BEAVER DAM
The meeting began with a discussion of calls received about a beaver dam blocking an outlet of Turtle Pond causing flooding across Old Sib Road. Turtle Pond is part of Eight Lakes Community Assn., not part of MLIF’s mission area. Names of those involved in Eight Lakes Assn. will be given to the concerned parties.
MINUTES
The September 7 Board Meeting Minutes were corrected to read that the borings of the dam will be done on 10/23, not 9/23 as stated in the Minutes.
GRANTS
The Grant Committee will begin discussions to outline grant projects for 2024.
LAKE MANAGEMENT
A 2023 recap from Pond and Lake Connection (PLC) is needed for submission of our final DEEP Invasive Species Grant report, including the initial survey, treatment and final survey. The final survey found no Curley Leaf Pondweed.
2024 Plan – With the Curly-leaf pondweed gone, the dominant invasive aquatic weed is now Coontail. Coontail is a native species, a floating plant, not rooted. It is suggested that instead of the large herbicide treatment in April, we use less herbicide but apply it with the algaecide throughout the summer. The idea is to treat around the docks and the sides of the lake, and then in the center when the Coontail grows to the top of the water. A question was raised about harvesting Coontail. We will discuss that with PLC. The next Board Meeting will include a conference call with Zach Chaves of PLC.
DAM PROJECT
A large group of MLIF residents and supporters attended the Ridgefield Board of Finance meeting on September 19 to request funds to bring the dam project to the “shovel-ready” stage. MLIF presented its case to the Board and our $45,900 request was passed 5-0.
This money will pay for three subcontractors:
– Wetlands Survey
– Borings on 10/23
– Surveyor in early to mid-November of three properties surrounding the lake
With all this data LEI/Haley Ward will draw up the construction plans.
We will then need to obtain permits from three agencies: the Ridgefield Inland Wetlands Board, the Army Corps of Engineers and the CT DEEP.
The goal is for construction to take place in 2024.
We discussed Phase 4 (Construction) fundraising and grants.
The next BOARD MEETING will be Thurs., NOV. 2, 7:30 p.m.at the CVS Community Room.
