Inside the Gate – June 2023
SUMMER POOL HOURS
SUNDAY – SATURDAY
Lap & Fitness Swimming 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Pool Maintenance 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Open Swimming 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
JUNE POOL SHACK & STAFF HOURS (Beginning June 3, 2023)
Monday – Wednesday 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Annual POA Meeting with “Sip & See” June 22, 2023
6:00 PM Neighborhood Annual POA Meeting
Refreshments & Drinks will be served immediately following the meeting as the community is invited to join us for an opportunity for a “behind-the-scenes tour” to see the changes and updates in the Clubhouse, as well as hear about the ways we plan to utilize it more for the community.
FROM THE ROADS COMMITTEE:
Dear neighbors in Gatewood, let’s all do our part to keep our community safe. Please remember to drive slowly and carefully, especially in areas where pedestrians are present. It’s important that we all stay off our phones while driving, as this can distract us from the road and potentially cause harm to others. Let’s prioritize the safety of our community and make sure we all arrive at our destinations safely. Thank you for your cooperation!
FROM MANAGEMENT – Living alongside Wildlife
Gatewood has a beautiful community comprising many forest habitat areas and numerous water sources. These features make the neighborhood an attractive habitat or feeding ground for many of our local wildlife. This creates a natural conflict. Conflicts with nature are not surprising in communities that have been built in areas where wildlife exists. The resulting clashes are creating dilemmas for community associations as people try to balance their quality of life, the bottom line and the ethical treatment of wild animals. Laws and regulations that protect some species are complicating matters.
Wild animals, while admirable for their resilience, can wreak havoc on private property. Gatewood has experienced problems associated with geese, beavers, black vultures, and coyotes over the past 20 years.
Coyotes – Almost every year we have one or more spotting’s of these animals. We have enlisted the help of several local wildlife experts for their help in capturing them or eliminating them. To capture a coyote, a cage is used which poses danger for domesticated dogs and cats as well as young children. This method has not been used. In South Carolina hunting coyotes is legal however the use of a firearm inside the Gatewood is not permitted so we have not pursued this method. Experts say the best defense is to ensure residents do not throw out table scraps following meals and do not leave dog or cat food outside.
Black Vultures – We have recently experienced a large group of these birds causing a nuisance and concern to several local residents. Gatewood had a large group of these birds six years ago. We used nonlethal methods, such as loud horns and pellet guns to scare them but these methods failed to disperse them. We then obtained a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Migratory Bird Permit Office to be able to take out several of these birds. In the US, the vulture receives legal protection under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. We are in the process of having this permit renewed.
Beavers – Every year we contract the services of Jimmy Reardon to help us deal with these pesky semi-aquatic rodents. It is not unusual for him to catch one weighing more than 30-35 pounds. Residents have often had these animals causing damage to their ornamental trees and will contact Management for help. We also monitor their activity as they may hinder natural water flow with their dam building or create holes in the base of our dams.
Geese – The population of migrating Canadian geese is not nearly what it was compared to 2007. These ubiquitous waterfowl have given up their transitory lifestyles and are making permanent homes in our and other communities. Their bothersome behavior–loud & aggressive and their droppings averaging two pounds a day per bird—became too much. Management attempted to use methods to harass the geese such as strobe lights, sound devices and predator decoys proved unsuccessful. About every 5-7 years we engaged the help of the US Dept. of Agriculture -Wildlife Services to come in and harvest and relocate a large tribe of birds. Over the past few years these birds have been more manageable and enjoyable on our lakes and ponds.
Foxes – We have experiences with red foxes and gray foxes. About nine years ago a family of foxes began to habitat near the back entrance along with 4 young kits. These animals created quite a stir as many residents would drive along Reflections Drive late in the evening to observe the young kits and throw food out to feed them. Other residents were concerned about their presence, considering them a danger for their small pets and as a possible source of rabies. Management sought outside wildlife expert’s advice and took steps to locate the den and cover both entrances during the daylight hours. This tactic will cause the parents to relocate their family which it did.
Community managers say animal-control measures, especially lethal ones, run the risk of generating controversy in community associations. Residents who don’t live near the conflict site may not appreciate all the problems of their neighbors who are in the thick of it. Living in Gatewood has many positive amenities including the abundance of wildlife. Management will continue to seek a balance in dealing with our wildlife while trying to keep the animals from ruffling too many community feathers.
Your management and leaders recommend that you do not approach or feed any wildlife. Also, if one or more of these animals are causing a problem, please contact the Clubhouse by calling 223-6450 or Wilson Bruce 377-1016.