LAKE PROTECTION

Our reason for being, and the primary focus of our Lake Harvey Association is the lake itself.

First and foremost, the purity of its waters. We have been fortunate so far. The lake is deep, fed by bountiful springs. That's a plus. It's main watershed is good. Measures have been taken, so far successfully, to divert adverse runoff from our shores. And we have a boat monitoring/wash program in place for the busy summer months to protect our waters from the dreaded Eurasian watermilfoil and other aquatic problems that have contaminated so many other Vermont lake waters. Members of our lake community have donated much in the way of time, thought, labor and dollars.

Still, so much more is needed to assure our luck continues. Since the inception of our Association, our Board has worked hard - on a volunteer basis - to focus on the things that needed to be done and to raise the funds with which to accomplish those objectives. We've had a grant or two. Occasionally a generous donor, or a gift from an estate. But year in and year out, the necessary funds come from those individuals who comprise our Association membership. That's what we rely upon, as we search constantly for additional sources of revenue.

Keeping milfoil — and other invasive plant and animal species -- at bay is a big deal. It only takes one visiting (or returning) boat with a small piece of milfoil from a contaminated lake to bring our run of good luck to an abrupt end. Right now, we greet, monitor, inspect and wash those entering boats as our donated funds allow. It is a substantial effort, covering peak boating times throughout the summer, but not yet full time. In Quebec, ALL boats are inspected and washed — by full time employees -- every time a boat enters a lake. Boaters are charged a fee and stickers are issued once a boat has passed inspection. Those lakes do not have a milfoil problem. The state of Vermont, although well known for its environmental education programs, has not been at all proactive in providing the funds necessary to prevent or treat the devastating effects of milfoil. Without the state supporting our efforts by imposing a boating fee to pay for full time monitoring, we must raise our own funds by other means.

Our somewhat frivolous but emotional rewarding fireworks display is supported by those of us who enjoy the tradition of the evening.
The protection of our Lake Harvey waters must be supported by us all. Remember that, as we enjoy the privileged lifestyle our lake affords us, and make a commitment to give generously to our Association's efforts on your behalf, this year and years to come.

Prevention is the only cure. Join Us to keep Lake Harvey pure.