By Susan Thompson | Lake Panorama Times
About 40 LPA members attended the Aug. 29 managers coffee held at The Captain’s Pick at Lake Panorama National Resort. Updates were provided by John Rutledge, Lake Panorama Association (LPA) general manager, and Royce Shaffer, Lake Panorama National (LPN) director of operations.
RIZ updates
Rutledge opened the meeting with a review of Lake Panorama Rural Improvement Zone (RIZ), starting with details of a new wetland project.
“The West Fork Burchfield Wetland will be a 3.3-acre wetland, filtering water from 568 acres. A 13.8-acre buffer will surround the water,” Rutledge said. “This is one of those projects that will look like it is not environmentally friendly as construction begins, because trees and clearing will be required. But, we can assure you this will be an outstanding addition to the lake’s water quality strategy.”
RIZ is partnering with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) to cost share this $800,000 project with about half the total costs being reimbursed by IDALS to RIZ once the wetland is complete.
Rutledge said the 180th Trail Basin Culvert replacement project is complete. This is part of the broader 180th Trail Basin expansion project, which will provide sediment storage after space in the County Basin is exhausted.
Earlier this year, RIZ secured easement extensions for the County Basin on the northwest side of the lake by working with the family that owns a majority of the property there.
“This is an outstanding achievement for RIZ, as it ensures we will fully utilize the basin,” Rutledge said. “The previous easements had finite timelines, but these now are open ended. This ensures we’ll be able to use this sediment basin until all the storage capacity has been used.”
Rutledge said RIZ continues to work on plans to dredge Horseshoe Cove. An effort to acquire land for sediment storage is in the planning and acquisition phase.
“This is progressing but not yet something we have finalized,” he said. “Our hope is to be able to dredge there in 2027.”
Efforts to expand the RIZ cover crop program continue. This involves offering financial incentives to landowners within the Lake Panorama watershed to use cover crops after harvest.
“We pride ourselves on having the most streamlined and commonsense cover crop incentive program available,” Rutledge said.
The RIZ 2024-25 fiscal year ended June 30.
“RIZ hires the State of Iowa Auditor’s office to complete a formal audit every year,” Rutledge said. “As with past years, this year’s audit is going smoothly and without any concerns.”
Looking ahead, Rutledge said staff and board attention already is turning to the 2026 Iowa Legislative session.
“Property tax and tax increment financing reform are on the agenda and will likely be a top priority for the Legislature this year. This is a highly complex topic, which we’ll be engaged in prior to and during the session,” he said. “We also will continue to watch any potential legislation regarding lakes, boating governance and HOAs. Our set of issues is very narrow in scope, but high in impact to the viability of Lake Panorama.”
LPA business
Turning to LPA business, Rutledge said concerns about a dilapidated home in the Burchfield Cove area have been turned over to the LPA attorney and options are being pursued.
The old LPA marina building remains under review.
“The current thought is to demolish the north two-thirds and repurpose the south one-third for security and public restrooms. We don’t have much new to report on this due to our team being occupied with other projects this summer, but we are looking at engineering plans,” he said.
Rutledge said this summer’s rain has caused a lot of washouts and drainage issues.
“Our team is working to address these, and we appreciate your patience,” he said.
Deer hunting
At the June 2025 board meeting, the LPA board approved the 2025-26 deer hunting program, with no changes. The program allows only archery and muzzleloader hunting in specific zones. It is open to LPA members and guests that must be accompanied by a member. Hunters must take two antlerless deer before taking a buck. The adult season starts Oct. 1, with youth season starting in mid-September.
A total of 111 antlerless deer were harvested in 2024-25, which Rutledge said is consistent with past seasons and LPA’s goals.
“I can emphasize the goal of this program is to ensure a healthy herd population and not to eliminate deer from the association,” he said.
Walking and cycling
Rutledge cautioned walkers and cyclists about using association roadways. He also discouraged walking or cycling on 200th Road and Redwood Road, which are county highways.
“LPA roads are not designed for curb and gutter, sidewalks and pedestrian use,” he said. “Those who choose to walk or cycle on LPA roads are strongly encouraged to wear bright or reflective clothing, walk against traffic, and ensure their hearing is not impaired with headphones. Walking groups should yield the roadway by falling into single file and letting vehicles pass.”
Dam repair
LPA has the Weitz Corporation under contract for the dam cylinder replacement at a cost of $158,000. The lake will begin lowering Oct. 1.
Rutledge said the LPA water department is working with ISG Engineering on some system modeling, which will help dictate future infrastructure replacement and upgrades.
“This modeling will help us learn how changes would impact water pressure and flow,” he said. “In particular, we’re looking at the Christmas Tree Point lake crossing plus a booster station to address pressure concerns along Chimra Road and neighboring areas.”
Budget and dues increases
Work on the 2026 LPA budget is underway.
“This highlights our current underfunded position,” Rutledge said. “We appreciate the membership support of a conversation about dues increases, and we will take you up on this very soon. Unfortunately, we have a small team, and it’s very challenging to tackle these extra projects.”
Condos and restaurant building
Rutledge said a property development agreement between the LPA and Rob Manning for a condo and restaurant building on the lake’s main basin is close to being finalized.
“This is a very complex process,” he said. “I can report most of the comments brought up at the Aug. 5 public forum have been addressed in this agreement.”
Wake boats
The LPA Water Safety Committee will meet Sept. 16 to develop recommendations to the LPA board in advance of the 2026 boating season. The topics of wake boats and boat density will be on the agenda.
Rutledge responded to concerns being raised in Wisconsin and Minnesota of wake boats destroying underwater vegetation that impacts fishing in clear water lakes in those states.
“Because it is a manmade lake on a river, Lake Panorama does not have underwater vegetation that benefits fish habitat, so that is not a concern,” he said. “However, concerns about safe usage and the impact on shorelines are up for discussion.”
LPN news
Shaffer has been the LPN Resort director of operations since the fall of 2023. He opened his report with an update on The Captain’s Pick at Lake Panorama National Resort.
“The feedback has been very good since we entered into a new lease and services agreement last spring,” he said. “John Rutledge, Galen Redshaw, representing the LPN board of managers, and myself meet monthly with Ted Hawley and Joe Wells. We discuss what is going well, any issues they are having, and any needs they have. These meetings have been great to keep communication open.”
Shaffer said there has been an ongoing discussion about the feasibility of weekday lunch service.
“Lunch shifts have been close to breakeven or even a slight loss, plus the staff workload is significant,” he said. “This is why lunch hours were adjusted in mid-August. On Wednesday and Thursday, kitchen hours now are 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Lunch continues on Friday and Saturday, with hours on those days 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday hours are 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.”
Shaffer suggested LPA members consider The Captain’s Pick for catering and hosting fall and winter events. He also suggested members follow The Captain’s Pick Facebook page for fall specials and events.
“Negotiations will begin soon for a multi-year lease and services agreement,” Shaffer said. “Our goal is to have a new agreement in place sometime this fall. We want the current momentum to continue.”
Shaffer said the LPN golf course is having a solid year with 224 seasonal golf passes sold. Green fee revenue is up 7% in 2025 compared to 2024. Men’s and women’s leagues wrapped up the last week in August with good participation numbers.
“The golf course is in good shape heading into early fall,” he said. “Thanks to Brandon Waddle, Jared Baier and their staff who continue to do excellent work maintaining playing conditions at LPN.”
Turning to the LPN Capital Fundraising Campaign, Shaffer said he wanted to thank the 56 individuals and companies who donated in the last two years.
“The support of these people along with those who have participated in fundraising events are making a real impact on LPN,” he said.
Renovations will be done on the LPN driving range tee box in September, completely funded through the LPN capital campaign. The deteriorating railroad tie wall will be replaced with a new block wall. A synthetic grass tee line will be installed along the back of the tee box for use when the natural turf needs recovery time.
The next fundraising event is Sunday, Oct. 19. This “20 Men Who Can Cook” social event will have 20 local men preparing their favorite dishes to be sampled by those in attendance. There is no formal program.
There will be a cash bar open 4-7 p.m., with food samples available 4:30-6:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 in advance or $60 at the door. More details and ticket information is on the LPN website resort calendar.
Shaffer said at Panorama West, 118 seasonal passes were sold. Play is down slightly this season with green fees down 5% in 2025 compared to 2024.
“Panorama West is in good condition as we head into fall. We are aware of some weed and turf issues on a few tee boxes that we continue to discuss and try different options to remedy,” he said. “Special thanks to Jeff Muench, who was hired in May, for his great work learning the ropes and maintaining Panorama West.”
Shaffer said the LPN Resort pool had another busy season with 71 season passes sold.
“Water aerobics continues to be popular on Monday, Wednesday and Friday,” he said. “Thank you to Nancy Clawson and Jennifer Dilley for leading these classes.”
The pool and spa season ends Sept. 28. Public hours for the month of September are 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily.
Following their prepared remarks, Rutledge and Shaffer fielded questions and comments from the audience. The next managers coffee will be sometime in early December and announced in the Panorama Prompt once scheduled.