The natural beauty of The Landings is significantly enhanced by the 151 lagoons, which cover 269 acres of our island and include a Kids’ Fishing Lagoon (located behind the Oakridge fire station off of Log Landing Road). 95 of the lagoons are owned by TLA, 36 by The Landings Golf & Athletic Club (LGAC), and 20 are jointly owned. All are maintained by TLA, under an agreement last ratified on December 19, 2023, under which LGAC pays TLA for this service. These lagoons aren’t just bodies of water; they are the lifeblood of a lifestyle that blends serenity, recreation, and sustainability. They’re not only pretty, but they’re also practical, as they serve many purposes, including those listed below.
- The lagoons serve as stormwater retention ponds and are a part of the drainage system for the runoff from impervious surfaces (streets, community paths, parking lots, buildings) on the island. This is especially helpful during tropical storms and hurricanes, as 54 have water control structures whose primary function is to control water levels and stormwater overflow
- They are part of a sustainable water management system used for irrigation across golf courses and green spaces. This helps maintain the lush landscape without overtaxing local aquifers—an eco-friendly perk that residents benefit from daily.
- These structures support diverse ecosystems that include native fish, amphibians, reptiles, and a wide array of bird species.
The summer season historically is the most difficult time to manage the lagoons, as plant growth increases with water temperatures in an annual cycle. Other weather factors, including heavy rainfalls, which result in an increase in the amount of nutrient runoff from the turfed areas of the community, resulting in increased growth of filamentous algae. Algae is one of the most recognizable plants in the lagoons during this time of year. What appears to be the impending loss of a lagoon is a normal cycle. TLA employs two spray technicians who are dedicated to lagoon maintenance. They treat all lagoons within the community on a two-week cycle. Lagoons that have recurring problems are treated more often.
This year, we are experiencing a particular problem with alligator weed, an invasive species that is difficult to kill. We use a special herbicide on these weeds that requires two-to-five hours of contact time to begin working. The constant heavy rains this summer repeatedly washed off the herbicide before it could bind to the weed. It takes two weeks to stop the weed growth, another two weeks to kill it, and then the dead weed slowly sinks to the bottom of the lagoon and degrades. We have finally gotten a good application on these weeds, so they should start to recede from view in the coming month.
As noted above, the lagoons also are home to alligators, and TLA has strict Rules and Regulations aimed at keeping our members safe.
- Residents are prohibited from feeding alligators or attempting to pet or move them.
- Swimming or boating by residents, visitors, and guests in the lagoons is not allowed.
- Pets should not be allowed to drink or swim near waters that may contain alligators.
- The Landings Association arranges, in accordance with Georgia law, for the removal of alligators more than seven feet long, as well as aggressive alligators.
