About the Lake Fairlee Association
The Lake Fairlee Association's (LFA) mission is "to protect and preserve the natural beauty of Lake Fairlee for current and future generations."
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.
The Loon Call - Lake Area News
RWVL Petition Picture Book Presentation
and DEC Accepting Written Public Comments on the Wake Boat Petition
May 18, 2022
Responsible Wakes for Vermont Lakes (RWVL) has created a picture book presentation providing an overview of the basis for the petition. This presentation presents the key issues in an easy to follow format. You can view the picture book by clicking here: RWVL Picture Book.
Are you unfamiliar with wake boats? Watch this 1.5 minutes filmed on southern Vermont's Lake Raponda, summer, 2021: www.youtube.com/watch?v=idqfK4m16fI
In June, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will be holding public hearings on the wake boat management petition filed by RWVL. The hearings have yet to be scheduled. The DEC is currently accepting written comments on the petition. Written comments will be accepted via email to Oliver Pierson (please use "Wakeboat / Wakesports Petition Public Comment" in the subject line) or mail to the following address by 4:00 pm on Friday, June 17, 2022:
and DEC Accepting Written Public Comments on the Wake Boat Petition
May 18, 2022
Responsible Wakes for Vermont Lakes (RWVL) has created a picture book presentation providing an overview of the basis for the petition. This presentation presents the key issues in an easy to follow format. You can view the picture book by clicking here: RWVL Picture Book.
Are you unfamiliar with wake boats? Watch this 1.5 minutes filmed on southern Vermont's Lake Raponda, summer, 2021: www.youtube.com/watch?v=idqfK4m16fI
In June, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will be holding public hearings on the wake boat management petition filed by RWVL. The hearings have yet to be scheduled. The DEC is currently accepting written comments on the petition. Written comments will be accepted via email to Oliver Pierson (please use "Wakeboat / Wakesports Petition Public Comment" in the subject line) or mail to the following address by 4:00 pm on Friday, June 17, 2022:
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Attn: Oliver Pierson
Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation Watershed Management Division 1 National Life Drive, Davis 3 Montpelier, VT 05620-3522 |
The loon nest raft has been refurbished for another season.
The loon and the goose, volunteer intervention on Lake Fairlee
from Sidenote by Li Shen May 1, 2022
A shortage of places to settle and raise a family isn’t limited to the human population, it seems. That’s what volunteers for the Vermont Loon Conservation Project have discovered in the course of monitoring a nesting raft for loons on Lake Fairlee, a lake shared by the towns of Thetford, West Fairlee, and Fairlee.
(read full article)
The loon and the goose, volunteer intervention on Lake Fairlee
from Sidenote by Li Shen May 1, 2022
A shortage of places to settle and raise a family isn’t limited to the human population, it seems. That’s what volunteers for the Vermont Loon Conservation Project have discovered in the course of monitoring a nesting raft for loons on Lake Fairlee, a lake shared by the towns of Thetford, West Fairlee, and Fairlee.
(read full article)
Responsible Wakes for Vermont Lakes (RWVL) - Wake Boat Petition Update
April 16, 2022
At the July 29, 2021 LFA board meeting, the board voted to support the multi-lake group, Responsible Wakes for Vermont Lakes (RWVL) to work toward ways to manage the impact of wake boats on Vermont's lakes. RWVL, formed in March 2021, is composed of active users of Vermont’s public waters as lake and watershed homeowners, boaters, water skiers, paddlers, sailors, anglers, and swimmers. Members are volunteers monitoring water quality, patrolling for invasive species, and staffing lake greeter programs. They are conservationists and scientists involved in maintaining and improving Vermont’s lakes for recreational and aesthetic enjoyment for current and future generations.
After a year of significant research and discussions with stakeholders within Vermont, RWVL submitted a petition on March 9th, 2022 under the Vermont Use of Public Waters Rules, asking the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to manage wake boats and their activities in Vermont lakes and ponds. RWVL’s petition aims to protect public waters while allowing Vermonters the opportunity to enjoy traditional family activities such as boating, waterskiing, paddling, sailing, fishing, and swimming while also continuing to enjoy wake-enhanced sports in appropriate venues. The proposed rule change does not apply to the use of conventional boats used for wakeboarding, tubing, or waterskiing; it does not seek to regulate other types of boats.
For more information:
Sidenote article: Can a petition strike a balance between wake boats and other lake users? March 20, 2022 by Li Shen
Valley News article: Residents want to rock boat on wakes April 4, 2022 by Claire Potter
Unfamiliar with wake boats? Watch this 1.5 minutes filmed on southern Vermont's Lake Raponda, summer, 2021: www.youtube.com/watch?v=idqfK4m16fI
April 16, 2022
At the July 29, 2021 LFA board meeting, the board voted to support the multi-lake group, Responsible Wakes for Vermont Lakes (RWVL) to work toward ways to manage the impact of wake boats on Vermont's lakes. RWVL, formed in March 2021, is composed of active users of Vermont’s public waters as lake and watershed homeowners, boaters, water skiers, paddlers, sailors, anglers, and swimmers. Members are volunteers monitoring water quality, patrolling for invasive species, and staffing lake greeter programs. They are conservationists and scientists involved in maintaining and improving Vermont’s lakes for recreational and aesthetic enjoyment for current and future generations.
After a year of significant research and discussions with stakeholders within Vermont, RWVL submitted a petition on March 9th, 2022 under the Vermont Use of Public Waters Rules, asking the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to manage wake boats and their activities in Vermont lakes and ponds. RWVL’s petition aims to protect public waters while allowing Vermonters the opportunity to enjoy traditional family activities such as boating, waterskiing, paddling, sailing, fishing, and swimming while also continuing to enjoy wake-enhanced sports in appropriate venues. The proposed rule change does not apply to the use of conventional boats used for wakeboarding, tubing, or waterskiing; it does not seek to regulate other types of boats.
For more information:
Sidenote article: Can a petition strike a balance between wake boats and other lake users? March 20, 2022 by Li Shen
Valley News article: Residents want to rock boat on wakes April 4, 2022 by Claire Potter
Unfamiliar with wake boats? Watch this 1.5 minutes filmed on southern Vermont's Lake Raponda, summer, 2021: www.youtube.com/watch?v=idqfK4m16fI
Treasure Island Vision Statement and Master Plan
January 14, 2022
The Treasure Island Exploratory Committee is proud to present the Vision Statement/Master Plan and Map that taken together articulate and illustrate their recommendations for our beloved Treasure Island (inclusive of a revitalized recreation infrastructure and reinvigorated nature trails!)
January 14, 2022
The Treasure Island Exploratory Committee is proud to present the Vision Statement/Master Plan and Map that taken together articulate and illustrate their recommendations for our beloved Treasure Island (inclusive of a revitalized recreation infrastructure and reinvigorated nature trails!)
Advocates warn: ‘Our lakes are sick’
from Valley News by Amanda Gokee December 12, 2021
If you have a Valley News digital subscription or have not used your free monthly article views, you can view this article here.
This article describes the rise in cyanobacteria blooms in New Hampshire lakes. When excessive nutrients are present in the water, growth can get out of control. Nutrients have been rising in Lake Fairlee. Please consider having a Lake Wise review of your property to help limit nutrient runoff into the lake.
from Valley News by Amanda Gokee December 12, 2021
If you have a Valley News digital subscription or have not used your free monthly article views, you can view this article here.
This article describes the rise in cyanobacteria blooms in New Hampshire lakes. When excessive nutrients are present in the water, growth can get out of control. Nutrients have been rising in Lake Fairlee. Please consider having a Lake Wise review of your property to help limit nutrient runoff into the lake.
An action plan for Lake Fairlee’s faltering health
from Sidenote by Li Shen December 5, 2021
In the early 1970s, a startling experiment sent ripples through the lake ecology community. Canadian scientists had selected a few lakes that had a narrows in the middle and set up barriers that divided the waters into two. Both halves received nitrogen and carbon fertilizer, but only one half received phosphate. Despite the fertilizer, the waters without phosphate remained clear, whereas the side with phosphate became a green mess of abundantly growing algae. The experiment dramatically highlighted the pivotal role of phosphate in poor water quality. Since then the Vermont Lakes and Ponds Management Program has been monitoring levels of phosphate in lakes throughout the state.
Lake Fairlee’s scorecard shows it has slipped since the 1980s...
from Sidenote by Li Shen December 5, 2021
In the early 1970s, a startling experiment sent ripples through the lake ecology community. Canadian scientists had selected a few lakes that had a narrows in the middle and set up barriers that divided the waters into two. Both halves received nitrogen and carbon fertilizer, but only one half received phosphate. Despite the fertilizer, the waters without phosphate remained clear, whereas the side with phosphate became a green mess of abundantly growing algae. The experiment dramatically highlighted the pivotal role of phosphate in poor water quality. Since then the Vermont Lakes and Ponds Management Program has been monitoring levels of phosphate in lakes throughout the state.
Lake Fairlee’s scorecard shows it has slipped since the 1980s...
Lake and Watershed Action Plan Kickoff Meeting
November 18, 2021
Lake Fairlee has been selected to receive funding ($30,000) to develop a Lake and Watershed Action Plan (LWAP). Work is just beginning on the plan with a final report anticipated in the spring of 2023. The process began with a kickoff on 11/18/21 led by by Lisa Niccolai, Conservation Specialist, White River Conservation District and Amy Picotte, Lakeshore Manager, VT DEC.
For more information, go to the Lake and Watershed Action Plan page. To view a recording of the 11/18/21 LWAP kickoff meeting go to this link: LWAP Kickoff Meeting. You may need to download the recording to your computer to watch.
November 18, 2021
Lake Fairlee has been selected to receive funding ($30,000) to develop a Lake and Watershed Action Plan (LWAP). Work is just beginning on the plan with a final report anticipated in the spring of 2023. The process began with a kickoff on 11/18/21 led by by Lisa Niccolai, Conservation Specialist, White River Conservation District and Amy Picotte, Lakeshore Manager, VT DEC.
For more information, go to the Lake and Watershed Action Plan page. To view a recording of the 11/18/21 LWAP kickoff meeting go to this link: LWAP Kickoff Meeting. You may need to download the recording to your computer to watch.
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.
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:
- Lake and Watershed Action Plan (LWAP). Lake Fairlee has been selected as one of two Vermont lakes for funding ($30,000) to develop a Lake and Watershed Action Plan. Led by Lisa Niccolai, Conservation Specialist, White River Conservation District, work has begun on the plan with a final report anticipated in the spring of 2023.
- Water Quality. The Water Quality Action Committee (WQAC) continues its work to understand the sources of high phosphate levels in the lake and its tributaries. The WQAC is working with the state Department of Environmental Conservation and other local agencies to determine what steps can be taken to mitigate this concerning problem. WQAC will be involved with the Lake and Watershed Action Plan.
- Lake Wise Program. Lake Wise is a voluntary program administered by the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources. Lake Wise aims to educate and help shoreline homeowners eliminate/decrease lakeside lawns and hardscape and encourage creating healthy shoreline native plant buffers. These buffers help decrease and filter runoff, mitigate erosion, and improve water quality and aquatic habitat. Learn how your property can earn a Lake Wise certification.
- Treasure Island. Formed in 2020, the Town of Thetford created the Treasure Island Exploratory Committee comprised of community volunteers and chaired by an LFA board member. The Committee is focused on this valuable and much-loved local town beach and nature area. Working with Lake Wise, and with the likely support of the LWAP grant, the Committee is dedicated to improving the health of Treasure Island’s extensive shoreline. Stay tuned for more programming, activities, and a new sign in 2022! You can read the Treasure Island Exploratory Committee - Annual Progress Report here.
- Greeter Program. The Greeter Program is one of the primary programs supported by your dues and donations. Located at the boat ramp from May through mid-October, our awesome greeters provide an invaluable service to our lake. Trained in a state-run program, greeters inspect all inbound and outbound watercraft for invasive plants and animals.
- 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. We continue to work with the state and our water treatment contractor to mitigate the milfoil infestation. We anticipate treating some areas in the lake in June 2022 with the new herbicide Procellacor. This product boasts higher effectiveness in lower concentrations than previous products. Used in conjunction with some potential suction harvesting, Procellacor will help us continue to combat milfoil and help create a healthier, better balanced aquatic ecosystem.
- Wake Boats. Congruent with the LFA’s core purpose to preserve, protect and enhance the distinctive and natural resources of Lake Fairlee and its surrounding watershed, this summer the LFA board voted to support the work of Responsible Wakes for Vermont Lakes (RWVL), a citizen group formed to recommend regulation of wake boats on Vermont lakes and ponds. The large, design-enhanced wakes of such watercraft can accelerate shoreline erosion and create safety hazards for small craft, swimmers, and loon nests. The underwater wash can spread milfoil and displace lake sediment that increases turbidity, leading to an increased phosphate concentration and algae blooms. Wake boat ballast tanks, which cannot be fully emptied of water or visually inspected, can import and export invasive species. This is of great concern to all lakes and ponds. RWVL is in the process of drafting a petition to the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources on this subject. Related public comment meetings will occur in 2022 with any resulting new ANR rules likely issued later in the year.
- Nature. For quiet observers, the lake and surrounding land once again hosted numerous wonderful creatures. Fox, beavers, otters, muskrats, turtles, bald eagles, great blue herons, osprey, and loons could all be seen around the lake. For you bird enthusiasts, we even enjoyed the unexpected presence of a Virginia Rail! Many of us again enjoyed a favorite summer pastime of watching the loon chick grow and thrive. 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.
- Summer Intern. Through a new relationship with UVM’s Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resource Summer Internship program we had the benefit of a 12-week summer intern this summer. The LFA committed funds towards the cost of the intern and her research. 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.”
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.
Lake Fairlee from the air.
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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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