Current LFA Projects
Posted June 2021:
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:
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:
- Water Quality. Concerned about high lake phosphate levels, the LFA to formed the Water Quality Action Committee in 2019. With on-going support from local and state agencies the committee is working to better understand the causes and implications of the high phosphate levels. This active committee is working hard to gather data from various parts of the lake and its tributaries.
- Summer Intern. Through a new relationship with UVM’s Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resource Summer Internship program we will have the benefit of a 12-week summer intern this summer. The LFA has committed funds towards the cost of the intern and her research. Her activities may include, phosphate measurements, educating people about the Lake Wise Program and nature education. Thanks to our new relationship with the intern program, Lake Fairlee has been added to a list of seven Vermont lakes being studied for “triggers of cyanobacteria dominance.”
- Lake Wise Program. This summer LFA members and volunteers will be working with staff from Vermont’s Lake Wise Program which focuses on water and shoreline health. The goal of Lake Wise is to educate lakefront property owners on 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.
- Treasure Island. The Thetford Select Board recently formed a committee to investigate future planning for Treasure Island. Chaired by an LFA board member, and comprised of Thetford and lake area residents, the committee is working to find ways to maintain the financial health of Treasure Island and expand nature programs, recreation, and other activities for this beloved public treasure. The LFA has contributed funds to support Treasure Island.
- Greeter Program. Once again, donations to the LFA fund an important portion of the lake’s invaluable Greeter Program. The dedicated greeter staff monitors the boat launch from May-mid October, seven days a week. Their diligent work helps screen watercraft for invasive species as boats enter and exit the lake.
- Milfoil Eradication. As has been the case for years, donations have helped the LFA pay for on-going treatment to help contain the Eurasian Milfoil that threatens our lake’s health. The Milfoil program is routinely the largest use of the annual budget funds.
- Loon Health. Thanks to our state approved nesting raft, we've had a successful loon breeding pair for five out of the past six years – an incredible success rate. Last summer a pair of Canada geese took over the nesting raft leading to an unsuccessful season for our loon pair. Dedicated volunteers work closely with Vermont Fish and Wildlife, a biologist from the Vermont Loon Conservation Project, and Vermont Center for Ecostudies to monitor the lake’s loon population. With member donations, the LFA continues to provide financial support to the Vermont Center for Ecostudies.