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Lake Groton association urges town to fund prevention, asks select board to place warrant article
Summary
Lake Groton Association representatives warned of Eurasian milfoil risks, proposed prevention strategies (signage, access controls, a mitigation fund via warrant article) and secured the board's agreement to pursue signage and research grant/partnership options.
The Lake Groton Association told the select board the lake faces a real threat from Eurasian milfoil, an invasive aquatic plant that can form dense mats, impair swimming and fishing, and depress shoreline property values. The association noted that more than 100 Vermont lakes are affected and cited a neighboring town's multi-million-dollar control effort as an example of the cost of reactive measures.
"Prevention is the key," the association president said, urging the town to block uncontrolled launches and improve public messaging. The group proposed several steps: improved signage at Lakeside Drive (dead-end/no lake access/no parking), installing bollards or a gated access controlled by easement holders, and placing a warrant article before voters to establish a lake-mitigation savings fund.
Board members approved a motion to ask the town administrator to pursue improved signage (dead-end and no lake access signs, plus no-parking at the turnaround) and to research whether the town can facilitate grant applications or serve as a municipal sponsor for a mitigation fund. The association offered to distribute informational materials at the town office and to work with state agencies on detection and monitoring.
NEXT STEP: staff to check ownership of the private launch, confirm legal options for access control, and return with recommended language for signage and for a possible warrant article ahead of the annual vote.
