In attendance on Zoom:
Grant Bogle, Russ Conklin, Erica Cohn, Bill Barton, Jean Bell, Rich Haupt, David Matthus, Adam Mayer, Jack Mahoney, Sharon Aiuvlalsit, Danny Vogus.
Lake Management Update:
Russ reviewed the curly pondweed infestation on Middle and West Twin and reported that 12.2 acres were successfully treated early in the season with a contact herbicide. Most of the pondweed is located near the Salisbury School boathouse and their rowing lanes.
Hydrilla was successfully treated with the systemic herbicide SONAR applied at a low concentration throughout the growing season. SONAR was applied 5 times this season to 150 surface acres. After each application, herbicide concentration levels were measured at 12 locations. In total, over 180 concentration samples were taken. In addition, numerous aquatic plant surveys were conducted by boat, supplemented by divers searching in deeper water. Experience on other lakes has shown that hydrilla treatment must continue for the next 3-4 years to ensure any turnions buried in the sediment are eradicated. Ongoing vigilance is critically important given the possibility of spread and/or another invasive plant entering the lake system.
In terms of the watershed, Russ noted the impact of sedimentation as well as failing older septic systems as issues we will need to address in the future. Russ noted the advent of algae blooms along Between the Lakes Road on East Twin and that they migrated into Middle Twin for the first time this summer. West Twin also experienced algae blooms this summer. The watershed study will begin to shed light on the issues and potential solutions for ensuring the lakes remain healthy for years to come.
The Zebra Mussel population is again on the rise in East Twin. Zebra mussels are more scarce in Middle and West Twin possibly due to warmer waters. The increase in Zebra Mussels in East Twin may partially explain the excellent water clarity seen this past year.
Looking ahead regarding lake management:
NEAR will continue monthly water quality testing and extensive aquatic plant surveys. Solitude will continue the entire basin treatment approach in East Twin for hydrilla and spot treatment for hydrilla, milfoil and Curly Leaf Pondweed as necessary. The TLA also will implement a more comprehensive plan for harvesting tape grass in Middle and West Twin Lake. Due to the lengthened growing season, the harvesting must begin earlier and end later than in the past.
2025 Monitor Report:
Adam Mayer reported that the big change this year was that boaters are becoming more comfortable with the monitors and are often inquiring about the health of the lake and the status of the hydrilla. Most boats are from CT, specifically Twin Lakes. The monitors conducted 1413 inspections, noting that three boats were carrying hydrilla on the way out in July, which matches with Russ’s information regarding Sonar treatment. The partnership is growing within the lake community, with a purview to 2026 and possibly adjusting the training of monitors to gather and spread more relevant information regarding the health of the lakes. There was a suggestion to purchase IPADS in order to collect data more effectively.
Financials :
YTD October 22, the TLA received $392,000 from contributions while expenses equaled $332,000. Expenses often lag and we project $415,000 will be spent for the full year. This is lower than the initial projection of $500,000 due to two fewer hydrilla herbicide treatments than were originally budgeted.
In terms of future income, Grant noted that funds from the CT DEEP grant are received in arrears, after we submit expenses. Hence, $75,000 of expenses for the 2025 season will be repaid to the TLA in the spring of 2026.
Looking ahead, the projected budget for 2026 is $425,000. Projected income will be from Dues and donations ($250,000), the town of Salisbury ($75,000) and grants ($100,000). It should be noted that the majority of the grant funding is from the CT DEEP AIS fund. With the change in how this fund is financed in 2025, there are no guarantees the TLA will receive an award for the 2026 season and even if we do, it may not be at the same level as previous awards.
Fundraising:
The annual letter was mailed 10/28/ 25 with the hope our neighbors and members continue to donate. The board was asked for more involvement to help reach out to neighbors and friends for continued financial support.
Other business:
Jean mentioned that Will, the resident trooper, resigned from his post last month. A new resident trooper will be appointed and we need to ensure that they continue with the lake patrols in 2026. The new resident state trooper will be invited to the June TLA meeting.
A meeting with Curtis and Joe to discuss the results of 2025 and a look ahead to 2026 will take place in early November.
The board will look into a possible higher interest rate on cash in the bank.
The meeting was adjourned after 90 minutes.
Meeting Notes submitted by Erica Cohn, Secretary