Weed treatment has been postponed until Monday, Aug. 14 due to a short supply of the chemicals used to combat unwanted and invasive growth. The treatment areas remain as originally planned. The water will remain safe for swimming but should not be used for agricultural purposes for five days. Signs are being reposted around the lakes.
The hydrilla recently discovered near the marina appears to be a new strain known as hydrilla verticalillata, which was discovered in the Connecticut River in 2016. According to Connecticut’s Invasive Aquatic Plant, Clam, and Mussel Identification Guide this strain “is among the most troublesome invasive aquatic plants in Florida and other southern states. It crowds out native vegetation, harms fisheries, sickens wildfowl, impedes recreation, and reduces property values.” There is much more information in the guide. But this helps explain the TLA’s concern with this particular plant, and why we have contracted with experts to search for and root out this strain. Page 13 of the report has pictures of this plant. Please note that it looks very much like other plants in the water. But if you think you have found this invasive weed please do not remove it. Instead, note where you saw it and email president@twinlakesorg.org. We will investigate.
Photo contest winners were announced: Neil Schechter and Jennifer Lea Dulin.
The annual meeting of the Twin Lakes Association on Aug. 5 was well attended, easily providing a quorum with 73 members present and 57 proxy votes in hand. After a detailed presentation of the TLA’s budget and expenses, members agreed to authorize up to $80,000 from the general fund and up to
$30,000 from privately donated earmarked funds on measures needed to comply with state rules and maintain water quality through June 2024. A picnic lunch followed (pictured at right). Slides from the presentation detailing these expenses have been posted on the TLA website.
John Landon of the Salisbury Association Land Trust offered an update on the nearly 300 acres newly for sale along Twin Lakes Road. His group hopes to raise funds to gain control of the ground and preserve it. The listing price for this ground is $2.995 million. Landon spoke of the environmental impact of the tract, which is part of the broader watershed and a critical connector between other preserved lands that are home to many animals and rare plants. He said he was optimistic that the effort would be a success. Maps of the areas in question are part of the slides posted on the website. You can find more information in the meeting minutes.
Twin Lakes Day is enjoying a resurgence of popularity under new leadership from Sharon Aiuvalasit and continued support from Justin Meyer. The event on Saturday drew 12 families with about 25 kids and parents participating in races, and others who were just there to watch the fun. Our thanks to Sharon and Justin. Pictures below.
