Twin Lakes Association members got a full download on issues surrounding the lakes during the annual membership meeting on June 14 at Isola Bella. Sixty-two attended. Here is the slide presentation. More details may be found in the meeting notes.
Lake health is always top of mind. But, fundraising has emerged as a key topic at the annual gathering since the discovery of the fast-growing invasive plant hydrilla near the marina two years ago.
The TLA expects to spend $500,000 this year, nearly all of it on herbicide applications and aquatic plant monitoring. Members have responded generously. Eight large donors have given $10,000 or more. In all, 82 members donated at least $1,000 each, totaling $350,000 since last August. Filling the budget gaps were contributions from the state ($75,000), the town ($75,000), and the Bates Foundation ($25,000). Fundraising efforts will kick into gear again as summer winds down.
“We must continue to drive our destiny, as there are no easy external funding sources and the cost of managing the lakes is not likely to decrease in the near term,” said TLA President Grant Bogle.
Water testing has begun in streams leading to the lakes, part of an ongoing watershed study funded by the Bates Foundation and conducted by the Housatonic Valley Association. This will continue into the fall.
The recent sale of the Cooper Hill properties formerly owned by Bob Boyett to a financing partnership formed by 10 local families was reviewed. The focus was on Mt. Tom’s Hill, a parcel that directly feeds the Twin Lakes Watershed. The Salisbury Association Land Trust is expected to take ownership of the land later this year and intends to open a public access trail off Twin Lakes Road. Eventually, this trail will connect all 1,100 acres.
The Salisbury Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission’s expanded upland review area was noted, along with a list of allowed activities the commission adopted last month. These are activities that homeowners in the review area may do without seeking approval. This list was provided as a handout and is available on the TLA website. The review area was increased to 100 feet from wetlands, up from 75 feet. The TLA board unanimously supported the expansion.
Board member Russ Conklin reviewed last year’s aquatic plant studies, which formed the basis of our 2025 treatment plan. He noted that the Twin Lakes is a three-lake system: East Twin, Middle Twin, and West Twin. Each water body has different plants, depths, light penetration, and other considerations. The TLA monitors all three to understand how the lakes are changing. We enjoy clear water in the Twin Lakes and want to be vigilant about protecting them.
The data collected through our partners and vendors will inform our treatment plans going forward. Homeowners can do their part by limiting fertilizers, pumping their septic systems regularly, and adding a vegetative buffer at the shoreline.
Conklin also spoke about treating curly leaf pondweed with Diquat in specific areas of West Twin, consistent with our permit. He explained the use of low-concentration Sonar in East Twin, noting that these treatments do not call for restrictions on swimming, drinking, or fishing. There are some restrictions on watering plants when using Sonar. Pamphlets discussing Sonar were provided. Learn more here.
Board member Jessica Swartz discussed a pilot program for cyanobacteria testing. She reviewed the goals and the science of cyanobacteria. We had several questions from the audience and made it clear that the program is preventative. We do not want to get surprised by a problem that some lakes have experienced.
Reminders: Motorized vessels are required this year to pay for an Aquatic Invasive Species Stamp (AIS) from the state. Find information about this program here and here. Proceeds fund grants to lake associations (including the TLA) fighting invasive plants. Lake patrols will be back on the water in 2025 at random times. Mark your calendar for the Aug. 2 annual meeting, to be followed by the 125th Twin Lakes Day, and then a TLA celebration dance at 7 p.m. All events will be held at Isola Bella.
Don’t forget to enter your photos in the 2025 photo contest themed “Lake Life.” Submit your photo on Instagram #TLAphoto2025 or email to dankadlec17@gmail.com. The deadline is July 31. Two winners will receive $50 each. The contest is open to anyone. Multiple submissions are accepted. We encourage early submissions.