“State of the Lake” Annual Meeting
The President introduced the Board members and each cited the areas of work they handle for the organization. It was noted that there were 18 new watershed residents in 2015. Appreciation for the non-Board members who have contributed to the well-being of the lake was acknowledged.
Lake Condition Report: A recap of MLIF work in 2015 to manage the lake and then to deal with the blue-green algae was presented. Plans for 2016 were reviewed.
President’s Recap of 2015:
* MLIF’s biggest challenge in 2015 was dealing with the blue-green algae. Various members of the Board studied and researched the issue and spoke to a variety of aquatic biologists and other lake scientists.
* We performed a 20-inch drawdown beginning in mid-October and lasting until the lake filled naturally.
* Through the grant awarded by the Anne Richardson Fund, MLIF was able to remove 30 tons of material from the northwest end of the lake. This material included algae mats, filamentous algae, debris and assorted wood — branches, logs, dock material, etc.
* Work on the Stormwater Drainage Project at the Third Lane Stream began in the fall. The lower half of the project was completed over a two-month period. The initial estimated cost of the full project was $90,000 and is now projected to cost $230,000. The second portion of the project will be completed by the town this summer if funds are available.
* A CT free soil testing program was undertaken.
* MLIF tested for phosphorus load in streams pre and post storms.
Nominating Committee: The Nominating Committee, consisting of one Board member and two non-Board watershed residents, presented a proposed slate of officers and directors. The slate of officers and directors for 2016 as presented was unanimously approved. Outgoing member, Jeff McAllister was thanked for his many years of service to MLIF working on the spillway, dam and mechanics for the drawdown. He will now be a consultant in these areas.
MLIF 2016 Officers and Directors:
Plans for 2016:
* Participation in the townwide April 9-10 Rid Litter Day
* Completion of the Third Lane Stream Project
* CT Lakes Conference on Saturday, April 9
* Possible dinner fundraiser this spring/summer
* Lake survey by the CT Dept. of Environmental Sciences Agriculture Experiment Station if our Richardson Grant proposal is funded
* Continuing efforts to reduce use of fertilizer in the watershed
Questions: Asked of the attendees if there were any questions, comments or suggestions, an attendee wanted to know the timing of lake treatments. In answer, it was noted that we prefer to treat the lake in early May. However, Brad Robinson of the DEEP is retiring this year and, therefore, permits may be late.
Guest Speaker: Fawn Kearns, Aquatic Biologist and Jeff Stahl of Pond and Lake Connection (PLC), our new lake management company, gave a presentation. Fawn noted that she is impressed by the work MLIF has been doing. She explained the chemistry of blue-green algae, what cyanobacteria is and what it means for our lake and its use. She explained why some types are toxic to small pets. She explained that not all blue-green algae blooms are toxic and that the water must be tested to determine the problem. Only a few labs have the capability to test for types and counts of the bacteria.
Why did Lake Mamanasco have an extreme blue-green algae bloom last summer? Fawn explained that a number of conditions contribute to the problem including: warm water, nutrient load, anoxic (low oxygen) condition, flushing time, low uptake values (not enough plant matter to take-up nutrients), climatic and atmospheric conditions, lake bottom chemistry and water chemistry (hard/soft water). Blue-green algae shows that the normal balance for a healthy lake is upset.
Our lake contains curly-leaf pondweed, a non-native aquatic plant that has no natural predators. PLC will survey for curly-leaf pondweed in late April/early May depending on the weather. They will monitor the lake monthly or more frequently as needed and take water samples to test for type of blue-green algae. If treatment is needed PLC will perform basic tests to monitor the effect of the treatment on the lake. They will treat at the first sign of an algae bloom such as a spike in O2 levels, water temp., air temp., film on surface of water, cloudy (pea soup) appearance. They will treat no more that every two weeks until the condition improves or a limit of 4-5 treatments. Lake treatments are case and site specific. Lake management is not textbook. It was reiterated that phosphorus drives blue-green algae. Reducing the inflow pf phosphorus would be a major factor in reducing excess plant growth.
Barb noted that we also have thin-leaf pondweed. Fawn responded that it may be native but can grow to nuisance levels.
A question arose about lake closure – It was explained that because of cyanobacteria in the blue-green algae, the Town Health Dept. closed the lake in late August. It was discovered that Ed Briggs, Town Sanitarian, needs to have data on specific types of cyanobacteria and exact count levels to close the lake. The obvious presence of blue-green algae was not sufficient. In the future, Pond and Lake Connection can give us general counts but we need to get exact numbers over a two week period for the Health Dept. to close the lake. Dissolved oxygen readings help to know if blue-green algae is apotential problem.
