Probably the most important aspect of the WID involved people. As the first trustees overcame the tremendous problems of restoring the dam, other individuals contributed time and effort to supplement the trustees. The initial trustees included Edwin Daegle who was chosen based on his expertise in floating small municipal bond issues. Navy Captain Dick Anderson, a Navy contracts specialist, was also selected. Sally Determan, a distinguished lawyer became the third trustee and trustee chairperson. These individuals and their unique backgrounds got the WID off to a fast and successful start. Over the next several years other trustees and employees served in various capacities, but two were very prominent.
David Alne was president of BARLAMA during the repair of the dam after Hurricane Agnes. As such he played a pivotal role in the community’s efforts to reclaim the lake. As the WID took on more responsibility for managing the lake, David Alne moved to the position of LBWID Trustee Chairperson. He remained in that position for 27 years until his retirement in 2003 (?). David had a strong management background as a senior official in the Navy’s Foreign Military Sales Program. Obviously, during all those years directing the WID he faced numerous challenges. He instituted an Associate Program to bring uniquely qualified Barcrofters to help resolve issues using their expertise. So, the WID became stronger and more efficient over time and the community was fortunate to have David’s leadership.
As mentioned above, Stuart Finley actually came up with the idea to create the WID. Stuart had an extensive career in radio and television. At one time he produced a fifty segment TV series on the Potomac River. He was appointed to the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District and was Chairman of the Board for 6 years. Stuart had been President of LABARCA in 1960-1961, so he was closely associated with the community. As the WID developed, Stuart took a more and more active position in the WID, eventually taking the volunteer position of Operations Director. As the WID came under the NVS&WCD, a legal opinion determined that Stuart had a conflict of interest serving both entities. He immediately resigned from the District board. At Dave Alne’s insistence, Stuart was paid a small stipend and continued in that position until his retirement in 2003. He was a tireless worker and contributed greatly to the success of the WID.
The WID employs full (5) and part time (1) workers to maintain the lake, dam, and the environment. Our projects range from debris removal, dredge spoil removal, wildlife management, and much more. With a combined 100+ years of experience, the Lake Barcroft community benefits from a dedicated and loyal staff.
