06/12/2026
Minutes from the June 10,2026 Tri-Lakes Watershed Association
Tri-Lakes Watershed Association
Meeting Minutes
June 10, 2026 – 6:00PM
The meeting was called to order at 6:03 PM.
Board Update: The board met just prior to this meeting.
Committee Structure
The last 15 minutes of each monthly meeting will be dedicated to committee work. Beginning next month, on July 8, committees will meet to select a point person (or two) and work on a mission and goals. All members are invited to join a committee to have input on association decisions.
Barley Straw Treatment
* Missy Roser and Dan Baecher requested permission to try the Barley Straw Treatment from the Conservation Commission on June 8, in order to head off another algae bloom in Lake Holland. This is most effective in spring before the heat hits.
* After Dan’s presentation including scientific evidence of effectiveness, the Conservation Commission decreed that if the Town Lakes Committee and the Tri-Lakes Board signed letters of support, then the Conservation Commission would reconsider granting permission on Monday, June 22, at the next Conservation Commission Meeting.
* On Tuesday, June 9, the Town Lakes Committee signed a letter of support, and on June 10, the Tri-Lakes Association Board also signed a letter of support.
* The Tri-Lakes Association could allocate up to $1000 for the hay. There were no objections to spending association funds for this treatment. If the other two lakes need such a treatment, Tri-Lakes would support that effort as well.
* All Tri-Lakes Association members are encouraged to attend the June 22 Conservation Meeting at 7:00 PM in support of this chemical-free treatment.
Treasurer’s Report (Sue S.)
* On May 21, 2026, $10,000 was deposited to a CD with 3.5% APR for 13 months
* Currently, there is an additional $6,879.18 in the treasury before the dues collected at the meeting.
* Out of 133 members, so far 28 households have paid their dues for the coming year. The goal is to have all members pay their annual dues by June 30.
* Annual Dues for 2026 – 2027 will remain at $50/household, Venmo or check. A newly formed committee will determine changes in dues for the following year.
* Venmo: -Lakes-WatershedAssociation
* Mail Check: Tri-Lakes Watershed Association, PO Box 1434, Belchertown, MA 01007
Belchertown Lakes Committee Update: John Soja was present to give the update.
* Lake Holland appears to be at risk for another algae bloom although two separate tests have given differing results. A third water sample was collected today. The results will be sent out as soon as they arrive, within a few days.
* Another treatment option for an algae bloom, in a public health emergency, is a Copper Sulfate treatment.
* A question was raised as to whether the Barley Straw Treatment could be inserted into that request as was done in a neighboring town. Likely not, John Soja said.
* A question was raised as to the safety of such a treatment. The Board of Health and Conservation Commission both would have to assess safety.
* It is only in the past five years that algae blooms have become an issue. The causes are not well understood.
* The new Conservation Administrator Julie Meyer will attend the Lakes Committee Meeting, and will attend the Tri-Lakes Association Meeting on July 8.
* There are many topics that the Lakes Committee and Tri-Lakes are working on together such as the Channel Drive culvert and grants for funding to protect the lakes. It is encouraging to see good participation in the Tri-Lakes meetings. (15 present)
* John will send the list of homes that are connected to water and sewer.
* Dan mentioned that he and Missy would try to get a grant for a comprehensive assessment of the lakes like the one done in 2020.
* Results of testing are posted on the page, Friends of the Tri-Lakes.
* The Water and Wetland company is responsive and members can give them a call if they have questions.
* Rose asked for a copy of the posted warning after the Water and Wetland treatment. John said he’d have that sent over.
* There will be a vacancy on the Lakes Committee as of June 30, which will be posted in the Sentinel.
* Next Lakes Committee Meeting: Tuesday, July 7, 5:30 PM, Belchertown Recreation Center
Committee Activities
* Missy volunteered to start a google group for all Tri-Lakes.
* Cathy and Don talked about recruiting new neighbors on Metacomet.
* The communication and education committee will revise and update the tri-fold flyer for folks to use when they go around to recruit new members.
* The Pride Event on the Common is on June 20; Sandy could find out about getting a table.
Funders: A list of previous generous sponsors can be followed up by the fundraising committee.
There is room on all committees for more members. If you would like to have a voice, please consider joining one of the following:
* Fundraising and Events Committee
* Dan Baecher
* Sandy Ortega
* Don Bozek
* Technology, Communication, and Education Committee:
* Sherrie Loftus
* Missy Roser
* Karen Sumaryono
* Association Recruitment and Membership Dues:
* Jordan Benoit
* Rose Evans
* Reenie Desabrais
* Art Bessette
* Terri Cain
* Local and State Government Engagement:
* Rose Evans
* Deb Abram
Next Tri-Lakes Meetings: Wednesday, July 8, Belchertown Recreation Center
* Board Meeting: 5:00 PM
* General Membership: 6:00 PM
The meeting was adjourned at 7:02 PM.
