For the preservation, protection, and maintenance of Lake St. Catherine
It was another great season for Lake Wise on Lake St. Catherine!
This weekend, the Poultney Mettowee Natural Resources Conservation District (PMNRCD) notified the four 2021 Lake Wise Award winners, congratulating them on this outstanding achievement for their lakeshore properties.
What is Lake Wise?
Lake Wise is a program developed by Vermont’s Lakes and Ponds Program to recognize outstanding efforts by homeowners who live along a lakeshore to protect the water quality and habitat along the shoreline and within the near-shore area of the lake. Four categories are assessed: The driveway and parking area, the structure (which includes roof, drainage, and septic), the recreation area (the lawn/footprint of non-natural, high-use yard areas), and the shoreline buffer area.
The goal of the Lake Wise program, from the Lake Wise website:
"The goal of Lake Wise is to establish a new normal, a new culture of lakeshore landscaping that is proven to help protect the lake. A property that earns the Lake Wise Award will represent a 'model' shoreland property. The Lake Wise Award certifies a property is well managed, using shoreland Best Management Practices, and is maintained to care for the lake."
This season, the LSCA earned a grant from the Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) to perform Lake Wise assessments, and to help property owners with projects on their land to mitigate stormwater runoff into the lake. The LSCA was happy to again partner with the PMNRCD on this project.
Although the Lake Wise Program is open to all LSC property owners, we decided that the 2021 program would focus on properties on Little Lake. In cooperation with the Lake St. Catherine Conservation Fund (LSCCF), we began the outreach to the lake community to get folks excited and signed up for Lake Wise.
Stormwater has a widespread environmental impact which makes it a growing concern in Vermont. In a statewide effort, towns and local organizations are working to implement large scale projects to help clean stormwater before it enters water bodies. Work is being done from the headwaters all the way down to the stream outlets. Excess nutrients in the water contribute to problems which affect both human and wildlife health including; lower oxygen levels in the water, toxic algae blooms, and excessive plant growth.
As a shoreline property owner, you have the access and the ability to control what is happening directly at the water's edge.
While small-scale improvements on individual properties may not seem like they have much impact, collectively the implementation of many small projects will have a positive benefit on the water quality in the lake and the surrounding watershed.
Actions now will promote a healthy lake environment that will continue to support swimming, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing in the future.
This is such an important program for long term health of Lake St. Catherine, and we can all pitch in to make a difference.
Lake Wise Awards
So, without further ado, our 2021 Lake Wise Award winners are:
Congratulations to this year’s Lake Wise Award winners!
Lake Wise Program work continued late into the fall, so we were unfortunately unable to give the awards to the winners before the end of the season. We’ll reach out to winners in the spring to schedule the presentation of their award and to take a photo!
Lake Wise Work Completed On LSC In 2021
The PMNRCD crew completed a tremendous amount of work in support of the Lake Wise Program this season. They were also able to leverage their Lake Education Action Program (LEAP) program, which pairs student and community lake education with the implementation of small planting projects for shoreline owners to increase the amount of projects completed.
Photo: PMNRCD
Some statistics for 2021:
Property owners that did not qualify for the Lake Wise Award this season can continue to work on their shorelines with the LSCA and PMNRCD to raise their assessment score. Three of the four award winners this year had their initial assessment done in 2020. After some projects were implemented this year, their properties qualified, and they are now award winners. To date, 57 properties have participated in the Lake Wise Program, and have at least received an initial assessment.
In Conclusion
This brings the total Lake Wise Award winning properties on LSC up to 16!
Thank you to all the winners and Lake Wise participants for the work they have put into their property in an effort to become Lake Wise. This work represents a model of what all LSC lakeshore owners should strive for, as these projects are both beautiful and lake friendly.
All winners will be receiving the Lake Wise Award plaque that they can proudly display on their shoreline. Keep an eye out for them as you cruise around the lake next season.
In October, we applied for a $25,000 Clean Water and Healthy Ecosystems Projects grant from the LCBP which we hope to earn to help fund the Lake Wise Program for 2022.
The LSCA would like to help other Lake St. Catherine property owners implement best practices to mitigate stormwater on their properties, and help them to earn the Lake Wise award. If you would like to have your property assessed, please email us at info@lakestcatherine.org.
Make a positive impact on the lake and be Lake Wise!
Hi LSC.
Poultney resident Janice B. Edwards recently researched a painting of Lake St. Catherine, and the artist Frances E. Wilson who painted it. Reproduced below with Janice's permission is the story - we think you'll enjoy it.
History: Beautiful Lake Saint Catherine in Poultney and Wells, Rutland County, Vermont - An Artist’s View Painted by Frances E. Wilson by Janice B. Edwards, December 7, 2021
Beautiful Lake St. Catherine located in both Poultney and Wells, Rutland County, Vermont is, and has been for centuries, an artist’s haven. It has been the inspiration of many artists through creative expressions with oil and water color paintings, pencil sketches, black and white as well as color photographs, music, poetry and written articles. And, in the 21st century, with digital photographs in websites and shared in many social media sources.
As a Vermont history buff, this researcher / writer’s article about Lake Saint Catherine focuses on Mrs. Frances E. Wilson, who created an artistic painting of this lake. This research began as a request from David Adams, a lake resident, who has obtained a painting entitled, “Lake Saint Catherine Near Poultney, Vermont Painted by Mrs. Frances E. Wilson”. David and his family’s interest is in confirming the location the painting’s view is of; to learn more about the artist who was believed to have been Mrs. Frances E. Wilson; and to try to determine the year the painting may have been created.
David and his family include multi-generational residents of Poultney and seasonal residents of Lake St. Catherine. This researcher / writer’s family does as well.
The painting’s location view:
David and his family have studied the painting’s view, and they have talked with other lake residents about it. They feel that the painting’s view is from the Ferncliff Road near the cottages named Ferncliff and Whippoorwill, which are located on the west side of the lake’s north end. The view’s focus is to the southeast across the lake towards the lands currently home to the Lake St. Catherine State Park as well as towards multiple Cones Point properties.
Together, we each would enjoy hearing from others who may own paintings by Mrs. Frances E. Wilson, as well as from the community with your thoughts about the location of the painting’s view.
This is the only identification on the back side of the painting.
This recent photo view by David’s family is of the area believed to be in the painting created by Mrs. Frances E. Wilson.
Mrs. Frances E. Wilson (1842 - 1914)
Mrs. Frances E. Wilson was Frances Elizabeth Herbert, born one hundred seventy nine years ago on July 10, 1842 in nearby Whitehall in Washington County, New York. Her parents were Robert and Hannah (nee Searl) Herbert, who were both also born in New York State. Frances had several brothers and sisters.
Historical records indicate that Frances could read and write, however, she did not have formal school education. Her father was a farmer and from her birth until 1863 Frances lived with them in Whitehall. The home was apparently near Hampton in Washington County because their postal address was Hampton.
On March 10, 1863, Frances married Ashley Wilson who was also born in Whitehall, New York. He was born April 19, 1839, the son of Squire and Rebecca Wilson. By 1870, Frances and Ashley Wilson were residents in Poultney. Throughout their married life, Frances was keeping house and her husband
worked as a carpenter. The couple did not have any children, however, in 1880, four-year old Mable was living with them. Mable was their adopted daughter.
On June 28, 1898, Mable married to Mr. Perry B. Wolcott. The marriage occurred at her parents’ home. The service was officiated by The Reverend E. H. Randall, pastor of St. John’s Episcopal Church. The wedding party consisted of a few friends. A news account relates that it was “… one of those pleasant affairs which we take delight in publishing, as indicating that this generation like all that have been before it has a just sense of the sacredness and importance of marriage vows, and recognizes wedded life to be an institution ordained of God.” The news account further stated that the wedding was “… arranged with respect to utmost simplicity [and that] there was none of that conventional formality which sometimes destroys the meaning of the occasion.” Following the 10 o’clock service, the couple took a train for Fair Haven, and there connected with a south-bound train of the D. & H.R.R.
Between 1863 and 1900, Ashley and France Wilson’s residences changed a few times, yet it appears they primarily lived in the west village area. By 1900, Ashley was then referred to as an architect, yet he also did not have any formal education.
In 1910 their home was on College Street about five structures northeast of the Mahar home. The Mahar home was the historic red brick house on the east side of College Street facing Moses Hall. It is between two white wooden houses. In 2021, the white house located on the corner of Main and College Streets is known as the Two Editor’s Inn. For many years, it was Carrigan’s Funeral Home. In 1910, Ashley and Frances Wilson have six roomers resident with them, each between the ages of 19 and 26 years. The roomers work in the shirt factory. The shirt factory was within easy walking distance of the College Street home in which they were roomers. The factory was located on the corner of Main and Maple Streets. In 2021, that factory property is occupied by the Stewart’s Bread & Butter Shop and its gas pumps. That corner property was originally site of the beautiful three-story Joslin Hall and the very fine F.B. Barrett & Co. store, a department store.
Mr. & Mrs. Ashley Wilson celebrated their golden wedding anniversary after having lived in Poultney forty-nine years. Throughout their lives, they were members of the Methodist Church, Hampton. The Methodist Church was a wooden structure located on the south side of Greenfield Lane in Hampton village near the road’s intersection with Route 22A across from County Route 18. Neither the church building nor the Greenfield Lane / Route 22A intersection mentioned exist in 2021.
Ashley Wilson died October 3rd, 1913, four months before his wife. His obituary provides significant insight into his life in the community, and because of that obituary details are shared herein.
The obituary stated that Mr. Wilson’s death “… was not unexpected as he had been in feeble health for several months, and was seldom seen on the street; but the passing of such a man as he could not be without a distinct feeling of loss not alone to his family, but to his neighbors and many friends as well. In his quiet and unassuming way he filled out his long life in works abundant and had a prominent place among men of affairs. In his chosen vocation of architect and builder he was foremost in the communities in which he moved, and the fruit of his endeavor survives him in many a structure, public and private, which do credit to his ability and good taste – notably the dwelling houses of E. R. Norton in Granville, and George Stannard in West Haven, Vt.
Mr. Wilson was self-made and yet well made. Chiefly from his own unaided effort came whatever success attended his earthly career. While a man of industry, he was never too busy to give a word of friendly advice or helpful suggestion to any who sought it; and in his employment of men he asked nothing from them that he would not require of himself. Faithfulness to this rule of action doubtless laid the foundation of many infirmities that vexed his declining years. It was his nature to do whatever needed to be done regardless of the difficulties that might stand in the way. He loved his business, and went about it with whole-hearted purpose and cheerful endeavor. His kindly disposition won for him numberless friends, and secured for him the respect of all who knew him. We sorrow for him yet hopefully; the righteous man shall doubtless receive a righteous man’s reward.”
Mr. Wilson’s funeral was largely attended by local people as well as many from other regions. Six nephews acted as bearers including Seymour Burdick of Rutland, Archie Burdick of Pawlet, Ashley S. Wilson of Middle Granville, and Ira, Chester and Warren Wilson of Poultney. He was buried at the Methodist Church’s Brick Church Cemetery, County Route 18 in Whitehall, New York.
Mrs. Frances E. Wilson died four months after her husband’s passing. She died at her College Street home after an illness of only a few days on February 23, 1914. Her cause of death was pneumonia. Her funeral was held at the home officiated by the Reverend E. H. Randall, assisted by H. P. Scratchley. The bearers were Warren Wilson, Ashley Wilson, Chester Wilson and Ira Wilson, nephews of her late husband. She was buried with her husband at the Methodist Church’s Brick Church Cemetery, Whitehall. She was survived by three grandchildren, two boys and a girl, the orphaned children of the couple’s adopted daughter. Mabel Wilson Wolcott died in North Dakota several years before her father’s death.
This 2021 researcher / writer has found an 1899 article about the inauguration of the Ferncliff property which was then owned and managed by Mr. N. Burdick. At the inauguration event, a largely attended concert and hop provided music by a seven piece orchestra from Albany, New York. Tables were laid for twelve people at each, and a splendid meal was consumed at midnight which everyone took part in.
Conclusion:
It appears to this researcher / writer that Mrs. Frances E. Wilson was a talented, self-taught artist, and that the painting in question is certainly the Ferncliff Road property previously discussed. It also appears from the obituary information that her husband’s Burdick relative was owner of that property in the end of the 1890’s / early 1900’s. Therefore, it is likely that Mrs. Wilson had many opportunities to visit it, to be inspired by the beauty and the time to create her views.
It is now one hundred seven years since the death of Mrs. Frances E. Wilson. Again, David Adams and this researcher / writer each would enjoy hearing from others who may own paintings created by the artist, Mrs. Frances E. Wilson. Should anyone have comments, please be in touch with Janice c/o email to – Cartreftaid@yahoo.com. Thank you very much.
Each season, the LSCA implements a Milfoil Control Program to keep milfoil in check in Lake St. Catherine using a combination of spot herbicide treatments and DASH (Diver Assisted Suction Harvesting).
This year, we expanded our program to include:
These efforts led to another successful year of milfoil control on Lake St. Catherine.
In late September, our contractor SOLitude Lake Management performed a comprehensive, 2 day lake-wide aquatic vegetation survey to both evaluate the performance of our milfoil control efforts, and to assess the overall state of aquatic plants in Lake St. Catherine.
Back in 2001, 199 GPS points were plotted throughout Lake St. Catherine, and these points are evaluated for aquatic plants during each report. This is the 18th consecutive year a plant survey has been performed on Lake St. Catherine. You can see all the previous reports, dating back to 2004 in our Links & Downloads section.
The full report can be read here: 2021 - Aquatic Vegetation Management Report. We encourage you to take a few moments to read through the whole report.
Some information from the report:
Based on the data, and the results we've all seen throughout the whole of Lake St. Catherine, our Milfoil Control Program had a very successful year. The ProcellaCOR treatments were highly effective, our DASH team did another great job this year (read about that by clicking here), and you got involved as well by participating and volunteering to collect floating milfoil from July to September as part of our Milfoil Cleanup Community Day (read about that by clicking here). We also heard numerous reports throughout the season of folks removing milfoil from their props, their shorelines, and if it happened to float by their dock.
For 2022, we hope to expand the volunteer milfoil cleanup program by beginning much earlier in the season. We have also applied for a grant which could fund the purchase of floating drop-off platforms and other equipment that would assist our volunteers. We should hear about this grant soon!
In early May, the lake will again be surveyed for milfoil growth. At that point, a final treatment map will be created which will show proposed spot treatment and DASH locations.
We'll be sure to keep you up-to-date on our 2022 efforts as work continues over the winter and into the spring.
If you have any questions, please get in touch at info@lakestcatherine.org.
Thank you for your continued financial and volunteer support as we work to keep milfoil under control in Lake St. Catherine! Let's keep working together!
Back in mid October, we let you know about an injured loon that was captured in North Bay by Loon Biologist Eric Hanson from the Vermont Center for Ecostudies (VCE) and was brought to Vermont Institute of Natural Science Center (VINS) in Quechee, VT.
The loon had been caught up in fishing line, and the hooks from a large lure had punctured her feet.
Later that evening, Eric sent us an update. He explained that he met the lead rehab person at VINS and they were able to remove the line and all of the hooks that had hooked into its feet. Unfortunately, it was determined that the loon has a broken toe, and infection is a concern. Eric noted that if the loon was able to elude the Wardens while impaired, it may be strong enough to survive at 90% at the ocean this winter.
A week later, we heard from Eric that he took the loon to Avian Haven in Maine for surgery on her feet. The surgery was performed, and Eric provided the following update from the folks at Avian Haven:
"We put her in the pool for about a half hour first thing this morning; she promptly swam underwater laps, seemingly with the same ease as previously. So far, so good!"
Eric noted that parts of 2 of her toes and some webbing had to be removed during the surgery (you can see in the photo below). Even if she can swim at 70-80%, she may be OK to release. If so, she'll receive a USFWS band. But, they'll need to see how the following week would play out for her.
We've just received a new update from Eric, and he's told us that the loon in now healthy enough to release! She will be banded and released next week.
Finally, Eric noted that this is a good educational opportunity to spread the word to reel in when loons are nearby.
Thank you to everyone involved to help give this loon a chance.
If you'd like to support Eric and the VCE for their outstanding efforts efforts, you can:
-Donate to the Vermont Center for Ecostudies (VCE): https://vtecostudies.org/give/, or
- Purchase one of their Vermont Loon Conservation Project shirts, which you can see here: https://www.bonfire.com/vermont-loon-conservation-project/
Hello LSC.
We'd like to tell you about a loon rescue that took place on Wednesday on Lake St. Catherine.
Last weekend, a loon that appeared in distress was seen in North Bay. It was initially thought that the loons legs were tangled with weeds, and Loon Biologist Eric Hanson from the Vermont Center for Ecostudies was contacted.
On Monday afternoon, the loon was seen again, and fishing line and a fishing lure (4" or so) could be seen wrapped around its legs impairing its ability to do normal activities. Eric was contacted again with an update, and our Vermont Fish & Wildlife Game Warden Justin Turner was called.
On Tuesday, Justin and his partner attempted to capture the loon, but were unsuccessful. Although its legs were tangled, it was still able to elude their attempts to safely capture it.
On Wednesday, Eric came down from Craftsbury, VT to attempt to capture the loon. When he arrived, the loon was was located near shore and appeared exhausted. Thankfully, Eric was able to safely capture it:
You can see how the line had tangled around its legs:
Eric was then able to transport the loon to the Vermont Institute of Natural Science Center (VINS) in Quechee, VT. We had called ahead to make sure someone would be there to receive the loon.
We will keep you up-to-date as we learn more about its progress at VINS. Keep your fingers crossed!
We'd like to thank the Lake St. Catherine residents who noticed and reported the loon in distress, our Game Warden Justin Turner and his partner, Eric Hanson from VCE and the folks at VINS for their efforts to give this loon a chance.
Great work by everyone involved.
If you'd like to support the efforts of VCE and VINS, you can make a donation to them on their websites.
- Donate to the Vermont Center for Ecostudies (VCE): https://vtecostudies.org/give/
- Donate to the Vermont Institute of Natural Science Center (VINS): https://vinsweb.org/donate/
We are so happy that the loon population has been increasing over the years, and as we've heard from discussions and online postings from you, we all love seeing and hearing them on the lake.
So, here are some tips to keep the loons safe and healthy from VCS and their publication, Vermont's Common Loon: A Guide For Boaters:
Respect: Enjoy loons from a distance through binoculars. When paddling, never pursue loons for a photo or closer look. A loon constantly swimming away from you is a stressed loon. Avoid Nesting Areas: Not all nest sites are signed. Be aware of potential nests in marshes and on islands; be ready to paddle slowly away from a loon sitting on shore. If a loon leaves its nest, depart the area immediately; the loon will return once it feels safe. Slow Down: Loon chicks can be difficult to see. If boating at high speeds, note where the loon family is and avoid that area. Please observe the “no wake speed” law within 200 feet of shorelines. Wakes from boats can flood shoreline nests and dislodge eggs, while speeding boats have been known to run over loons, injuring or killing them. Get the Lead Out: Fish responsibly. Loons, like many birds, ingest small pebbles in order to help digest their food. Unfortunately, if the material they collect contains lead from sinkers or jigs, poisoning and death may result. Reel In When Loons are Diving Nearby: Loons will take live bait and lures. Nearly 50% of loon deaths are caused by ingesting lead fishing gear or injury from fishing line entanglement and hooks. Take Action: It is against the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act to harass migratory birds in the U.S. Please report any loon harassment to your local game warden or state police. Plant Native Vegetation: If you own shoreline, let your lawn grow wild to create wildlife habitat. Leave woody debris and underwater plants for aquatic insects, fish, and loons. If you need a mowed area, keep it 15-20 feet from shore. Enjoy: Vermont’s lakes and ponds can be home to both people and loons, if we treat loons with respect and are good stewards of forested shorelines and underwater habitat.
Respect: Enjoy loons from a distance through binoculars. When paddling, never pursue loons for a photo or closer look. A loon constantly swimming away from you is a stressed loon.
Avoid Nesting Areas: Not all nest sites are signed. Be aware of potential nests in marshes and on islands; be ready to paddle slowly away from a loon sitting on shore. If a loon leaves its nest, depart the area immediately; the loon will return once it feels safe.
Slow Down: Loon chicks can be difficult to see. If boating at high speeds, note where the loon family is and avoid that area. Please observe the “no wake speed” law within 200 feet of shorelines. Wakes from boats can flood shoreline nests and dislodge eggs, while speeding boats have been known to run over loons, injuring or killing them.
Get the Lead Out: Fish responsibly. Loons, like many birds, ingest small pebbles in order to help digest their food. Unfortunately, if the material they collect contains lead from sinkers or jigs, poisoning and death may result.
Reel In When Loons are Diving Nearby: Loons will take live bait and lures. Nearly 50% of loon deaths are caused by ingesting lead fishing gear or injury from fishing line entanglement and hooks.
Take Action: It is against the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act to harass migratory birds in the U.S. Please report any loon harassment to your local game warden or state police.
Plant Native Vegetation: If you own shoreline, let your lawn grow wild to create wildlife habitat. Leave woody debris and underwater plants for aquatic insects, fish, and loons. If you need a mowed area, keep it 15-20 feet from shore.
Enjoy: Vermont’s lakes and ponds can be home to both people and loons, if we treat loons with respect and are good stewards of forested shorelines and underwater habitat.
Thanks again for everyone involved in this effort. We are hopeful that the loon will be able to recover and make its way to the ocean for the winter, and we'll see it again at ice out in 2022.
Good afternoon LSC.
We'd like to tell you about some grants we have submitted to bring funds to Lake St. Catherine for the 2022 season, and a few other that we will be applying for soon.
Today, we applied for 2 grants through the Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) totaling over $74,000 in potential funding:
Clean Water and Healthy Ecosystems Projects Small Implementation Grant: Lake Wise
In partnership with the Poultney Mettowee Natural Resource Conservation District (PMNRCD) and Castleton University (CU), the LSCA applied for funding to continue our very successful Lake Wise Program on Lake St. Catherine.
The Vermont DEC’s Lake Wise Program encourages landowners to voluntarily implement lake-friendly practices on their property.
The Lake Wise Program was developed by Vermont’s Lakes and Ponds Program to recognize outstanding efforts by homeowners who live along a lakeshore to protect the water quality and habitat along the shoreline and within the near-shore area of the lake. Four categories are assessed: The driveway and parking area, the structure (which includes roof, drainage, and septic), the recreation area (the lawn/footprint of non-natural, high-use yard areas), and the shoreline buffer area. All categories are scored on their ability to slow, infiltrate and filter stormwater runoff which carries nutrients like phosphorus & nitrogen, sediments, and pollution into the Lake.
Lakeshore properties that exemplify thoughtful, ecologically-minded development are proudly awarded a Lake Wise Award. The Lake Wise Award certifies that a property is managed in a manner that preserves fish and wildlife habitat, protects water quality, and maintains a shoreline's natural stability.
Currently, 12 properties on LSC have earned the Lake Wise Award, with 1 award in 2019, and 11 in 2020.
24 new properties were assessed in 2021, and many stormwater infiltration projects were installed. The results of the assessments and the implementations are still being tabulated, but we are hopeful to be able to announce some awards soon!
The Lake Wise Program not only educates property owners around the lake about the issues stormwater can cause (carrying phosphorus, sediment, and pollutants into the lake), but it also implements stormwater infiltration projects on individual properties with native plantings, rain gardens, infiltration steps, etc.
This is a fantastic program that we hope to continue each season.
Clean Water and Healthy Ecosystems Projects Planning Grant: LSC Stormwater Master Plan Project Design
In partnership with the Poultney Mettowee Natural Resource Conservation District (PMNRCD), the LSCA applied for funding for the planning, prioritization, outreach, design, and budgeting of projects identified in the Lake St. Catherine Stormwater Master Plan (SWMP).
In 2018 and 2019, extensive field work by the PMNRCD and Fitzgerald Environmental Associates (FEA) took place in the LSC watershed. The goal was to identify sources of increased stormwater runoff and associated sediments and nutrients. Phosphorus reducing projects are of particular importance given the water quality concerns within the watershed. The work involved identifying sources of stormwater, prioritizing sources based on various environmental, economic, and social criteria, and designing projects to mitigate those sources.
While the previously mentioned Lake Wise projects are focused on individual properties on the parcel level, SWMP projects can involve larger areas that may include a combination of public and private lands.
50 sites were identified, and as of today, 4 have been implemented, and 2 others have been designed and are awaiting installation. Projects have recently been completed on North Street, Ferncliff, the boat launch in Wells, and at the Wells Lakeside Park. That leaves 44 others that need to be designed. This grant will allow us to hire a consultant to design these projects to prepare them for funding and implementation.
In the coming months, we will be applying for multiple aquatic invasive species (AIS) grants through the LCBP and the Vermont DEC to help fund our Boat Launch Greeter and Milfoil Control Programs.
We'll keep working for LSC over the fall & winter, and we'll keep you up-to-date with all the latest news.
Thank you for your support!
We hope you find our efforts worthy and we can earn your support - are you a member for 2021? Maintaining the lake costs approximately $125,000 annually. Grants, membership dues and contributions make up the majority of our funding. If you'd like to help, please consider becoming a member or making a donation. The LSCA is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization and any contribution that you make may be tax deductible.
A good brisk morning to you LSC.
We'd like to do a quick recap of the floating weed cleanup efforts in the Channel & Little Lake this summer, say a few thank yous, and talk about keeping these efforts going next season.
In early July, as part of our milfoil control efforts, the LSCA and LSCCF announced that they had been planning for a 'Community Day' in the Channel and Little Lake areas to organize volunteers to collect all the floating milfoil they can find as an educational and hands-on 'Stop The Spread' event. Lake neighbors in the Channel informed us that they would like this effort to continue for the whole season, so arrangements were made to make this happen.
As we know, floating milfoil fragments will seed new plants - so it's very important to remove them from the lake. We also worked to educate residents on how they could help to 'Stop The Spread':
Two weed drop-off points were set up, one in the Channel, and one in Little Lake. Volunteers were asked to scoop up and collect detached floating weeds and deposit them at one of the two drop-off points so they could be collected for disposal.
The kickoff event took place on Sunday, July 25th. That morning, volunteers from all around the lake came down to participate, filling up both drop-off points with weeds:
Drop-off point in the Channel
Drop-off point in Little Lake
Later that day, the LSCA's diver assisted suction harvesting (DASH) crew filled 21 buckets (17.5 gallon) full of weeds to haul away!
We are happy to report that these efforts continued throughout the season! Channel & Little Lake residents kept at it by loading up the drop-off points with weeds, and assisting the LSCCF's harvesting crew as they made regular pickups.
We have a lot of folks to thank for helping to make this project as success.
A sincere thank you to:
This project was very successful, and we hope to continue, and expand it next year by starting it much earlier in the season.
If you can help by donating or loaning a float next season, please contact us at info@lakestcatherine.org.
We are very happy with our lake-wide milfoil control efforts for 2021, and we hope you are too. Our DASH team did great work again this year (read about that here), and year one of the 3-year milfoil control plan for Little Lake yielded excellent results. You can check out 'before' and 'after' drone photos by clicking those links (thank you to VT Lake House for taking these photos!).
Next Spring, we'll be reaching out to the lake community for donations to help fund year 2 of the plan which will be developed over the Winter and early Spring. We hope we can earn your support for the plan. You can read more about the 3-year plan and our 2021 fundraising efforts here: https://lakestcatherine.org/little-lake-milfoil-control
Soon, a comprehensive lake-wide aquatic plant survey will take place, and we'll have a full report to share with you in early November.
Thanks again to everyone working hard and participating in this lake-wide Milfoil Control Program. Our collective efforts are making a significant and measurable difference in the milfoil level of Lake St. Catherine!
Let's all plan on working even harder next year!
Thank you!
We hope you find our Milfoil Control efforts worthy and we can earn your support - are you a member for 2021? Maintaining the lake costs approximately $125,000 annually. Grants, membership dues and contributions make up the majority of our funding. If you'd like to help, please consider becoming a member or making a donation. The LSCA is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization and any contribution that you make may be tax deductible.
Good morning LSC.
We'd like to share some drone photos and video of the Little Lake that were taken on 9/1/21 - 10 weeks after the milfoil treatment on June 22nd. A sincere THANK YOU to VT Lake House for taking these photos for us!
Back on June 30th, we shared the first set of drone photos taken of Little Lake which were taken the morning after the treatment. You can see those photos and video by clicking here: Google Drive folder, Drone Photos - 6-23-2021.
Little Lake Drone Photo - 9/1/21, photos by VT Lake House
You can view all of the new 'after' images and video taken on September 1st here: Drone Photos - 9-1-2021.
We think you'll notice a dramatic difference!
As we've seen during our observations, and we've heard from happy Little Lake residents, the treatment was very successful. We are so happy to hear the stories of folks skiing and tubing, and seeing Little Lake looking great!
This was a large undertaking by the LSCA and LSCCF both in preparation work and funding. There was also incredible lake community support with contributions to the fundraiser (you can read more about that here) and by those who worked throughout the summer to get milfoil out of the lake to help 'stop the spread' by scooping floating milfoil out of the lake (you can read about those efforts here).
While we've had a FANTASTIC result this season, this is just year 1 of a 3 year plan. Your support will be needed as we continue our battle to keep milfoil under control in Little Lake and the whole of LSC. If you have not become a member of the LSCA for 2021, please do! You can learn about becoming a member here. Your membership dues help fund our import Lake programs to fulfill our mission of the preservation, protection and maintenance of Lake St. Catherine. We'll also be looking to the lake community for support for the year 2 fundraiser which will kickoff early next Spring when the 2022 milfoil plan is finalized.
Finally, at the end of the month, a comprehensive, lake-wide aquatic plant survey will take place which will outline the results of our LSC milfoil control efforts, and the state of other aquatic plants. You can view the past 17 aquatic plant survey reports by visiting our website's Links & Downloads section. We'll share this report with you as soon as it's available in early November.
Thanks again to VT Lake House for taking the 'before' and 'after' photos and video for us, and thank you to everyone in the lake community that helped make the year 1 treatment of Little Lake a success!
Let's all work together and have another successful year of milfoil control in 2022.
Thank you.
Last week, our Diver Assisted Suction Harvesting (DASH) crew completed their contracted hours for the season, and they have provided us their report.
Owen & Beck - Lake St. Catherine Association DASH crew
This season, 146 buckets (17.5 gallon) were harvested. In 2020, 132 buckets were harvested. In 2019, 1,293 buckets were harvested. The DASH crew picked up an additional 21 buckets (not included in the 146 total) as part of the Community Day cleanup in the Channel & Little Lake back in July.
The most amount of milfoil that was removed in one area was from area I, across from the State Park. The milfoil density was very high in this very small .9 acre area, and 53 buckets were removed here. Second was area D, Atwater Bay with 37 buckets from 13.6 acres. Third was area N, Sandy Beach with 24 buckets from 8.2 acres. These 3 areas accounted for approximately 78% of the bucket count this season.
Owen & Beck also report that the lake is looking great, and milfoil areas and densities remain low. They have already generated a preliminary map for 2022, which we'll reference as we perform the Spring survey next May.
Here is a short video taken this season showing how the milfoil is hand-pulled:
Thank you to Owen & Beck for their great work again this season!
Because of their hard work, the spot ProcellaCOR treatments (and the treatment in Little Lake), and the efforts of all of you to get milfoil out of the lake to help to stop the spread, we believe we'll see in our Fall survey that milfoil levels will be at the lowest level we've seen in 15 years (since the full lake treatment in 2004).
Let's all keep up the good work!
Finally, a quick note on milfoil identification. Throughout the season, we receive calls and emails to report milfoil sightings - which is great. We will always investigate and take a look to see if there is a milfoil issue in the area reported. What we've found is that folks are frequently seeing Illinois Pondweed (Potamogeton illinoensis) and not milfoil.
This is Illinois Pondweed, which is a native aquatic plant for LSC:
This plant had a particularly good growing year. This plant will grow to the surface and the tip of the plant will grow slightly above the surface and you'll see the 'flower' above the water.
Our DASH crew is not permitted to remove this or any other native plant - they can only hand-pull milfoil.
However, Illinois Pondweed - or other native plants - can certainly become a nuisance in your dock or swimming area. If they are, you may rake or hand-pull these plants in your area to remove them. If you do, you should do your best to remove them by the roots, and ALWAYS remove them from the lake and get them on shore. Let them dry out and dispose of them as you would yard waste.
This is milfoil:
This is an invasive weed that the DASH crew is permitted to remove.
On Saturday, August 28th, the Lake St. Catherine Association held their fourth and final meeting of the 2021 season. Meeting minutes compiled by Kemi McShane.
Attendance: Jim Canders, Ed Laird, Elaine Bagley, John Belnavis, Mary Jo Teetor, Jerremy Jones, Frank Callahan, Bob Williams. Online/phone: Jeff Crandall, Martha Pofit, Nancy Liberatore, Lisa Micich, Kemi McShane. Absent: Michael Gay, Ken Abt, Rob Nesbit
Call to Order: President, Jim Canders called to order the meeting at 8:40 AM at the LSC CC.
Introduction: Jim Canders introduced Beck Sinclair to present on the work accomplished by the DASH team this 2021 season. Highest concentration of milfoil was at Location I, across from the State Park in the channel entering North Bay at Pine Point. North Bay had sparse density, and this area is projected for next year work, also Horseshoe Bay will be a priority. 92 acres in total was addressed by DASH. The maps used for location work areas will be provided to the Fall surveyors to help identify problem areas. 167 total buckets were removed - 53 in area I alone, 21 as part of the Community Clean Up Day. Less floating fragments this season as compared to the past. Noted not as much algae as well. It was requested that as the DASH team works around the Lake next season, to be aware of the roads, shorelines and run-off areas to help identify any areas that the Watershed Action Plan can potentially address. Many volunteers this year to scoop the weeds and pick up floaters to help contain the milfoil. Beck was thanked for the hard work that DASH performs for the lake.
Secretary's Report: motion made and second to accept the Secretary’s report as presented. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report: Discussion regarding the transition period as Elaine, our treasurer is retiring. A motion was made to accept the treasurer’s report as presented, second. Motion carried to accept the treasurer’s report.
LSCCF Annual Meeting Report: Jerremy gave a brief report on the meeting he attended last week. There was a general sense of contentment with the collaborative efforts of the 2 groups, and discussion of the success of the treatment. All of our joint initiatives were mentioned, Lake Wise, ProcellaCOR, Community Day weed cleanup. The LSCCF also discussed their individual efforts, finances, bylaws, etc. A motion was made to respond to the LSCCF’s request to include the LSCA in a letter to Misha and the DEC as a supporter of leaving the aeration system in place for ‘emergencies’. Misha sent a request to the LSCCF asking them to remove the system. After discussion, the board concluded that they wanted to remain neutral and consistent with our previous stance as the LSCCF went through the aeration permit process which was to remain neutral, to neither support or oppose the permit, and to accept the DEC's position when reached. A motion was made to that effect. Motion seconded, voted all in favor. Motion carried.
Milfoil: Jeff Crandall reports the herbicide treatment in the LL was very successful. He was told people were waterskiing in the LL again. 70 acres were treated in the LL. Discussion regarding where potential problem areas are around the locations where the Lake is spring feed, such as Endless Brook / Pine Point. Jerremy requested year end aquatic plant report to be available by first week of November.
Water Quality: Mary Jo reports no documented issues this summer, even with recent storms and runoffs. No identification of E Coli, but test kits are available if needed.
Greeter Program: John reports Greeters not seeing milfoil coming out of the Lake like in previous years. Tracking of hours for the survey to be sent to the State. Needs to track data for grants and payments. John noticed the statements of invasive species posted at the boat launch and questioned how to remove that information if not applicable today (water chestnuts)?
Publicity: Jerremy has the Fall newsletter to distribute and will post to our website for online access and email to members. Also available at Otto’s and WCS.
Lake Safety: Frank said the new buoys finally arrived in time for next year. Volunteers to place buoy in Halls Bay in place.
Nominating Committee: Bob Williams reports we have 13 active members. The Association needs 1 person for a 1-year term and 1 person for a 3-year term, to be appointed by Jim per the bylaws. Bob thanked our retiring Trustees: Kemi McShane, Elaine Bagley, and Ken Abt for their years of service to the board and LSC.
Membership: Elaine explained the different stages for the mailings for the membership committee to perform. February membership drive kickoff mailing, postcard reminders, online registration, maintaining and updating the data to keep members contact information current. Bookkeeping of the dues and donations. LSCA has 362 members to date. 40 members from last year have not rejoined, MJ stated this may be due to property transfers. Membership expires January first of each calendar year. A motion was made to have MJ and Jerremy handle the financial plan for bookkeeping and data process in the transitional period. The motion was second, with no further discussion, motion carried.
Grants: Martha reports that Lake Wise saw a lot of interest this summer season. Will be submitting a 3-year work plan for the Lake St. Catherine Watershed Action Plan in collaboration with the PMNCRD that will include, organizing, analyzing, identifying, goal setting, prioritizing with the LCBP and DEC on future projects around the Lake. A motion was made to have the president be able to call additional board meetings as need. It was seconded, voted on and motion carried.
Old Business: East Poultney Day was attended by Jim and Jerremy. Lots of support for the LSCA was received from the community.
New Business: The LSCA received notice of a potential land from the Warwicks. A $50.00 donation was received from them, and the offering of a parcel of land on the Lily Pond and a parcel of land in Poultney. Discussion ensued regarding acceptance of this generous donation. A motion was made to do our due diligence and review the legality, tax liability, marketability, etc. before accepting the donation of the land to the LSCA. The motion was seconded and without further discussion, motion carried. MJ, Nancy and Ed will work cooperatively on researching the necessary information.
Next scheduled Board meeting: May 28, 2022 at 8:30 to be held at LSCCC.
Election of Officers:
Recording Secretary - no one elected, position open
Treasurer - Mary Jo Teetor, motion, seconded, carried
Vice President - Martha Pofit, motion,seconded, carried
President - Jim Canders, motion, seconded, carried
Motion: Corporate resolution to amend the banking signature card to include, Jim Canders, Mary Jo Teetor, Jerremy Jones. Two signatures are required on a check written for any amount above $1,000.00. Seconded, carried
Motion for adjournment made, seconded, and carried.
Meeting adjourned at 11:07 AM
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