Announcements at Hermit Lakes

February 5, 2026

A few updates from the Board......... 

As we head into 2026 the Board is continuing to work on the Dam Repairs Project. Sky Hi Engineering from Monte Vista will be working with us on the engineering portion. 

We'll also be working with the state engineer for the design then we'll move forward to the contractor phase. We have a contract with Rio Grande Reservoir for 2 years water storage.  

We're also taking a look at the entire water infrastructure of Hermit Lakes to develop a strategic plan based on cost and risk assessment. 

We're planning on work days this summer to provide some TLC to the property so be sure and pack some work gloves and plan on joining us for some manual labor and some fun!

If you know of an area that needs some attention please let us know. We're looking at Saturday mornings. 

     

The budget is on track. We'll be looking at Dam Repair Project costs separately.

Drought vs flooding. What a crazy winter!!!

Mason Creek Berm

Mason Creek Berm

Grouse Creek

Grouse Creek

Road Beyond Shooting Range

Road Beyond Shooting Range

January 28, 2026

If you are planning a trip to Hermit in the next few days please be aware of the potential flooding situation.

Proceed with caution on the main road between Brown Lakes - there are frozen culverts with ice slicks. Water flow on Mason Creek is currently at a high level and headed our way.

Steve and Terry spent 4 hours this afternoon working on the issue. The ice has built up 2' or more at the headgate and is breaking over and through the berm in many places. 

With warm temperatures during the day and a freezing temps at night, it creates a huge ice buildup then heavy water flow.

Watch out for the berm in the road just past the turn to Pearl and please proceed with caution.

Please stay safe.

September 19, 2025

Fall Updates    

The organization process is underway to gather Club documents and house them all in one location. The two Club laptops are being checked out so they can be used for Club business.

An engineering firm will be selected soon to start the progression on the Lake 4 Dam Project. The soil collection report isn’t back yet and that’s a key component for moving forward.

The new flume on Grouse Creek has been installed.

It’s time to start thinking about next year’s budget. The Board has been active over the last few months learning all about the business of the Club and striving to be fiscally responsible.

Repairs for the large barn doors and shed have been approved and repairs will begin soon.  

It takes a village – or in this case a Club – to help maintain this treasured community. Next summer we plan on having cleanup/repair days for things like the barn & storage space, culverts, the cattle guard, etc. What projects do YOU see that could be done collectively with a little grit, sweat and desire for the betterment of the Club? Let’s start working on this list together so we can be working on plans to hit the ground running.  Knowing ahead of time will help us prioritize and budget appropriately. 

Just email [email protected]  

Have an issue with another member? Try talking to them first. If you want the Board to address it, please submit it in writing by email or on paper to the Board. We’d like to hear from you directly and be able to review it as a Board. Also, we’d like to know what you think the solution should be.    

As you may recall, at the annual meeting last year the loafing shed was discussed and voted upon.

ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES 2025

ii. Loafing shed – out of Alan’s experience to repair– does anyone want to help with getting bids? Email members’ bids must be submitted by August 1st. Shed, including all debris, must be cleaned up and removed within 3 months. Motion: Deanna Bartee - seconded by Jim Brusak

No bids were received by the August deadline. The Board agreed Steve Office and sons would restore the shed if the cost was reasonable.  

AUGUST 30 Special Meeting Minutes

Loafing Shed

Caution tape has been placed around the loafing shed.

Work will begin in the spring to restore the shed to a safe structure. Some materials

from the burn pit will be able to help provide structure.

We have the old curriculum from when the shed was a school.

At the September meeting the Board realized restoration was not what had been voted upon at the annual meeting.

SEPTEMBER 27 Special Meeting Minutes

Loafing Shed

  The membership voted at the 2025 annual meeting to sell it and tear it down.

  No bids were submitted by the deadline. No one stepped forward.

Steve Office and sons volunteered to repair it.

The Board approved Steve’s request in August.  

Upon review, the Board’s decision was in error.

No action will be taken to repair or tear down the shed until further research is conducted, and this will be addressed at the next annual meeting.

It’s not feasible to tear it down this season due to the necessity to deal with other issues.

 

The Board is committed to do our best to follow the Rules. We are aware that this is an issue that is very important to members both in the area of saving the shed and tearing it down. Based upon the minutes from the annual meeting, it has been determined that the shed be scheduled to be torn down in May.

If you would like to comment on this matter, please contact the Board.

[email protected]

September 19, 2025

It was a busy summer at Hermit Lakes. 

 

Robin Clutter resigned from the Board in August to focus on his health. Brady Boyd will fill his position until the June annual meeting.

 

The Dam Repair Project is well under way. The lakes have been drained and we're moving on to the next steps.   

 

Thanks to the Grounds Committee, the Fish Committee, the Recreation Committee and the many volunteers for all their hard work this summer. We appreciate you!!  

 

A commemorative quilt is being put together as part of the 2027 Centennial Celebration. Each membership has the opportunity to provide a block for the quilt. If you're interested in sharing your quilting skills and would like more information - email [email protected]    

 

The board meeting minutes are enclosed. If you have any comments or questions, please e-mail [email protected]

 

We are excited to roll out the new Hermit Lakes website!

August 8, 2025

The Board of Directors at Hermit Lakes is issuing a BURN BAN and also closing the Shooting Range until further notice. Due to the Red Flag warnings in many nearby areas, high winds and  fires nearby we feel it's in the best interest of the Club to put safety first.

 

http://www.coemergency.com/p/fire-bans-danger.html 

July 31, 2025

On July 8, 2025, the Colorado State Dam Engineer conducted an inspection of our dams. The culvert pipe in Dam #4 has deteriorated more rapidly than anticipated, resulting in a partial collapse and separation from the riser at the lake inlet. While the pipe and dam remain stable at this time, we are working to expedite the repair process.

As we move forward with these repairs, you will notice a few changes:

➤Lake #4 Drainage: Based on expert guidance, we will begin draining Lake #4 to relieve head pressure on the pipe and dam. Arrangements have been made to store the displaced water appropriately.

➤Lake #3 and Lake #5 Drainage & Sucker Mitigation: Lake #3 and Lake #5 will also be drained to initiate sucker mitigation efforts in all three lakes. This process is expected to begin as early as tomorrow, August 1, or early next week.

➤Fish Trap Installation: The Fish Committee, along with several volunteers, has constructed and installed a fish trap to prevent suckers from migrating downstream into other lakes.  Another fish trap is anticipated to be installed below Lake #3.

➤Call for Volunteers: As water levels drop, the Fish Committee is seeking volunteers to assist with the significant task of collecting and disposing of fish and suckers.

 

Your support during this time is greatly appreciated. If you’re interested in volunteering or have questions about the process, please reach out to the Fish Committee or the Board