About the Lake Fairlee Association
The Lake Fairlee Association (LFA) was formed to preserve, protect and enhance the distinctive ecology and natural resources of Lake Fairlee and its watershed.
Membership is open to all who love the lake: lake residents, visitors, camps, and neighbors near and far.
Membership is open to all who love the lake: lake residents, visitors, camps, and neighbors near and far.
The affairs of the Association are managed by a Board of Trustees, which meets monthly through most of the year. A list of the current Trustees and an email contact form can be found here.
NOTE: This is a new LFA website. The previous LFA blog is available here and will be maintained as an historical record.
NOTE: This is a new LFA website. The previous LFA blog is available here and will be maintained as an historical record.
Special FOVLAP Event, March 26 - 12:00-1:00pm
Vermont's Wake Boat Rule: First in Nation March 6, 2024 Vermont’s new wake boat rule protects our lakes and reduces safety risk by confining wake sports to ‘wake sport zones’ in larger lakes defined by a 500’ shore buffer and a depth more than 20’. This seminar will describe how this rule will be rolled out by Vermont DEC, including outreach to lake users and enforcement officials. It will also feature activities of lake associations preparing for this rollout and others that are preparing new petitions to strengthen restrictions on specific lakes. You must register to obtain the event link. This event is a free virtual event sponsored by the Federation of Vermont Lakes and Ponds (FOVLAP) and the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, Watershed Management Division, Lakes and Ponds Program. |
Surviving the Cold: An Inside Look at Loons in Winter
NH Lakes March 6, 2024
In this webinar recording, presenter Caroline M. Hughes, Biologist and NH Lakes Outreach Coordinator, Loon Preservation Committee explores the incredible journey loons undertake during the winter months and how climate change affects their migration habits. Also discussed are the challenges loons face during the winter months, including the threat of being stranded on frozen lakes and the efforts of dedicated rescuers at the Loon Preservation Committee to save these birds. View the webinar here.
NH Lakes March 6, 2024
In this webinar recording, presenter Caroline M. Hughes, Biologist and NH Lakes Outreach Coordinator, Loon Preservation Committee explores the incredible journey loons undertake during the winter months and how climate change affects their migration habits. Also discussed are the challenges loons face during the winter months, including the threat of being stranded on frozen lakes and the efforts of dedicated rescuers at the Loon Preservation Committee to save these birds. View the webinar here.
Vermont ANR Wakesport Rule Approved by LCAR
February 15, 2024
The Legislative Committee On Administrative Rules (LCAR) reviewed a rule to manage wakesports proposed by the Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) over three meetings: February, 1, 8, and 15. LCAR approved the rule at the Feb. 15th meeting by a vote of 7-1. In addition to the vote:
The rule provides for Wakesports Zones on 30 inland Vermont Lakes. Under the rule, “Wakesports Zone” means:
1. an area of a waterbody that has a minimum of 50 contiguous acres that are
2. at least 500 feet from shore on all sides,
3. at least 20 feet deep, and
4. at least 200 feet wide,
located on a lake, pond, or reservoir on which vessels powered by internal combustion motors are allowed and may be used at speeds exceeding 5 miles per hour. Wakesports zones are open to all uses permitted on the subject waterbody.
Additionally, wakeboats must have a designated "home lake" for a given calendar year and display an ANR-issued decal identifying the boat's home lake. Prior to entering a Vermont waterbody other than the wakeboat’s home lake, and prior to reentering the waters of the home lake after use of the wakeboat at any other waterbody, the wakeboat must be decontaminated at an Agency-approved decontamination service provider.
Under this rule, Lake Fairlee will have a wakesports zone in the southwest area of the lake surrounded by Camps Billings, Ohana, Lochearn, Horizon, and the public boat ramp.
The rule provides for modification of the rule in response to petitions filed pursuant to 10 V.SA. § 1424.
February 15, 2024
The Legislative Committee On Administrative Rules (LCAR) reviewed a rule to manage wakesports proposed by the Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) over three meetings: February, 1, 8, and 15. LCAR approved the rule at the Feb. 15th meeting by a vote of 7-1. In addition to the vote:
- DEC Commissioner, Jason Batchelder, stated that wakeboats in wakesports mode is NOT a normal use. (§
5.6 of Vermont Use of Public Waters Rules state, “Normal use” means any lawful use of any specific body of public water that occurred on a regular, frequent, and consistent basis prior to January 1, 1993.) - DEC stated that implementation of the rule will occur for the 2024 boating season.
- Most of the LCAR members expressed concerns about the rule and acknowledge that there will likely be a need and interest in future legislation around wakeboats and wakesports.
- LCAR is going to draft a letter to the committees of jurisdiction to further examine the issue.
The rule provides for Wakesports Zones on 30 inland Vermont Lakes. Under the rule, “Wakesports Zone” means:
1. an area of a waterbody that has a minimum of 50 contiguous acres that are
2. at least 500 feet from shore on all sides,
3. at least 20 feet deep, and
4. at least 200 feet wide,
located on a lake, pond, or reservoir on which vessels powered by internal combustion motors are allowed and may be used at speeds exceeding 5 miles per hour. Wakesports zones are open to all uses permitted on the subject waterbody.
Additionally, wakeboats must have a designated "home lake" for a given calendar year and display an ANR-issued decal identifying the boat's home lake. Prior to entering a Vermont waterbody other than the wakeboat’s home lake, and prior to reentering the waters of the home lake after use of the wakeboat at any other waterbody, the wakeboat must be decontaminated at an Agency-approved decontamination service provider.
Under this rule, Lake Fairlee will have a wakesports zone in the southwest area of the lake surrounded by Camps Billings, Ohana, Lochearn, Horizon, and the public boat ramp.
The rule provides for modification of the rule in response to petitions filed pursuant to 10 V.SA. § 1424.
FOVLAP Launches New Eurasian Watermilfoil Webpage
November 2, 2023
The Federation of Vermont Lakes and Ponds (FOVLAP) just added a new milfoil information webpage on their site which you can view here: Eurasian watermilfoil.
On this page, FOVLAP discusses what milfoil is, the impact it has on a lake, prevention and early detection programs, and control methods.
There is also an FAQ section presented in a Q&A format to address recent misinformation you may have heard, or read online or in newspaper commentaries about milfoil, or the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation’s permitting process. According to FOVLAP, additional FAQ entries will be added as they are completed.
November 2, 2023
The Federation of Vermont Lakes and Ponds (FOVLAP) just added a new milfoil information webpage on their site which you can view here: Eurasian watermilfoil.
On this page, FOVLAP discusses what milfoil is, the impact it has on a lake, prevention and early detection programs, and control methods.
There is also an FAQ section presented in a Q&A format to address recent misinformation you may have heard, or read online or in newspaper commentaries about milfoil, or the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation’s permitting process. According to FOVLAP, additional FAQ entries will be added as they are completed.
DASH Final Milfoil Report
October 16, 2023
This summer, the LFA hired the company Swampguana, LLC. to conduct Diver Assisted Suction Harvesting (DASH) of invasive Eurasian Milfoil on Lake Fairlee. Find their final report here. (Note, replace "Boy Scout Camp" with "Camp Lochearn" as you read the report.) The team of divers could be seen throughout early to mid-September harvesting milfoil at several locations around the lake. While it is impossible to fully eradicate milfoil once established, the LFA's efforts to control this invasive plant are important to support native species, promote a healthy lake ecosystem, and ensure continued recreational opportunities for lake residents and visitors. DASH is just one of the many activities sponsored by the LFA and coordinated by LFA volunteers to control invasive species.
Read about Swampguana in FOVLAP's Fall 2020 Newsletter, pages 8-9. Watch a video of Swampguana's Robert Patton Hand pulling Milfoil.
October 16, 2023
This summer, the LFA hired the company Swampguana, LLC. to conduct Diver Assisted Suction Harvesting (DASH) of invasive Eurasian Milfoil on Lake Fairlee. Find their final report here. (Note, replace "Boy Scout Camp" with "Camp Lochearn" as you read the report.) The team of divers could be seen throughout early to mid-September harvesting milfoil at several locations around the lake. While it is impossible to fully eradicate milfoil once established, the LFA's efforts to control this invasive plant are important to support native species, promote a healthy lake ecosystem, and ensure continued recreational opportunities for lake residents and visitors. DASH is just one of the many activities sponsored by the LFA and coordinated by LFA volunteers to control invasive species.
Read about Swampguana in FOVLAP's Fall 2020 Newsletter, pages 8-9. Watch a video of Swampguana's Robert Patton Hand pulling Milfoil.
Treasure Island has Closed for the Season - Boaters, Watch Out for Rocks
September 18, 2023
Megan Dubuque wishes all to know, Treasure Island has closed for the season and the buoys marking the swim area have been pulled. Boaters are advised not to take boats inside of the large white swim area buoys as there are several large submerged rocks.
September 18, 2023
Megan Dubuque wishes all to know, Treasure Island has closed for the season and the buoys marking the swim area have been pulled. Boaters are advised not to take boats inside of the large white swim area buoys as there are several large submerged rocks.
Tifft/MacAdam Screenhouse Storm-Damaged. LoonCam Still Working
September 8, 2023
Doug and Bonnie want everyone to know that they appreciate the concern of those who noticed the tree that fell and damaged their screenhouse. (More photos here.) The tree fell just before 11 p.m. Thursday night (Sept. 7) during the intense storm. You may have noticed a light on in the screenhouse. Doug hopes to enter the building to shut if off soon, but he can't cut the electricity without affecting the LoonCam router which is inside the building. If you are wondering, yes, many people are still watching the LoonCam, some in anticipation of the coming fall colors! Doug said, "It's amazing that the darn thing still transmits via the wireless antenna after all that happened."
September 8, 2023
Doug and Bonnie want everyone to know that they appreciate the concern of those who noticed the tree that fell and damaged their screenhouse. (More photos here.) The tree fell just before 11 p.m. Thursday night (Sept. 7) during the intense storm. You may have noticed a light on in the screenhouse. Doug hopes to enter the building to shut if off soon, but he can't cut the electricity without affecting the LoonCam router which is inside the building. If you are wondering, yes, many people are still watching the LoonCam, some in anticipation of the coming fall colors! Doug said, "It's amazing that the darn thing still transmits via the wireless antenna after all that happened."
Further Ventures into the Wild Areas of Treasure Island - Saturday, Sept. 9
September 7, 2023
Join us at Treasure Island on Saturday, September 9, at 10 a.m. for another "Walk and Talk" led by Treasure Island Committee member Dale Gephart, joined by local loon whisperer Doug Tifft. Back by popular demand, this tour will press further into the seldom seen northern section.
Park and meet at the upper parking lot by the dumpster.
This Saturday's walk includes densely forested waterfront, two beaver lodges, fern-filled wetlands, a meadow in transition, and a cattail marsh overlooking the loon nesting raft. Waterproof footwear and long pants are recommended.
September 7, 2023
Join us at Treasure Island on Saturday, September 9, at 10 a.m. for another "Walk and Talk" led by Treasure Island Committee member Dale Gephart, joined by local loon whisperer Doug Tifft. Back by popular demand, this tour will press further into the seldom seen northern section.
Park and meet at the upper parking lot by the dumpster.
This Saturday's walk includes densely forested waterfront, two beaver lodges, fern-filled wetlands, a meadow in transition, and a cattail marsh overlooking the loon nesting raft. Waterproof footwear and long pants are recommended.
Curious Happenings on Lake Fairlee
August 15, 2023
Over the next few weeks, you may notice a strange looking boat on Lake Fairlee flying a dive flag. No, they are not searching for lost treasure. These divers are from Swampguana Diving, and they are helping remove Eurasian Water Milfoil from the lake. Milfoil is an invasive plant that crowds out native plant species and clogs our waterways. Working with the Vermont DEC, the Lake Fairlee Association has hired Swampguana Diving to conduct Diver Assisted Suction Harvesting (DASH) of milfoil from the lake bed. Through these efforts, we hope to maintain a healthy ecosystem by keeping invasive species such as milfoil under control. More details here.
August 15, 2023
Over the next few weeks, you may notice a strange looking boat on Lake Fairlee flying a dive flag. No, they are not searching for lost treasure. These divers are from Swampguana Diving, and they are helping remove Eurasian Water Milfoil from the lake. Milfoil is an invasive plant that crowds out native plant species and clogs our waterways. Working with the Vermont DEC, the Lake Fairlee Association has hired Swampguana Diving to conduct Diver Assisted Suction Harvesting (DASH) of milfoil from the lake bed. Through these efforts, we hope to maintain a healthy ecosystem by keeping invasive species such as milfoil under control. More details here.
LFA August Social - Dockcert @ Doug & Bonnie's
August 13, 2023
Despite a forecast for possible thunder showers, Sunday proved to be a beautiful day for a concert on Doug and Bonnie's beautiful shore. The Boston-based a cappella group, Tonal Eclipse, (which included Katherine Babbott and Tom Ward's daughter, yeah Clara!) performed various throwbacks and pop music tunes. The 25+ in attendance had a wonderful time!
August 13, 2023
Despite a forecast for possible thunder showers, Sunday proved to be a beautiful day for a concert on Doug and Bonnie's beautiful shore. The Boston-based a cappella group, Tonal Eclipse, (which included Katherine Babbott and Tom Ward's daughter, yeah Clara!) performed various throwbacks and pop music tunes. The 25+ in attendance had a wonderful time!
LFA Annual Meeting @ Horizons Camp
July 22, 2023
The annual meeting returned to Horizons Camp and was attended by approximately 60 members. Reports from key LFA committees and board members were presented. Elections were held: Sean Brown (new trustee), Lisa Johnson (Clerk), and Elizabeth Wilcox (V.P.) were elected to new three year terms. Kirsten Detrick (new trustee) was elected to complete the one year remaining in Ridge Satterthwaite's term as Ridge and Renee Snow have become Emeritus Board members. Renee will continue to lead the outstanding Greeter program.
This year’s highlighted speaker, Lisa Niccolai, Conservation Specialist, White River Natural Resources Conservation District. Lisa gave an overview of the Lake Wise program and the Lake and Watershed Action Plan (LWAP). For more information go to the Lake Wise and/or LWAP pages.
Another highlight was the auctioning Lisa Johnson's wonderful hot air balloon painting. The auction was ably and enthusiastically run by Ben McLaughlin and $500 was raised for the LFA! Thank you Lisa for donating your work of art. And of course, there was time to mingle with Lake Fairlee friends before and after the meeting.
July 22, 2023
The annual meeting returned to Horizons Camp and was attended by approximately 60 members. Reports from key LFA committees and board members were presented. Elections were held: Sean Brown (new trustee), Lisa Johnson (Clerk), and Elizabeth Wilcox (V.P.) were elected to new three year terms. Kirsten Detrick (new trustee) was elected to complete the one year remaining in Ridge Satterthwaite's term as Ridge and Renee Snow have become Emeritus Board members. Renee will continue to lead the outstanding Greeter program.
This year’s highlighted speaker, Lisa Niccolai, Conservation Specialist, White River Natural Resources Conservation District. Lisa gave an overview of the Lake Wise program and the Lake and Watershed Action Plan (LWAP). For more information go to the Lake Wise and/or LWAP pages.
Another highlight was the auctioning Lisa Johnson's wonderful hot air balloon painting. The auction was ably and enthusiastically run by Ben McLaughlin and $500 was raised for the LFA! Thank you Lisa for donating your work of art. And of course, there was time to mingle with Lake Fairlee friends before and after the meeting.
Consider Supporting the Brian J. Boland Foundation.
July 26, 2023
Brian's hot air balloons floating over Lake Fairlee made everyone smile. He added a uniqueness to the Lake Fairlee community.
The Brian J. Boland Memorial Foundation has been established to honor Brian Boland’s legacy as a creator, aviator, and inspiration to people of all ages and backgrounds to get out there and make something! The Foundation will help preserve and support the Museum of Rusty Dusty Stuff, fund community events at Post Mills Airport, and develop educational activities consistent with Brian’s vision.
Plans include Experimental Balloon and Airship Association gatherings; a possible Winter Ballooning and Community event; and continuing work on the demonstration Pollinator Garden created by Alicia Houk. Some gentle organizing is going on in the Museum and work is underway to create a digital archive of Brian's ballooning legacy.
We appreciate your donations to help make these projects a reality. As a 501c3, all donations are tax-deductible. Donations will not be used to support airport operations.
Tax-deductible donations to the Brian J. Boland Memorial Foundation can be made via Paypal at this link OR by sending a check
made out to Brian J. Boland Memorial Foundation to PO Box 51, Post Malls, VT 05058.
July 26, 2023
Brian's hot air balloons floating over Lake Fairlee made everyone smile. He added a uniqueness to the Lake Fairlee community.
The Brian J. Boland Memorial Foundation has been established to honor Brian Boland’s legacy as a creator, aviator, and inspiration to people of all ages and backgrounds to get out there and make something! The Foundation will help preserve and support the Museum of Rusty Dusty Stuff, fund community events at Post Mills Airport, and develop educational activities consistent with Brian’s vision.
Plans include Experimental Balloon and Airship Association gatherings; a possible Winter Ballooning and Community event; and continuing work on the demonstration Pollinator Garden created by Alicia Houk. Some gentle organizing is going on in the Museum and work is underway to create a digital archive of Brian's ballooning legacy.
We appreciate your donations to help make these projects a reality. As a 501c3, all donations are tax-deductible. Donations will not be used to support airport operations.
Tax-deductible donations to the Brian J. Boland Memorial Foundation can be made via Paypal at this link OR by sending a check
made out to Brian J. Boland Memorial Foundation to PO Box 51, Post Malls, VT 05058.
Wastewater Management Workshop - Presentation, Handouts, Audio Recording
July 14, 2023
Cristin Ashmankas of the Vermont DEC's Drinking Water and Groundwater Protection Division gave a very informative and insightful presentation on wastewater systems (aka septic systems) at the Fairlee Town Hall on July 13. This successful workshop was jointly sponsored by the Lake Morey Protective Association and the LFA.
If you missed the presentation, you will find the presentation slides here (this is a large file, be patient if your internet speed is slow) and the handouts: Homeowner's Handout, Failed System Handout.
The audio only presentation is available here. The presentation does not start until minute 00:17:40 - so skip ahead to that point. You can try to scroll through the slides while you listen to the audio presentation. Contacts for specific questions.
Septic systems can contribute significantly to lake phosphorus levels. Phosphorus can feed algae increasing the possibility of green blue algae (cyanobacteria) blooms which can be toxic to wildlife, pets, and people. Making sure your septic system is operating correctly can help keep Lake Fairlee healthy. Review the above linked materials to learn what you can do to make sure your septic system is not negatively impacting the lake's health.
July 14, 2023
Cristin Ashmankas of the Vermont DEC's Drinking Water and Groundwater Protection Division gave a very informative and insightful presentation on wastewater systems (aka septic systems) at the Fairlee Town Hall on July 13. This successful workshop was jointly sponsored by the Lake Morey Protective Association and the LFA.
If you missed the presentation, you will find the presentation slides here (this is a large file, be patient if your internet speed is slow) and the handouts: Homeowner's Handout, Failed System Handout.
The audio only presentation is available here. The presentation does not start until minute 00:17:40 - so skip ahead to that point. You can try to scroll through the slides while you listen to the audio presentation. Contacts for specific questions.
Septic systems can contribute significantly to lake phosphorus levels. Phosphorus can feed algae increasing the possibility of green blue algae (cyanobacteria) blooms which can be toxic to wildlife, pets, and people. Making sure your septic system is operating correctly can help keep Lake Fairlee healthy. Review the above linked materials to learn what you can do to make sure your septic system is not negatively impacting the lake's health.
State Formally Files Wakeboat Rule
June 28, 2023 - updated July 18 (Aug. 1 public hearing venue changed due to flooding)
On June 21, the Vermont Agency of of Natural Resources (ANR) filed a proposed rule to regulate wake sports on Vermont lakes and ponds to the Secretary of State. Public Notice of this rule was posted by the Secretary of State on June 28. This is an important milestone for Vermont and efforts to improve Vermont lakes' health and safety.
The next step in the rulemaking process includes public hearings: in-person on August 1, 5:00 PM-7:30 PM at the Richmond Free Library at 201 Bridge St. in Richmond and on August 3, 5:00 PM-7:30 PM online via Microsoft Teams. Sign-up sheets to speak at these hearings will be available on July 10 at 9 AM. Additional details will appear here when available. Written public comments can be submitted by email until August 10, 4:30 PM to anr.wsmdlakes@vermont.gov Use the subject line "wake boats."
June 28, 2023 - updated July 18 (Aug. 1 public hearing venue changed due to flooding)
On June 21, the Vermont Agency of of Natural Resources (ANR) filed a proposed rule to regulate wake sports on Vermont lakes and ponds to the Secretary of State. Public Notice of this rule was posted by the Secretary of State on June 28. This is an important milestone for Vermont and efforts to improve Vermont lakes' health and safety.
The next step in the rulemaking process includes public hearings: in-person on August 1, 5:00 PM-7:30 PM at the Richmond Free Library at 201 Bridge St. in Richmond and on August 3, 5:00 PM-7:30 PM online via Microsoft Teams. Sign-up sheets to speak at these hearings will be available on July 10 at 9 AM. Additional details will appear here when available. Written public comments can be submitted by email until August 10, 4:30 PM to anr.wsmdlakes@vermont.gov Use the subject line "wake boats."
Lake Fairlee Lake and Watershed Action Plan (LWAP)
is available June 16, 2023 The White River Natural Resources Conservation District is working with Bear Creek Environmental, and other project partners to conduct lake watershed action planning within the Lake Fairlee watershed in Vermont. The Lake and Watershed Action Plan (LWAP) aims to address key water quality issues and to promote the long-term health and sustainability of the Lake. Click HERE for a copy of Lake Fairlee Lake and Watershed Action Plan (LWAP). |
The plan covers:
- Nutrient Reduction - Shoreline Protection and Restoration - Project Idenfification and Prioritization - Conceptual designs and cost estimates - Public Outreach - Funding and implementation. |
Loon enthusiasts delight in Lake Fairlee’s new livestream camera
from the Valley News by Liz Sauchelli, Published: June 11, 2023
On Sunday, the Valley News published an article featuring quotes from our own Sean Brown and Doug Tifft, and Eric Hanson, biologist for the Vermont Loon Conservation Project at the Vermont Center for Ecostudies. Read the article here.
from the Valley News by Liz Sauchelli, Published: June 11, 2023
On Sunday, the Valley News published an article featuring quotes from our own Sean Brown and Doug Tifft, and Eric Hanson, biologist for the Vermont Loon Conservation Project at the Vermont Center for Ecostudies. Read the article here.
The News Archives contains past Loon Call Area News and are available here.
The previous LFA blog will be maintained as an historical record and is available here.
The Lake Fairlee LoonCam will return this spring.
Download a digital copy of At Home by the Water - Caring for Lake Fairlee and Its Watershed
This user-friendly book was created to inform and educate Lake Fairlee and watershed homeowners as to best practices that we, as homeowners, can do to help protect and preserve our fragile lake and watershed ecosystem.
Renter Guidelines, Contractor Tips, Permits, and Additional Resources
This user-friendly book was created to inform and educate Lake Fairlee and watershed homeowners as to best practices that we, as homeowners, can do to help protect and preserve our fragile lake and watershed ecosystem.
Renter Guidelines, Contractor Tips, Permits, and Additional Resources
2024 LFA FUNDRAISER
We are updating the Lake Fairlee map! Please click HERE to fill out a form to let us know what last name you would like used to label your property on the updated map. (If you do not fill out this form, your property will not be labeled on the map.) |
At this summer’s annual meeting, the membership committee proposed a fundraiser to update the 2011 map of Lake Fairlee members' cabins/cottages around the lake. Members present at the meeting indicated a strong interest in the project. |
Current LFA Projects
The Association’s board, members, and numerous dedicated community volunteers are working hard to take care of our lake. Volunteers have donated hundreds of hours for the betterment of the lake and community. Here are highlights of current projects supported by membership dues, generous donations, and many volunteer hours:
- Greeter Program: In 2023, a rotating team of 6 greeters welcomed nearly 2,500 watercraft to the lake and inspected over 2,200 of them. Of this total, watercraft required decontamination 16 times this summer - meaning that, on average, the potential introduction of invasive species to Lake Fairlee or other waters was averted approximately once per week since greeters began work in May.
- Milfoil Mitigation: In May 2023, the LFA sponsored an early season survey for aquatic invasive species, which suggested an herbicide treatment was unnecessary for 2023. While good news, new patches of milfoil were observed throughout the summer. Future surveys will guide the application of herbicide in the coming years.
- DASH: In September 2023, the LFA used approximately $14,000 in funds to conduct Diver Assisted Suction Harvesting (DASH) of Eurasian Milfoil from the lake bed. The DASH team worked over 10 days to harvest and compost 5000 gallons of milfoil in several areas around the lake.
- Water Quality Action Committee: The WQAC completed its fourth season of tributary water sampling in 2023. LFA volunteers collected water samples from eight locations along Blood Brook and Middle Brook over 16 weeks to help identify sources of phosphorus entering the lake. The WQAC also conducted weekly Cyanobacteria testing at 3 locations on Lake Fairlee.
- Lake Wise: The LFA provided a Lake Wise representative with a public platform for communicating the benefits of property owner participation at its July 2023 meeting. Five homeowners participated in the Lake Wise program this year. Of note, if 2 more properties earn the Lake Wise award, Lake Fairlee will join a small handful of other Vermont Lakes to earn the State’s Gold Award. The Gold Award is given to lakes where more than 15% of the lakeshore properties have earned Lake Wise awards.
- Wakesports: LFA worked with partners at Responsible Wakes for Vermont Lakes (RWVL) to advocate limiting wakesports operation to bodies of water where a minimum distance to shore of 1,000 feet and in water 20 feet deep can be maintained. The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources has since put forward a rule requiring wakesports to take place 500 feet from shore in 20 feet of water. If RWVL’s proposed rule was adopted, wakesports would have been excluded from Lake Fairlee. With the ANR rule, wakesports will be permitted in the area southwest of Passumpsic Point surrounded by camps Lochearn, Horizons, Billings and Ohana.
- Loon Cam: The LFA deployed Vermont’s first “LoonCam” at the northern end of the lake in Spring 2023. It enables remote observation of a loon pair that has nested on the lake since 2016. The story of the loons and the LoonCam was the topic of a June 2023 article in the Valley News. The LoonCam was funded through a donation of $1,000 and enables ecologists, Thetford residents, and others to observe the lake and its loons. To date, there are nearly 550 subscribers to the LoonCam’s YouTube channel.
About Lake Fairlee
Lake Fairlee is a 2 mile long, 462 acre natural lake located in three towns: Thetford, Fairlee, and West Fairlee. The lake is fed from the north by two brooks, Middle Brook and Blood Brook. At the lake’s southwesterly outlet is the recently rebuilt Lake Fairlee Dam (2015). The water flows past the dam and makes its way into the Ompompanoosuc River, which, in turn, empties into the Connecticut River. A combination of four roads surround the lake: VT RT-244, Quinibeck Road, Robinson Hill Road, and Lake Shore Drive. There are two public access points, the Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife Access Area/Boat Launch on RT-244 in West Fairlee and Thetford's Treasure Island (fees required), also on RT-244 in West Fairlee.
The LFA sends out periodic newsletters and announcements. If you would like our newsletters and announcements emailed to you, please provide us with your email address.
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Please contact us if you have any questions about the LFA or wish to tell us about interesting happenings around the lake.
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