TLA Board meeting notes June 9, 2026
Present on Zoom:
Grant Bogle, Bill Barton, Rich Haupt, Marie/ Jeff Bravin, Dan Kadlec, Russ Conklin, Jackie Blombach, Eric Stoer, Jean Bell, Adam Mayer, Danny Vogus, Carey Fiertz, Jessica Schwartz, Erica Cohn, David Mathus
Russ began the discussion by covering the West Twin Tape Grass Control initiative which involves using the new harvester which is owned and operated by The Salisbury School (TSS). The TLA will pay TSS for labor and overhead to operate the harvester to keep the rowing lane free of tape grass. In addition, the late summer/early fall biomass removal program will continue using the town equipment and staff, as it has in the past.
Russ presented the invasive plant lake management plan by month starting in April to October which includes multiple aquatic plant surveys from boats and using divers, spot treatments of invasives (if needed) and the application of SONAR in the east bay of East Twin to control Northern hydrilla. The barrier under the bridge to Isola Bella will be removed at the end of June allowing kayaks and paddle boards to go under the bridge once again. While water clarity in the lake system is excellent, ongoing studies show signs of stress due to contaminants and sedimentation. Housatonic Valley Association continues to take water quality samples at 14 sites around the lakes as part of the watershed study and NEAR continues to take monthly water samples at multiple locations within the lake system. However, with the data in hand, which now includes data from streams coming into the lake, it is clear that there are many sources of contaminants like phosphorus (septics, lack of natural vegetative barriers, sandy beaches, etc) and it will take collective action from all homeowners in the watershed to slow the aging process of Twin Lakes.
To help move the membership to action, Jackie Blombach spoke about a lake health initiative which focuses on educating everyone regarding best practices for lakeside living. A wonderful new “how to” resource, Natures Action Guide, will be available for sale at the meeting which covers 15 key steps to help nature thrive along lakes and streams. Our initial focus will be asking members to turn off lights (The Dark Skies initiative), removing invasives and expanding the natural shoreline as buffers, as well as the importance of pumping our septic systems every other year.
The budget for 2026 was presented with expenses projected at $500,000 and income matching expenses coming from dues and donations, the town of Salisbury and grants.
Since 2023, the TLA has been awarded $311,000 in grant funding. The TLA continues to look for other grant funding sources and plans to apply for a Federal grant through USACE/CAES in the fall.
While the TLA is adequately funded for the 2026 season to meet our obligations, fundraising for 2027 has begun. We are reminding members to send in their dues and contributions over the next couple of months.
Bill Barton presented the endowment as a long term initiative we are kicking off that will put the TLA on more sustainable financial footing. Outside legal counsel has been retained and an investment policy statement is being developed. A motion was proposed seconded and approved by unanimous vote to spend up to $20,000 in legal fees.
Monitors and lake patrols have already begun and monitor training is slated for June 13, before the start of the membership meeting. The Town of Salisbury Resident State Trooper and the two retired officers who actually patrol the lakes will attend the June 13th meeting. They will answer questions but will also focus on safety issues such as the distance of floats from shore, safety equipment for kayaking, etc. Additionally, the meeting agenda includes a presentation from Madeline Watts, an expert in aquatic invasive species who is employed by CAES. The new membership directory will be available at the meeting.
Upcoming reminders include submitting photos for the photo contest to Dan Kadlec, the 4th of July boat flotilla and the Annual meeting/Twin Lakes Day festivities on Saturday, Aug 8. As in the past, many volunteers will be needed.
The meeting concluded after 65 minutes.
Notes submitted by Erica Cohn, secretary