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.
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The Lake Fairlee LoonCam is live!
The Lake Fairlee community has embraced the loons, enchanted by their haunting calls and touched by the care they show their offspring. In recognition of this, the Lake Fairlee Association is pleased to sponsor the first loon observation camera in Vermont. Click here for more information |
Click to view live loon nest action.
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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.
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 are available under the AT HOME BY THE WATER tab under the LAKE HEALTH menu item. As referenced in At Home by the Water, you will find simplified, printable documents to provide renters and contractors as well as other useful information to help guide everyone who lives, visits, or maintains property on Lake Fairlee.
The Loon Call - Lake Area News |
Celebrate Summer 2023
Lake Fairlee Association Member Gathering
LFA First Annual Summer Social
Saturday, Jun 3, at 5:00-6:30 pm
(Rain date Sunday, June 4, 4:30-6:00pm)
Please RSVP at this link: tinyurl.com/LFASummerSocial
@ Doug Tifft & Bonnie MacAdam's waterfront
2665 VT-244, Fairlee, VT (North End of the Lake)
Summer celebration! Families welcome, see old friends, meet new neighbors.
Please bring a finger food nibble to share and your own beverage.
Lake Fairlee Association Member Gathering
LFA First Annual Summer Social
Saturday, Jun 3, at 5:00-6:30 pm
(Rain date Sunday, June 4, 4:30-6:00pm)
Please RSVP at this link: tinyurl.com/LFASummerSocial
@ Doug Tifft & Bonnie MacAdam's waterfront
2665 VT-244, Fairlee, VT (North End of the Lake)
Summer celebration! Families welcome, see old friends, meet new neighbors.
Please bring a finger food nibble to share and your own beverage.
Doug, Bonnie, and Katherine upgrading the loon nest island
They're Back! Loon Pair Returns
April 16, 2023
This report just in from Doug Tifft (aka The Loon Ranger)
As if on cue, the loon pair returned this morning to inspect yesterday's handiwork on their nesting raft. (Doug, Bonnie MacAdam, Katherine Babbott, and Tom Ward provided maintenance and new landscaping for the loon nest island the day before.) I walked out a little after 6 a.m. to a totally still and vacant lake. After sitting down on the bench with my coffee, the show began with what I first thought were silly mergansers swimming out from the large marsh to the left. I looked more closely with my binoculars and was pleased to see that this was, indeed, our loon pair looking regal and healthy. They proceeded to swim at a distance in front of me, diving now and then, and continued across to their nesting cove. A small squadron of geese meanwhile flew overhead, circled around, and landed a bit further out, directly across from me. The loons reappeared to the left of the geese, swimming casually and in a stately fashion toward them. This seemed to enerve the geese, who honked with apprehension as if to say, "They're back! The jig is up." As the loons neared, the geese took flight. It was clear that noisy geese (and silly ducks) had better show more decorum from here on out.
Thank you Doug for your informative reporting!
April 16, 2023
This report just in from Doug Tifft (aka The Loon Ranger)
As if on cue, the loon pair returned this morning to inspect yesterday's handiwork on their nesting raft. (Doug, Bonnie MacAdam, Katherine Babbott, and Tom Ward provided maintenance and new landscaping for the loon nest island the day before.) I walked out a little after 6 a.m. to a totally still and vacant lake. After sitting down on the bench with my coffee, the show began with what I first thought were silly mergansers swimming out from the large marsh to the left. I looked more closely with my binoculars and was pleased to see that this was, indeed, our loon pair looking regal and healthy. They proceeded to swim at a distance in front of me, diving now and then, and continued across to their nesting cove. A small squadron of geese meanwhile flew overhead, circled around, and landed a bit further out, directly across from me. The loons reappeared to the left of the geese, swimming casually and in a stately fashion toward them. This seemed to enerve the geese, who honked with apprehension as if to say, "They're back! The jig is up." As the loons neared, the geese took flight. It was clear that noisy geese (and silly ducks) had better show more decorum from here on out.
Thank you Doug for your informative reporting!
Waste Water Management Workshop – Thursday July 13th, 1:00-3:00 PM
March 31, 2023
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. Learn what you can do to make sure your septic system is helping keep the lake healthy by attending this Waste Water Management Workshop.
The workshop sponsored by the LFA and the Lake Morey Protective Association (LMPA) will focus on Lake Fairlee and Lake Morey. The Vermont DEC's Drinking Water and Groundwater Protection Division's Cristin Ashmankas, Program Hydrogeologist and Sedimentologist, will conduct the workshop at the Fairlee Town Hall on Thursday, July 13th, 1:00-3:00 PM. Please come with your questions! More details to follow as they are available.
March 31, 2023
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. Learn what you can do to make sure your septic system is helping keep the lake healthy by attending this Waste Water Management Workshop.
The workshop sponsored by the LFA and the Lake Morey Protective Association (LMPA) will focus on Lake Fairlee and Lake Morey. The Vermont DEC's Drinking Water and Groundwater Protection Division's Cristin Ashmankas, Program Hydrogeologist and Sedimentologist, will conduct the workshop at the Fairlee Town Hall on Thursday, July 13th, 1:00-3:00 PM. Please come with your questions! More details to follow as they are available.
Lake Fairlee LWAP Project Update – Meeting Video & PowerPoint, Sidenote Article
February 22, 2023
Lisa Niccolai, Conservation Specialist, WRNRCD and Mary Mary Nealon, Bear Creek Environmental presented an update on the Lake & Watershed Action Plan
Agenda:
1. Brief introduction and update about what has been happening since the kick-off meeting (Lisa Niccolai, White River NRCD)
2. Lake Wise summary (Lisa Niccolai)
3. Data collection roads, shoreline and tributaries (Mary Nealon, Bear Creek Environmental)
4. Project Identification and prioritization (Mary Nealon)
5. Questions and Next Steps (Lisa Niccolai)
Click here to watch the Zoom meeting.
Click here to view Mary Nealon's PowerPoint slides.
Click here to read Li Shen's Feb. 26 Sidenote Article, Watershed Action Plan; Halting Lake Fairlee pollution requires cooperation of many.
February 22, 2023
Lisa Niccolai, Conservation Specialist, WRNRCD and Mary Mary Nealon, Bear Creek Environmental presented an update on the Lake & Watershed Action Plan
Agenda:
1. Brief introduction and update about what has been happening since the kick-off meeting (Lisa Niccolai, White River NRCD)
2. Lake Wise summary (Lisa Niccolai)
3. Data collection roads, shoreline and tributaries (Mary Nealon, Bear Creek Environmental)
4. Project Identification and prioritization (Mary Nealon)
5. Questions and Next Steps (Lisa Niccolai)
Click here to watch the Zoom meeting.
Click here to view Mary Nealon's PowerPoint slides.
Click here to read Li Shen's Feb. 26 Sidenote Article, Watershed Action Plan; Halting Lake Fairlee pollution requires cooperation of many.
Press Coverage: DEC Wake Boat Draft Concept Rule Feedback Meeting, Greensboro, VT
February 17, 2023
Approximately 100 people attended the DEC's February 15 meeting in Greensboro in person. Another 170 attended online. The DEC sought input on the draft concept rule announced in January. 60 people were selected randomly to comment. Over 90% expressed support for wake boat regulation and the vast majority of those requested the DEC strengthen the draft rule further.
Links to post-meeting press coverage:
Seven Days - Feb. 17
VTDigger - Feb. 15
WCAX - Feb. 15
FOX44 - Feb. 15
February 17, 2023
Approximately 100 people attended the DEC's February 15 meeting in Greensboro in person. Another 170 attended online. The DEC sought input on the draft concept rule announced in January. 60 people were selected randomly to comment. Over 90% expressed support for wake boat regulation and the vast majority of those requested the DEC strengthen the draft rule further.
Links to post-meeting press coverage:
Seven Days - Feb. 17
VTDigger - Feb. 15
WCAX - Feb. 15
FOX44 - Feb. 15
LFA Board Votes to Reafirm Support for Responsible Wakes for Vermont Lakes Wake Boat Petition
January 19, 2023
At the January 19th LFA board meeting, the board voted to express its appreciation for the Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) decision to move forward on rule-making to manage wake boats on Vermont's inland lakes. Additionally, the board voted to communicate to the DEC its desire to see the DEC's concept rule strengthened by reaffirming support for the rule proposed in the petition filed in March 22 with the Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) by the multi-lake group, Responsible Wakes for Vermont Lakes (RWVL). The DEC's concept rule proposes wake boats operate 500 feet from shore whereas the RWVL petition proposes a 1000ft from shore distance. The LFA supports the 1000 foot distance which can provide additional future protection for lakes and lake users as wake boats continue to become more powerful and more numerous. See the letter sent to Oliver Pierson, Lakes and Ponds Program Manager, DEC.
The DEC has scheduled a public meeting on February 15, 2023 to receive comments on the concept rule. The meeting will be held in person on 2/15 at 5:30 PM, at the Highland Center for the Arts, Greensboro VT, and virtually on Microsoft Teams. Full details, including how to join via Teams can be found here.
Sign up here to provide a comment.
January 19, 2023
At the January 19th LFA board meeting, the board voted to express its appreciation for the Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) decision to move forward on rule-making to manage wake boats on Vermont's inland lakes. Additionally, the board voted to communicate to the DEC its desire to see the DEC's concept rule strengthened by reaffirming support for the rule proposed in the petition filed in March 22 with the Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) by the multi-lake group, Responsible Wakes for Vermont Lakes (RWVL). The DEC's concept rule proposes wake boats operate 500 feet from shore whereas the RWVL petition proposes a 1000ft from shore distance. The LFA supports the 1000 foot distance which can provide additional future protection for lakes and lake users as wake boats continue to become more powerful and more numerous. See the letter sent to Oliver Pierson, Lakes and Ponds Program Manager, DEC.
The DEC has scheduled a public meeting on February 15, 2023 to receive comments on the concept rule. The meeting will be held in person on 2/15 at 5:30 PM, at the Highland Center for the Arts, Greensboro VT, and virtually on Microsoft Teams. Full details, including how to join via Teams can be found here.
Sign up here to provide a comment.
Lake Wise Interview with Conservation Specialist, Lisa Niccolai
November 9, 2022
Learn more about Lake Wise! Read the interview with Lisa Niccolai, Conservation Specialist, White River Natural Resources Conservation District (WRNRCD). Lisa has conducted free Lake Wise assessments on over a dozen Lake Fairlee properties. The Lake Wise Program helps residents implement shoreland best management practices to improve lake health. We hope you’ll be inspired to have your property certified next!
November 9, 2022
Learn more about Lake Wise! Read the interview with Lisa Niccolai, Conservation Specialist, White River Natural Resources Conservation District (WRNRCD). Lisa has conducted free Lake Wise assessments on over a dozen Lake Fairlee properties. The Lake Wise Program helps residents implement shoreland best management practices to improve lake health. We hope you’ll be inspired to have your property certified next!
Cyanobacteria Facts
Compiled by Sean Brown, WQAC September 25, 2022
Lake Morey has had a significant cyanobacteria bloom this summer. This certainly is an unfortunate and concerning event. Might Lake Fairlee see similar issues in the future?
While cyanobacteria are present in all freshwater lakes and ponds, there are steps we can all take to minimize the potential for cyanobacteria blooms and their impacts on Lake Fairlee. Here are some facts and frequently asked questions to help keep you informed.
Compiled by Sean Brown, WQAC September 25, 2022
Lake Morey has had a significant cyanobacteria bloom this summer. This certainly is an unfortunate and concerning event. Might Lake Fairlee see similar issues in the future?
While cyanobacteria are present in all freshwater lakes and ponds, there are steps we can all take to minimize the potential for cyanobacteria blooms and their impacts on Lake Fairlee. Here are some facts and frequently asked questions to help keep you informed.
RWVL Illustration Summarizes Wake Boat Concerns
September 9, 2022
Click on the image to the left to view a simple, informative drawing that illustrates the safety, environmental, wildlife, property damage and property value issues wake boats can cause.
If you wish to share this with others, download the illustration here.
September 9, 2022
Click on the image to the left to view a simple, informative drawing that illustrates the safety, environmental, wildlife, property damage and property value issues wake boats can cause.
If you wish to share this with others, download the illustration here.
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"Paddle-In" to the 3 Corners - A Great Success
August 18, 2022 After a one-day rain delay, on August 18th at the stroke of 6:00pm, 10 "paddle-powered" boats and 14 people met on the lake at the "3 Corners" where the Town lines of Fairlee, Thetford, and West Fairlee meet. Thank you Jim Hughes for this great idea which was organized by the Thetford and West Fairlee Conservation Commissions. |
This informal and fun outing had no goal other than getting out and finding the 3 Corners located across the Lake from Passumpsic Point near the southern shore. Sean Brown, served as our precision-minded master navigator via his GPS watch. All gathered at the Babbott Ward's afterward for nibbles, beverages, and congratulations on accomplishing this unique feat of daring. Click on the map to enlarge and see where "X" marks the spot. Click on the photo for a larger image of Jim & Gill Hughes and master navigator, Sean.
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 (WRNRCD), work has begun on the plan with a final report anticipated in the spring of 2023.
- Lake Wise Program. Concurrent with the LWAP, the WRNRCD has asked the LFA for assistance identifying landowners wishing to have a Lake Wise Program property assessment. Through the assessment process, you will learn valuable information about your specific shoreline – how to support a healthy lake ecosystem by following best management practices and the method(s) to create a native vegetative shoreline buffer to decrease runoff and erosion. To schedule an appointment or gather more information, contact Lisa Niccolai). To assist this program, EC Browns Nursery in Thetford Center offers current LFA members listed in the upcoming LFA Directory a discount on trees, shrubs and flowers.
- Water Quality. The Water Quality Action Committee (WQAC) continues its cooperative work with the LaRosa Partnership Program (LPP) to understand the sources of high phosphate levels in the lake and its tributaries, adding sampling sites and utilizing new research methodologies. WQAC will assist with the Lake and Watershed Action Plan.
- 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 and other upgrades. The Committee has asked the Town of Thetford to set aside land for a pollinator garden, and plans to hire a consultant forester. A hiking/nature trail is being considered and a new Treasure Island entrance sign is in place to greet visitors! You can read the Treasure Island Exploratory Committee - Annual Progress Report here.
- Milfoil Mitigation. Routinely the largest portion of the LFA annual budget, milfoil mitigation efforts continue in 2022 with a renewed State license and a June application of the 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.
- Greeter Program. The Lake Fairlee Greeter Program is integral to our battle against invasive species. Stationed at the boat landing from May through mid-October, six (6) highly experienced (6-8 years each), state-trained greeters will return in 2022! The greeters inspect all inbound and outbound watercraft for invasive plants and animals. The Greeter Program is one of the primary programs supported by your dues and donations.
- 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, the LFA board voted in July 2021 to support the work of Responsible Wakes for Vermont Lakes (RWVL). This citizens group has filed a petition with the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) proposing rules to manage wake boats on Vermont lakes. Public informational hearings are scheduled for June 29th and July 7th. To show your personal support for wake boats to be managed on Vermont's lakes and ponds, please sign the online Letter of Support at this link: tinyurl.com/RWVLLetterOfSupport and attend the public hearings in person or virtually. The DEC will decide later in the summer any plans to issue new rules. Unfamiliar with wake boats and wake surfing – Watch this 1.5 minute video showing a wake boat in action on southern Vermont's Lake Raponda last summer.
- 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. Thanks to our state approved nesting raft, we've had a successful loon breeding pair for six of the past seven years (a baby chick was first spotted this summer on June 15, 2022) – an incredible success rate. 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.
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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