Webster Lake Association Meeting August 12, 2003

"Webster Lake Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing, preserving and protecting the quality of the lake and its watershed through the promotion of responsible, effective environmental & educational policies. We shall strive to strengthen and unite the Webster Lake Community through recreational, social and civic activities. Our mission is to preserve this regionally unique resource as a pristine legacy for future generations."

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Webster Lake Association, Inc.

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WLA
P.O. Box 156
Webster, MA 01570-0156

 

 

 

Webster Lake Association Meeting
At Point Breeze
Tuesday, August 12th at 7:00 P.M.

President's Report

  • Dick expressed a safety concern given the jetski accident that occurred on the lake recently. He ureged the WLA to ensure that their kids are educated in boating safety. The WLA Board of Directors recently met with Officer Bryan Bates – the new harbormaster. We plan to work together as a team rather than as against each other to address safety needs around the lake.
  • Dick mentioned an opening on the Safety Committee for a Committee Chair. Anyone who is interested should contact one of us.
  • Dick met with the Hayden Pond Association in Dudley a few weeks back. They also have milfoil and are treating it chemically. They are having problems raising the money. He suggested they start fund raising to get the job done. They have membership fees of $100 per family and have raised $1800 through membership fees.
  • We will continue to work with other lake and pond associations and use these affiliations to get things done – especially those environmentally related.
  • Dick attended the launch the Web Anglers Association last Sunday at 5:00 AM. They wanted to show us how much they care and how diligent they are with boat inspections. They inspect for safety, weeds and alcohol. They care as much about the environment as we do. We are inviting them to join the association, as we all want to work together. We have some mutual concerns regarding fishing that will be addressed this winter.
  • Dick sent a Letter to Editor of the Worcester T&G about weeds and taking care of environment. He got a letter from Senator Guy Glodis congratulating us. He promised to support us in our endeavors and use his influence to help us.
  • The GeoSyntec Lake Survey is complete and we’ll have the report in a few weeks. We’ll know where we are and what we have to do.
  • Where do we go from here? Our focus is the Lake Management project as well as building our affiliations with town departments, other lake associations and fishing groups.
  • Dick mentioned Maine’s Weed Control Laws, which have taken invasive weeds quite seriously. I have attached a copy of this program for your reference.
  • The WLA BOD thanks our members, schools, businesses, Webster Pride and tons of people for the great support throughout the past year.

BOD Elections

  • Our thanks to Charlie Parquette who has served South Pond for the past year.
  • Judy Morrison was elected to Middle Pond.
  • Gloria Ricker was re-elected to Middle Pond.
  • Paul Turner (who served in Middle Pond last year) was elected to South Pond this year.

Secretary's Report

  • August Newsletter was sent out
  • There will be a Fall Presentation on the History of the Lake. Paul Masek (author) will sell copies of his book “The History of Webster, Dudley and Oxford” for $25 with $5 going to the association
  • For WLA Flags contact Linda Littleton at lindalittle@comcast.net
  • For T-Shirts contact Robin Wade at rwade@charter.net
  • Fundraising letters went out to all members this month and we sincerely appreciate the support we have received from our members.
  • The Environmental Bond Bill for $4.35 million may be back in play 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.
  • A Chronological History of the WLA was presented and is attached below for your reference.

Treasurer's Report

  • Robin Wade presented the Monthly and Annual Financial Reports

FUN-draisers Committee Report

  • July Boat Parade – We had 20 boats with phenomenal decorations. First place went to the Cournoyer family, Second Place to the Wade Family with the Nipmuc Ski Club and third to the Kunkel Family
  • The August WLA Birthday Party – We had 130 people attend and that included a lot of kids. Next year we’ll include some adult games! It was agreed that this was a good opportunity to enjoy our friends and neighbors
  • Upcoming Junque Trunk will be held on November 8th. Last year we raised lots of money and a good time was had by all. We are “Celebrating the Cellars of Webster Lake”. Bring any items that you want to donate, as people around the lake will buy anything! Sharon (Vanna) and Mike O’Brien have again agreed to host this event
  • We are possibly planning another New Years Eve Party
  • Lake Management SeaDoo Raffle – 178 tickets sold!!!!
  • WLA Calendar and Photography Contest voting took place at this meeting and results will be posted on the web and via email

Membership Committee Report

  • Current Members:
    • North: 40 Families
    • Middle: 115 Families
    • South: 76 Families
    • Off Lake: 16 People
  • Membership Applications/Renewals were made available at the meeting and via the newsletter. Membership is $20 per person and everyone is urged to send in their dues as soon as the can.

Environmental Committee Report

  • Gary Williams gave an update on the GeoSyntec Lake Survey
  • The weed sampling was done
  • We have 4 types of invasive weeds – Eurasian milfoil, Variable Milfoil and Fanwort.
  • We have 24 other types of weeds – ten are native and the rest non-native but also non-invasive.
  • And good weeds keep out the bad weeds.
  • Water clarity – 5 meters of suspended sediment.
  • Lake Shirley is twice as bad as us.
  • Phosphorus level (feeding material) was sampled in deep basins – there were no problems at all.
  • At 24 feet down in Middle Pond, the aquatic vegetation level was good – no stressed fish.
  • More information will follow when we publish the entire report
  • The one missing link is that we have nothing to compare this study with. We don’t know if situations are getting better or worse.
  • Paul LaFramboise stated that this is what we expected. He feels it’s the time to attack and bring it under control. The Environmental Committee will meet to put together a preliminary, proactive plan to ensure things don’t get any worse.
  • He also said that we would establish a voluntary sampling plan of the water quality analysis over time.
  • Paul stated that we have had a great beginning. However politically we have to strive to work together. We can’t do it alone.
  • Question – what can individuals do about weeds around their docks? We need to wait for Geosyntec. Once we have the results we’ll be able to see where hydroraking is appropriate. Individuals should not be treating weeds on their own. A permit through the DEP is required and licensed applicators are hired to treat weeds properly. Water friendly landscaping and environmentally friendly consumer products will be an educational emphasis as we go forward

Old Business

New Business – Q & A

  • We’ve been asked which needs to come first - sediment control or weed control? Dick stated that both need to happen but we need to stop the “Species of Mass Destruction” (Eurasian Milfoil) immediately or it will be too costly later.
  • Founding Members Certificates are being delivered in the next few weeks. If you joined us during our first fiscal year and did not get your certificate, contact Jane Hill at jmhill@charter.net
  • It was asked how we are we encouraging people to hook up to town sewer system. Bob Miller stated that it is a by-law in the town and a $200/month fine is being imposed soon. The WLA can encourage, not enforce, people hooking up and a point will be made in the website & newsletter.

Announcements

  • Winner of the 50/50 Raffle - Congrats to Dan Dunleavy who received $181! (Biggest Raffle yet! ;-)
  • The 13 winning photographs for the calendar will be announced soon via email and the website
  • And…………

 

 

Drumroll please……..

 

 

 

The Winner of the Lake Management Jetski Raffle is……

 

 

 

 

 

Keep Scrolling!

 

 

 

 

 

Keep Scrolling!

 

 

 

 

 

Keep Scrolling!

 

 

 

 

Bob Miller - Chairperson of the Webster Board of Selectmen!

Congrats to Bob and thanks to all for your support of our efforts to raise this money for the Lake Management Project.

 

The first and most important thing about goals is having one.

-Geoffery Albert