Long Pond Restoration

In recent years, Long Pond has suffered a series of cyanobacteria algae blooms. These blooms are caused by an excess of nutrients in the water, most notably phosphorus, combined with an increase in average water temperatures. Left unchecked, these blooms will continue over time, with some years worse than others.

Long Pond's Board of Directors is working hard to remedy the problem. With your help, we are taking steps to prevent nutrients from entering the lake from the watershed. We are educating property owners about best practices to avoid soil erosion. We are working with experts to ensure that our roads are in good condition to prevent run-off.

Watershed protection is the critical first step. But it may be necessary to go further to stop the cycle of nutrient release from lake-bottom sediment. It may be necessary to restore the lake balance with an alum treatment.

Phase I restoration funding goes toward watershed remediation, data analysis, watershed-based management plan development, and grant writing. During this phase we will seek to stop nutrients from entering the lake as well as understand the nature and cost of potential water treatment solutions. Phase II restoration funding will go toward the treatment itself once the costs are known.

Donations are now being taken for Phase I restoration work. Please consider making an investment to preserve Long Pond's water quality for generations to come, and to protect your property value. We are asking $1000 per property owner. The WEHC Boys Camp will match your investment dollar-for-dollar up to a total match of $60,000.