The Webster Lake Association has undertaken many environmental projects over the last two decades. From invasive weed treatment and water quality monitoring to large-scale habitat restoration, each project reflects the WLA's commitment to preserving Webster Lake for current and future generations. Below is a timeline of our key accomplishments with descriptions, environmental benefits, and costs.
An updated Lake Management Plan — the first since 2003 — consisting of a 5-year projected list of areas that need attention, from stormwater runoff and sediment control to water quality. This plan will enable future boards to apply for various grants available at the State and Federal level, and initiate an annual funding plan with the State of Massachusetts and the Town of Webster.
Built with the help of a grant received from the State of Massachusetts from Senator Ryan Fattman, this rain garden helps capture and filter stormwater runoff before it reaches the lake.
With the help of the Malser Grant and the Town of Webster Highway Department, hydro-raking was done under the walking bridge at Memorial Beach on both sides in Lily Pond, opening the waterflow and removing many yards of invasive weeds, including fanwort and milfoil. This area was extremely congested with invasive weed growth.
With the help of the Malser Grant, hydro-raking was done in this cove in South Pond to remove accumulated organic matter and maintain open water habitat, water depth, water flow, and desirable water quality across this 3/4-acre area.
The first phase of a multi-year project addressing accumulated organic matter, debris buildup, and floating-leaf vegetation impeding natural water movement. Without management, Maple Cove would negatively impact a valuable access point to the southern basin and diminish open water habitat, water movement, and dissolved oxygen levels.
Hydro-raking was performed to partially restore depth to this area due to growing concerns regarding emergency access, waterflow interchange, water connectivity, dissolved oxygen levels, and flood retention capabilities. Without management, the aquatic habitat within the cove would continue to degrade through vegetative decomposition.
The waterflow from the Birch Island Road Inlet was severely restricted due to an accumulation of organic matter, debris, and encroachment of nuisance emergent vegetation. Restoring water movement into and within Webster Lake promotes improved water connectivity and dissolved oxygen production required for fish and ecological resilience.
The initial start of the Pout Pond Restoration, which included hydro raking 0.34 acres to improve waterflow from Pout Pond into Webster Lake. Organic matter and emergent vegetation were removed from the culvert, improving water flow.
Created water flow around Suzanne Point to maintain open water conditions and desirable water quality. The project included hydro raking to control 0.94 acres of nuisance water lilies as well as accumulated organic matter.
Improved water flow from the primary feeding artery, Sucker Brook, into Webster Lake through chemical treatment and hydro raking. The project improved water flow from Sucker Brook and North Pond, held back invasive weed growth, and resulted in improved water quality and the ability to maintain native vegetation in the area.
A two-year study to determine the cause of blue green algae blooms. The study included training the lake community to identify and report blooms and setting up stations to collect first flush from streams for total phosphorus analysis. The study concluded that stormwater sediment must be trapped before it reaches the lake, as sediment in the lake bottom feeds algae growth when phosphates are released. Seventy-two volunteers participated, contributing $11,000 of in-kind service. Professional analysis by Ken Wagner cost $11,625.
Surveyed the aquatic plant vegetation of Webster Lake using visual inspection and grappling hook sampling of submerged vegetation. This provided an estimate of total plant matter volume, helping the WLA determine treatment areas for invasive weeds. Also performed by Ken Wagner.
Analyzed and assessed water testing data collected by the WLA testing team from 2006-2011. Professional analysis was performed by Ken Wagner of Water Resources Services LLC.
The WLA contracts with Solitude Lake Management for the treatment of areas infested with invasive milfoil and fanwort using aquatic herbicides. The WLA spends an average of $55,000 a year on treatment and monitoring. Depending on funds available, some years the total exceeds $75,000.
The WLA has been monitoring lake water since 2004 and stream water since 2006. In 2006, the WLA invested $12,000 in state-of-the-art testing equipment and established a Quality Assessment Plan approved by the Massachusetts DEP and the EPA. In 2009, the WLA became part of the Last Green Valley Water Quality Assessment plan. Members are trained to collect water samples from Webster Lake and its feeding streams. In 2019, the testing equipment was upgraded at a cost of $10,000. This is an all-volunteer activity.
The initial lake assessment to determine the condition of invasive weeds in Webster Lake. This assessment determined where to begin invasive weed treatment and areas recommended for future water testing, and was used to establish the Lake Management Plan.
The WLA, the Town of Webster, and our State Representative and Senator supported a line item in the State budget for controlling storm run-off on Union Point and Colonial Park. This reduced the amount of sediment running into the lake in these areas.
Will open up the water flow from Pout Pond to Treasure Island Marina, improving water flow, dissolved oxygen levels, and fish connectivity. It will also reduce water temperature which could help stabilize climate change effects. The State of Massachusetts has contributed $200,000 toward this project.
Development of a Written Watershed Plan will allow the WLA and the Town of Webster to apply for additional grants. Acceptance of the plan by the State is required.
Volunteers worked with the DEP Bureau of Water Resources Division of Watershed Management as well as the EPA to create a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP). This took hundreds of hours of volunteer time and allows our monitoring to be used in scientific studies because of its accuracy.
In addition, hundreds of hours have been spent by volunteers continuing the monitoring of the lake. Hundreds more hours have been spent by volunteers to acquire the money required to support our continued protection and restoration in and around the lake.
Most funding for the above projects comes through WLA membership dues, donations, and special fundraising activities such as the WLA Golf Tournament, The Sake of The Lake Raffle, and Ice Out.
Membership dues, donations, Golf Tournament, Sake of The Lake Raffle, Ice Out
Contributed to Blue Green Algae Study, Suzanne Point, Pout Pond Culvert, Birch Island Road, Mark Ave, Maple Cove, Lily Pond, and more
$125,000 for Sucker Brook Restoration, $200,000 for Pout Pond Project, Ernie Benoit Rain Garden grant
Your membership and donations directly fund the protection and restoration of Webster Lake.
