Lake Dunmore / Fern Lake Association

History of Our Program

Eurasian watermilfoil was first found in 1988 located in the public access area of Lake Dunmore. The infestation appeared to be mild and the area was secured with netting so fragments would not further disperse. Volunteers picked the milfoil inside the closed area in hopes to eradicate the nuisance weed. A few years later, milfoil was found in the northern most bay. It was then determined, by the Association, that more extensive efforts needed to be instated in order to control the milfoil problem in Lake Dunmore. The summer of 1994 marked the beginning of the Eurasian watermilfoil project. The program's intentions were to regulate the growth of infested areas and to locate new areas where the plant had established itself. To help achieve these goals, two college students were hired for full-time summer employment. The team was based out of a cottage on the lake and used a privately owned motorboat.

The second year, the Association purchased its own boat and motor, and again hired two college students for the summer. The two person team was somewhat successful in controlling the North Bay, but seemed to have difficulties controlling and monitoring the rest of the lake, due to its size. A large, mature patch of milfoil was discovered in front of Branbury State Park at the end of the summer in 1995. Because the water was 10 to 20 feet deep, the use of scuba equipment became necessary. After an intense couple of weeks of hand picking, the patch was cut down enough so it would not be disturbed by boat traffic. Still, the milfoil program seemed to be losing the battle.

In 1997, the Association decided it was time to increase their manpower. They hired two additional college students to help combat the milfoil. An additional boat was lent to the Association for use by the second team. The theory behind hiring two additional Lake System Monitors (LSMs) was to increase the time spent on surveying so patches could be found early in the summer and an appropriate amount of time could be allotted to attacking those patches. The team's home base was an office donated by Camp Keewaydin located in the north end of the lake. Thorough weekly surveys of Lake Dunmore and Fern Lake were conducted both on the surface and with scuba equipment.

The Association continued with a four person team in 1998, based out of the same office. A second boat was purchased, by the Association facilitating increased eradication efforts. Patches that had been thriving in 1997, seemed to be diminishing by 1998. There were no new patches found in 1998, but random plants continued to pop-up along the shoreline. Finally, the milfoil efforts seemed to be paying off.

In 1999, the program maintained a four person team, two motorboats, and adequate equipment to work efficiently.  Fortunately, the program has a supportive community and lake association to help combat the Eurasian watermilfoil.

In July of 2008 a major flood occurred on Lake Dunmore and Fern Lake. The flood made visibility and water quality very poor. The efforts were signifcantly delayed as a resull.

2009 saw a signicant growth of Milfoil in both Lake Dunmore and Fern Lake. It is presumed that the down time in 2008 and just an increase in plants throughout the lakes accounts for the influx.  For 2010 we are exploring new options, one of which are plans to increase the crew size to 6. Our efforts will continue indefinitely as long as funding allows.

If you, or an organization you know of, would like to make a donation towards our efforts, we would greatly appreciate it.  Make checks payable to Lake Dunmore/Fern Lake Association and mail to:

Lake Dunmore/Fern Lake Association
P.O. Box #14
Salisbury, Vermont 05769

Email: ldfla@lakedunmorevt.com