Lake Parker Watershed Survey Results and Recommendations
March, 1999
Lake Parker Association, Inc.
and
Lakes and Ponds Section, of the VT Agency of Natural Resources
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Overview
Acknowledgements
Lake Parker Watershed Map
Recent History Preceding the Watershed Survey Survey
Survey Goals
Survey Methods
In-lake Conditions and Observations
In-lake Observations Map
Shoreline Observations
Shoreline Observations Map
Watershed Observations
Watershed Observations Map
Recommendations
Short Term Actions
Long Term Actions
Shoreland
Watershed
Roads
Residential development
Agricultural lands
Forestry
Other
Final Remarks
| Overview The Lake Parker Association conducted a Watershed Survey from 1996-1998 to observe and document conditions in the lake and watershed that would provide the basis for lake protection actions. The results of this survey work is contained in three large 3-ring binder notebooks: Inlake Observations; Shoreline Observations; and Watershed Obser- vations. This document is a summary of what the Lake Parker Association volunteers observed |
 |
Acknowledgements
This three year effort involved the hard work of many members of the Lake Parker Association. Madeleine Ducham led the effort as Chair of the Land Use and Conservation Committee. Her immense commitment, friendliness and "coffee hours" were essential to the success of the survey. Bob Johnson, President of the Lake Parker Association, helped guide the project with his dedication, creativity and commitment to quality. John and Lynn Washburn are the heart and soul behind many Lake Parker projects, and their guidance and support were essential as always. Many members of the association gave of their valuable lake time to complete portions of the field surveys over the past three years, they are: Beryl Adams, Linda Alderton, Glen Barber, Susan Camp, Frank & Jean Davio, Betsy Day, Ron Ducham, Ray Griffin, Joyce Littlefield, Colleen & Ernie Lord, Jeff Millette, Bob Richards, Arnold Smith, Randy Williams, and Leon Waskiewicz.
Susan Warren of the Lakes and Ponds Section of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources helped develop the methodology, train volunteers, and summarize the results presented in this report.
 |
Click here to view at large scale. 288KBytes |
Recent History Preceding the Watershed Survey
In the mid 1970's the residents of Lake Parker began to notice a decline in the water quality of the lake. Once known for its rainbow trout fishing, the lake's fish population was giving way to stunted yellow perch, rock bass, and numerous baitfish. Weeds and slimy algae flourished in the lake and, in places, the water seemed to give an offensive odor. The aesthetic as well as recreational value of the lake had been diminished. Residents were concerned not only because this decline in the quality of the lake meant less enjoyment for them, but it also detracted from the economic value of their property and the area as a whole. Water quality testing showed a high concentration of phosphorus as well as high counts of fecal coliform in certain parts of the lake. A voluntary testing program for individual septic systems indicated that their effect on the lake was minimal.
Significant events occurred after this time.
In 1980 a weed harvester was purchased by the LPA through a state grant. Volunteers from the association have operated and maintained the machine and the cutting and raking projects each summer for the past 19 years.
In 1982 nine farmers in the watershed agreed to a program to build manure storage structures which would significantly lessen the amount of manure flowing off their land. A study done by the Orleans County Natural Resources Conservation District(partly financed by the Vt. Agency of Environmental Conservation) determined that of the 5.5 tons of annual phosphorous load to the lake, manure from these farms was responsible for 4.8 tons. The grant money for this project came from the Northern Vt. Resource Conservation & Development Council (RC&D). Farmers paid $58,000 as their share of the project. The
manure pit project proved to be a very successful endeavor among segments of the community-the Town of Glover, farmers, and summer residents-and the lake enjoyed a significant improvement in its water quality.
But, by 1993 water quality was on the decline again. Residents observed thickening weed growths, algae blooms, and fish kills and questions about the health of Lake Parker persisted. Under the direction of John Washburn, then President of the Lake Parker Association, the association embarked on the first steps in organizing a watershed survey. Volunteers were recruited and training sessions were conducted by the VTDEC under the guidance of Susan Warren.
In 1996 the VTDEC instituted a new lake classification system and Lake Parker was classified as "threatened" because of its high level of nutrient enrichment. The LPA took this as a "wake-up" call and once again the watershed survey project was given high priority. As the chairman of the Land Use and Conservation Committee Madeleine Ducham resolved to complete the survey work started by John Washburn. Education and communication were "key" in getting members involved. This was done through a number of "coffee hours", newsletters, and presentations at LPA annual meetings. Thanks to a strong group of interested and enthusiastic volunteers, the work was divided among the volunteers and completed in two years time!
Survey Goals
A key goal of the watershed survey was to identify sources of nutrients entering Lake Parker. Once this was done, we planned to implement corrective actions that would slow the nutrient enrichment of the lake so that algae scums are no longer present along the shoreline and only natural levels of native aquatic plant growth exists. Further, we set out to identify soil erosion sites in the watershed. In correcting these sites, we could significantly reduce sediment transport to the lake and thereby improve the quality of the tributary streams and reduce the risk of flash flood damage to town roads.
We also hoped to establish a productive and cooperative working relationship between lake and town residents, and large and small landowners in order to provide on-going communication on lake issues.
Survey Methods
The Lake Parker Association used the methods described in "Citizen Lake and Watershed Survey Instructions" developed by VTDEC. The methodology lists various in-lake conditions, inlet stream conditions, potential sources of erosion, and land use categories to observe and map. The Association adapted the methodology to make it easy for volunteers to document their observations. Over the three year period 327 different sites were documented. The association also learned much about potential watershed situations that may be relevant to conditions in the lake, began implementing water quality improvement projects and established productive and on-going communications with Town of Glover officials and residents.
Most of the lake residents' concerns about the lake can be attributed to nutrient enrichment and sedimentation. Accordingly, observations in the watershed were focused on documenting soil erosion and nutrient runoff issues. In most Vermont watersheds, these can come from a variety of sources, including:
* land clearing for construction, especially near surface water;
* loss of wetlands;
* inadequate gravel road and driveway maintenance and infrastructure;
* loss of streambank and lakeshore natural vegetation;
* flash flood damage;
* sub-standard and/or failing septic systems;
* farm and garden fertilizer and manure runoff; and
* erosion on logging operations;
The Watershed Survey method is a subjective look at the watershed for the purpose of understanding both how conditions in the lake relate to those in the watershed, and the range of land uses in the watershed. The Survey does not attempt to carefully quantify the various potential sources of pollution, which would involve an expensive multi-year sampling program. Rather, by observing conditions in the watershed and inventorying the land uses, and complete list of probable sources and impacts can be compiled. It
is the nature of lake protection that past present and future conditions must be understood, and "best management practices" be developed and implemented locally. By considering all that is going on in a watershed and addressing all potential sources of problems, the lake can be protected into the future. Everyone in a lake watershed has the potential to affect the lake, and everyone needs to become aware and take action to best manage their little piece of the big picture.
In-lake Conditions and Observations
Lake Parker is a eutrophic lake with abundant aquatic plant growth in several locations around the lake. Water clarity, as measured through the VT Lay Monitoring Program, has averaged about 3.5 meters since 1979. The long-term total phosphorus concentration in the lake is 16 micro grams per liter, classifying the lake as "eutrophic" or nutrient enriched. Occasional algae blooms have been reported in years past, and some areas of shoreline, due probably to prevailing winds, experience regular build-up of algae scums. While eutrophic conditions are not entirely unexpected for a shallow, relatively small lake such as Parker, it is believed that the lake has experienced "cultural eutrophication." Lake Parker is classified as "threatened" by nutrient enrichment by VTDEC's Lake Protection Classification System.
Below are listed some of the specific conditions observed during the In-lake phase of the Watershed Survey.
* Heavy aquatic plant growth in some areas, especially at all four major stream inlets.
* Suspended algae growth, approaching bloom conditions occasionally in the summer and in particular near-shore areas.
* The four largest tributaries to the lake have heavy sediment deltas built up in the lake at their mouths. Sedimentation is also evident at several smaller inlets and drainage ditches.
* A heavy fish kill during the summer of 1998 was attributed to the bacteria columnaris. While the bacteria is naturally occurring, nutrient-rich conditions are one factor in causing lethal infection conditions.
* Fishing is described as good along several stretches of the shoreline.
* Swimming conditions are considered good along about half of the shoreline and "impaired" in the remainder of the areas (due primarily to silty conditions or heavy plant growth).
* The water is usually noticeably more turbid after a heavy rain.
* An abundance of seagulls resides on the lake all summer.
* No exotic aquatic species, such as Eurasian watermilfoil or zebra mussel, has been observed in Lake Parker.
These observations are summarized in the following map. They indicate that nutrient and sediment sources in the watershed, including the shoreline, are of particular concern to lake quality.
 |
Click here to view at large scale. 166KBytes |
Shoreline Observations
There are camps along three sides of the lake, the west, north, and east. A Fish and Wildlife access is located at the north end. There are 93 camps directly on the shore of the lake. The majority of these are small and used as summer residences. A significant stretch of undeveloped shoreline is present along the southwest shore. The shoreline is generally described as including lands within 500 feet of the shore.
* Most of the camps are located closer than 50 feet from the lakeshore.
* Approximately half of the camps have some buffer strip of native vegetation (only 5-10 feet in some cases) along most of their shore area, while the other half have lawn mowed down to the lake. Many of these lawns are small in size.
* Approximately one quarter of the camps have some kind of retaining wall along their shore, either in the water or up the bank a little.
* On the east and west side of Lake Parker about 60% of the gravel road comes within 200 feet of the lake.
* Several culverts and drainage ditches, mostly coming from a road or driveway, were observed to be directly discharging silt and sediment into the lake.
The town of Glover does not have either shoreland zoning or a sewage disposal ordinance, and many camps have been in place for decades. This older pattern of building location raises several potential nutrient and sediment sources from the shoreline including:
* It is not known how many of the existing camps have septic systems built to minimum state health standards. A failing or sub-standard septic system can be a source of both pathogens and nutrients to the lake. The state standards require a 50 foot setback from surface water and three feet of soil between the leachfield and groundwater. From an initial first look, it appears many of the existing camps' septic systems are closer to the lake shoreline than 50 feet.
* Vegetated buffer strips between developed areas and surface water is the single most effective water quality protection tool. Overland runoff, carrying sediments and nutrients, flowing through a vegetated area is filtered and absorbed by the duff layer and the plants. While most of the camps are small and have small lawns, there are areas of the shoreland where lawn and driveway runoff flows directly into the lake.
* As is typical of development patterns around many Vermont lakes, a gravel road is often located in close proximity to the lake. Many instances of ditch and culvert drainage carrying sediment from road surfaces were observed.
These observations are summarized on the following map.
Shoreline Observations Map
 |
Click here to view at large scale. 196KBytes |
Watershed Observations
Lake Parker lies in a pastoral setting with forested hillsides and open farmland. Nine dairy farms operate in the watershed. Permanent residences dot the hillsides, and occasional forest harvesting occurs. Most of watershed lies within the town of Glover. A small portion of it extends beyond the northwest border of Glover into the town of Albany.
The watershed was divided into three sections and volunteers responsible for each section walked the roads observing culvert and stream conditions and noting any soil erosion sites and other potential water quality problems. Observations of the watershed were made primarily from public right of ways, and observations of large areas of land, forest or farmland, was not conducted. In one case, the surveyors were invited onto a farm by the owner, and therefore information on the Young farm is included. This inclusion is not meant to imply runoff from this farm is the worst or only farm issue present in the watershed.
The surveyors made the following general observations about watershed conditions:
* Most of the tributary stream beds contain significant sediment deposits, indicating numerous sources of erosion in the watershed.
* The majority of the roads in the watershed are gravel. Most roads showed some signs of erosion, usually unstable ditches or culvert header areas.
* The roads in the watershed, and throughout the town of Glover, experienced severe damage during the summer of 1997 flash flood.
* Beach Brook shows signs of extreme "flashiness" of storm runoff. Heavily eroding streambanks, scouring of the streambed, and base (non-storm) flows occupying only a small percentage of the streambed are all indications that runoff events are increasing in volume and causing new erosion.
* Some of the tributary streams contain abundant attached algae growth, indicating a source of nutrients.
* At his invitation, a visit to the David Young farm in the Beach Brook sub-watershed was conducted by members of the lake association, the US Natural Resources Conservation Service and VTDEC. Mr. Young is concerned about barnyard runoff from his farm, and it did appear that runoff could reach a tributary stream from the barnyard during rainstorms. Mr. Young has expressed interest in correcting this problem. No other farms in the watershed were visited as part of the survey.
Many issues were raised during the watershed phase of the survey, and perhaps additional ones need further consideration.
* The town and private road maintenance practices can have a significant effect on the extent of road erosion washing downhill into the lake. The Lake Parker Association has already been working with the Road Commissioner on some road erosion sites. The two major areas warranting further discussion are the need for adequate funds for good maintenance practices, and an evaluation of infrastructure adequacy to withstand flash flood events.
* The farms in the Lake Parker watershed participated in a federally-funded BMP implementation project in the mid-eighties in which the majority of the farms installed manure pits. Recent discussions with NRCS district staff has led to the conclusion that many of those manure pits may now be undersized for the farms they serve, and that additional runoff issues may exist. A coordinated evaluation of the current farms in the watershed might lead to the identification of additional farm runoff situations. In addition, sources of public funding could be sought to assist willing farmers to address any identified issues.
Other potential sources of sediment and nutrient runoff in the watershed include residential property development and maintenance, and occasional logging operations.
 |
Click here to view at large scale. 141KBytes |
Recommendations
The recommendations for further action to protect and improve Lake Parker are presented as "Short term" actions to be pursued during the summer of 1999, and "Long term" actions to be further defined in successive years. The Lake Parker Association is committed to maintaining regular and productive contact with the Glover Select Board, the Glover Road Commissioner, town residents and other town officials as the Lake Parker Watershed Project continues.
Short Term Actions
| Action | Responsible Group | Priority | Cost | Funding Source | Status |
| Write a short summary of survey results and mail to all lake and watershed residents. Include a questionnaire to ask about their interest in participating in protection projects | Lake Parker Association (LPA) |
High, spring 1999 |
$60 | LPA |  DONE! |
| Encourage re-vegetation of the lakeshore | Lake Parker Assoc. VTDEC | High, summer 1999 | $1500 | LPA, VTDEC Nonpoint Source funds | DONE |
| Talk to town officials about conducting a Town Road Inventory and Capital Budget planning project to improve chronic road erosion problems. Assist with grant writing. |
Select Board and Road Commissioner LPA |
High, May 1999 |
$2691.50 | VT Better Backroads Program, Small Grants Program, No. VT Resource Conservation and Development Council |
|
| Install stone headers on 3 culverts to complete 1998 Better Backroads grant | LPA | High, spring 1999 | already granted | VT Better Backroads Program, Small Grants Program | DONE! |
| Continue with roadside ditch seeding | LPA | High, spring 1999 | $100.00 | LPA | DONE! |
Long Term Actions
The Lake Parker Association will establish regular communication and involvement with organizations in the state addressing issues relevant to the health of Lake Parker. Probable organizations include the Orleans County Natural Resource Conservation District, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Vermont Department of Agriculture Food and Markets, the VT Water Resources Board, and the VT Agency of Natural Resources.
Shoreland
1) Encourage revegetation of the lakeshore wherever possible.
2) Encourage vegetative stabilization in lieu of retaining walls when the latter need replacing.
3) Assess adequacy of septic systems and encourage or enable replacements where warranted.
4) Encourage or require septic system evaluations to determine adequacy when camps are upgraded to year-round use.
5) Offer workshops to lakeshore residents on property management techniques that protect the lake.
6) Consider means of protecting the remaining undeveloped shore.
Watershed
Roads
7) Continue working with town road commissioner to address road erosion issues. In addition to correcting existing erosion problems, conduct a road inventory and capital budgeting process, including identifying chronic erosion and flash flood susceptible sites, that ranks sites for improvement over time.
8) Conduct private road and driveway maintenance workshops.
Residential development
9) Offer workshops to landowners on property management to protect the lake.
10) Implement a shoreland district to protect shoreland areas during development. (A shoreland district can be adopted in a town without other zoning regulations.) Or Communicate ideal development methods to new shoreland lot owners.
11) Consider ways to protect buffer strips along tributaries. Voluntary projects or town regulations are options.
12) Encourage the use of erosion control practices during construction.
13) Raise the issue of possible town regulations to protect surface water.
Agricultural lands
14) Assess the farms of willing farmers with the technical assistance of the Natural Resource Conservation Service, the Orleans County Conservation District or the VT Department of Agriculture Food and Markets for Acceptable Agricultural Practices and best management practice needs.
15) Establish dialogue with farmers about ways to cooperatively reduce farm runoff reaching streams or the lake. Explore funding and technical assistance options to implement new BMPs in the watershed.
Forestry
16. Encourage the use of Acceptable Management Practices on logging operations in the watershed.
Other
17. Continue lake monitoring under the VT Lay Monitoring Program.
Conduct annual exotic (non-native) species surveys, especially for Eurasian watermilfoil.
Initiate boater education projects, aimed at both resident and visiting lake users, to prevent the spread of exotic species.
Final Remarks
This project has been extremely educational, enlightening, and rewarding. It has provided us an opportunity to meet and talk with our neighbors. It has increased awareness of environmental issues. It has made us examine our own practices realizing that whatever we do on our own properties has an impact on the lake. It has encouraged us to develop communication with the Glover Board of Selectmen-at board meetings and casual meetings. It has made us work with Rick Welch, Glover Road Foreman, who has cooperated with us wholeheartedly every time we've asked.
Most of all, it has brought us to the realization that we must all work together-the Town of Glover, the farmers and watershed residents-realizing that we all have a vested interest and we all impact the lake by our own attitudes and practices. If we don't make the effort and take the time to "sell" this concept to everyone, we risk reaching our goals of improving and protecting Lake Parker for generations to come. Hopefully, the information gathered in this watershed survey will serve as a guide and impetus to correct the problems that contribute to the nutrient enrichment of Lake Parker.