Lake Rescue
1. Is Lake Rescue a natural lake?
There was a natural lake here before 1835 that was fed primarily by the Black River. In that year a dam was built to produce hydropower downstream. The dam increased the size of the lake by one third for a total of 180 acres.
2. What is the history of the Red Bridge dam?
In 1835 the owners of the woolen mills in Ludlow, Proctorsville, and Cavendish united and constructed a dam across the southern end of Lake Rescue in order to produce hydropower downstream. Later, in the 20th century the woolen mill in Cavendish acquired it and used for the same purpose until around 1950.
3. How did Lake Rescue get its name?
Lake Rescue was originally called Plymouth Pond. One tradition holds that a child strayed away from one of the Cavendish settlers’ homes and became lost in the woods. Search parties later found the child on the eastern shore of the lake on a rock and unalarmed by her experience of several days and nights in the forests. The child told of spending one night with a big black sheep and two lambs who kept her warm. The black sheep and lambs were thought to have been a friendly black bear and her cubs. The particulars are lacking as to the christening of the lake except that about 150 people met on the shore in August, 1881 and rechristened Plymouth Lake, Lake Rescue.
Lake Rescue Association
1. What are the issues of concern to the LRA?
The LRA is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization in existence since 1931. It is open to all property owners in the two lakes region of Lakes Rescue and Pauline. The association exists to promote water safety, environmental education, improved water quality and resolution of pertinent matters among association members. In recent years, there has been increased focus on sedimentation issues and invasive species, especially Eurasian Milfoil.
2. What enforcement authority does the LRA have?
The LRA is not a Homeowners Association and has no enforcement authority. It is a voluntary organization.
3. When does the LRA meet?
The LRA sponsors a July 4th picnic each year, and the Annual Meeting is on the first Saturday in August. The Board of Directors meets monthly May - September, and other times electronically or by phone throughout the rest of the year, as needed.
4. What events does the LRA sponsor?
The only regularly scheduled events the LRA sponsors is the July 4 picnic and the Annual Meeting. Other events may occur on or around the 4th of July, but these are not organized, sponsored, or supported by the LRA.
5. What happens at the Annual Meeting and when is it?
The annual meeting occurs the morning of the first Saturday in August, and usually lasts about 2 hours. Agenda items include approval of board member nominations, financial reporting, guest speakers, updates on lake health, programs and grant activities, and other issues of concern to the lake community. There is usually active discussion and all members who are able are urged to attend.
6. I don’t use email; will I still get information?
If you request it, you can receive our semi-annual newsletter by regular mail.
7. Are dues and donations paid online with a credit card secure?
Yes, we use a secure online payment platform.
8. I’ve lost my membership directory. How can I get a new one?
You can access the directory online. If you require a paper copy, email the LRA and we will send you one as an email attachment.
Milfoil
1. What is milfoil?
Milfoil is an invasive species of weed which grows prolifically in shallow water of less than 20’. It is a non-native species and is spread from lake to lake on the bottoms of boats, via floodwaters (such as TS Irene) and in other ways.
2. Why are we so worried about milfoil in our lakes?
If not controlled, milfoil can quickly grow to form a mat-like surface cover over large bodies of water, disrupting the lake ecosystem, rendering recreational use of the lakes impossible, and decreasing property values. So far, the milfoil divers are able to pull out young plants and no large patches are being established in the lake. If hand-harvesting of milfoil proves to be insufficient, more aggressive means will be considered, including suction harvesting machines, and/or herbicides. It is vitally important that we stay vigilant about controlling milfoil in our lakes.
3. What do I do if I think I see it in the lake?
If you see any suspected milfoil plants, contact the LRA, who will notify our divers, and describe its location or mark the location with any type of buoy. You can also learn to carefully pull the weeds near your water yourself with some simple training. Email LRA at [email protected]
4. Has milfoil been found in Lake Pauline? In Echo Lake?
YES, milfoil has been found in Lake Pauline. Our divers do not search Lake Echo.
Shoreline Protection
1. How do I know if my property is inadvertently harming the lake water?
There are some guidelines to observe. They relate to Shoreline Protection ( see our Shoreline Protection webpage for more information) and controlling runoff (see our Water-Quality webpage for more information).
2. My property isn’t in compliance with new regulations. Do I need to make changes?
If you decide to make changes or additions to your property, then these changes will have to be in compliance with the new regulations.
3. Where can I find out more?
The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation has a robust Lakeshores and Lakewise website that helps homeowners understand the shoreline protection laws and how to abide by them, including their Shoreline Protection Handbook.
Lake Health
1. I have a hot tub. How can I empty and change the water without harming the lake?
coming soon
2. I have an outdoor shower. How do I know it is not harming the lake?
Use only Ivory soap. Be sure the area where the water runs off is well vegetated and the water infiltrates the ground before reaching the lake.
Wildlife
1. Should I report beaver activity and how do I do that?
The Ludlow Town Hall, Administrative Offices 802-228-2841
2. How can I protect my property from beaver damage?
Methods used to protect property damage include installation of rigid wire tree caging, electric fencing for larger areas, and abrasive tree paint. The VT Fish & Wildlife Department and the VT Department of Environmental Conservation have published an excellent guide to understanding beavers and their management: Best Management Practices for Resolving Human-Beaver Conflicts in Vermont.
3. How can I protect my property from geese pollution?
Geese will not come up on a shoreline that is vegetated with tall grasses or shrubs, so planting a thick row of vegetation will discourage geese and protect the lake from runoff at the same time.
4. What’s all this about loons? Why are they so special?
Loons are one of the most iconic expressions of life in the north. Thirty years ago there were only 7 pairs of loons left in Vermont. Now there are more than 90 pair. While we do not have a nesting pair on Lake Rescue, loons come to our lake regularly to fish and entertain us with their eerie, haunting, and beautiful song.
Boating/Lake Activity
1. Are there boat size or motor limits on Lake Rescue or Lake Pauline?
While there are no specific limits to boat or motor size, Lake Rescue is a small lake with several shallow areas that are necessary to navigate the entire lake. Also, during seasonal high-use periods, heavy boat traffic creates wake and water turbulence that negatively impacts kayakers, fishing, swimming and other lake activities. Typically 17’ to 20’ bow riders with inboard or outboard motors provide optimal recreational use without significant disruption to other lake activities. Wakeboarding boats are also present on the lake but can quickly become too large with water displacement and wakes that inhibit other activities on the lake and contribute to shoreline erosion. In Lake Pauline, a 5 mph maximum boat speed is allowed.
2. What are the regulations about snowmobiles on the lake in winter?
Snowmobiles are allowed on state-owned bodies of water. Frozen lakes are considered a public highway and the speed limit is not to exceed 50 mph.
3. What do the buoys mean and who manages them?
We have four buoys on Lake Rescue, one on either side of the channel and one in each of the southern coves. All of these areas are designated “No Wake” areas where low speed of 5 mph should be observed.
4. Where do I report illegal or dangerous boating activity?
Dangerous activity on the water should be reported to the State Police / Game Warden at 802 257 7101.
5. Are there boat rentals in the area?
Kayaks can be rented at the Tyson Store.
6. Are jet skis allowed on the lakes?
No. Because Lakes Rescue and Pauline are less than 300 acres, by state law no jet skis are allowed.
Ice Safety
1. How do I know if the ice is safe to walk on?
You can be fairly confident if you see ice fishermen out on the ice, but you can never be 100% sure! So always take precautions. Always go with a buddy, bring your phone and carry ice spikes in case you fall through the ice. NO ice is considered completely safe, and soft spots can occur anywhere. However, under-ice melting is most commonly caused by turbulent currents in the water, which is why Lake Pauline, the area around the Narrows and Round Pond, areas around dock bubblers, and where there are stream tributaries entering the lakes are most susceptible to thin ice.
2. When does the ice melt on the lakes in the spring?
The ice begins to melt long before it is visibly gone from the lakes. Once the snow is off the ice, sunlight penetrates the ice and warms the water, creating a sort of greenhouse effect. The ice thus begins to melt FROM THE BOTTOM UP. The "ice out" date on Lake Rescue has varied from an early ice out of March 22 in 2012, to the latest recorded, which was May 2, 2018. More about how ice melts and a graph of Lake Rescue Ice Out Dates can be found here.
3. What should I do if I want to install a bubbler around my dock?
Bubblers can present extreme danger for people and pets walking on the ice near the bubbler. A thin area of ice can form around the bubbler area, covered by snow, and present the illusion of safety. Please mark your docks with highly visible signage warning those on the ice to keep a safe distance.
4. What responsibility does the LRA have to ensure safety on the ice?
The LRA is not responsible for ice safety. You go on the ice AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Being a Good Neighbor
1. What do I do if I feel neighbors are being too loud late at night?
Maintaining cordial relations with your neighbors is always an important goal and such matters are best handled with tact and a positive attitude.
2. What about floodlights that are left on late at night?
The LRA discourages lights being left on at night. This is in keeping with the rural nature of our surroundings and the close proximity of neighboring homes.
3. Where do I report vandalism or misconduct on the lake?
For serious issues call 911. Otherwise, the Ludlow Police non-emergency number is (802) 228-4411 for problems occurring on land. For problems occurring while boating or on the water call the State Police - (802) 257 7101.
