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What a difference a year makes
By Ginger Costen
Webster Times
Webster- “What a
difference a year makes,” said Webster Lake Association (WLA)
Secretary Jane Hill, during opening remarks at the annual meeting
on Tuesday August 12 at Point Breeze. Starting with a small group
of eight concerned home owners, a year later WLA membership totals
more than 250 families.
According to
President Dick Cazeault, a recent Jet Ski accident has increased
the need for all families throughout Webster to ensure their
children are aware of the important safety concerns when operating
any water craft. Together WLA and the new Webster Harbormaster,
police officer Bryan Bates will be working on long term safety
needs around the lake.
Meeting with other
lake, pond or recreational associations, such as the Hayden Pond
Association in Dudley and the Webster Lake Angler’s Association,
members hope to maximize combined efforts when working towards
environmental issues.
Cazeault attended
the August 10th WL Angler’s tournament. “The association wanted to
show us how much they care about the lake and its environment and
how diligent they are with boat inspections,” said Cazeault. “They
inspect for safety, weeds and alcohol.”
The two Webster
associations will be working together this winter regarding mutual
concerns with ice fishing.
Senator Guy Glodis
offered his assistance in recognition of the hard work of the WLA
members. Representative Paul Kujawski is also continuing his
efforts to secure the previously committed state funding for a
Sediment Control Program for the lake.
“The Environmental
Bond Bill for $4.35 million may be back on the top burner again as
Rep Paul Kujawski is attempting to bring our State Legislatures
out for a day on the lake and a meeting with the WLA,” said Hill.
Environmental
Committee member Gary Williams gave an update on the GeoSyntec
Lake Survey. The weed sampling found Eurasian milfoil, Variable
Milfoil and Fanwort invasive weeds. Of the 24 other types of
weeds, 10 are native and 14 are non-native but also non-invasive.
According to Williams the good weeds help keep out the bad.
Water clarity is 5
meters with suspended sediment. Phosphorus level (feeding
material) was sampled in deep basins with no problems located. At
24 feet down in Middle Pond, the aquatic vegetation level was good
with no signs of stressed fish.
More information
will be available when WLA receives the entire written report from
GeoSyntec.
However according
to Tri-chairman of the Environmental Committee, Paul LaFramboise,
“the one missing link is that we have nothing to compare this
study to and we don’t know if situations are getting better or
worse.” Although the report was what LaFramboise expected, he
feels it’s the time to attack the problems and bring them under
control.
“The Environmental
Committee will be establishing a long term analysis plan for
voluntary sampling of water quality,” he said. “We’ve had a great
beginning however; politically we have to strive to work together
with other groups as we can’t do it alone.”
When questioned,
what individuals could do about weeds around their docks?
LaFramboise said, “We need to wait for GeoSyntec. Once we have the
results we’ll be able to see where hydro raking is appropriate.
Individuals should not be chemically treating weeds as a permit
through the Department of Environmental Protection is required and
only licensed individuals can treat weeds properly.”
Water friendly
landscaping and environmentally friendly consumer products will be
an educational emphasis at a future meeting.
”We’ve been asked
which needs to come first - sediment control or weed control?”
Cazeault said. “Both need to happen but we need to stop the
“Species of Mass Destruction” (Eurasian Milfoil) immediately or it
will be too costly later.”
The WLA is also
comparing current Massachusetts weed laws with the State of
Maine’s Weed Control Laws, which according to Cazeault more
seriously addresses the spread of invasive weeds.
Annual election of
officers included Dick Cazeault, president; Scott Goulet
vice-president; Jane Hill secretary, Robin Wade treasurer, and
Arlen Johnson, clerk.
Author Paul Masek
will present a program on the history of the Webster Lake at the
October 14 meeting. Masek will sell copies of his book “The
History of Webster, Dudley and Oxford” for $25 with $5 going to
the WLA.
The second annual
Junque Trunk fundraiser will be held on November 8th. Last year
members raised $3500 by “Celebrating the Cellars of Webster Lake,”
according to committee chairman Jeanne Rossetti. Members Mike
O’Brien will return as the host auctioneer assisted by wife
Sharon.
178 tickets were
sold for the SeaDoo raffle with Board of Selectmen Chairman Robert
Miller holding the winning ticket.
Over 100 local
photos were entered into the first annual WLA Calendar and
Photography Contest. Photos were on display throughout Point
Breeze for the month of July. The volume of votes cast required
additional time for the fundraising committee to announce the 13
winners. Members were asked to vote for three selections. Photos
included all four seasons as well as a variety of wildlife, lake,
people, and weather. The winners will be announced on the WLA web
site, www.websterlakeassociation.com. Calendars will be available
for sale in November.
When questioned,
what members could do to help encourage people to hook up
to town sewer
system? Selectmen Bob Miller said that connecting was part of a
by-law in the town and a $200/month fine is being imposed soon.
WLA members will
encourage neighbors and friends to connect and the information
will also be posted on the website and mentioned in the
newsletter.
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