September 4, 2025
Fund Raising
The second fundraising letter was sent to watershed residents in August.
Grants
Currently we have two project goals, a new tarp at the spillway and the purchase of native plants for the dam. So far, we have received a grant donation to purchase some of the native plants needed. A couple of new grants will be submitted for printing/distributing educational materials on keeping lakes healthy and for a new tarp.
Lake Management
– The last lake treatment for this year will be September 10.
– The State boat ramp is in bad shape. Pond and Lake Connection (PLC) is concerned that further deterioration might prevent them from putting their treatment boat into the lake. CT DEEP has been contacted about this condition and they indicated that they would investigate whether there is money to fix it this fall.
– The CT Agricultural Station does lake surveys and has surveyed our lake in the past. The recommendation is for it be done every 10 years, and it is time for our lake to be re-surveyed. The cost is $20/acre or about $1,900.
Watershed Septic Maintenance
In 2019, the lake was tested for Phosphorus (Ph) and the Ph levels were shown in the sediment at various points around the lake. Ph was highest on the Mamanasco Road side near small-lot lakeside homes and also near the Beach Club. One cause could be septic effluent coming into the lake. Discussion was had about a course of action to improve the Ph levels through septic maintenance.
Community Mailings
The third mailing of 2025 will be sent about November 3 (including a septic flyer.) The fourth mailing of the year will be the last fundraising letter and will be sent around December 15 – mailed only to donors who have not yet donated in 2025.
Dam Improvement Project
We have finally received all required permits. The FC Excavation (FCE), our construction company, has begun staging materials, with a permit start date of 9/5. 133 super sacks of sand will form the coffer dam. The town of Ridgefield will supply materials as follows:
- Top soil – unlimited amounts – Quality approved by FCE
- 2 types of gravel – both types approved for use on dam by FCE
- Boulders – the Town doesn’t have what is needed. FCE has purchased $3,000 in boulders from O&G.
The lake drawdown was begun on August 20, and the water level is now down 12 inches. A flyer was mailed to all lakeside residents explaining why the drawdown was needed, and how lakeside residents could take advantage of the lowered lake to cut back brush, and remove trash and biomass (gunk!) from the lake.
New Business
It was noted that the CT Federation of Lakes is doing research about what towns are doing regarding septic systems near lakes.
