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Committee flags reliance on CPC funds after Clean Lakes line moved to conservation
Summary
Members raised concerns that CPA funds might become the primary revenue for lake management after the Clean Lakes budget line moved into conservation; members urged management plans, staff support and broader funding.
Committee members questioned whether the town risks overreliance on CPC funding for lake management after the Clean Lakes budget line was rolled into the conservation budget.
Speakers noted a $10,000 allocation that the select board moved from the Clean Lakes Committee to conservation and urged development of a multi‑year management plan to provide stable direction for invasive species control and other lake work. One member observed, "I don't think $10,000 is gonna go very far," warning that periodic large requests could leave the CPC as the de‑facto funding source if municipal funding does not increase. Members argued for proactive coordination with the select board, town administrator and finance committees and recommended strengthening the conservation agent role so permitting, science and long‑term planning do not fall short when staff turnover occurs.
The committee asked staff to explore diversified funding, invite select board liaisons or advisers to brief the CPC, and track requests so the CPC is not left as the primary payer for recurring management needs.
