Hello good folks of the Lake St. Catherine Community.

First, we'd like to thank everyone who has contributed their membership dues or has made a donation to the Lake St. Catherine Association this season. All of these contributions help us fulfill our purpose for the preservation, protection and maintenance of Lake St. Catherine.

These contributions included: renewing members, new members, members from the past, donations, and contributions in memory of a family member who loved the lake.

Thank you to all.

So, what are some of the ways we put these funds to good use for the lake? Let's take a look.

Milfoil Control

Unfortunately, Lake St. Catherine contains an invasive weed named Eurasian Watermilfoil, (milfoil or EWM for short).

In 1979, the LSCA started its effort against milfoil using a mechanical harvesting machine. Many long-time LSC residents remember "Hungry Harvey" chewing through the milfoil around the lake. All the while, the LSCA continued researching other possible solutions.

However, after years of harvesting the milfoil, the LSCA realized that this process may be making the situation worse. During the harvesting, only up to 4 feet of the milfoil bed is cut and small milfoil fragments are created, which can float away and create whole new beds of milfoil. Milfoil also regrows very quickly after being cut.

The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources has this to say about mechanical harvesting:

"Some mechanical harvesting was used for EWM control on Lake St. Catherine from 1985-2003, this method did not provide a satisfactory level of control and may have contributed to its spread via fragmentation. Experience with mechanical harvesting on Rutland County lakes in the 1980’s and 1990’s showed that harvesting resulted in dense beds of EWM since the aggressive plant is quickest to regrow after cutting." (please note: as mentioned above, we started in 1979, not 1985) - Permit Response #2014-C01

So, after much research and discussion, in 2002, the LSCA filed for a permit to treat the lake with an herbicide called SONAR. This permit was approved, and the lake was treated in 2004. A season-end survey after the treatment showed less than .10% of viable milfoil cover in the entire lake. A quick note on these year end reports: at the end of each season, since 2004, the LSCA has funded Aquatic Vegetation Management Reports which can be viewed on the Links & Downloads page on our website.

However, we knew this would not be the end of the milfoil - and we prepared to follow up this treatment in the following years to keep the milfoil under control.

Each year since that initial treatment, we've used spot treatments of the herbicide called Renovate - and in recent years, we've also added a dive team employing a technique called DASH - Diver Assisted Suction Harvesting. This combination of spot treatment of herbicide and DASH has been very successful in controlling the milfoil.

At the beginning of each season, the LSCA and SOLitude Lake Management perform a survey of the lake to map the milfoil growth - and mark the problem areas using GPS. We then create a plan to spot treat some areas with Renovate and suction harvest the rest. In recent years, our treatment program has been approximately 50% spot treatment and 50% DASH.

Now, you may have an objection to the use of herbicides to control the milfoil. If you outright object to the use of herbicides, we may not be able to have a productive discussion about them, but we hope you'll continue to read on.

We've taken note of comments made about herbicide use in the lake. Here are some: "harmful", "unhealthy", "toxic", "poison", "chemicals" (and in every combination you can think of). These terms are used by those opposed to herbicides to be provocative or scaremonger about their use. Here are a few more: "How does everyone feel about this poison in the water?" Or, how about this one, "With toxic herbicides, the milfoil comes back, usually worse than before and must be poisoned again." No data, facts or scientific references, just scary words.

This is certainly not the way to have an intelligent, productive discussion.

So, let's talk about the herbicide that is used - it is called Renovate.

On triclopyr (Renovate), from the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources:

"At the request of the Lakes & Ponds Program, the Vermont Department of Health has conducted a review of the proposed use of herbicides and determined that it poses negligible risk to public health if conducted in accordance with its recommendations. To date, the Lakes & Ponds Program confirms that no health problems or elevated risk have ever been directly attributed to the use of triclopyr." - Permit Response #2014-C01

The EPA classifies Renovate as "practically non-toxic" (which is their highest rating) to mammals, fish, amphibians and birds.

But don't just take our word for it - please do your own research.

If you have questions or concerns about the use of herbicides to control milfoil, please plan on attending our Annual Membership Meeting & Dinner on Saturday, July 21st at 6PM at the Lake St. Catherine Country Club. A milfoil and milfoil treatment expert will be on-hand to give a brief presentation and answer your questions.

This season, we treated 5 spots on the lake with Renovate on June 18th, and 13 others will be treated by DASH over the next few months.

Keep an eye out for Beck and his crew on the lake performing the suction harvesting. Here are some photos of the DASH in progress as they were working just north of the island last week:

LSCA's suction harvesting boat and equipment

Milfoil is efficiently removed from the lake bed suctioned up to the conveyor and stored in buckets

This is a "Diver Down' flag, indicating that one of the crew is underwater harvesting

You can learn more about our milfoil treatment program by clicking here.

Invasive Species Control and Education - Greeter Program

Milfoil is not the only invasive species we need to worry about.

Each season, the LSCA works with the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation to staff the LSC boat launch with well-trained inspectors called Greeters. They are paid personnel of the LSCA.

These Greeters inspect incoming and outgoing watercraft looking for invasive species of plant and animal life. Through their efforts, we can closely monitor and prevent other invasive species like Alewife, Asian Clams, Spiny Water Fleas, Water Chestnuts and Zebra Mussels carried on visiting boats, from invading Lake St. Catherine.

On duty from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm on designated days beginning Memorial Day and continuing through Labor Day, the Greeters interact with boat owners providing information about invasive species and the need for boaters to adhere to the rules and regulations governing use of the lake.

Greeters on duty at the LSC boat launch:

The Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife - LSC Boat Launch - Greeter on Duty

Photos and descriptions of invasive species to keep an eye out for

LSCA Greeter Jon speaks with a boat owner

LSCA Greeter Jon inspecting the boat and trailer for invasive species

Jon, one of a few possible Greeters you may meet at the boat launch, reports that he enjoys interacting with boaters and educating them on the rules and regulations when launching or retrieving your boat. Thank you for being kind and courteous to the Greeters as they work to keep our lake safe from invasive species.

You can learn more about the Greeter Program and the updated rules and regulations here: Vermont Public Access Greeter Program Manual (PDF). The new regulations are listed in Appendix A on page 26 and 27.

Boating Safety Classes

Each season, the LSCA sponsors two free boating safety classes in cooperation with the Vermont State Police, Marine Division. Frank Callahan, LSCA board member in charge of Lake Safety, teaches the classes. One class is held in Poultney, the other in Wells.

These 8 hour classes, taught over 2 days, must be completed by anyone born after January 1st, 1974 to legally operate any motorized vessel - including personal watercraft.

We're happy to report that both classes this season each have 25+ students.

After passing the test, students will receive a license to operate motorized vessels, which is good in all 50 states.

Frank teaching the Boating Safety Class at the Poultney Volunteer Fire Department

LSCA Newsletters

Although we keep you up-to-date with the latest LSC news here on our website Blog and on Facebook, we still like to produce a Spring and Fall newsletter. This gives us a chance to inform you about upcoming events & activities in the Spring and a summary of the season in the Fall. Printed copies of our Spring newsletter we made available at Otto's Cones Point General Store and at the Wells Country Store in late May. Some copies are still available. You can also view a digital version of the Spring Newsletter here.

Lily Pond Channel Restoration Project

This project was completed in the Fall last year, but we want to mention again. Some additional contributions made this year were specifically noted to be in support of the completion of the channel restoration.

This $35,000 project restored connectivity between the Lily Pond and North Bay by using a hydro-rake to remove sediment and organic debris fro the middle of the connecting channel.

We hope you find our efforts worthy of your contributions.

We welcome your comments at info@lakestcatherine.org, or at our Annual Membership Meeting & Dinner on July 21st.

Thanks for reading - and your continued support of the LSCA.

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.

Hello again to the LSC community. We'd like to share the details of the 2018 LSCA Membership Meeting & Dinner with you.

The Lake St. Catherine Association would like to invite you to the Annual Membership Meeting & Dinner on Saturday, July 21st, from 6 PM - 8 PM at the Fairways Restaurant & Tavern at the LSC Country Club.

The Trustees will make brief presentations, updating you on the work of the LSCA this season, including membership election of Trustees and discussion of lake affairs.

We will also have these guest speakers on hand to make brief presentations:

• Kara Sliwoski - SOLitude Lake Management,

- Milfoil & Milfoil Control

• Sadie Brown - Poultney Mettowee Natural Resources Conservation District,

- Lake Wise & Stormwater Master Planning

• Bill Alexander - Slate Valley Trails,

- Bicycling & Foot Trails in the Slate Valley Region

You are all invited to ask questions, make statements, meet your neighbors and enjoy an excellent dinner!

Dinner:

$15 option: Baked Haddock / Chicken Marsala, Pasta Salad, Cake and Coffee.

$25 option: Prime Rib Dinner

We ask that you RSVP for dinner so the chef can prepare for the evening.

Please call or email Mary Jo Teetor, 802-287-5836 / ferncliff@comcast.net.

We hope to see you there!

On Saturday, June 23rd, the Lake St. Catherine Association held their second meeting of the 2018 season.

The Trustees gave their reports on many topics - Click here to see the full meeting agenda. Meeting minutes compiled by Kemi Mcshane.

June 23rd 2018 Meeting of the Lake St. Catherine Board of Trustees

Lake St. Catherine Country Club, 8:30 AM

Meeting called to order by President Jim Canders at 8:30. Ten trustees were in attendance, six were absent.

1. Recording Secretary’s Report – Kemi McShane - Minutes for Saturday, May 26, 2018 were approved, a motion was made and second to accept the minutes from May 26, 2018.
2. Treasure’s Report – Elaine Bagley – President Jim Canders tabled the report for acceptance as discussion followed for the accuracy of line items in the report. Discrepancies’ were found for the following line items: open balance, disbursements of money to Solitude and the Suction Harvesting. Incomes from the State of VT, the municipalities of Poultney and Wells and the continual adjustment of receipt of membership dues. The need for a budget and an independent audit was requested. The accounting for the grant money received from the State of VT and that from the two municipalities needs to have clarification and recorded for verification of having received that money. The Board is intent on finding the proper balance between the use of an herbicide and that of suction harvesting. The 2 practices are in place presently to combat the spread of milfoil. Further discussion is required as new research is presented and studied, State regulations are followed and the continual monitoring of the milfoil is performed. It is agreed the management of the milfoil problem is going to be ongoing. The milfoil management is imperative work that has to continue as the challenges to maintain the water quality is ongoing. A budget committee has been formed to establish guidelines for the expenses that the LSCA incurs in the ongoing endeavor. AN updated Treasure’s report will be forth coming, a meeting will be called for to review the amended Treasure’s report.
3. Annual Meeting and Dinner for LSCA –July 21, 2018 – John Belnavis reported the food pricing of $15.00 for chicken and pasta, $25.00 for Prime Rib and the menu will be posted for the members to RSVP. The newsletter will post the information as the meeting will be held at the LSCCC, starting at 6:00 PM. The LSCA bylaws state the committees report to the general membership and a format is established to allow for this to be accomplished. Advertising- Jeremy Jones sent out a press release and updates the LSCA blog and newsletter regularly to keep information current and accurate. Jeremy will post the PowerPoint presentation and adjust the slide presentation to accommodate the committee members’ reports and to include the three guests’ speakers. There will be an allotted time for each to keep the meeting on time and organized. A meeting agenda will be posted. The three guest speakers are; Bill Alexander from VT Bike and Trails, Kara Sliweski, from Solitude Lake Management. She will explain the next 5-year plan. Hilary Solomon, from PMNRCD will discuss the Lakewise Program that provides sustainable gardens to reduce erosion around the Lake’s borders. The nominating committee will report to the membership to announce the new candidates. The meeting is to be kept to an hour.
4. Milfoil Management – Jeff Crandall (absent). Report made by Jim Canders in Jeff’s absence. The Herbicide treatment was done on June 18, 2018 was completed. Posting of signs handled by John Belnavis and MaryJo Teetor conducts the water testing. The next 5 year plan is to be discussed when Jeff is present as he is the point person. Suction Harvesting has been underway for 2 weeks for 2018 and has a new qualified diver. Discussion for the monitoring of this program from a cost perspective versus the continual use of an herbicide. And the need for additional advertising of the Suction Harvesting needs to be increased. A motion was made and second to add another banner to the pontoon boat to increase the awareness of the Suction Harvesting program by the LSCA. The discussion was tabled for further discussion when Jeff Crandall is present. Boat launch monitoring – John Belnavis – The Fish and Game department approves the program and it is reported that the LSCA program is in place and going well. The State mandates what the Greeters are to be paid; $15.00 and the hours are being kept for payroll. The new rule, “Plug in- Plug Out” is being enforced as a wrench was purchased and available for use by the Greeters. The coverage at the State boat launch will be increased for the anticipation of increased traffic during the Fourth of July holiday week. Discussion continued regarding the impact that the Lake Conservation is having on the LSCA efforts to treat the Lake and manage the milfoil. It is a concern for the LSCA that the State of VT is treating the Lake St Catherine Lake as two separate lakes and not just one Lake. There are two different approaches to the management of milfoil and this is impacting the progress of the LSCA management plan. The acquisition for permits and grants will require further research as the LSCA approaches the renewal of the next 5 year plan to treat the Lake.
5. Water Quality – MaryJo Teetor- Cyanno Bacteria- Halls Bay had a blossom and it is naturally occurring in stagnate water. It is localized and contained. The VT DEC had a rapid response team remove the blooms. And signs were posted alerting people. It is toxic and being monitored. Algae in Halls Bay in the Northwest corner. The Lily Pond channel project is allowing for increase boat activity and usage of the Lily Pond. No testing for E-coli has been performed this year.
6. Publicity – Jeremy Jones – developed a 3 sided brochure to inform the public of the LSCA efforts to manage the milfoil. It details the Herbicide program, the Suction Harvesting program. A motion was made and second to allow Jeremy the ability to print the brochure and circulate in the community. Jeremy is preparing the slide show presentation for the upcoming membership meeting. It will be posted for review and allow for changes to be made.
7. Lake Safety – Frank Callahan (absent) Placement of Markers is not complete at this time. The rock marker needs to be put in place. And the anchor for the marker by the bridge is missing. Nothing was stated regarding the change of rules for the placement of the markers. The boaters’ safety courses are dated for June 28- 29 in Wells and July 2-3 in Poultney. There has been a good response for those wanting to take the classes being offered.
8. Nominating Committee – Bob Williams (absent) will need to have applications for the terms that will be opened.
9. Membership – Elaine Bagley Report on receipt of dues is ongoing. At present have 268 paid members. Second mailing went out. An updated list of current addresses for property owners is needed. 150-375 facebook members
10. Government relations- Martha Pofit – Reported from the State meeting and workshops attended. Made good contacts and collected information to what could be perceived as potential threats to our progress at Lake Saint Catherine. The permit renewal process, local grants and membership being split between the Upper Lake and the Little Lake. THE LSCA has to maintain our relationships with Poultney and Wells as the maintenance of the surrounding lake roads impact the water quality. The Lakewise program has Lake Scorecards that report how the Lakes in VT are measured regarding the efforts made to maintain the water quality of each Lake. The LSCA needs to understand the data collected and how to correctly interpret the information. The LSCA needs to be proactive in the efforts to increase the awareness and successes of our lake management programs. It is suggested to meet with the local representatives and discuss the concerns and challenges that Lake St. Catherine has as we move forward in our efforts. It was presented to collect data from the board members to accurately report to the State of VT to increase their awareness of the hard work and progress that has been made. A motion was made and second to allow Philip Hicks to interview the members and record his findings to the LSCA. This information will be presented once completed.
11. Old Business- Boat Parade- Rand Burgner – scheduled for July 1, 2018. Fliers have been distributed, poor response compared to last years. 6 boats have registered, last year 22 participated. Prizes have been collected, there are 4 categories, viewing stations are established and the judges are in place. A press release has gone out, now just need more boats in the parade. Wells Day – Frank (absent) set for July 21, 2018. Conflict as same day as the next board meeting and the General Membership meeting. Set up for Variety Day is between 8:00-9:00 AM. Kemi stated visibility is imperative to circulate the important work the LSCA is doing. It was agreed to have a both, to split the monitoring of the both. Handouts, signs and posting will help get the message out regarding the LSCA.
12. Poultney Day – Rob August 11, 2018. Will attend and continue education the public about the LSCA. Insurance and Legal Guidance – Ed Laird (Absent) no report at this time.
13. Fireworks privately sponsored by Rick Roberts. Still accepting contributions to support this event. Scheduled for Saturday, July 7, at dusk.
14. New Business – next meeting scheduled for July 21, 2018 at 8:00 AM held at LSCCC. President Jim Canders called for the meeting adjournment at 11:00 AM. Motion for adjournment was made and second. Meeting adjourned at 11:00 AM.

Respectfully submitted, Recording Secretary, Kemi McShane

Hello LSC.

Today, we are sharing a new guide for lakeshore property owners, published by the Vermont Department Of Environmental Conservation, Watershed Management Division, Lakes and Ponds Program.

About the guide, from the Vermont DEC:

"Are you considering lakefront property in Vermont? Maybe you live out of state and are drawn to Vermont’s clear waters and the poignant call of loons from across a pond. Or perhaps you’re a lifelong Vermonter who is just now contemplating a quiet retreat on the lake. The newly released Sharing the Edge: A Guide to Lakeshore Property Owners in Vermont offers guidance on everything from permitting to how to volunteer with the DEC Lakes and Ponds Program.

This property owner’s guide introduces a new or potential landowner to what a healthy lakeshore looks like and describes how Vermont manages its public waters as a natural resource. Sharing the Edge provides a brief overview of development regulations, including the Shoreland Protection Act and Lake Encroachment. Readers will learn where to locate the Inland Lakes Score Card, which opens to provide easy-to-read water quality data on Google Earth. Sharing the Edge introduces the Lake Wise program, which supports and awards properties that embody lake-friendly development. The guide also answers several frequently asked questions including 'Can I have a dock?' and 'How long does it take to get a permit?'."

It looks to be a great resource for lakeshore property owners. Take a look!

You can download a copy by clicking here: Sharing the Edge: A Guide to Lakeshore Property Owners in Vermont, or by clicking on the image below.

Hello LSC!

Thank you to all the boats that participated in the parade - and to all those that cheered them on from the shore!

Here are your winners:

Best Overall:

1st - #6 - Lake St. Catherine Welcomes Back The 'Bald" Eagles - Pofit Family:

2nd - #1 - Vikings - Goldman Family:

Most Patriotic:

1st - #11 - Tardie Family:

2nd - #8 - Higgins Family:

Funniest:

1st - #14 - Fitzsimmons & Family - Every Day is A Holiday At Lake St. Catherine:

2nd - #15 - Wendell Family - May the 4th Be With You Jedi:

Most Original:

1st - #5 - Conine Family - Rowing Vikings:

2nd - #3 - Roth Family - May the 4th Be With You:

Nice job all! Lila will be in touch to get you your well earned prizes.

The LSCA would like to thank these generous sponsors for providing prizes for the Boat Parade:

• Perry's Main Street Eatery
• Priscilla's Sweet Shoppe
• LSCCC Fairways Restaurant & Tavern
• Wells Country Store
• Otto's Cones Point General Store
• Full Belly Deli
• The Original Vermont Store
• William's True Value Hardware Store
• Stewart's Shops

A quick video of the boats as they paraded by:

You can see photos of all the boats that participated in this Facebook Photo Gallery.

FInally, thanks to Lila for once again organizing another excellent parade.

Lila also wanted to pass along these thanks: "Thank you to all our judges, Laura Edwards, Mary Jo and Mark Teeter, and Kim Mulcahy and her mom. Also for the families that let us use their boat house or deck for judges stations, Bill and Barb Carris, Dave and Eunice Conine and the Jucketts."

We hope everyone had fun. We'll do it all again next year!

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.

Hello LSC.

We'd like to inform you that testing of the lake water after the June 18th milfoil treatment indicates that we may now resume the use of lake water for drinking and food preparation.

Please note that the restriction for irrigation is still in place - and may take up to 120 days after treatment.

If you have any questions, please contact us at info@lakestcatherine.org.

We have been given the all-clear to remove the Cyanobacteria warning signs along the channel of Hall Bay - and normal use of the channel may resume.

The bloom has dissipated, and you may now enter the channel.

This is what the Cyanobacteria looked like:

It looks like light blue paint on top of the water.

Vermont DEC advised us that this was an unusual event for LSC, and they had no previous records of a Cyano bloom on the lake. They attributed it to a perfect storm of conditions that day in the Halls Bay channel, citing lack of rain, temperature, water depth and lack of water movement.

If you see a bloom like this anywhere on the lake inthe future, please let us know at info@lakestcatherine.org.

On Sunday, June 17th, Cyanobacteria was found in the channel leading from Halls Bay.

The Vermont DEC was consulted and a crew was dispatched to contain the bloom with containment booms.

The Vermont Department of Health has posted signs to make property owners in that channel aware:

Until we are given the all-clear, please keep pets and children out of the water in the channel.

We have been told that it is naturally occurring - and that conditions were perfect for it to bloom there: lack of rain, temperature, water depth and lack of water movement.

We will keep you informed with any updates.

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 Environmental Scientist, Angela Shambaugh:

"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.

...I have no records of blooms on St. Catherine, so this may be an unusual event as a result of the dry and then hot weather we’ve experienced for the last few weeks."

Hello LSC.

This is a reminder that the 2018 milfoil treatment is this Monday, June 18th.

The lake will be closed for ALL USES on Monday, June 18th and Tuesday, June 19th.

The lake will reopen for recreational use on Wednesday, June 20th.

Please see the Advisory Notice for water use restrictions for irrigation and food & drink preparation:

Advisory Notice:

2018 Treatment Map:

If you have any questions about the upcoming milfoil treatment, please email us at info@lakestcatherine.org.

Registration is underway for the Lake St. Catherine Association's 6th Annual Boat Parade!

Sunday, July 1st at 1 PM.

Sure, its fun to watch the Boat Parade... but it's even more fun to be in it!

[Overall 1st Place winner 2017: Beatles 50th Anniversary, Boat #16 - Jack McVicker & Kimberly Moore and friends]

It's time to come up with some creative ideas for your boat theme or decorations... and your creativity will be rewarded.

How?

Fabulous prizes, of course!

The LSCA would like to thank these generous sponsors for providing prizes for the Boat Parade:

• Perry's Main Street Eatery
• Priscilla's Sweet Shoppe
• LSCCC Fairways Restaurant & Tavern
• Wells Country Store
• Otto's Cones Point General Store
• Full Belly Deli
• The Original Vermont Store
• William's True Value Hardware Store
• Stewart's Shops

So, you can see there is a lot at stake this year...

Prizes are awarded for:

• Most original
• Most patriotic
• Funniest
• Best overall

Plus, all kids that participate get a free ice cream coupon from Stewart's Shops!

To join in on the parade, please contact Lila Burgner at BurgnerL@msn.com to register your boat today.

You can read about last year's boat parade by clicking here.

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.