Truesdale Lake

April 29, 2023
by rob
Comments Off on Ray Morse

Ray Morse

On Saturday, June 3rd at 2pm there will be a memorial service for Ray Morse at the Jesse Lee Memorial Methodist Church at 207 Main St. in Ridgefield, CT.

Ray was a member of the Truesdale Lake Community since 1973. He was an active volunteer, a fantastic sailor on the Truesdale Sunfish Fleet, and he raised his two daughters here with his wife Helen.

Ray will be missed.

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Raymond A. Morse Obituary

Raymond A. Morse of South Salem, NY passed away peacefully at his home on December 10, 2022. He was 92. Raymond was a truly kind and loving husband and father and will be profoundly missed by his family, friends and community.

Born May 29, 1930, Raymond was raised in Elsmere, NY just outside of Albany and was a graduate of the Bethlehem Central School District, Delmar, NY., where he enjoyed playing sports and formed close lifelong friendships with many of his classmates.

While in Junior High Ray worked at a local drugstore where one day a girl walked in; her name was Helen Crocker, and they started dating not long afterwards. Ray and Helen dated through high school, Ray’s service in the Air Force and college. The couple married in 1953, had their first child in 1956 and their second child in 1960. They enjoyed 67 years of marriage.

The 1950s were busy years for Raymond he joined the Air Force in 1952 and served stateside at three separate bases: Chanute Air Force Base, Illinois, Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas and Boeing Field, Seattle, WA. He was honorably discharged in January 1956.

Though a Physics major at Purdue University, through the recommendation of a college professor; who agreed with the observation that Raymond was a “people person,” a course of study was designed for him in the field of “Industrial Relations.”

Upon graduation, in 1959, Raymond was hired by IBM and began work at the Poughkeepsie, NY IBM facility. After four years he transferred to the IBM in Kingston, NY and the family had a house built in Woodstock, NY. The family participated in the creative community of the area while also enjoying hiking and skiing in the Catskills.

Ray became an avid golfer while living in Woodstock, and after work he would walk down the street to the Woodstock golf course and play a round before or after dinner, usually accompanied by the beloved family dog.

In 1973, Ray transferred to IBM Elmsford, NY and the family settled in South Salem, NY. Raymond became a member of the IBM Quarter Century Club, in 1984. For many years, pre and post retirement, Raymond was an Adjunct Professor at Pace University, Pleasantville, NY.

A Truesdale Lake resident for 50 years, Raymond was an engaged member of the community, participating in the Truesdale Lake Property Owners Association, the Conservation Advisory Council, and in the 1990’s was co-chair of the Norwalk River Watershed Initiative. Ray and Helen loved living on Truesdale Lake enjoying; sailing, canoeing, fishing and observing the wildlife.

Retirement brought new engagement with community for Ray and Helen through Founder’s Hall in Ridgefield, CT. The classes, programs and field trips offered by Founder’s Hall kept Ray & Helen engaged and active. Ray had a lifelong interest in writing that he delved into post-retirement, whether through the Library programs, or Founder’s Hall writer’s workshops.

Ray worked on poetry, fiction, short fiction and memoir. He deeply loved poetry and prose and enjoyed sharing his work. Ray’s love of golf sustained him as he continued to play or go to the driving range into his 90s.

Raymond was predeceased by his beloved wife Helen and son-in-law Timothy LuBell. He is survived by his two daughters, Barbara Morse-LuBell, Luanne Morse-Brown, and son-in-law Cary Brown; also grandchildren Avery LuBell (David Pierce), Mirise LuBell (Clarence Mills), and Kira LuBell (Pablo Rodriguez), great grandchildren James and Edwen Pierce-LuBell and Nova Rodriguez-LuBell. Also, survived by nieces Patricia Morse and Elizabeth Morse; sister-in-law

Barbara Smith, niece and husband Sarah and Joe Hawley and nephew Stephen Smith. Raymond was the son of the late Arba and Lottie (Ryan) Morse and was predeceased by his brother Gordon Morse.

Ray’s daughters would like to acknowledge the profound kindness and thoughtfulness expressed by neighbors and people in the Lewisboro community and the connections he made through Founder’s Hall and the Ridgefield Golf Course. In lieu of flowers please consider making donations to the ASPCA, American Cancer Society or Habitat for Humanity.

March 29, 2023
by rob
Comments Off on May 7th – Historic Hamlet Hunt 2023

May 7th – Historic Hamlet Hunt 2023

Discover Town Treasures at the 2023 Historic Hamlet Hunt!

Sunday, May 7, 12:00 – 4:00 pm

The Lewisboro Library and Town Historian, Maureen Koehl, are hosting another Historic Hamlet Hunt – a family-friendly community event that is a fundraiser for the Library. The last Hunt, back in 2020, was one of our most popular family events!

The Hunt begins with a check-in at the Library anytime between 12 PM and 2 PM. Participants will pick up a booklet with directions to take a scenic tour of Lewisboro in their own cars, learning the history of iconic architectural and natural treasures of the town.

To help keep cars spread out on the tour, participants are urged to stagger their start times, and two routes will be offered. Both routes will complete a loop through the hamlets of South Salem, Cross River and Goldens Bridge and visit all 12 treasures. This all-ages event has many opportunities to stretch and explore, plus “I Spy” puzzles, and small treasure chests for the little ones to collect gold coins along the way.

The itinerary includes a drive into Mountain Lakes Park, a visit to historic St. John’s Church, a dock walk at beautiful Truesdale Lake, and a chance to explore the grounds of the magnificent Simeon Brady Estate.

It also includes a stop at the Marian Yarrow Preserve, part of Lewisboro Land Trust’s Indian Brook Assemblage, where LLT volunteers will hand out flowering seedlings beneficial to pollinators, along with a detailed history of the preserve and surrounding area. Along your drive you can admire the Lewisboro Garden Club’s Golden Roads Daffodils and Pollinator Pathway Triangles. The trip takes less than two hours, with the last stop for music and refreshments on the Library lawn.

The Historic Hamlet Hunt is a fundraiser for the Lewisboro Library and the price is $30 per car. The 2020 Hunt sold out quickly – so make your reservations early!

Paid reservations may be made in-person at the Library or online via the button below.

The event is generously underwritten by the following businesses & organizations, allowing all proceeds to go directly to the Library:

The Mark Boyland Real Estate Team
The Lewisboro Garden Club
The Lewisboro Land Trust
Ingenuities

In case of SEVERE weather, the rain date is Sunday, May 21. *

Reserve Your Spot Here

March 21, 2023
by rob
2 Comments

Canada Geese Control Efforts for 2023

We will resume actively oiling goose eggs on the three big islands of Lake Truesdale in the upcoming weeks of spring 2023. We do this to control the population of Resident Canada Geese on the lake.

We will do an initial census of the three* main islands of the lake to determine the number of nests and the egg quantities. (*also the small private island in north end cove of lake — and any inaccessible shoreline areas that might house a stealthy pair of geese and a nest)

Last year (2022) we found an initial total of nine nests between the three islands and will continue to monitor the islands through the spring and act as needed since new nesting pairs will continue show up throughout the spring season.

Egg oiling requires a permit from the Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) which we have obtained. Truesdale Estates Association has renewed its FWS RCGR (Resident Canada Goose Registration) permit #13757A and currently there are seven residents who are named on the permit and can serve as volunteers.

This is a FREE program for our lake. The only cost is the time given by the volunteers and the cost of the corn oil used for oiling.

We can add additional volunteers from the lake community as we hear who is interested in helping! See below for more info — reach out to lake@truesdalelake.com or the website Contact Us form to get more information and talk with the other volunteers.

Nesting pair of Canada geese stand guard at their nest on Pirate Island on April 15, 2022.

The program on Truesdale Lake started in 2008 and has been very successful in controlling the population of resident Canadian Geese on the lake. The number of geese was in the hundreds in the early and mid-2000s and the oiling program has been successful in reducing these resident geese to close to zero recently. (We do get transitory geese all throughout the summer, but since they are not nesting they do not stay very long.)

As an example of what happens when we miss a nesting season: In 2019 the program did not have anyone oiling the eggs in time and the resident geese population shot back up into the 70-80 range — and possibly more. In 2020 we resumed the FWS program and there was only one resident family of Canada Geese on the lake for the summer.

If you are interested in helping out, please contact us via email at lake@truesdalelake.com or via our Contact Form. The process is not too difficult and training is easy. We need to add your name to our FWS permit before you can be involved with the oiling program. There is no cost to join the program.

What is egg oiling?

Egg oiling is a long-term strategy that reduces the number of resident Canada Geese on Truesdale and other lakes through 1.) physical intervention and 2.) behavior changes.

Physical Intervention

The physical intervention is the actual oiling of the eggs after mating has occurred but before the eggs have developed embryos. In our lake this typically takes place in late March or early April and can be pinpointed by observing the mating ritual of the local geese couples and finding their island nests about a week later.

Oiling works best with a crew of two or three working together. One person finds the nests, one person keeps the geese away from the nest, and one person oils the eggs. It is possible to do this with one person if they bring along two umbrellas to shield the activity over the nests.

Oiled eggs are marked with sharpies to keep track of which ones have been treated. Records are kept for the number and location of the nests and the number of eggs in each nest as a requirement of permission from the Fish & Wildlife Service.

Behavior Change

The behavior change for the geese is the most important long term consequence of oiling the eggs.

We oil the eggs rather than simply break them because if the eggs are broken the goose simply lays more eggs. However, if the eggs are oiled, the development of the egg is stopped by preventing oxygen flow into the egg. This prevents the egg from hatching.

Since the geese do not know this, they sit on the eggs for the 5-6 weeks it takes for hatching. When the oiled eggs do not hatch, the geese view it as a “failed nesting.”

Resident Geese BAD — Migratory Geese GOOD

After a successful nesting which results in hatched eggs, the adult geese shed their flight feathers and take up residence with their new goslings on the lake for the entire summer and fall. We cannot chase them away.

This is NOT the outcome we want.

It is important to get all of the eggs and all nests oiled – or as many that are found. If there are enough goslings in a flock, even other members of the flock who may have had failed nestings will stick around and lose their flight feathers to support the new parents in the flock as “aunts” and “uncles.” This creates a large resident flock for the entire summer.

In a failed nesting with no goslings hatched, the adults keep their flight feathers, take off, and head further north for the summer. They do not have the time to lay more eggs and have the goslings fledge and fly before the end of the season. They are bachelors and bachelorettes.

This is the outcome we want.

These geese who fly away after a failed nesting also do not develop a preference for returning to Lake Truesdale next summer. They resume being Migratory Canada Geese (good) rather than Resident Canada Geese (bad).

Keeping the geese migratory means the problem is reduced both in the current year and in subsequent years.

Other geese will find and take up residence on Truesdale if we stop oiling the eggs, so we must keep up the program to head off more future residents.

We will also always have transient migratory geese — you can tell these geese since they are willing and able to fly away and visit other lakes since they do not have goslings to protect. They are not a long-term problem but they can be a nuisance periodically, especially on the beaches.

Oiling Results

In 2021, the crew of egg oilers has oiled over 100 eggs between the three islands. This prevented the hatching of those eggs and has interrupted the resident behavior of those goose parents. The aim was to not have them return for 2022 — and the resident geese numbers were way down from 2021 to 2022.

To be successful, there has to be an initial oiling treatment and several follow up oiling treatments. Timing is the key to successful outcomes. In past years, new couples appeared and new nests were created after our first and second trips to the islands. Each island ultimately required 4-5 trips. Nesting season was done by early May (no new nests, no new eggs observed).

Summary: Egg oiling has made a huge difference in controlling the resident goose population on Lake Truesdale.

When we first moved here in 1999, we would arrive home to 60-80 geese/goslings on our lawn. There was easily double or triple that number on the lake. Lawns were covered in goose droppings. The beaches were favorite spots for goose gatherings. I have photos (deep in the archive) that I can dig up in case you think I am egg-agerating.

We have gotten it much more under control relative to those days — but we can always do better. Will you step up to help? We can always use more volunteers! Thanks everyone for your help and support.

Resources:

Permit requirements: https://epermits.fws.gov/eRCGR/geCOND.aspx

March 7, 2023
by rob
Comments Off on Spring 2023 TEA Membership Meeting: Mon, April 10th

Spring 2023 TEA Membership Meeting: Mon, April 10th

Spring 2023 Membership Meeting April 10th @ Horse & Hound

The TEA Annual Spring Membership Meeting is planned for Monday, April 10, 2023 at the Horse & Hound at 94 Spring Street. We also plan to have a laptop/camera at the meeting broadcasting over Zoom for TEA members interested in watching remotely.

Meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m.

Note: This meeting is for TEA Members only.

Email tea@truesdalelake.com to RSVP for in-person. If you want the Zoom Broadcast Link ask for it when you RSVP.

If you are new to the TEA or you want to update us on your information, please fill out the TEA Resident Questionnaire. Thanks!

Agenda
➡ President and other Officer reports
➡ Treasurer:

Final FY2022-2023 Budget vs. Actual review
Proposed Budget for 2023-24 Fiscal Year (& Vote*)

➡ Proposed Capital Projects (dock, replace shed)
➡ Beach Report / Lake Committee update

➡ 2022-2023 Truesdale Drawdown information
➡ Upcoming meeting schedule for coming year.

The TEA Officer roles are two year terms per the bylaws. New Officers began new two year terms this January from 2023-2024. At the end of 2024 the terms will end and we will need new volunteers for these roles. But for the next two years we are set.

WE DO NEED SOME NEW TEA BOARD MEMBERS! A lot of the same people are taking on the board and officer roles, some for many years. Fresh eyes and fresh energy is needed and valued. Thank you to our newest board and officer members Kate and Sarah who have stepped up to help as co-beach chairs!

If you are new to the community and want to help, there are lots of ways to pitch in. If you have been here for years but have never gotten involved with the association, now may be the time! Email tea@truesdalelake.com to reach out and let us know your questions, comments, concerns, or what role you’d like to help out with.

Current TEA Officers for 2023-24:

President (co-Presidents Jo Ann Ferrigno and George Ferrigno) – organizes & runs meetings, in charge of recruiting next president and officers. Can sign checks.

Vice President (Debbie Fink) – runs meetings when President can’t attend. Fills in other roles as needed. Can sign checks.

Treasurer (Ruth Vellensky) – deposits checks, writes checks, tracks and reports on income/expense and bank balances. Tax filing 990.

Recording Secretary (Howard Citron) – Takes meeting minutes, sends drafts to board and membership attendees post-meeting.

Corresponding Secretary (Rob Cummings) – Receives and replies to association correspondence.

Sergeant-at-Arms (Kate Grieve) – guards the door (or virtual door)

Formal roles for Officers are in the TEA Bylaws here:

TEA Bylaws

At-large Board members (7-9 members needed) attend 4 standing meetings per year. Current board members are: Lisa Capobianco (Beach Chairperson), Glenn Capobianco, Harron Appleman, Melissa Scarlatto, Tom Houlihan, Ira Sanchick, Kathleen Ward Gallagher, Carol Gamez, Wendy Daniels, Mike Vellensky, Sarah Polizzotto.

Standing Association Meetings are on the following schedule:
-TEA Membership Meetings (entire membership invited 2x/year):
—SECOND Monday of April (April 10, 2023, Spring Membership Meeting)
—SECOND Monday of November (Nov 13, 2023, Fall Membership Meeting)
-TEA Board Meetings (only need board members and officers to attend):
—SECOND Monday of March (March 11, 2024)
—SECOND Monday of October (Oct 9, 2023)
Special Meetings can be called for association business.

Critical positions that don’t have to be board members:

Beach Chairperson – Hire and train lifeguards, coordinate beach clean-up, monitor beach conditions, keep an eye on beach things like electricity and trash service. Lots more! A lot of overlap with the Social Chairperson.

Social Chairperson – Plan and get volunteers for any social events – primarily the Summer Kickoff BBQ the second weekend in June. Some events can be at our beach while others we can coordinate with TLPOA. This position is all about fun!

Volunteer Opportunities & Committees:

Beach Clean-up Day – the Saturday before Memorial Day Weekend (May) each year. Lots of sand spreading, weed cleanup, general maintenance, and straightening up the beach getting ready for the first official weekend of summer on Memorial Day Weekend.

Floats and Dock installation, management, and winterizing – 2-3 people needed – at the beginning of the season, usually on Beach Clean-up Day, volunteers put out the floats and swim dock. 2-3 people. At the end of the season, this group pulls in the floats and winterizes & secures the swim dock

Lake Management Committee Member – be the TEA liaison to TLPOA Lake Manager John Gusmano and Pond & Lake Connection (James Gorman, main contact). Participate in email communications and bring any concerns to the TEA & TEA Board. More info: http://truesdalelake.com/lake-management/

CSLAP Testing Member (1 person needed) – We are looking to rejoin the New York State Federation of Lake Associations “Citizens Statewide Lake Assessment Program” which uses trained volunteers to sample the water conditions of Truesdale Lake and hundreds of other NY State Lakes. More info is at: https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/81576.html

Resident Canada Geese Registration and Egg Control program volunteers (2-3 people needed to go out to the islands in March and April) – Each year we get permits from the United States Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) to oil and addle eggs in the nests of Resident Canada geese. 20+ years ago there were hundreds of Canada geese that would take up permanent residence on Truesdale Lake for the summer. This causes unhealthy conditions in the lake and on lawns. More information at truesdalelake.com/goose

Truesdale Lake Dock Committee (TLDC) – We have a joint TEA/TLPOA/Vreeland/Lake Shore Drive committee that accepts applications for new and renovated docks. The TLDC process is designed to help the homeowner comply with our requirements and the Town of Lewisboroâ€™s regulations..

Truesdale Fishing Committee – fishing guidelines and signage around Truesdale Lake. Fishing information here: http://truesdalelake.com/lake-management/fishing/

Ad-hoc Building Committee – We built two boat racks at the TEA beach. These racks have 2 spots available for TEA members. If you are interested in a spot on the rack, the season rental is $100. If you are interested in helping build another one at the TEA Gilbert/Lake Shore property let us know. Other projects of the Building Committee in 2022 will include the new shed installation including a proposed tiki bar.

Landscaping committee – anyone with ideas to beautify our already lovely beach let us know. We have ornamental grasses along the boat launch fence side. Always looking for additional ideas to make it look good.

In 2023 we are looking to replace or repair the following items at the beach:

Boat Launch Dock bridge
Storage Shed

Anything else you can think of? Let us know.

Some helpful links for lake residents new and old:

TEA Map and Other TEA Resources Online
Map available at the website here: http://www.truesdalelake.com/tea

For residents new to the lake, download the TEA Welcome and Information Packet from this location as well.

*If you are interested in volunteering for the TEA board or a specific activity, please email tea@truesdalelake.com or fill out this questionnaire.

Contact Information

Truesdale Estates Association
PO Box 363
South Salem, NY 10590
tea@truesdalelake.com

*if you are not current with your TEA dues, you cannot vote until your dues are brought current.

March 4, 2023
by rob
Comments Off on Trees for Tribs – “Buffer in a Bag” program opens for applications

Trees for Tribs – “Buffer in a Bag” program opens for applications

The application period for the Trees for Tribs’ “Buffer in a Bag” program is now open.

Qualifying private and public landowners may apply for a free bag of 25 tree and shrub seedlings for planting near streams, rivers, or lakes to help stabilize banks, protect water quality, combat climate change, and improve wildlife habitat.

To qualify, landowners must have property in New York State with at least 50 feet bordering a stream, river, or lake, and provide photos or a map of the planting location. Previous recipients are encouraged to reapply to continue to build riparian buffers.

Applicants are eligible for one bag of 25 seedlings and recipients are chosen on a first-come, first-served basis.

A total of 350 bags will be available statewide for this round of applications.

Visit DEC’s website for more information about the Buffer in a Bag application process and requirements. Applications are due by 3 p.m. on April 7, 2023. Contact treesfortribs@dec.ny.gov with questions and visit DEC’s Trees for Tribs webpage to learn more.

February 14, 2023
by rob
Comments Off on Love Your Lake – Valentine’s Resolutions for a Healthier Lake and Strong Community

Love Your Lake – Valentine’s Resolutions for a Healthier Lake and Strong Community

I will join and volunteer with my lake association and make my voice heard and my energy felt during this coming year.
I will get my septic tank pumped and inspected. If the tank baffles are missing or damaged, I’ll have them replaced. (Wind River, formerly Kaiser-Battistone offers 15% discount for lake area residents – but you have to tell them about the discount!) Regular septic pumping and maintenance is prudent for homeowners and for the lake health.
I will “overseed” my lawn rather than spread fertilizer or pesticides. I’ll tell my lawn service – or myself – to cut my grass high and leave the clippings on the lawn. If I think fertilizer is needed, I’ll use phosphate-free fertilizer — it’s the law for over a decade. I will also tell my lawn care company that it is illegal in Westchester County to use phosphate based fertilizer unless extensive testing has been done on the soil – and even then only on a limited basis and never within 20 feet of the lake.
I will think about abstaining from mowing during No-Mow May to let bees and native insects have a chance to feed on their favorite local grasses and pollinate some native plants to give them a better chance to reproduce.
If I live on the lake, I’ll plant a “buffer” of native plants to slow the flow of rainwater or stormwater (and the pollutants and nutrients it carries) into the lake. (More info from Penn State.) I’ll also pull up some invasive plants and plant some native ones.
I’ll pick up after my pets — and please for the love of all that’s neighborly — I will throw their poop into MY OWN trash not into a neighbor’s garbage shed or receptacle.
This year I’ll make sure no oil or gas from my mower or car spills on the ground or into the lake.
If I take coolers, sand toys, or other beach or boat items to another waterbody, I’ll make sure that they are free of weeds and shells before bringing them back here so I don’t transport invasive plants and animals.
If I visit the association beaches and boat launch properties, I will leave them in better condition than when I arrived. That includes putting all beach toys away and removing trash.
If I fish on the lake, I will clean up my fishing tackle, monofilament, and any hooks that get snared. I will get my Truesdale Resident Fishing Tag and display it when I fish on the lake. I will not fish in areas where fishing is prohibited (all beaches and the dam/spillway near the siphons). I will not leave fishing equipment, debris, or garbage around or in the lake. It does not disappear and it kills birds, turtles, and other wildlife.
If I haven’t done so already, this is the year I’ll take a safe boating course.
I will make sure my Truesdale Lake boat sticker is still affixed to all of my boats. If any have come off I will replace them. If I have new or unregistered boats I will register them and get a sticker. This applies for boats stored on private lakefronts as well as the boat launch properties.
For when the lake is frozen if I have a ladder I will keep it close by the lake in case an ice rescue is needed.
I’ll start or use a compost pile (make sure it’s away from the lake shore, wet areas, or streams).
If it’s icy, I’ll minimize my use of salt by using kitty litter or sand where I can instead of salt.
I’ll learn more about my lake’s history, health, plants, and animals this year.
I will send photos I take around the lake to us here (lake@truesdalelake.com) or tag them #truesdalelake on our Instagram page so everyone can enjoy!
I will try out sailing in the Truesdale Sunfish Fleet #27 this spring and summer. (some Sunfish are available to borrow from lake residents if you’d like to give it a try – contact us ahead of the Sunday races and we can figure it out.)

Happy Valentine’s Day to all!

Thanks to Janet Andersen and others for these timely resolutions, add yours below in the comments.

February 6, 2023
by rob
Comments Off on Notice of Consent 2023 – Annual Notice Sent to Riparian Homeowners

Notice of Consent 2023 – Annual Notice Sent to Riparian Homeowners

These annual notices were sent via email to all association homeowners as required by New York State law. They are a continuation of our annual lake management program, including treatment, dating back over 50 years undertaken when we engaged Pond & Lake Connection as our new lake manager.

Date of Notice: 6 Feb 2023

Dear Riparian Property Owner:

To control the excessive growth of various aquatic weeds, at Truesdale Lake, The Pond Connection proposes to conduct an application of the aquatic herbicide/algaecide Cutrine Ultra, Green Clean Pro and Nautique. A copy of these labels can be found at http://www.thepondconnection.com. We anticipate the treatment to occur throughout the summer, only when necessary and will proceed only after the riparian owners obtains a permit for the treatment from the NYSDEC.

This pesticide application will only occur if sufficient aquatic vegetation is present to warrant treatment and under favorable weather conditions. Prior notification of the exact dates of treatment can be provided by contacting The Pond Connection as listed below.

As an affected riparian owner/user, you have the right to consent or object to the restrictions of water use resulting from the proposed treatment. The water use restrictions associated with use of the above pesticides are below:

Swimming and bathing are prohibited for: No Restrictions
Fishing and/or fish consumption is prohibited for: No Restrictions
Livestock watering is prohibited for: No Restrictions
Irrigation or spraying of agricultural crops is prohibited for: No Restrictions
Use of water for human consumption is prohibited till: Cutrine Ultra/Nautique: 200ppb, Green Clean: 50ppb Use of water for domestic purposes is prohibited till: Cutrine Ultra/Nautique: 200ppb, Green Clean: 50ppb,

Human consumption and domestic purposes restriction refers to the water body being used as your primary and sole use of water for drinking and culinary purpose. Potable water use is not incidental contact with the water such as swallowing a mouthful of water while swimming.

You have twenty-one (21) days to respond to this notice. If you wish to object to the proposed treatment(s), please file a written document stating your objection to the proposed treatment and the water use restrictions resulting from the treatment.

Send your comments to the Bureau of Pesticide Management listed below:

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Region 3
Bureau of Pesticide Management
21 South Putt Corners Rd, New Paltz, NY 12561

If you wish further information about the treatment, or wish information on the exact dates of the pesticide application, please contact the following person:

The Pond and Lake Connection, 1112 Federal Road, Brookfield, CT
Name of Contact Person: James Gorman
Telephone Number: 845-798-9383 Email: james@thepondandlake.com

If you do not respond to this notice, your lack of response will be considered consent to the proposed treatment. If you have any questions on the permitting process, please contact the Department representative listed above.

Pond & Lake Connection fanboat on Lake Truesdale.

January 3, 2023
by rob
Comments Off on Lewisboro Comprehensive Plan Public Input Meetings Coming up Winter & Spring 2023

Lewisboro Comprehensive Plan Public Input Meetings Coming up Winter & Spring 2023

Note: First public comment meetings for the Lewisboro Comprehensive Master Plan Steering Committee is January 21st at John Jay High School.

Please read the note below from our Lewisboro Lakes Coalition representative Susan Enos, a 70+ year resident of Truesdale Lake:

——

Happy New Year!

The process of developing a new Comprehensive Plan for Lewisboro is now underway! In the 1985 Lewisboro Master Plan, the 7 lakes in Lewisboro only received a brief mention.

(after 1920…) “Improved transportation and the beauty of Lewisboro, in particular the lakes area, made the Town an attractive site for summer homes for the urban population of New York City. Residences were constructed around the natural lakes while new lakes were made. Over time, the concentration of population in small areas lacking central water or sanitary sewer systems began to alter the balance that had been long maintained between the land’s ability to sustain development and the level of development.”

Although this paragraph predicts some of the current challenges the lakes are facing, in 1985, no plans were put forth to remediate water and septic issues. Septic pollution in our lakes today threatens both the health of the lakes and health of the aquifer.

It’s essential that those of us who are concerned with maintaining the quality of our lakes become involved in the process of developing the new Comprehensive Plan.

The Comprehensive Plan process in Lewisboro will be developed almost entirely from the input of individual residents. Because many lake residents are not aware of all the challenges our aging lakes are facing, you will want to remind friends and neighbors that their input at these public workshops is essential to ensure that preservation of our lakes is included in the new Comprehensive Plan. Your individual input in this process is even more essential.

These are the revised announcements of upcoming “in person” and “virtual” Lewisboro Comprehensive Plan Public Workshops. Please send these announcements to all your friends and neighbors who live on or around Lewisboro’s 7 lakes and encourage them to attend. Put these dates on your own calendar! (If you would also volunteer to put up posters in your neighborhood let me know. Posters are available at the Town offices on Bouton Street.)

Important facts:
Residents who live on or around the 7 lakes in Lewisboro, or belong to lake associations, makeup nearly 1/3 of Lewisboro’s population.
Most of the lakes in Lewisboro were developed as summer communities in the 1920’s and 30’s. Although lake associations have continued to spend time and resources to maintain the quality of our aging lakes, we now face challenges that are beyond the capability and resources of associations to solve without partnership of the Town.

These are some of the priorities the Lewisboro Lakes Coalition has identified to remediate and maintain healthy lakes:

1. Control pollution sources to our lakes from septic waste, fertilizer, stormwater runoff and tributary inflow

2. Reduce pollutants already in our lakes which have caused [some of] them to be labeled “Impaired waterway” by NYState

3. Educate all Town residents about septic system maintenance and pump out laws

4. Develop Best Management Practices for Town maintenance along roads adjacent to lakes and wetlands

5. Encourage the Town to pump out storm drains on a regular basis

6. Decrease Town use of salt and salt pollution to lakes and waterways by improved salt dispensing technology

7. Partner with the Town to detect and remove invasive species beside roadways, in lakes and wetlands

8. Partner with the Town to dredge sediment in some lakes to maintain water quality.

Please add to or edit any of these points as you see fit and send me your thoughts. I’m sure I have missed things.

Don’t forget to attend the public workshops yourself. Future Town planning and allocation of resources will guided by this Comprehensive Plan. You as lake residents are most aware of the challenges facing our lakes. We don’t want to miss the opportunity of being included in a Town plan that may determine the future of our lakes.

Sue Enos, Lewisboro Lakes Coalition (914-217-5948, sueetlou1@gmail.com)

Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xl54nYJe7R5o4FOluBOiL3o0tUu5Uiy_/view?usp=drivesdk

First workshop Jan 21st ^^

November 15, 2022
by rob
Comments Off on 2022-23 Drawdown Coming Soon!

2022-23 Drawdown Coming Soon!

Photo: exposed tree stumps left behind are revealed during the 2019 drawdown. The stumps date from 1929 when the stream was dammed and the lake was formed. These trees were cut down but the stumps were not removed and they remain in the south end of Lake Truesdale nearly 100 years later.

The TLPOA lake committee has set the lake drawdown to start the week of November 28. We will let you know any updates.

Depending on the amount of rain we might encounter, the water level should drop quickly over the following 2 weeks. This will allow the exposed mud on the lake bed to compact and help minimize next years weed growth in the shallow parts of the lake. This also helps reduce our use of herbicides to combat the invasive weeds.

The drawdown level will fluctuate during the winter based on weather and water flow, but the goal is to maintain a level up to 3 feel lower than the dam spillway through February.

For those with waterfront homes – this is a great time to take advantage of the lower water level to make any repairs, clean up your shore line and remove any fallen trees from the water. Any mechanical activity in the lake or along the shore will require a wetland permit. Contact the town for necessary information specific to your property and project.

If you have not seen a drawdown or want to refresh your memory, check this kayak-level view of the drawdown and the secrets it exposed in 2019. (Photos by Rob Cummings, Sept 2019)

Signs have been placed on either side of the dam indicating where fishing will not be permitted during the drawdown.

There is no fishing permitted from the bridge and between the signs posted on Indian Lane.

Website note: There is absolutely NO FISHING allowed in the stream from the north side of the dam and bridge. It is private property. Signs have been placed. Numerous cleanups have been done in the past six months of fishing line and hooks in that stream and the bushes and trees that surround it. Several water birds have been trapped by the crisscrossing discarded fishing line. At least one Great Blue Heron was killed by discarded fishing line in this area. We do not want a repeat — police will be called on trespassers.