Dear Fellow Lake Residents,

I want to bring everyone up to date on the weed treatment progress so that everyone knows what is going on. As previous newsletters or notices have said, the first treatment occurred at end of April and the second was on May 25th. A third treatment will occur Tuesday June 15th.

I have been gathering observations from some of you about what you are seeing on the lake. I toured both Lost Lake and a portion of Knops Pond that is heavily infested with Cabomba and Milfoil.

I observed discoloration or what is called chlorosis in the Milfoil and Cabomba which tells me that the Sonar herbicide, which is slow acting, is beginning to take effect on these weeds which is the result we want. This was confirmed by our Contractor yesterday morning. He took water samples for analysis to determine the concentration of the Sonar.

On the other hand, another invasive, curly leaf pondweed, seems to have been less negatively impacted and is thick in many areas of Lost Lake. The Contractor believes that this weed may have matured more quickly and did not as readily absorb the Sonar. As a result, this Tuesday June 15th they will treat with another herbicide that we generally use for our yearly spot treatments. I am hopeful we will see improvements shortly afterward.

Curly leaf pond weed was not so prevalent back in 2013, perhaps because Cabomba and Milfoil had choked out most everything else? The whole lake treatment in 2013 did a great job knocking back both, but inadvertently may have given curly leaf an opportunity to fill a niche.
We had heavy rains, unfortunately, following the first two treatments and had to remove a board in the dam. The concentration of the Sonar may have become weaker and not as effective?

The Contractor appeared remotely at the GLA meeting last night. He reviewed his observations and also answered all questions from the GLA members. He assured us that SOLitude will continue to monitor the situation and fulfill their contractual obligations with whatever resources it takes at no extra charge.

In other news Duck Pond was awarded an extension by the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) in their aeration and muck reduction pilot program. We hope to have an analysis of results at the end of the season.

Baddacook Pond has sent out bids for weed harvesting this season and expect them back by June 15th. Weeds are still well below surface. A loon was spotted on the pond which is a wonderful harbinger of a healthy water body.

The Great Ponds Advisory Committee welcomed its new member, Larry Hurley, who fills a dual role as Conservation Commission liaison and resident of Whitney Pond. GPAC authorized funding for an updated water quality and plant survey of Whitney.

Finally, the GLA and GPAC was awarded another grant by the CPC to conduct a study to identify the non-point sources of pollution entering Lost Lake. With the completion of that study, the Town will become eligible for federal grants to help eliminate stormwater run-off and erosion. This study should begin after July 1st and be completed by the end of the year.

In the meantime, if you have any questions, problems and/or observations, I recommend you go to GLA’s Facebook page, Groton Lakes Association, or our webpage grotonlakes.com. These are your official sites for the Groton Lakes Association news and information.

The lake will be treated and off limits on June 15th through June 16th. Do not cook or drink or water your plants with raw lake water. No swimming, fishing or boating for same period. DO NOT water your plants with lake water through August 1st.

Alex Woodle, Member
Groton Lakes Association
Great Ponds Advisory Committee