ASSOCIATION HISTORY

While the Lake Parker Association (LPA) has been in active, continuous, official existence since 1971, several years earlier many of the local and lake front residents began to be concerned about the quality of the water in the lake. Why was the water polluted? Why was it no fun to swim in the lake anymore? Why was the quality of the fishing deteriorating, and wasn’t all of this going to have an effect on the value of their lake front property? To get some answers to these questions, in September 1969, a petition with over 75 signatures was submitted to the Vermont Water Resources Board in Montpelier. The petition read;

“The undersigned petitioners are cottage owners on Lake Parker, West Glover, Vermont. The waters of Lake Parker are public waters and under your jurisdiction. Lake Parker helps meet the recreational needs of the people of the state, it supplies edible fish in substantial quantity during the open season and attracts people from other states to locate summer homes here in aid of the overall recreational economy of the state. At present, it appears to be heavily polluted and this condition is getting worse. A green, slimy pollutant pervades the entire body, rendering it deleterious to health, unfit for bathing or human consumption, and destructive of fish life, with resultant damaglng effect on property values. A further contributing cause is an abnormally low lake level brought about by the removal of obstructions at the outlet. You are hereby respectfully requested to investigate the matter of water pollution and lake level forthwith and take all necessary steps to restore the waters to a wholesome, healthful condition and advise”.

The first signature on the petition was that of Lee Emerson, former Vermont Governor (1951-55), and at that time practicing law in Barton, as well as being a camp owner at the lake. (Camp #90). The Water Resources Board addressed their November 1969 reply to “Governor Emerson”. They suggested that the pollution was due to an excess of nutrients flowing into the lake from the surrounding lands, and possibly some from faulty septic systems. They recommended that a Lake Parker Association be formed to conduct a survey of the surrounding lands, and said that they would provide some professional assitance to work with an association. They also agreed that the outlet dam was in poor shape, and they recommended that a “good project for the association” would be to get the dam in good repair. (At that time, the outlet was controlled by simply piling up miscellaneous obstructions). This response from the state set the wheels in motion for organizing an association, and things moved steadily forward from then on.

It soon became obvious to the concerned residents that correcting the problems of the lake would take a lot more than simply asking the state to “take all necessary steps….”. The early records show that in August 1970, “At the instigation of several property owners on Lake Parker….a meeting of all property owners whose interests were affected by the welfare of Lake Parker was called to consider the proposition that they should form an association.” The Honorable Lee Emerson presided over the meeting of 60-70 persons and a motion was unanimously passed to form the Lake Parker Association. The Rev. Floyd Taylor was asked to prepare by-laws and present them the following summer for approval. On September 10, 1970, the Ad Hoc committee of the proposed Lake Parker Association met at the home of Ross & Barbara Wright. Others in attendance were Ted & Nadean Adams, Mr & Mrs Clyde Barber, Mr & Mrs John Rives, Mrs Bernard Barber, Walter Hearn,Rene Monette, Arthur Wells and Floyd Taylor. There was discussion of the dam and who was responsible for it, and a nominating committee was appointed to present a slate at the organizational meeting to be held the following summer. On August 16, 1971, the organizational meeting took place, in the West Glover Church Vestry. At that time, the by-laws were adopted, and the first officers elected. It was also decided that commitee chairmen would be selected by the officers from a list of the membership, so that interests of the members could be considered. The minutes of this meeting were recorded by Paul Hanson, Secretary-Treasurer, pro-tem. The officers elected were President, Evelyn Buchler; Vice-President, Floyd Taylor; Secretary-Treasurer, Marjorie Bickford.

On August 19, 1971, the officers of the LPA met at the cottage of President Evelyn Buchler (Camp #88), to plan the incorporation of the group. It was also agreed that a map of the lake should be prepared showing the names and that each should be numbered for purposes of fire and police protection. The first committee chairmen were appointed: Pollution, George Adams; Land Use & Conservation, Paul Hanson; Safety, Rene Monette; Home Protection, Dean Bailey; Fishing, Arnold Smith; Membership, Joanne Barber. It is interesting to note that none of those appointed to committee chairs were in attendance at this meeting, although presumably they had agreed to serve.

On August 22, 1971, LPA President Evelyn Buchler, and Vice-President Floyd Taylor met in the law offices of Downs, Rachlin & Martin, in St. Johnsbury. The Articles of Association were adopted and the By- laws of the LPA Corporation were approved. Florence Ludy was elected Treasurer of the LPA, and Marjorie Bickford was elected Clerk. The Lake Parker Association, Inc. was now officially in existence as a non-profit corporation in the State of Vermont. The first annual meeting of the newly incorporated Lake Parker Association was held at the West Glover Church on July 17, 1972. Approval was given of various legal aspects of a corpo- ration, and the meeting closed with the recommendation that “our first pri- ority be the elimination of seaweed from the lake and other related pollu- tion problems”. The minutes of this meeting also report that “samples of various weeds, algae and gunk collected on the day of this meeting from both ends and each side of the lake were on display”. The first money- raising event was to be a food sale in Barton on August 19th. A “Public In- formation” meeting was held at the church on September 1, 1972. The need to improve the lake outlet was discussed, and three methods of re- moving lake weeds were described: “by a net, by a drag wrapped with barbed wire, and by a roll-up device depending on the kind of weed”. Pills to be used to check the efficiency of individual sewer systems were given out, with a questionnaire to be returned. It was also recommended that the Lake Parker Association (LPA) join with six other lake associations to form the Federation of Lake Associations—Northeast Kingdom.

Plans to improve the dam were made in 1973, working with State engineers, and it was established that the “sluice gate” is owned by the Town of Glover. Floyd Taylor was elected president, replacing Evelyn Buchler. Treasurer, Mary Martin, reported 46 memberships @ $5.00 and 8 memberships @ $3.00, and a check book balance of $853.62. Permission to build an improved dam required approval of adjacent landowners Messrs. Ducham & Dewing.

At the annual meeting on July 29, 1974, it was announced that a new dam will “hopefully be constructed this fall or early spring ‘75”. The total cost is estimated to be $3500, of which the LPA will “hopefully” contribute $500, the Town of Glover $1000, and the State the balance. A plea was made for all residents to organize friends and family members to help in the weed removal effort.

New officers were elected at the 1975 annual meeting, with Joanne Barber replacing Floyd Taylor as president. It was reported at this meeting that the State would fund 100% of the new dam and it should be finished by November 1st. Also, the State has included Lake Parker as one of four lakes to be included in a ten-year study of weed control. It was further noted that the plan for the LPA to develop a Recreational Area on the property directly behind the public access, owned by Dr. Damazo, was put on hold for this year

At the 1976 annual meeting, it was noted that the State is aware of the pollution being caused by input from adjoining farms, and has recom- mended specific remedies to the farm owners. It was reported that the new dam was maintaining the water level and there has been no flooding. Mr. Rene Monette offered the use of his homemade weed cutter to anyone interested in using it. It was decided to pay some young people to help Mr Monette and Mr Millette cut weeds, with the expense to be borne by lakefront owners who desire to have their weeds cut.

Gerald Anderson was elected president at the 1977 annual meeting, held on July 30th at the West Glover Church. The minutes show that some members felt that the new dam had not “done what was expected”, and there was still work to be done by the State before ownership was turned over to the town. Walkie-talkies have been purchased for use when checking security at the camps. A delegate from the State Water Resources Board visited the lake and was interested in the different kinds of weeds found in the lake, and in the weed-cutting machine made by Rene Monette. They will return to see the machine in action and take pictures.

It was announced at the July 8, 1978 meeting, by President Anderson, that water sampling was to begin that summer, and a man from the State Water Resources Board would be at the August meeting to explain the program. Also at the July meeting, Ms. Nancy Bryant from the Water Resources Board showed a film on “Lake Eutrophication”, and the steps to combat it, such as the use of chemicals and weed harvesting machines. She explained that monies were available to towns, and how to apply for them. During 1977 the LPA had 51 paid members. Jennie Monette an- nounced that there would be another bake sale on July 25th in Barton. All were asked to bake or give money. 26 members and guests attended the July 7, 1979 annual LPA meeting at the West Glover Church. Rene Monette and Leo Millette explained the water sampling project they are involved in. Mary Martin was thanked for her work as LPA Treasurer, and Bob Martin was thanked for his security patrols. The problem of continuing pollution from the Stevens Brook was discussed. Gerald Anderson was re-elected President, and Floyd Taylor as Vice President. Arnold Smith was elected Treasurer, pro-tem., and Dale Boutin as Secretary, replacing Norma Mason. It was reported at the August 1979 meeting by James Morse, Chief Aquatic Biologist, that a high bacterial count was found in the northwest corner of the lake due to ma- nure coming from the Stevens farm. Court action is contemplated to correct this problem. Mr Morse also stated that the use of chemicals would probably not solve the weed problem, the best way being to stop the input of nutrients and harvest the existing weeds.

A special LPA meeting was called on September 1, 1979 to approve an LPA expenditure to acquire a new weed cutting machine, and cover operation expenses for the 1980 summer. Total cost of the project was estimated to be about $11,200, with the machinery about 50% of that total. The balance would be an estimate for salaries, benefits, supplies, mainte- nance etc. The LPA Executive Committee was authorized to apply to the State of Vermont for additional funds. It was unanimously approved by 64 votes, including those attending and those mailing in a proxy vote.

1980-1989

Summer 1980 was the first year that the LPA received an Aquatic Nuisance Control Permit from the State, giving permission to conduct a weed harvesting program according to the State guidelines. The permit also pro- vided for the State to reimburse a major percentage of the costs to harvest the weeds. At the July 5, 1980 annual meeting, Messrs. Monette and Mil- lette reported that the new Hockney Weed Harvester had been used in front of the Adams camp, and performed very well. Total cost of the new machine was $5,328.00. Mr. Monette built a new rake attachment replacing the one purchased with the machine. Dues have been received from 57 members. It was voted to increase the dues to $10.00 per family, with two votes per family. Mr Boutin reported that he had been working with the Soil Conservation Agency Office in Newport on a program to improve manure storage and spreading systems. A grant of $880,000 has been approved under the Rural Clean Air and Water Act. Mr Boutin indicated that Government officials were very impressed with the work being done by the Association and area camp owners. The Treasury had a balance of $1921.12.

The 1981 Annual LPA meeting was held at the West Glover Church. President Anderson reported that the total weed harvesting expense for 1980 was $10,948.75, including the cost of the new harvesting machine and equipment. The LPA was responsible for 30% of the grant from the state, but because of the financial credit for “in-kind” volunteer labor of LPA members, it was not necessary to spend any money from the LPA treasury. The treasury has a balance of $3503.02. At the August 1981 meeting, the LPA celebrated the 10th anniversary of its founding. Charter members were given special recognition, with the ladies receiving carnation corsages. Dr. Evelyn Buchler was introduced as the first LPA president in 1971. Charter member Mary Dewing donated an afghan which was raffled off and won by Richard Smith of Lebanon, NH, and netted $50 for the LPA treasury. It was reported that weed levels continue to be high in some areas and that pollution levels are still high. The summer of 1982 was the third year of the weed cutting project, using a permit and a grant from the state. During 1981-82, the farmers in the Lake Parker watershed began the installation of manure pits, for storing manure during the winter, and minimizing run-off into the lake in the spring. The Federal government paid about 70% of the cost of these installations, and it is expected that they will result in a great reduction of the pollution of the lake. At the 1982 annual LPA meeting, it was recommended that a letter of thanks be sent to all participating farmers. SCS and the Orleans County Natural Resources Conservation District worked with other agencies and area dairy farmers to develop farm plans. The plans included barnyard and feedlot runoff control, soil erosion control, milking center waste water management, and manure storage structures, such as this timber structure on the David Young farm.

At the July 1983 annual meeting, it was noted that officials from Washington were on hand to take a look at the manure control projects. Substantial credit was given to John Urie for enlisting the farmer’s trust, and to Herbert Dunbar, a West Glover resident and Federal Soil Conservation Technician with the Soil Conservation Service (SCS), for designing the systems installed by the farmers. A front page article in the July 13, 1983 Chronicle reported on the success of the program: “Called the showpiece of the SCS, by a state water resources official, Lake Parker is getting some national attention lately. It’s one of the few Soil Conservation Service projects that signed up every farmer in a watershed for manure management practices”.

A serious illness brought about the resignation of LPA treasurer, Mary Martin in 1984. President Gerry Anderson sent a letter of appreciation and a floral tribute to Mary for her long, professional service. Gerry and Anna Anderson were thanked for their hard work over the years. The combined efforts of the LPA, the Town of Glover, the local farmers, and state and federal agencies resulted in the installation of manure holding pits by the watershed farmers, the procurement of a weed harvesting machine, and the start of a weekly water quality sampling activity.

The cumulative net result has been the actual “saving” of the lake. The lake was again suitable for swimming, fishing, and boating. The “green, slimy, pollutant” referred to in that petition of 1969 had been brought under control. In a lighter vein, at the August 1985 informal LPA meeting, the chairman of the LPA state legislative committee gave the following report:

‘Twas the day before cutting And all thru the lake,
Not a weed was stirring,
Not even a rake.

The pontoons were set, And ready to go.
You could hear Rene say, “Hey, Leo, let’s go.”
When out on the lake There arose such a clatter, I sprang from my camp

To see what was the matter.
The sun in the sky
Shone ever so brightly,
I knew from the sound
What was to come so lightly.
When what to my wondrous eyes should appear Leo Millette and Rene in gear.

They were jolly and gay
As the day wore on.
Cutting weeds and then
Sending them along.
The disk now can be seen to a depth of 12 feet. Pretty soon you’ll be able

To see it down deep.
The farmers are happy,
Their pits keep on working.
The state seems content
And the bureaucrats are smirking.
We owe all our thanks to a jolly good man And his fun loving wife
Who have worked awful hard
To make us a good life!

The meeting closed with a big round of applause for Gerry and Annal Weed harvesting continued during the summer of 1986, with a plea to all camp owners to keep track of the time they spend raking and removing weeds from the lake. Signs were purchased by the LPA from the State, warning of the dangers of the “destructive weed Milfoil”. The signs were to be posted at the boat access area. A speaker from the State pointed out that Milfoil has been found in areas of Lake Memphremagog. A motion was also passed to petition the Fish & Game Dept. to improve the boat launching area at the access. Leo Millette reported that the Secchi Disk can be seen at a depth of 14’ to 15’; a big improvement in the last few years. 40 people attended the 1987 annual meeting at the West Glover Church. Joseph Boutin filled in for President Gerry Anderson, whose wife Anna, was ill. Fred Chamberlain has taken over the water quality sampling. Leo Millette reported that the cutter bar on the weed machine has been re-conditioned and is ready to go. Gerry Anderson has declined to run again for the LPA Presidency. At the August 1987 meeting, Anna Anderson reported 66 LPA memberships. Thanks to the efforts of Joe Boutin, 35mph speed signs have been placed on the east shore road. The newly elected LPA officers were: President, Colleen Lord; Vice- President, Ernie Lord; Treasurer, Grace Millette; Secretary, Mary Smith. Gerry Anderson was thanked for his 10 years as president, and his many accomplishments for the LPA.

At the July 10, 1988 annual meeting, President Colleen Lord announced that the boat access area will be improved by next summer. Anna Anderson noted that the highest recent sale price for a camp was $61,500. Arnold Smith agreed to take over the water sampling program, and he reported that the Secchi disk is visible at about 5 meters. A donation of $300 to the Glover Volunteer Fire Dept. was approved. About 57 people were at the July 8, 1989 annual meeting. Pres. Col- leen Lord reported that the improvements to the boating access area will include a 42’ x 16’ cement ramp, with work to start soon. Recent vandalism and break-ins around the lake were discussed and the membership voted to offer a $500 reward through the Orleans County Sheriff’s Dept. for the arrest and conviction of persons responsible. Ernie Lord noted that the Parkview Garage had done some repair work on the weed ma- chine. The membership also voted to purchase two spare engines and a bar. New officers elected were President, John Washburn; Vice-President, Lynn Washburn; Secretary, Mary Smith; Treasurer, Joyce Croteau.

1990-1999

Roger Strobridge from the Orleans County Sheriff’s Dept. gave a presentation on the Neighborhood Watch program, at the July 7, 1990 annual meeting, attended by 60 people. It was reported that the State of Vermont is having financial problems and that there would not be any grant money available this summer for the weed cutting program. The LPA voted to continue nevertheless, and to finance it from the LPA budget, at an estimated expense of $1,500. Randy Williams reported that the weed cutter is in the water and ready to go. It was voted to combine the Membership & Map Committee with the Vice Presidency. Arnold Smith’s report on Water Quality showed that the lake is not as clear as last year and there appears to be a lot of phosphorus and algae in the lake, possibly from an increased spring rainfall. A social meeting, with a pot-luck supper was held on August 11, 1990.

The current slate of officers were re-elected at the 1991 annual meeting on July 13th. Rene Monette asked to be relieved as Safety Committee chair, and Don LaClair, a certified boating safety instructor agreed to replace him. Randy Williams asked everyone to check their boats and motors for any Eurasian Milfoil, especially if they have been trailered from other lakes. So far none has been found in Lake Parker . The membership voted to donate $100 to the Orleans County Sheriff’s Dept. in lieu of running a “reward” notice in the Chronicle. Lynn Washburn reported that there were 87 paid memberships last year. Arnold Smith demonstrated the technique used in water clarity testing, and noted that clarity has gone down and phosphorus and chlorophyll A values are high, and he will meet with state officials to try and determine the cause. Betsy Day thanked the LPA for the donation to the Glover Ambulance Squad.

At the 1992 annual meeting, Bob Johnson agreed to take over water quality sampling from Arnold Smith. 22 people took the boating safety course offered by Don LaClair last summer. Paul Hanson asked to be relieved as chair of the Land Use & Conservation Committee, an assignment he has held since the LPA was first organized. Peter Morrill volunteered to take over. Donations of $100 were made to the Glover Ambulance and Fire Dept quads, and to the Orleans County Sheriff’s Dept. Betsy Day offered to hold a CPR course for interested members.

A discussion of vandalism and break-ins highlighted the July 10, 1993 business meeting. From 12/27/92 through 1/07/93, there were break-ins at a total of 22 buildings on 15 properties, mostly on the east side of the lake. Several arrests have already been made and much stolen property recovered. The Orleans County Sheriff’s Dept. has been helpful in the in- vestigation. It was reported at the meeting that Lake Parker will begin working with the State Water Quality Division on a detailed survey of the 5200+ acre watershed of the lake. This would provide information from which further studies of nutrient input into the lake could be made. The State has developed new guidelines for this, and will help with the study. Don LaClair again offered a course in Boating Safety, and had 19 people in the class. The current officers of the LPA were re-elected to two year terms. New maps have been printed and are available to paid LPA members.

Again, a pot-luck supper preceded the 1993 annual business meeting. 93 paid memberships were reported, and 6 camps are for sale. Bob Johnson talked about water clarity, and warned of two threats to the lake; Eurasian Milfoil, and a new one, the Zebra Mussel. Samples of the Zebra Mussel were on display. State fish biologists were planning to be at the lake to investigate the recent fish kill. They feel it is a natural event, probably due to a shortage of oxygen in the water. Members were encouraged to help keep the boat access area free from trash. Don Kiley has been mowing the area.

New officers were elected at the July 8, 1995 business meeting. President, Peter Morrill; Vice-President, Glenn Barber; Secretary, Margaret Morrill; Joyce Croteau was re-elected as Treasurer. The LPA had 85 paid members, and there are 10 camps for sale this summer. New state boat- ing regulations prohibit personal water craft (jet skis) on Lake Parker. New Federal Coast Guard regulations require approved life jackets on all boats for all passengers, and they must be worn by all children under 12 years of age.

The 1996 annual meeting was held at the boat access area, at 2:25 PM, July 27th, with 38 people attending. The need for volunteers to help with the watershed survey was highlighted. Glenn Barber and Frank Daignault did most of the work on a complete overhaul of the weed harvesting machine. It is now 16 years old, and in good shape to last for several years. Bob Johnson reported that our average Secchi disk reading for water clarity was 5.71 meters, placing us 3rd.

Their skills, along with those of Ernie Lord, Randy Williams and others, have kept this 16 year old machine in good working order, and it should last for quite a few more years. Bob Johnson reported on water quality, noting that Vermont came in third, behind Alaska and Maine, with an average Secchi disk depth of 5.71 meters. Unfortunately, our lake is also considered a prime habitat for the Zebra Mussel, and we must guard against that infestation. Fish samples have been taken from the lake to test for mercury content. In 1996, the State Water Quality Division classified Lake Parker, along with several other Vermont lakes, as a “threatened” lake, meaning that conditions are present for accelerated eutrophication, or aging, due to nutrient enrichment. This was the result of a 1994 study, and it added increased importance to the watershed survey that the LPA already has in progress.

New officers were elected at the July 12, 1997 meeting. President, Bob Johnson; Secretary, Lynn Washburn. Glenn Barber continued as Vice- President, and Joyce Croteau as Treasurer. Madeleine Ducham, Chair of the Land Use & Conservation Committee, reported that the first phase of the Watershed Survey has been completed, and a copy given to the state. The second phase will be completed this August, giving us information on the condition of culverts, streams, roads, and land-use of the watershed. The Town of Glover is being kept informed of this work. The state has set up a Lake Protection Advisory Committee, meeting regularly in Waterbury, and five members are from Lake Parker. Bob Richards has taken over the water sampling activity from Bob Johnson, and Jeff Millette is in charge of the weed harvesting project. Bob Johnson closed this meeting with a review of his goals and ideas for the LPA.

During the summer of 1997, the LPA built a picnic table and located it at the boat access, and also built a flower bed at the base of the state bulletin board at the access. George Young and Joann Velander planted flowers in it. The new correctional facility in Newport is supposed to now keep the access mowed.

At the 1998 annual meeting, held July 11th at the West Glover Church, Vice-President Glenn Barber reported that 116 mailings were sent out in 1997, and there were 81 paid memberships. President Bob Johnson started a spring “ice-out” contest which attracted 27 entries, and collected $81, with the winner and the LPA each getting one-half. At this meeting the membership approved an increase in the annual family dues to $15.00, from the present $10.00, to be effective in 1999.

Beryl Adams has taken on the task of writing grant applications for the LPA, and it was announced that several have already been received. One was for the cost of putting together the watershed survey reports; another was a Better Back Roads Grant to be used for road/culvert improvement. She has also been asked by the Town of Glover to assist them in preparing grant applications.

Madeleine Ducham reported that the shore-line and in-lake parts of the watershed survey are now complete. 16 volunteers will be looking at roads, streams and land use, to complete the third and final phase. She noted that they are already seeing things that can be done to help keep the pollution down. As part of the state-wide “LakeFEST ‘98” celebration, July 18-26, 1998, the LPA spon- sored a poster contest for the Glover School, with the theme of “Protect Our Lakes”. The posters were displayed at the Glover Town Hall on Glover Day, July 25th, with prizes awarded to winners in each grade level. The LPA also sponsored the Maple Leaf Seven Dixieland Band on a trip around the lake on a pontoon boat. This band includes Ron Ducham, a camp owner on the lake.

Several LPA members built a loon nesting platform which was anchored at the south west corner of the lake during the summer. It was not used this first year, but a biologist indicated that it takes a year or two before the loons will use it.

Over 60 people attended the potluck supper and business meeting on July 10, 1999, at the West Glover Church. The idea of a walking path around the south end of the lake, connecting the east and west sides, was discussed and approved. Also approved was a “Matching Fund Campaign”, whereby individual donations for water quality projects will be matched by LPA funds up to a combined total of $5,000. This would allow the LPA to finance local projects at a time and place of their choosing. Barbara Wright and Nadean Adams were unable to attend the meeting but will be given “Lifetime Membership” plaques for their years of membership.

Madeleine Ducham reported that the LPA is working with the Town of Glover on culvert repairs and erosion control projects. The watershed survey has been completed, with copies of the three loose-leaf binders going to the State. Madeleine was presented with a special “Watershed Protec- tion Award” by the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, for her work on the Lake Parker watershed survey.

An open house was held by the Glover Ambulance Squad on July 25th, at their newly remodeled garage in West Glover, formerly the Glover Town garage. Randy Williams produced a video tape on the need for protecting our lakes. It includes Bob Richards taking a water sample, and is to be shown on the “Across the Fence” public television program on Monday, July 12th. The Maple Leaf Seven Dixieland Band once again cruised around Lake Parker on July 25th, as our part of the state-wide “LakeFEST’99” celebration.

Thanks to the foresight of Ernie Lord, and others, the weed machine has adequate spare parts on hand to keep it in operating condition. The current LPA officers were re-elected for two year terms; President, Bob Johnson; Vice-President, Glenn Barber; Secretary, Lynn Washburn and Treasurer, Joyce Croteau. Ralph Krantz offered to head the Fishing Com- mittee, and Becky Holden, State Government Liaison. Rick Welch, Town Road Foreman, asked the LPA to help with the installation costs of two “dry hydrants” at the lake; one at the south corner by Camp #122, and the other in the north-west area, by Camp #31.

At the national NALMS (North American Lake Management Society) Conference in Reno, Nevada, December 1-4, 1999, it was announced that Madeleine Ducham, Chair of the LPA Land Use & Conservation Commit- tee, was given the “NALMS Technical Merit—Volunteer Actions” award for her outstanding leadership and work on the watershed survey of the lake. She was especially recognized for her skills in developing a cooperative effort between the Town of Glover, lakeshore residents, and watershed land owners. The survey helped locate areas that are contributing to nutrient input and lake pollution. With help from the Town of Glover, the state, and volunteers from the LPA, during the summer of 1999 several erosion control projects were completed at culverts and road-side ditches.

There is much more work to do, and it will continue for years to come as the Lake Parker Association follows it’s stated mission: “… working to pre- Ducham, with NALMS Award, Bob Richards, Beryl Adams. serve the natural beauty and unspoiled environmental conditions of Lake Parker and the surrounding community…”

Just as we owe much to the founders and workers who “saved the lake” 15 years ago, we owe the same to those who today are working hard “Taking Care of the Lake” .

CHARTER MEMBERS OF THE LAKE PARKER ASSOCIATION

Mrs. Ruth Adams

Ted & Nadean Adams

Wayne Ayers

Bernard & Shirley Barber Glenn Barber

Joanne Barber

Justus & Evelyn Buchler

Marjorie Bickford

Irving Davio

Kenneth & Mary Dewing

Paul Hanson

Francis Holt

Florence Ludy

Harold Labor

Hugh McDowell

Robert & Mary Martin

Gerald & Norma Mason

Leo & Emma Millette

Rene & Jennie Monette

John & Gladys Rives

Arnold & Marjorie Smith

Floyd & Margret Taylor

John & Carolyn Washburn

David Webster

Preston & Esther Webster

Ross & Barbara Wright