Contrastación de las hipótesis Específicas

The LFA has had a busy year working with the milfoil problem, maintaining the greeter program, encouraging the safe use of the lake and protecting its environment, and working with the Tri-Town Committee working to restore the Dam.

Our 2013 attempt to eradicate patches of milfoil was far less successful than our 2010 efforts. On May 31, 2013 our contractor, Lycott Environmental, Inc., applied triclopyr to 35 acres of the lake where milfoil was growing in moderate to dense patches. At the end of that season the only treated areas that remained milfoil free were along the northwestern shore. Most of the rest of the perimeter of the lake showed expanded areas of growth in the September survey. We remain convinced that the herbicide treatment is the most effective method of milfoil control on the lake, and have found that a whole lake treatment produces the best results. With this in mind, we decided against isolated treatment of the lake in 2014, in order to qualify for a whole lake treatment next year. We have requested that the state allow us to slightly increase concentration of tricloplyr from 2.0 ppm, to the manufacturer’s recommendation. We will continue to work with the State scientists for approval of a program that will most effectively control our milfoil.

We have expanded the hours and upgraded our “greeters” station at the boat ramp, thanks in part to the donation of a fully enclosed greeter shelter by Thetford resident Brian Boland. Throughout the summer and most weekends from Labor Day to Columbus Day, our greeters continued to educate users about invasive species and offer courtesy boat inspections. They also encourage boater safety and care for the lake environment. By now most users anticipate and welcome these interactions.

Financial support from the State continues to dwindle. As recently as six years ago we were receiving annual grants in excess of $40,000. This year our grant was $15,000; we will apply for one again in 2015. The majority of the cost of our programs comes from lakeshore property owners and other LFA members. Even so, the steady support of each town has been crucial. We are also very appreciative of the tireless work of the Tri-town Committee including members of the Selectboards and residents of Fairlee, Thetford and West Fairlee in developing a plan to replace our deteriorating dam. We realize how important the upcoming Lake Fairlee Dam Bond Vote is to support the towns’ tax base and protect the lake for all of the neighboring communities and the lake users.

We are grateful to the Town of Fairlee for its consistent support over the years and for 2015 the Lake Fairlee Association again requests $5,000.

For more information please see our website www.lakefairlee.org or contact any one of the LFA members.

Nolan Riegler

LAKE MOREY COMMISSION 2014 ANNUAL REPORT

Lake Morey’s 2014 Integrated Management Plan consisted of four components:

- Suction Harvesting by Professional Divers

- Aquatic Control Technology’s (ACT’s) Lake Survey - Volunteer Adopt-a-Lake Program

- Greeter Program

Suction and Hand Harvesting by Professional Divers

Aquatic Endeavors (AE) suctioned harvested the northern beds for seven days in July. Then, based on the results of ACT’s August survey, AE worked from September 2nd through 13th suction harvesting the remaining designated sites in the more southerly part of the lake and hand harvested from Gilmore’s Point clockwise around to the Aloha Camp, making multiple passes. Approximately 6 cubic yards of milfoil were removed and placed in the gravel pit.

Lake Survey

ACT conducted its survey of shallow and deep water sample points in late August. It revealed that there were widely scattered milfoil plants in the eastern, southern, and western areas of the lake and in such a density in the northern part that traditional control methodologies would be futile. ACT recommended that the 35 acre littoral zone running north from Aloha around to Gilmore’s Point be treated with

Renovate OTF in 2015. The Commission subsequently advised the Selectboard of these observations and recommendations and received approval to work as an interface with the Fairlee Town Administrator, ACT, and the VT DEC in obtaining the appropriate approvals. Also, AE will be engaged for 2 ½ weeks in 2015 to control the infestation in the untreated southern part of the lake.

Volunteer Adopt-a-Lake Program

As in the past, this was a key element of the program. Improved water clarity from the past three summers precipitated the growth of milfoil in deeper waters. Barbara Duncan and Laurent, the program

coordinators, reported that a total of 1,210.5 hours were devoted to this part of the project. Greeter Program

Nathaniel Eastman again served as the official greeter, inspecting 244 boats/trailers and finding no exotic plants. His efforts were supplemented by those of local volunteers who inspected 6 boats and found no milfoil.

The 2014 IMP was completed at approximately $3,800 under budget. Unfortunately, under State statutes, these monies cannot be held in reserve for future years so will be absorbed within the General Fund. Respectfully submitted,

Lake Morey Commission Don Weaver, Chairman

LAKE MOREY FOUNDATION