LAY MONITORING PROGRAM
Since 2005, Lake Rescue volunteers have participated in the Vermont Lay Monitoring Program to monitor lake water quality that may be impacted by erosion and other contaminants. LRA volunteers and agents sample water on the lake and watershed tributaries and Vermont state provides the laboratory testing of those samples. Watershed grant money is used in support of the sampling effort as well as an ongoing sedimentation depth study on the lake.
BETTER BACKROADS GRANTS
Through a series of VT Agency of Natural Resources Better Backroads Program grants written by LRA members, the Town of Ludlow has secured project funding to reduce road runoff.
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
In 2016, the LRA revised their booklet entitled "So You Live on a Lake" for the benefit of everyone who utilizes the lakes district.
WATERSHED GRANTS
The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources has supported LRA projects since 2001 through Watershed Grants. Thanks to the diligent efforts of Chris Salerno, who annually wrote successful grant applications, through 2012, and with the help of many volunteers and the Town of Ludlow, LRA has been able to continue many projects aimed at addressing water quality issues in Lakes Rescue and Pauline. The 2012 Grant Request was for $12,672 to fund a restoration/ habitat improvement project in the watershed and/or at Camp Plymouth State Park to address Tropical Storm Irene damages.
GEOMORPHIC SURVEY
In 2009, LRA led an effort under the auspices of Southern Windsor County Regional Planning Commission (SWCRPC) to conduct a study of the upstream watershed of Lake Rescue and the impacts of historical land use on our lakes. The 2010 Geomorphic Survey Executive Summary is available for download.
SEDIMENT CORING
As a follow-up to the Geomorphic Survey, in 2011 the LRA commissioned a Sediment Coring Study to profile the historical sedimentation rate in the lake. A report is expected from Dr Lini, University of Vermont geology professor.
ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION GRANT
In September 2012 the LRA received approval of a $41,000 Ecosystem Restoration Grant proposal to study and address long term solutions to the sediment which continues to flow into Lake Rescue from the Black River. This study focused on the three tributaries feeding the Black River upstream from our lake. Previous geomorphic studies have identified Buffalo Brook and Patch Brook as major contributors of sediment. The current project explored alternatives to reduce this flow from the two streams mentioned, as well as recommend solutions at the Money Brook landslide.
DREDGING PROJECT and CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
On September 11, 2011 Tropical Storm Irene descended on our lake community, wreaking devastation far and wide. The flooding and subsequent degradation of river and stream banks resulted in the depositing of an estimated 1,200 cubic yards of sediment into Round Pond, particularly around the mouth of the Black River inflow, making navigation dangerous or impossible in that area. In June 2012 LRA applied and was approved by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation to commission a Dredging Project to remove a significant amount of this sediment. With funding raised by LRA’s first Capital Campaign, this project occurred in September 2013.
Because sediment has again accumulated in the same areas, making navigation difficult in Round Pond and the Narrows Channel, a second dredging permit was approved in spring 2020, and another project is being planned for sometime within the next 2-4 years. As before, a capital campaign is being launched to fund this costly, but absolutely necessary, effort.
