On Aug 2, the DLNA had it's annual general membership meeting, and I am happy and excited to announce that we now have a new, full Board of Directors in place!!  Twelve directors were installed with staggered terms of office, and officers were also put in place:

We have a lot of ideas and plans on the table, and 2026 should prove to be a year of growth and renewal for the Association.

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There are several upcoming events to be aware of:

2025 CARP FESTIVAL   Saturday, September 20, 2025   1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

The Devil's Lake Water Improvement District is holding their 2025 Carp Festival at Regatta Park on September 20 from 1pm - 4pm.  Click this link: 2025 Carp Festival for details.

We had an another amazing celebration on Devil's Lake, Oregon!  The boat parade on July 4th was a fantastic start to the festivities, with almost 60 participants showing off their uniquely decorated boats.  It is always wonderful to see the community come together, with everyone cheering and enjoying the creative displays.

Our 12th Annual fireworks display on July 5th was truly spectacular, lighting up the sky with a brilliant show of colors and dazzling patterns. 

However, we are still $4,580 short of our fundraising goal. We need your help to keep this tradition alive! Please consider donating at https://www.dlakeoregon.com/fireworks_2025 to ensure our continued success in providing this event.

Thank you to everyone who made this year’s festivities unforgettable, with a special shout out to Bill Sexton for his continued help and support.

MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT

The Devils Lake Neighborhood Association will have its annual general membership meeting on August 2, from 1:30pm to 2:30pm.  The location is tentatively scheduled to be in the Community Room at the Driftwood Public Library, 801 SW Hwy 101 #201 Lincoln City, OR 97367.

The main focus of this meeting will be to select a full Board for the Association and set in motion our goals for the future.

Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/tcv-zkxm-dhs
Or dial: ‪(US) +1 513-472-1068‬ PIN: ‪972 250 442‬#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/tcv-zkxm-dhs?pin=5120038664457

If you have any questions before the meeting, please reach out:  [email protected]

Hope to see you there!

If you live on Devils Lake or spend time boating, fishing, or paddling its waters, there’s a good chance you’ve seen — or own — one of the many small docks or boathouses that line the shoreline. These are typically simple, private-use structures: often less than 1,000 square feet, used seasonally or year-round for personal recreation.

Now, the Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL) is proposing rule changes that could directly impact how these structures are registered, maintained, and renewed.

What’s Changing?

DSL is updating the rules (specifically Division 82) that govern Waterway Registration Authorizations for small, non-commercial structures like docks, floats, and boathouses. These updates are part of a broader effort to protect public waterways while making sure fees reflect the real cost of oversight and administration.

The most relevant changes for Devils Lake homeowners include:

🏠 Structures Under 1,000 Sq Ft (The Most Common on Devils Lake)

Most private docks and platforms on Devils Lake fall into this category. Under the proposed rules:

• They must be registered through a Waterway Registration Authorization.
  
• The application fee is set to increase from $250 to $400.
  
• Registrations will still need to be renewed every 5 years.
  
• No annual lease payments are required.
  
  

These structures are typically low-impact, personal-use setups — not floating homes, not marinas, and not commercial operations. The proposed fee increase reflects the administrative time DSL spends reviewing and tracking registrations.

📄 You can view the full fee proposal and explanation here (PDF)

Why It Matters for Devils Lake

Devils Lake is unique — shallow, heavily used, and lined with both full-time residences and vacation homes. The cumulative impact of even small structures matters. At the same time, many lakeshore residents are simply trying to maintain their little slice of access to the water — for launching a kayak, tying up a fishing boat, or sitting at the end of a dock with a cup of coffee.

The proposed rules try to strike a balance between protecting the waterway and making sure owners can continue to enjoy it. But your input could help fine-tune that balance.

🗣️ Public Comment Period — Now Through August 15, 2025

This is your chance to speak up. DSL is actively asking for feedback from people who live and recreate on Oregon’s waterways — and that includes Devils Lake.

You can submit your comments in three easy ways:

• 💻 Online form: Submit here
  
  
• 📧 Email: [email protected]
  
  
• 📬 Mail:
  Rules Coordinator
  Department of State Lands
  775 Summer St. NE, Suite 100
  Salem, OR 97301
  
  

You can also attend one of the public hearings, held both virtually and in-person around the state. Dates and details are posted on DSL’s rulemaking webpage.

Final Thought

Whether you're concerned about rising fees, red tape, or protecting the lake for the next generation, now's the time to make your voice heard. Even the smallest docks deserve smart policy — and the folks who own them deserve a seat at the table.

We're excited, it's a double whammy week that kick's off the month of July.  We begin with our boat parade in the afternoon on July 4th, then continue with our 12th annual fireworks  extravaganza on July 5th.  Two for the price of one so don't miss out!  And yes we are still collecting money for the 2025 fireworks, we haven't quite made it half way this year with $11,000 still to raise.  Thanks to all who have offered up their support.  If you haven't donated follow this link to join in and ensure we can continue this great tradition.  

Boat Parade: Friday, July 4th, 2025 at 04:00 PM.  The procession will start at Regatta park and work around the lake counter-clockwise.  Bring your spirit, deck out your boat, and get that parade wave going!  For those of you observing on the shore, we want to hear some noise!

Fireworks Show : Saturday, July 5th, 2025 beginning at 9:30pm (or Dusk.)  The show will be viewable from the East Side State Park (Brown Bear Park) and from Sandpoint Park for shore-based public access.  For boaters, the epicenter will be approximately off the point near NE 20th Street, west of Leisure Bay.

For residents and visitors keen on understanding the unique climate of Lincoln City, Oregon, a fantastic resource is available: the Devils Lake Neighborhood Association website's weather page. This valuable local hub offers detailed information and insights into the area's meteorological conditions, making it an excellent starting point for anyone tracking the ever-changing coastal weather.

Looking at 2025 so far, Lincoln City has experienced a typical Pacific Northwest climate, largely adhering to its historical patterns while showing some subtle deviations. Comparing the year to long-term averages reveals a familiar story of temperate conditions, but with interesting variations in precipitation and temperature at different points.

Historically, Lincoln City is known for significant rainfall, averaging around 70-76 inches annually, with December, January, and November typically being the wettest months. This year has largely followed suit, with robust winter precipitation. However, data from sources like the Devils Lake Neighborhood Association's weather insights can show that recent trends include June 2025 with slightly higher precipitation (around 0.03 inches on June 26th, compared to a historical June average of 1.74 inches), though July and August are anticipated to be drier than average, with forecasts predicting a mere 0.2 inches for July (historically 0.42 inches).

Temperature-wise, Lincoln City typically experiences mild winters and cool summers. Average high temperatures generally range from the low 50s in winter to mid-60s in summer. So far in 2025, temperatures have largely remained within these historical bounds. June has seen daily highs fluctuating, with some days hitting the low 70s, which is a bit warmer than the historical June average high of 62°F. Looking ahead, July is predicted to be slightly cooler than average, with the hottest period anticipated in mid-July.

Wind patterns, a defining characteristic of the Oregon Coast, have also been consistent with historical data. January is typically the windiest month, and while specific wind data for 2025 needs further analysis, the general breezy conditions characteristic of Lincoln City have been present, contributing to the area's dramatic coastal feel.

In essence, Lincoln City's 2025 weather has been a familiar narrative of its coastal climate – significant rainfall concentrated in the cooler months, generally mild temperatures, and persistent ocean breezes. While some subtle shifts in precipitation and temperature have been observed or are forecasted, the overall picture aligns with the region's well-established meteorological identity, with resources like the Devils Lake Neighborhood Association weather page offering valuable local context.

Living here in Lincoln City, one quickly comes to appreciate the beauty of Oregon's scenic coastline. It's a rugged, dramatic landscape of towering cliffs and pristine beaches, brimming with natural wonders. Right here, nestled near the charming coastal city, lies Devils Lake. Its evocative name immediately sparks curiosity. Unlike many geographical features named after explorers or descriptive characteristics, the origin of "Devils Lake" is profoundly rooted in the rich oral traditions and spiritual beliefs of the Native American tribes who were the land's first custodians.

The most widely accepted explanation for the lake's unsettling moniker stems from a compelling Native American legend, particularly prevalent among the Nechesne people, a Salish-speaking tribe closely related to the Tillamook and Siletz. This ancient tale speaks of a formidable and often malevolent creature said to reside within the mysterious depths of the lake. Accounts vary in their specific descriptions of this entity: some portray it as a gigantic, predatory fish, others as a colossal marine monster akin to a plesiosaur, and still others as a serpentine being with menacing tentacles or a powerful tail.

What remains consistent across these narratives is the creature's formidable nature and its capacity to inspire fear. This powerful being was believed to occasionally surface, its appearance striking terror into the hearts of anyone venturing onto or near the lake. Legends recount instances where it would pull canoes beneath the water, capsize fishing vessels, or even snatch unwary individuals from the shore. The very act of fishing or traversing the lake was undertaken with a deep sense of caution and respect for this unseen, yet potent, presence.

For the indigenous peoples, the lake was not merely a body of water but a living entity, imbued with a powerful spirit. Their relationship with the lake was one of reverence, understanding its unpredictable and potentially dangerous nature. To appease this powerful spirit and ensure safe passage or successful harvests of fish and game from the surrounding land, some traditions suggest that offerings were made on the lake's shores, or specific rituals were observed before embarking on any water-based activities. These practices underscored the belief that the lake's "bad spirit" or "devil" needed to be acknowledged and appeased.

As European settlers began to arrive in the region during the 19th century, they encountered these potent Native American stories. The concept of a powerful, malevolent entity or "bad spirit" inhabiting the lake was directly translated into the English term "Devil's Lake." While modern usage often omits the apostrophe, leading to the more common "Devils Lake," historical documents, maps, and land deeds from the period frequently included it, explicitly attributing the name to a singular, powerful, and often feared force.

Today, Devils Lake is a popular recreational destination, drawing visitors for fishing, boating, and enjoying its serene beauty. Yet, beneath the surface of its tranquil waters, the echoes of its intriguing past persist. The cautionary tales of the formidable creature that inspired its name continue to add a profound layer of mystique, reminding us of the rich cultural tapestry woven into the very fabric of Oregon's landscapes.

You are cordially invited to a Memorial Day Weekend party hosted by Monica and Josh Spady. The event will take place at 3450 NE 26th St and promises to be a day to remember!

Join us as Pelican Brewery pours some of their finest beer, while Bauman's Cider tantalize your taste buds with their delicious cider. Hot Dogs, Chips and Dip will be offered while you visit with your neighbors.  The party will be held on the DLNA fireworks barge, so you can come by land or by sea!

Neighborhood Get Together and Fundraiser
Sunday May 25, 2025
12:00pm to 4:00pm

In addition to enjoying the festivities, we will also be seeking donations through DLNA to support the annual fireworks display.

Fireworks this year will be on Saturday, July 5th with our annual boat parade on July 4th.  Stay tuned for more details!

So come on down and help us raise the funds required for this year’s show. Remember you can still stop by even if you don’t have a boat in the water. Monica and Josh’s address is 3450 NE 26th St, Lincoln City OR 97367.  Can't make it at all?  Just want to beat the rush?  You can donate today online by following this link.

Don't miss out on this fantastic Memorial Day Weekend celebration! Join us for a day of great company, delicious drinks, and a beautiful lakeside view.

With a new year, comes hope, change and opportunity...and the Devils Lake Neighborhood Association will be looking toward all three in 2025.  I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday, and perhaps enjoyed some time here at the lake.  It has been seasonally stormy; however, as I write this, it is sunny and beautiful out.  I am very much looking forward to spending more time in this magical place and meeting getting to know more of the neighborhood and residents.

As many of you know, Mitch Moore is stepping out of his role and I am slowly trying to assimilate all of his knowledge!  I would gladly accept some help and we will be looking to refill our Board ranks asap now that I have a little more time to devote myself.  For any interested, look for a meeting announcement in the coming weeks--likely we will aim for an early February date.  Officially, elections / appointments are to occur via a membership vote in May, but we'll get things going and some solid plans in place in the coming months.  I am hopeful we will have a continued abundance of interest with those looking for this opportunity.

Concurrently, we will be gearing up for Fireworks Fundraising and getting plans in place for the July 5th celebration!  If you have been involved in the past, I would appreciate your continued support as I take over this endeavor.

If anyone has any questions, comments, or concerns in the meantime, please do reach out to me:  [email protected]

The Devils Lake Water Improvement District (DLWID) has taken another significant step to keep our community informed and engaged with the health of Devils Lake. We’re excited to announce the installation of a state-of-the-art water monitoring station at Blue Heron Landing!

This new system comes at the perfect time, as lake levels are particularly interesting to track during this season. The monitoring station offers real-time updates on several key environmental factors, including:

• Lake Water Level: Stay updated on the ever-important lake height.
• Water Temperature: A vital metric for understanding the lake.
• Rain Totals: See how recent rainfall is affecting the area.
• Barometric Pressure: Useful for weather enthusiasts and anglers alike.

But the features don’t stop there! The station's website provides the collected data in easy-to-read graphs, which can display trends for the past day, week, or month. For those who enjoy diving into the details, there’s even an option to download a CSV file containing seven days of data points recorded at five-minute intervals.

This system is an incredible resource for residents, researchers, and anyone who loves Devils Lake. Understanding the lake’s conditions in real-time helps us all connect more deeply to its natural rhythms and make informed decisions about activities on and around the water.

You can obtain this information anytime you wish by visiting the water quality page at dlwid.org or by selecting the "Level" tab at our website dlakeoregon.com. Another new addition to our website allows you to check out the most recent image from the Blue Heron Webcam, recently installed by DLWID, by selecting the "Webcam" tab.

We encourage you to check out this fascinating new tool and see the data for yourself. Give it a try now by following the link below:

View the Devils Lake Monitoring Station Data

View the Devils Lake Blue Heron Landing Webcam

Let’s continue to care for and enjoy the beauty of Devils Lake!

Inboard and Outboard Hydroplane Boats will return to Devils Lake in Lincoln City, Oregon, with hopes of setting new World Straightaway speed records. The record runs will begin at 8:00 a.m. and end at sunset on Saturday, October 12th and Sunday October 13th, 2024. East Devils Lake State Park boat ramp will be used as the staging area for set up and launch and will be closed for public use as well as the Regatta Grounds Boat Ramp.

The annual Devil’s Lake Kilo is sanctioned and insured by the American Power Boat Association, and is officiated and conducted by the Columbia Outboard Racing Association based in the Portland, Oregon area. The Oregon State Marine Board and local and county authorities for the safety of the racers and other boat users have issued a permit for a partial lake closure. Devils Lake will be closed from Sand Point to south of the East Devils Lake State Park launch ramp.

This event is a true test of entrants driving skill plus the integrity of the combined set-up of the boat, motor and propeller. Calm water conditions are a necessity, as each driver will be running quality equipment with sensitive set-ups to maximize optimum speed.

Time Trial rules call for a driver, competing against a time clock, to pilot his boat through a 5/8th of a mile surveyed straightaway course. Each entry will receive six runs, three in each direction. The test shall consist of two consecutive runs, one of which shall be made in one direction and one in the opposite direction. The overall speed is calculated by averaging the best two consecutive runs out of the six runs that each entrant is entitled to run. The driver may take all his runs at one time or may after taking one run decide to wait for better conditions for his or her remaining runs.

The annual Speed Boat Time Trials were renamed the “Rockey Stone Memorial Kilo’s in 1995 in honor of the person instrumental in setting up and organizing the event for many years and the ¼ Mile in honor of Buzz Thorsen who took leadership after Rockey retired. The event has been held since its inception in the mid 1950’s, minus a few years during which Devils Lake underwent a massive weed cleanup. The event has placed Devils Lake and Lincoln City, Oregon in the American Powerboat Associations record book many times and has historically held the esteemed respect of having the “Worlds Fastest Water.”