained above, is meant to be an unbiased transcript of what has taken place regarding the Lakeridge swan family. Many people are not happy that the problem involving the swans was not resolved with a consensus of the board and residents. Others are just relieved to see the swan issue resolved. No doubt, the issue will continue to be discussed. The board would have preferred to have had more input into the process of resolving this problem, in order to achieve an end acceptable to the whole community. While no one is totally happy with the result, we have to remember we are a wonderful community. Lake Stanley is one of our great assets and something for our entire community to enjoy. We have been, we are and will continue to be a great place to live! Sincerely,
Your Lakeridge Board of Directors