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Spring has sprung, the lake is high,
bulbs are bursting and the grass is getting green again. Soon the
docks, boats and lake activities will come alive and after this
winter, I am sure we are all looking forward to the nice weather.
Many of our members attended the
symposium on the “Future of Webster” held at Bartlett High School
two weeks ago. This was not only an interesting day but very
beneficial to us as an association as we discussed many of
Webster’s issues with town officials, shared ideas and were able
to continue to build a healthy relationship with the town. We all
want to benefit the community of Webster by preparing for the
future. Good idea and we hope this will be a yearly event. We hope
to work out an agreement with the schools in the future to include
lake and environmental projects such as art, science, health and
history. Thanks by the way, to all the NHS students who were
assisting with the symposium,
On April 26th at 4 pm. You are
invited to meet the candidates for selectmen at the Colonial Club.
This is a “Members Only” event and dues must be current. Please
come and meet those who want to serve Webster. Come with a
question about the lake, the town or just to meet them. We hope to
have a good turn out.
Social Club is busy with the
pontoon raffle. Remember that
there will only be a limited amount of tickets sold at $100 for a
new Godfrey/Sweetwater 18’ pontoon boat with a Yamaha four stroke
engine to be raffled at the June meeting. Contact Judy Morrison
for more information. Jane Hill will be honored as Environmental
Woman of the Year at Indian Ranch on May 2 – Hope to see many of
our members here to honor Jane as well.
Environmental committee is very
busy working with ACT to initiate the weed cleanup in the nine
hotspots identified by the Geosyntch survey; the town of Webster
to initiate phase II of the storm water drain management plan; the
DEP to develop a QUAPP (quality Assurance Project Plan) as well as
begin on-going water quality testing on the lake; the town park
department to help locate signs at boat launching areas denoting
safety and invasive week procedures for launching a water craft –
they are a busy group.
We have such a great resource in
this great pond that our major goal is to help preserve the lake
for all to use. The town and WLA have begun what we hope is a
long-term joint venture of cooperation to protect the lake. Also,
if you are interested in hiring the hydro-rake for your own
waterfront, please check with the environmental committee first as
we can assist you with what method will fit your weed cleanup
best. Some invasive species are being unknowingly spread by
inappropriate harvesting techniques.
Some helpful hints for spring;
have a soil test to determine what your lawn needs and try to use
a phosphorus –free, low nitrogen, or organic fertilizer (perhaps
corn gluten) and leave a buffer zone between your grass and the
lake. Leave grass at 2/3” in height, plant steep banks ( or
terrace) to slow down runoff into the lake, leave the native
vegetation along the water’s edge and use caution with pesticides
as well. All of these fertilizers and chemicals can go into the
lake and can result in algae blooms, fish kill and increase weed
production. Never allow grass clippings or leaves to be dumped
into the water. With prevention, care and caution we can all do a
lot to protect the water quality of our watershed. Speaking of
which, Earth Day Cleanup is Saturday May 1st. Meet at town hall in
the morning to designate an area to clean up. Fresh air, fun,
prizes, brunch, family activity and the rewarding feeling to doing
something positive for our environment. A good resource for
lake-dwellers “Life on the Edges” Owning waterfront property” by
Dresden and Korth
Linda Littleton
LindaLittle@comcast.net
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