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Hinsdale lake managers set June 11 treatments and discuss zebra-mussel testing, dredging funding
Summary
The Hinsdale Lake Management Committee confirmed Solitude will treat Plunkett and Ashmere on June 11, discussed water testing options to screen for zebra-mussel‑friendly conditions, and noted dredging at Plunkett remains unfunded pending an examination of the causeway.
The Hinsdale Lake Management Committee confirmed on May 5 that Solitude Environmental Services is scheduled to treat Plunkett and Ashmere lakes on June 11, and the committee discussed options and costs for water testing and longer-term work including possible dredging at Plunkett.
Committee member Monica Montferret said Solitude set treatment dates for both lakes for June 11 and asked the committee to check the Town Hall garage for existing “Lake Closed” sign boards and posts so notices can be posted while treatments occur. Brian D’Orio volunteered to post and remove the signs at Plunkett.
Why it matters: Committee members said the agenda is focused on preventing aquatic invasive species (notably zebra mussels) and managing shoreline vegetation; decisions on testing and capital work affect timing and funding for any further interventions.
Details: Montferret told the committee that the FY 2027 budget as drafted essentially level-funds the committee’s treatment line. She said funding to treat phragmites at Ashmere this fall has been recommended but is not yet fully approved. Dredging at Plunkett has not been included in the budget because the Town wants to examine the condition of the causeway before allocating funds.
On testing, Brian D’Orio reported that a laboratory in Lee can test “for the presence of the three conditions critical for zebra mussel survival and proliferation” at two Plunkett and four Ashmere locations at a rate of $75 per location. The committee also heard that DCR recommended sampling at the outlet and the deepest sections of the lakes. Solitude indicated it can test hardness and pH at two Plunkett and four Ashmere locations for $500.
The committee approved no capital spending for dredging at this meeting and directed preliminary steps: confirm sampling locations, verify available sign boards and posts, and gather input from camps and lake associations in mid‑June about scheduling and agenda items.
Next steps: Committee members will solicit availability and suggested agenda items from camps and lake associations for a meeting during the week of June 15–18 and will return to testing and treatment-cost decisions at a future meeting.
