The more things change, the more they remain the same. The Laurel Lake Preservation Association continues to represent the needs of the lake and the interests of lake lovers as we cooperate and negotiate with the Conservation Commissions in the towns of Lee and Lenox in an effort to extend our ability to enhance the lake. The drawdown of 2011-2012 was successful at reducing both Eurasian milfoil and zebra mussels in the dewatered zone! Thus, our studies of the flora and fauna of Laurel Lake before and after drawdown continue. The watershed management study and plan required by the ConComs has been begun. We continue to utilize the services of Ken Wagner, PhD, of Water Resource Services, LLC. He and his team obtain, analyze, and interpret the data required by the ConComs and suggest methods to control invasive species that are appropriate to Laurel Lake. These services are costly but vital to our efforts. We must, again, thank Roger Scheurer for managing, at no cost to the Association, the technical aspects of the drawdown.
You may have noticed that the state funded hot water boat wash is again operational at the boat ramp. While this does little to help Laurel Lake, it does help protect other water bodies from Zebra Mussels.
And, of course our financial need and fund raising efforts continue. In addition to our membership dues, the Association has received some generous contributions from individuals and local organizations and businesses. Our membership is at an all-time high. The towns of Lee and Lenox have again contributed to our financial efforts. We continue to seek support from charitable organizations in the form of grants. Recently, these efforts have been generally unsuccessful during the past two years, it's not for lack of trying. Our finances are still short of what is needed to continue our efforts. We remain realistically optimistic about fundraising opportunities.
So, overall, the LLPA has been busy and productive.
Review from Guidestar