Conservation commission grants three-year extension for pond herbicide permit at Fish and Game Club

The Templeton Conservation Commission on July 21 approved a three-year extension to an order of conditions that allows annual aquatic-plant treatment at a pond owned by the Templeton Fish and Game Club.

The extension applies to Order of Conditions OOC3040221, originally issued in February 2004, and was approved to allow the club to continue contract treatments with Solitude Lake Management. Commission members voted unanimously to extend the permit for three years from its December 2025 expiration date.

Why it matters: The extension keeps in place the long-standing permit that allows targeted herbicide treatments in the pond and preserves the town’s oversight through the commission.

Club and contractor details: The applicant said the club has used Solitude Lake Management for years and that the company typically notifies the commission about scheduled treatments. The applicant described recent seasons as “very good” and said Solitude has “been using the same formula” over the past three years because it has been effective and the firm “try[s] to use as little as they possibly can.”

Conditions and process: Commission staff reminded members that extensions may be granted for up to three years from the permit’s expiration date and that the extension will be recorded. No additional conditions beyond the standard limitations and the three-year term were imposed.

Meeting context: The extension request was discussed during the public hearing portion of the July 21 meeting and drew no opposition from the public or commissioners. The vote was taken by roll call to include an on-Zoom commissioner; the tally recorded unanimous approval.

Next steps: The commission will process the paperwork and notify the applicant when the updated documentation is available for pickup.