I'd like to start off thanking Monica and Josh Spady for hosting their annual open house.  I think there was a good turnout and it was perfect weather for mingling and enjoying our beautiful lake.  If you missed it, mark your calendars for next year!!

Independence Day Celebration

A reminder that our fireworks show will be held on Friday, July 3rd, 2026 beginning around 9:30pm (or at 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, the same as the past few years.

Then on Saturday, July 4th, 2026, we will have our annual boat parade!  The procession will start at Regatta park around 4pm and work around the lake counter-clockwise.  Danny Metzler has volunteered to lead the parade this year, so look for him to get things going.  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!  

And then, the City of Lincoln City will enjoy their fireworks celebration over the lake this year as well!  Saturday, July 4th, 2026 Lincoln City Fireworks

Thanks to all who have offered up their support for this year's or prior years' celebrations.  If you haven't donated, please follow this link to join in and ensure we can continue this great tradition in the future.

Membership Meeting

We plan to hold our annual membership meeting on July 18 at 2pm. 

We plan to hold it at the Driftwood Public Library:

801 SW Hwy 101 #201
Lincoln City, OR 97367

The date, time and place are likely, but tentative--I wanted to get this out so anyone interested can get it on their calendar.  I will confirm everything and update this post just as soon as I hear back from the Library.  We will also make the meeting available by internet, and will provide details for logging into that soon as well.

CONCERTS ON THE LAKE!!!

Sunday, July 12, 4pm:  Trent Toney
This will be held at the NE end of the lake.

Sunday, August 9th, 4pm:  Wil Kinky
Location on the lake to be announced.

Sunday, August 23rd, 4pm:  Paris & Jose
Location on the lake to be announced.

We will update information on these concerts as soon as we can.  Stay posted!!

Article by:  Michell Moore

Life on Devils Lake offers stunning waterfront views, rich green scenery, and a close relationship with coastal nature. However, living right on the water in Lincoln City also means sharing your property with a thriving population of arachnids. The high moisture levels, dense lakeside vegetation, and  abundance of aquatic insects provide the ultimate all-you-can-eat buffet for local spiders.

While spiders are highly beneficial predators that keep midges, mosquitoes, and flies in check, they can quickly turn from helpful neighbors into overwhelming roommates when they start taking over your eaves, docks, and indoor living spaces. Here is a guide to identifying the spiders around Devils Lake and how to keep them at a comfortable distance.

Common Spiders of the Lincoln City Coast

Most of the spiders you encounter along the Oregon coast are entirely harmless to humans. Knowing who is who can save you some unnecessary panic when you find one on the floor or near a window.

1. The Giant House Spider (Eratigena atrica)

● What they look like: True to their name, these spiders are intimidatingly large, with hairy, grayish-brown bodies and leg spans that can reach up to 4 inches.

● Where they hide: They are built for speed rather than climbing, so they are typically found scuttling across floors, tucked into dark garages, or accidentally trapped in sinks and bathtubs.

● The Verdict: Despite their startling appearance, they are docile, non-aggressive, and possess no dangerous venom.

2. Hobo Spiders (Tegenaria agrestis)

● What they look like: Very closely related and visually similar to the giant house spider, these are slightly smaller and solid brown without distinct leg markings.

● Where they hide: They build horizontal, funnel-shaped webs in dark, damp spaces like crawlspaces, woodpiles, and behind lower-level furniture.

● The Verdict: Despite old urban legends labeling them as dangerous, modern research has shown they are not aggressive and their bites do not cause severe medical issues.

3. Cross Orbweavers (Araneus diadematus)

● What they look like: Easily identified by their bulbous abdomens, distinct white cross-like markings on their backs, and beautiful, classic wheel-shaped webs.

● Where they hide: These are classic outdoor spiders. They absolutely love the architectural structures of lakeside homes, spinning large webs across decks, window frames, and under eaves to catch flying insects rising from the lake.

● The Verdict: They are highly reluctant to bite and pose zero danger, but their extensive webbing can make a pristine deck look abandoned in a matter of days.

4. Wolf Spiders & Jumping Spiders (Lycosidae)

● What they look like: Wolf spiders are robust, earth-toned ground hunters that do not spin webs. Jumping spiders are tiny, compact, highly visual hunters with large front eyes and occasionally iridescent mouthparts.

● Where they hide: Wolf spiders patrol floors and foundation lines, while jumping spiders love sunny exterior siding and window sills.

● The Verdict: Excellent, active pest controllers that prefer to run away from humans.

Lakeside Spider Management: A Strategic Approach

Controlling spiders next to a body of water requires a focus on exclusion and removing their food supply rather than relying solely on heavy chemical sprays, which can easily wash away or impact local water quality.

When to Seek Professional Reinforcements

If you are dealing with seasonal rental properties, extensive crawlspace infestations, or lakeside decks that seem to grow new webs faster than you can sweep them down, a targeted professional treatment can establish a long-lasting protective barrier around your foundation and roofline.

For severe infestations, look for local coastal pest control specialists who understand the unique wind, moisture, and pest pressures of Lincoln City and offer eco-friendly, waterfront-safe application methods.

Article by:  Michell Moore

If you own a dock, boathouse, or have any other waterway authorization on Devil’s Lake, you will want to pay close attention to a recent announcement from the Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL).

If you have a current DSL permit you may have received a postcard image, explaining that the state has finalized a multi-year effort to rewrite its administrative rules regarding Oregon's waterways. These changes will impact applications, fees, and compliance rules for property owners along our shoreline, so here are some expanded details to help you prepare.

Why is This Happening?

Between 2024 and 2026, the DSL worked alongside a rulemaking advisory committee to update Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 141, Division 082. In April 2026, the State Land Board officially approved these changes.

According to the state, the update is designed to enforce best management practices, streamline administrative inconsistencies, and protect Oregon's public waterways from environmental and financial risks—such as derelict structures and abandoned boats.

The Big Changes: What You Need to Know

The updated rules apply to a wide range of structures on state-owned submerged lands. For the majority of Devils Lake residents, the impact will fall into three distinct categories based on your setup:

1. Waterway Registrations (Small Private Docks & Platforms)

Most private docks and platforms on Devils Lake are under 1,000 square feet and fall under a Waterway Registration Authorization.

● Fee Increases: Application fees for these registrations are increasing. For context, standard registration application fees are scaling up from $250 to $400.

● New Insurance Requirements: Moving forward, the DSL is expanding insurance mandates to include waterway registrations. This means registration holders must maintain valid liability insurance coverage as an explicit condition of keeping their authorization active.

● Renewal Terms: These registrations will still require renewal every 5 years. Fortunately, small private structures under a registration do not require annual lease payments.

2. Waterway Leases (Medium to Large Structures & Boathouses)

For residents or commercial entities with larger structures, boathouses, or marinas requiring a formal lease, the state is shifting to a stricter, unified standard:

● Unified Compensation Rates: Previously, leaseholders could choose from three separate methods to calculate their lease compensation. The DSL is eliminating this system in favor of a single, uniform method to establish fair public land value.

● Submerged Lands Surcharge: Beginning July 1, 2027, all leases will be subject to a new annual $100 surcharge dedicated directly to the Submerged Lands Enhancement Fund.

● Stricter Protections: The state is also introducing mandatory financial assurances, reduced maximum lease terms, and brand-new penalties, including added fees for late renewals and legal consultations.

Key Deadlines: Avoiding the Rate Hikes

The new rules officially go into effect on July 1, 2027. Depending on where your authorization currently stands, you have a brief window to grandfather yourself into the old pricing:

● For Application Fees: If the DSL receives or postmarks your application on or before June 30, 2027, current fee rates apply. Any applications received on or after July 1, 2027, will instantly face the new fee schedule.

● For Lease Executions: If you are securing a new lease or renewing an existing one, the current lease compensation rates only apply if the lease is fully executed on or before June 30, 2027. If your lease is executed on or after July 1, 2027, you will pay the updated rates, regardless of when you first applied.

⚠️ If your dock registration or lease is scheduled to expire anywhere near 2027, do not wait until the last minute. Because lease execution timelines depend on state processing speeds, we highly encourage submitting your renewal applications early to guarantee completion before the June 30, 2027 cutoff.

Where to Look Next

Property owners can review the full text of the revised OAR 141-082 rules, locate the exact fee tier charts for their specific county, or check the status of a current dock registration by visiting the state’s dedicated portal:

● Official Website: www.oregon.gov/dsl/waterways/Pages/authorizations.aspx

● DSL Questions: Reach out directly to the DSL proprietary coordinator assigned to Lincoln County.

Summer is almost upon us!  Fun times await!

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND GET TOGETHER

Monica and Josh Spady are once again graciously hosting an open house get together on Sunday, May 24th, 2026 from noon to 5pm.

The event will take place at 3450 NE 26th St.

Hot dogs and beverages provided.

Please stop by and join us and take the opportunity to visit and catch up with your neighbors.

FIREWORKS!!!

The Devils Lake Neighborhood Association proudly announces our 13th annual fireworks display to commemorate America's 250th Independence Day celebration!

The fireworks show will be held on Friday, July 3rd, 2026 beginning around 9:30pm (or at 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, the same as the past few years.

Then on Saturday, July 4th, 2026, we will have our annual boat parade!  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!

And then, the City of Lincoln City will enjoy their fireworks celebration over the lake this year as well!

Saturday, July 4th, 2026 Lincoln City Fireworks

Thanks to all who have offered up their support for this year's or prior years' celebrations.  If you haven't donated, please follow this link to join in and ensure we can continue this great tradition in the future.

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.

* * * * *

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.