For the preservation, protection, and maintenance of Lake St. Catherine
We hope you all enjoyed the boat parade this year...
Did you happen to notice Boat #2, "Zebra Mussels - NOT In Our Lake!"?
We'd like to introduce you to the young adults participating on this boat - who are also the same hard working young adults that staff the boat launch as part of the LSCA Greeter Program.
From left to right: Brock Baker, Kate Hayes, Naomi Haviland, Levi Haviland, Lucas Milazzo.
Our Greeters have been trained to identify invasive species (like spiny waterflea, asian clams, water chestnut, starry stonewort and zebra mussels) to stop them from entering LSC. They also educate boaters about the importance of looking for these invasives on their boat or trailer so they are not spread to LSC or another lake.
Each year, they do a fantastic job checking vessels and educating the lake community on the dangers of invasive species for Lake St. Catherine. They appreciate your patience as you launch your boat so they can follow all the new safety guidelines.
Keeping invasive species out of LSC is extremely important - so for the past 2 years, we have worked to increase the days and hours that Greeters are are on duty at the boat launch.
The Greeters boat theme was designed to raise awareness of zebra mussels. Zebra mussels are an invasive, fingernail-sized mollusk that is native to fresh waters in Eurasia. Their name comes from the dark, zig-zagged stripes on each shell. Zebra mussels negatively impact ecosystems in many ways. They filter out algae that native species need for food and they attach to and incapacitate native mussels. Unfortunately, zebra mussels were recently discovered in Lake Dunmore, only 40 miles north of Lake St. Catherine.
We'd like to thank the Greeters for participating in the boat parade - but most importantly, we'd like to thank them for their work at the boat launch!
Finally, we'd like to thank their grandfather, Rod Willard for working the boat launch while the parade was going on. At 80 years old, he has proclaimed himself the oldest Greeter on duty in Vermont!
Rod Willard and his daughter, Marcia Baker.
So, a big thank you to all involved! Great job!
We hope you all enjoyed participating in, and watching the 8th Annual LSC Boat Parade!
The votes are in, and we have our winners...
Most Patriotic:
Boat #8 - The Dunbar Family - "Party Like A Patriot"
Funniest:
Boat #9 - The Lutz & Harris Families - "Fowl Play"
Most Original:
Boat #14 - The Mroz Family - "Ice Cream Boat"
Best Overall:
Boat #1 - The Conine Family - "Ski School"
Thanks for voting!
With our local businesses working as hard as they can to stay open, we did not ask for prize donations and sponsors this year. Instead, we ask that you do your best to support our sponsors from last year. They are:
Our 2019 sponsors:
Are you a member yet? 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 is tax deductible.
Nicely done LSC!
The 8th Annual LSCA Boat Parade was a great success - thank you to all the participants and all of you cheering from your boats and from the shore.
Now it's time for you to place your vote!
Click the attached link to see all the photos of the boats and vote for your favorite in these categories:
Voting will be open until 7 PM tonight. We will announce the winners soon after.
Click here to vote: https://forms.gle/ona8cFbCBN4NJhkG8
We also hope you will consider supporting the LSCA's mission to preserve, protect and maintain Lake St. Catherine. Please click here to make a donation or click here to become a member.
Please spread the word - and get your votes in!
Thank you!
The Boats:
On Saturday, June 27th, the Lake St. Catherine Association held their second meeting of the 2020 season.
The Trustees gave their reports on many topics - Click here to see the full meeting agenda. Meeting minutes compiled by Kemi McShane Bostock.
June 27th 2020 Meeting of the Lake St. Catherine Board of Trustees
Google Meet - Online Meeting, 8:30 AM
Meeting Called to Order by President, Jim Canders at 8:40 AM.
Attendance: Jim Canders, Elaine Bagley, Frank Callahan, Jeff Crandall, Bob Williams, Jerremy Jones, Ken Abt, Ed Laird, Nancy Liberatore, Kemi McShane Bostock, Mary Jo Teetor
Absent: Martha Hicks Pofit, John Belnavis, Rob Nesbit
Prior to the meeting:
MJ will comment on a virtual meeting with Oliver Pierson concerning his position on this year’s lake programs.
Jerremy will discuss the disposal of the conveyor at Wescott’s Garage and payment.
Jim Canders, President called the Meeting to order at 8:40 AM.
Jerremy comments on his work with the LSCCF (Lake St. Catherine Conservation Fund) representative, Rick Newell about the potential LSCA/ LSCCF meeting. An outline / framework was established to manage the meeting. MJ recommended Gary Kupferer to be the moderator. He agreed to work for free for a non-profit organization. It was discussed with Rick about limiting the Q and A time. The Moderator would be in control and be able to mute the speaker if exceeded speaking timeframe.
Each group would invite scientific panelists to make a 20 minute presentation, then engage in a 60 minute alternating Q&A. The first 20 minutes would be reserved for the scientific panelists, then 40 minutes of open Q&A with panelists and board members. We will also solicit questions from the lake community to be asked and answered during this session.
MJ wanted to reach out to VT DEC - Misha to check and see if the format was OK. Misha is willing to attend the meeting, along with some colleagues to offer a critical view of aeration as a lake management tool to help Little Lake. Jennifer Jones is anticipated to be the invited panelist for the LSCCF offering her pro view on aeration.
The rules / outline will be run by Gary so he is comfortable with the format.
Board ok with the format to move forward to set a date for the meeting between the two groups. Have time to get comfortable with the technology and how to use it. Send a copy to Misha and establish who can attend. Hopefully get a meeting slated for late July / early August.
MJ meeting with Oliver Pierson, who is the new Lakes and Ponds manager. Discuss the funding and the AIS grant. See if the money is approved for distribution. Hilary has not heard and is too late to receive the money for the DASH and Greeters programs. Oliver wants mtg for storm water action plan and that is an important piece for future funding. Talk about dates for meeting, will be an hour long and will take Q&A.
Storm Water Action Plan: funding for AIS money could go elsewhere. Oliver oversees Misha and Hilary’s funding.
Oliver to be invited to the LSCA July meeting. Meet with him beforehand. Hope to set it up for Saturday, July 25th before our Board meeting.
Discussion for the Annual Virtual Meeting: voting issues, two-week advance notice for additions to the Slate of Trustees.
Bob discussed the incumbents’ as the Slate of candidates. Ed posted candidates for trustees to vote for and to contact Board if interested in running for the open slot. Jim, there is one position to be filled.
Hillary joined the meeting at 9:00. She discussed the storm water projects and wants Oliver to know the Action Plan is already in place and has received approval for 6 projects. Applying for funding to implement these projects. She itemized each project, the perspective plans and map, and the project design and the rationale behind each project.
Ferncliff Road- water crosses Rt. 30. There is instability and erosion into the Lily Pond. Goal to stabilize the area.
Ferncliff Road - Visible from the road, drainage from the yard, step pools (Dan Collins) before get to the Lake. Collects water from driveways, drainages from culverts on properties at Pope’s property.
State boat launch- wetlands coordinating with Fish & Wildlife. Design infiltration system in the parking area.,
Wells’ Town Park - erosion on properties to re-route the water at the entrance road to the Park. Collaborate with the Town as building a pavilion in the Park. Needs permits due to wetlands.
Lake Luccidian - sediment floods the road.
Quinn Cove - recreating drainage
Discussion of timeline for these 6 projects. Hope to accomplish all this summer; might have to wait on some for next year. Bob W. discussed the stormwater runoffs from the Butternut Hill Road from the condos and Gem Way.
Business Meeting began at 9:21
Old Business - Fireworks discussed. Will look into this and confirm date and time. Slated for July 3, 2020 late in the evening.
New Business - Frank has a 3D carving of the LSC map. Charlie Holcomb makes them. Possible item for a fundraising/raffle prize. Bob discussed concern for the confusion of the 911 numbers for the Lake. MJ stated that the municipalities are responsible to update the addresses and numbers. MJ reported that the heat wave and weather conditions caused a cyanobacteria bloom. People and animals should stay out of water when occurring. Jerremy reported on a SOLitude webinar.
A motion to adjourn the meeting was requested. Frank made a motion to adjourn the meeting Second by Jim, All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 10:33 Saturday, June 27, 2020.
Minutes respectfully submitted by the recording Secretary, Kemi McShane Bostock
Hello LSC!
Well, we've all been through a tough Spring... Summer is here, and things are still uncertain as we have so many things to be worried and concerned about.
While all these concerns will still be with us after this weekend, hopefully we can all take a break and spend some time having fun as we celebrate Independence Day.
On Friday, July 3rd, lake residents Rick Roberts and Jack Williams will be putting on a fireworks display set to music. Rumor has it that they will be launching 1 hour's worth of fireworks in 30 minutes. The barge is set up on the east side of the lake, off of Cones Point by Route 30:
Thank you to Rick and Jack for their efforts!
Then on Saturday, July 4th, starting at 1 PM in Forest House Bay, the 8th Annual LSCA Boat Parade will make its way around the lake.
There is still time to register your boat if you'd like to participate - email us at info@lakestcatherine.org to register and get a boat number.
There will be some important changes this year due to the current COVID-19 situation:
1. There will be no prizes this year. With our local businesses working as hard as they can to stay open, we will not be asking for prize donations and sponsors this year. Instead, we ask that you do your best to support our sponsors from last year. They are:
Our winners will of course receive bragging rights for the rest of the season :)
2. We will not have judging stations for safety reasons. However, we will take photos of every boat, and we will post them online for the entire lake to vote on in an easy to use voting survey. We'll set a time range to cast your votes, and we'll announce the winners for each category that evening. Stay tuned for more details on how to vote on Saturday which we posted here on our website and on our Facebook page.
Parade route:
Please have a fun and safe 4th of July weekend at Lake St. Catherine. Be well, be kind, and be considerate of others on the lake.
Thank you.
The Lake St. Catherine Association's 2020 diver assisted suction harvesting (DASH) program to control milfoil in 10 areas on the lake is underway!
After our successful milfoil treatment of 3 areas with ProcellaCOR on Wednesday, June 24th, our DASH team was ready to get to work on their part of our milfoil control program:
Owen reports that they have already finished location D, and are currently working at location K (DASH areas are highlighted in green):
You will see them working for the remainder of the summer. Please be sure to give them room so they can work safely!
On Thursday, June 18th, Cyanobacteria was found in the channel leading from Halls Bay.
The orange arrow below indicates the approximate location of the Cyanobacteria. Small spots were also seen south of that location in Halls Bay channel.
Here is a photo of the Cyanobacteria bloom - it looks like light blue paint on top of the water:
This bloom has since dissipated, but please be aware that small spots were still visible in Halls Bay channel.
Please keep pets and children out of the water in the channel.
As was the case in 2018, the conditions were perfect for it to bloom there: lack of rain, temperature, water depth and lack of water movement.
Additional information from the Vermont Department Of Health on Cyanobacteria can be read here: "CYANOBACTERIA (BLUE-GREEN ALGAE)". Please let us know immediately if you spot some.
From Vermont DEC:
"So long as there is visible cyanobacteria in the water, both in the inlet stream and anywhere along the lake shore where it empties into St. Catherine proper, everyone should be avoiding contact with them. Pets are also vulnerable, so owners should be keeping their pets out as well.
It is difficult to predict how long the bloom might persist in the stream. Lake surface blooms typically dissipate when wind and waves thoroughly stir the water. They can last for a matter of hours or for several days or weeks, depending on the conditions. Blooms in streams typically are moved out by increased flow. It doesn’t sound like you received much rain as a result of the storms earlier this week, so this bloom may persist until there is more water movement."
We will keep you informed with any updates. If you have any questions, please contact us: info@lakestcatherine.org.
On Saturday, May 23rd, the Lake St. Catherine Association held their first meeting of the 2020 season.
May 23rd 2020 Meeting of the Lake St. Catherine Board of Trustees
Meeting Called to Order by President, Jim Canders.
Attendance: Ken Abt, Elaine Bagley, John Belnavis, Kemi McShane Bostock, Frank Callahan, Jim Canders, Jeff Crandall, Jerremy Jones, Ed Laird, Nancy Liberatore, Rob Nesbitt, Martha Pofit, Mary Jo Teeetor, Bob Williams.
Side note: A few technical difficulties occurred throughout the meeting but were resolved and the meeting was able to continue without interruption. Thanks to all the support provided by the knowledgeable trustees.
The meeting began with Martha providing the history of the grants and the PMNRCD connection to the LSCA. Martha outlined the grants as follows:
Context of work done since last August. Received $40,000.00 combination of four grants.
$14,000.00 received from the Greeter Program with the Watershed grant supporting 25% expansion of the program and allows us to increase the hours of operation. Especially important is the awareness of Zebra Mussels and preventing them from entering the Lake. The boat launch and the Channel are areas of concern. The DASH divers will inspect those areas. And will educate the LSCA about zebra mussels.
Smaller grants come and go and the purposes of grants change but we are developing plans for sustainability and attracting more people who support our cause. The Lake Champlain Basin has a database that has infrastructure to help communicate with its members.
Received new grant for emergency support for May, June and July to help with immediate bills. Can recast the budget to keep LSCA going.
Grant to expand the Greeter program to have a station based at the LSC State Park. Fish and Wildlife funded; until cancellation of the grant. Interested in having a pilot program at the State Park as it is opening on 6/26/2020. 1,700 boats are launched at the State boat launch and 1,800 are launched at the State Park launch area. In 2019 received $7,000.00, $5,500.00 in 2020 for the Greeter program from DEC.
She spoke about the Grant and organizing the Lake into neighborhoods and having a Zone Captain. The Zone captains would hold meetings. Residents could have their property assessed for storm water runoff, mitigate load of phosphorus entering the Lake. And property owners need to deter the runoff. Many of these things cannot be done this year in 2020. Hope to complete ten projects this season with 15 Lake Wise assessments to get done. Hillary was asked to get hand outs to distribute so the community is aware of the services/work that the PMNRCD provides.
There was discussion regarding properties on LSC that were under heavy construction and the lack of environmental curtains not in place. Ed Laird provided details regarding the new septic system being built at nearby property. It has been approved by the State and is a state-of-the-art septic system.
MJ and Martha mentioned their discussion with Oliver Pierson who is the new Lakes and Ponds Program Manager. There were questions regarding the ERP grants, watershed, and Aquatic nuisance grants. The philosophy hasn’t changed but financial support from the Fish and wildlife has gone away due to the COVID 19 virus of 2020.
Discussed the development of a watershed plan. Want the State to do prevention work for run off from roads and streams. Feed together with all our grants and can create an action fund. Our relationship with the PMNRCD helps the LSCA get together to where the Lake properties are assessed. Martha expressed how important our relationship is with the Lake Champlain Basin is as well.
Hilary joined the meeting at 9:10. Hilary gave a brief history of the PMNRCD and how important the LSCA relationship is with the PMNRCD. The District gives the Board a common base. It was established in 1940 and was quasi governed by the Federal government to assist the Natural Resource District. District is primarily an agricultural board that assesses lake property, forests and streams. The District is working with stormwater areas. *Phosphorus problem especially in Lake Champlain Basin from Vergennes to Dorset hoping to become a clean water provider. The District provides the distribution of funds by project identification so can fund projects through Act 76 signed by the Governor to get projects funded. The work plan is to complete all the tasks except for #2 that will not be able to be accomplished this season. The assessments and the implementations will take place in July and August. The LSCA should have smaller neighborhood meetings to educate the lake residents. A flyer will be available to distribute.
Questions from John B. regarding private road with runoffs? What can be done regarding this? Private driveways are an issue as well and as State does not have money for private roads as yet. A good example was provided by Ed L. on West Lake rd. has a huge run off even with the road work done on the culverts. There is a 5-degree slope and won't put coverage down. There is a discrepancy of riprap funding to infiltration steps for run-off. Amy Picotte at the State level has no funding for roads and the scale of the project. Shoreline projects a major issue. Smaller projects need support to the local road crews. Jeff C. spoke to the Town of Wells road crew leveled sapling trees and anything near the road was being cut down. The work on storm water needs to be met. Ken A. questioned how will measure the phosphorus level as that is the driving force along with the milfoil and nitrogen. How will measure the success coming from the State directive? Especially as the monitoring is cancelled with the Watershed funds cut. The Natural Resource Committee is concerned with Lake Champlain regarding the phosphorus levels as the State was sued and Julie Moore from the EPA got involved to clean up LC. Phosphorus levels travel through the water resources. MJ is following the stimulus to local municipalities with road funding. Grants had been funded by license plates. MJ and Hilary meeting with Oliver to get perspective. It was expressed the importance of the LSCA relationship is with the PMNRCD and both groups value the work that is done separately and jointly as been educating the area for 15 years. Nancy spoke about tree planting. Kemi confirmed the condo property to be done in June.
Ed L. discussed the virtual meeting regulations. VT not for profit organization law amended 2009- actions/debate are simultaneous = meeting going well = executive mtgs. Meets the requirements of the State. Subcommittees to request to establish mtg today within the authorization of the Board. How to manage administration work and allocating funds. Rob asked do we need to make a motion to form an executive sub-committee. Rob made the motion, Ken second it and it will be in the bylaws that VT law is allowing us to work remotely. An appointment of an executive committee needs a vote, discussion? All in favor? Opposed? No objections? Motion accepted and Jim thanks Ed for his time.
Bulleted items:
• Approval for a projector for the LSCA use. $500.00 approved to the purchase of the projector, to be in the 2021 budget. Motion made by Rob, second by MJ. No opposition. Approved to purchase the projector.
• Annual Fall Meeting with VT DEC Water Quality – Misha. Good rapport.
• Little Lake discussion – MJ, Jerremy, Jim were requested by 2 new home owners on the LL to attend a meeting with the LSCCF. Had a conversation about getting the LSCA back into the LL and the LSCCF’s aeration efforts. Tracking ProcellaCOR treatments in other Lakes. ProcellaCOR and DASH programs working and year after year there is a reduction in milfoil. Talked about aeration not working in LL, harvesting of milfoil and native plants only increases the milfoil and chokes out native plants. Summary of DEC paper and plant reports on our website. New residents on LL are interested and asked many questions. Misha indicated our permits are for the whole lake. The LSCCF has not responded to DEC questions on their permit. Discussion regarding getting the two groups together. It was decided to contact a facilitator to conduct the meeting, with both groups covering the cost 50/50. The facilitator needs to be neutral and outside LSC community. Zoom might be a good format for this meeting. Get info to Rick N. from LSCCF so we can move forward with the next meeting with the LSCCF. A motion was made by Rob and second by John . Ed rephased the motion to include the 50/50 cost for hiring the facilitator. Rob second the revised motion made by Ed, voted to pass the motion as discussed.
Motion to Adjourn the LSCA Board of Trustees meeting May 23, 2020 at 11:45, second. Approved.
Minutes respectfully submitted, Kemi McShane Bostock, Recording Secretary
Hello LSC.
Today, we'd like to take some time to discuss boating safety on Lake St. Catherine, as we've noted a recent increase in complaints and concerns passed along to the LSCA.
We'll review the general Vermont boating rules, the LSC specific boating rules, and provide you the information on how to report violations to the proper authorities.
To begin, here are the Vermont rules for unlawful operation of a vessel.
Vermont law states that these dangerous operating practices are illegal:
Careless and Reckless Operation of a vessel or the reckless manipulation of water skis, a surfboard, or a similar device is operating in a manner that causes danger to the life, limb, or property of any person. Examples of illegal, reckless operation are:
Overloading is loading the vessel beyond a safe carrying capacity, taking into consideration the weather and other operating conditions.
Improper Speed or Distance is not maintaining a proper speed or distance while operating a vessel or while towing a person on water skis or any similar device. Specifically, the following actions are illegal:
- The shoreline - A person in the water - A canoe, rowboat, or other vessel - An anchored or moored vessel with a person on board - An anchorage or dock
Note: “No Wake Speed” means operating your vessel at a speed at which the vessel does not produce a wake, not to exceed five miles per hour.
Many more rules and regulations for boating in Vermont can be found here, in the Vermont Boating Laws And Responsibilities Handbook.
Next, let's review the Lake St. Catherine specific boating rules that are in place, under Vermont Statute 10 V.S.A. § 1424, (effective November 17, 1980, amended January 1, 1995):
Water-skiing is prohibited in the following waters:
The operation of vessels powered by motor at speeds exceeding five miles per hour or in such a manner as to cause a disturbing wake is prohibited in the following waters:
With regard to Forest House Bay, Hall’s Bay, Horseshoe Bay, and Oxbow Bay:
For purposes of this regulation only:
Finally, we'd like to inform you on the best way to report violations that you witness.
This past weekend, we had a conversation with our Game Warden, Dustin Circe:
[Dustin Circe, pictured left. Photo credit: Vermont Game Warden Association's Facebook page]
Dustin's patrol area includes 6 towns: Wells, Poultney, Middletown Springs, Tinmouth, Pawlet, and Danby. He's on Lake St. Catherine two to three times a week.
While Dustin patrols LSC, he looks for things like fishing violations (while checking for licenses), unsafe boating (including checking for life jackets, boating while intoxicated) and littering. While it's not possible for Dustin to be on the lake every day, we can assist him in keeping LSC for everyone.
Dustin has outlined a few tips that are helpful if you witness a violation or an unsafe situation. The more detailed information you can provide, the better his investigation can be. If possible, try to:
Then, call Dustin at (802) 793-6629 to report the incident so he can begin investigating using the information you provide.
Dustin explained that we can all be his eyes and ears around the lake helping to keep it safe.
So, let's all be considerate of others while sharing the lake, and let's all work together to keep everyone on Lake St. Catherine safe.
In cooperation with Misha Cetner from the Vermont Department Of Environmental Conservation and SOLitude Lake Management (SLM), the Lake St. Catherine Association would like to inform the community that the lake will be treated for milfoil on Wednesday, June 24th, 2020.
On May 13th, biologists from SLM and our DASH suction harvesting team visited the lake to perform a milfoil survey. They have identified areas to be treated with ProcellaCOR and areas to be suction harvested.
3 areas, totaling 18.3 acres will be treated with ProcellaCOR.
During and after the treatment, please be aware of the following lake water use restriction recommendations:
• NO USE of Lake St. Catherine waters and water from the outlet stream FOR ANY PURPOSE including boating, fishing, swimming, domestic (household) use or irrigation, the day of treatment on:
Wednesday, June 24, 2020, beginning at 9 am
• Swimming/wading, boating, fishing and domestic (household) use may resume on:
Thursday, June 25, 2020, beginning at 9 am
• USE of water from Lake St. Catherine FOR IRRIGATION PURPOSES including for watering lawns, trees, or other plants may resume on:
Wednesday, July 1, 2020, beginning at 9 am or earlier based on sampling results, please refer to the website below for results
Please refer to www.solitudelakemanagement.com/vermont for additional information and updated water use advisories and recommendations.
Along with the herbicide treatment, 10 areas, totaling up to 38.7 acres have been selected for DASH. DASH is an acronym for Diver Assisted Suction Harvesting. This process involves scuba divers using suction hoses powered by a surface compressor to selectively remove milfoil from the lake bottom. They will be working throughout the season to remove milfoil by the roots in these designated areas.
As a comparison, last year, we treated 38.1 acres with ProcellaCOR and 65.8 acres with DASH for a total of 103.9 acres. Because of the success of our milfoil control program last year, we only need to address 57 acres - a 45% reduction.
Here is a map of the treatment areas for ProcellaCOR and DASH:
Treatment Notice:
Links:
If you have any questions about the upcoming milfoil treatment, please email us at info@lakestcatherine.org.
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