School to host lake show
Toolbox
STAFF REPORT - Published: March 25, 2009
WELLS — A trade show will be held at Wells Village School on Saturday to instruct laypeople and contractors about ideas for addressing weed and sediment problems in Lake St. Catherine and maintaining the health of lakes in general.
The trade show has been developed in response to problems with sediment filling in Little Lake, in particular, and also Lake St. Catherine, according to representatives of the Lake St. Catherine Association.
"Many of lake homeowners are becoming increasingly concerned about the changes in the lake quality — the way the lake is 'filling in' with sediment, the increased weeds, and we are all starting to realize everyone of us makes an impact on those problems," said Jim Canders, president of the private lake group.
The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Wells Village School and will include workshops, displays, trade show vendors and plenty of take-home information about lake water quality and how it can be improved, according to Marli Rupe, of the Poultney Mettowee Conservation District.
One of the concerns is the amount of construction on the lake, she said. For example, development around Little Lake at the south end of Lake St. Catherine and the resulting increase of hard surfaces, such as roads, has tended to send water with nutrients into the lake rather than the ground where it can be filtered naturally before entering the groundwater.
"We know everyone is trying to do their best, and we hope by sharing some information about construction site maintenance and septic systems, we'll help improve the management of some of these projects," said Ethan Swift, Vermont Agency of Natural Resources watershed coordinator.
Beside workshops for contractors, the show will feature workshops for the residents who live around or otherwise enjoy the lake, Swift said.
Topics will include lake water quality and low-impact development practices such as raingardens and buffers, Rupe said. Members of other lake groups have been invited, as well as anyone interested in water quality.
The free event is sponsored by the local lake group, the conservation district and the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources.
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