Committee Report: Lakes and Environmental Stewardship

Co-Chairs: Stew Arnold & Ken Connolly

Lake Level and Dam Integrity: Caspian Lake reached its lowest level at 13 inches below spillway between late September and mid-October. On December 1st, the lake level had recovered 13 inches to be at the spillway height. It has been down 2, up 3, back down 1 and as of January 15th at spillway height again. The Lake was frozen solid on December 19th. By attending the Hardwick Electric Commissioners meetings in Oct, Nov, and Dec, we learned of a possible concept being pitched by HED to divest itself of the dam. They would consider selling both deeds, including the dam structure and all of the beach property for a nominal price of $1. This would transfer the future liability, maintenance, and cost of ownership to Town of Greenboro. On January 14th the Greensboro Selectboard sponsored a Task Force to explore feasible paths for the Caspian Lake Dam’s future. These explorations may include structural integrity, hydrology studies, dam safety inspections/ratings, and future dam ownership.

Adopt-a-culvert.  We succeeded in joining the national adopt-a-drain program and put our adopt-a-culvert program on line.  Volunteers are able to geolocate culverts to adopt and track progress.  Additional outreach to the community is planned for 2026 to expand our coverage of adopted culverts. 

We are working with the Greensboro Conservation Commission to define SMART goals and actions for achieving clean water for the Town Plan update.  Most actions are linked to on-going work that the Stewards have initiated over the past several years, as well as the Caspian Lake water quality monitoring and Greeter Programs. These programs will continue in 2026.

Two Lake Watershed Action Plan projects have moved through the process of implementation

Stream Wise assessed 11 additional properties in 2025 and planted 1097 trees along the Lamoille River in Greensboro Bend and East Hardwick.  Thank you to the GA members and residents who contributed 316 hours of volunteer time. 

In December 2025 we were awarded a further Stream Wise grant for 2026 of $18,229 with up to a further $20,000 allocated for the purchase of trees and shrubs and the installation of additional Best Management Practices.  Our assessors for 2026 will be Emily Cayer, Lucy Zendzian, Jed Feffer and Chris Steel supported by Liza Kiesler with planting designs.  Jed Feffer will again be coordinating our Stream Wise volunteer team for 2026 and all additional help is welcome.