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Taunton officials report sharp drop in water‑chestnut harvest at Lake Sebasia; enforcement, funding and replanting questions remain
Summary
Conservation staff told the council that mechanical harvesting of water chestnuts at Lake Sebasia fell from 84 loads (504 cu yd) in 2024 to 9 loads (54 cu yd) in 2025. Police and fire described stepped‑up enforcement and rescue capabilities; council asked for accounting of kiosk/boat‑ramp funds and referred milfoil funding to the grant writer and CFO.
Conservation staff and contractors briefed the council on Lake Sebasia’s aquatic vegetation program, reporting a substantial drop in harvested water‑chestnut material between 2024 and 2025.
“ In 2024, they had 84 loads of plant material gathered, which was 504 cubic yards. And in 2025, they only had 9 loads of plant material, which was 54 cubic yards,” the conservation presenter reported, noting the reason for the reduction is not yet clear and could be seasonal or temporary.
Why it matters: the reduction may indicate effective control or an unusual seasonal suppression; staff cautioned that the trend needs monitoring in 2026. Solitude Lake Management is in its fourth consecutive year treating watermilfoil under a five‑year plan and the city used two harvesters in 2025 for chestnut removal.
Public safety and enforcement: police and fire representatives described enhanced water rescue and enforcement capacity. The dive team now has 10 divers and regional mutual‑aid arrangements; the fire department described new “low surface water” rescue equipment and Saturday training patrols.
Funding and governance questions: Councilors pressed for transparency about kiosk and boat‑ramp revenues earmarked for lake upkeep. Staff said the pay station is maintained through the Parking Commission and that the city will report how much has been collected and how those revenues have been used. Several residents urged establishing a recurring budget line to guarantee at least one annual treatment.
Council action: the council voted to refer requests for state grant‑writer assistance on milfoil and smart‑weed funding to the city’s legislative delegation and to refer the issue to the CFO and the budget process for possible funding and long‑term planning.
Next steps: staff will provide the council with the kiosk/boat‑ramp revenue accounting and follow up on potential native‑species recovery or replanting strategies for the lake once invasive growth is reduced.
