BMPOA Members:

Following a spectacular foliage season, the first flakes are beginning to fly. I wanted to take a moment to share an update and some announcements to close out the 2023 season.

 

 

We completed our twice per summer water testing for E. Coli, conducted in July and September and we continue to have outstanding results. Approximately 20 sites are sampled around the lake and all are well below recreational thresholds. Thanks to Paul Powers, Patrick Duffy and Ed Chase for spearheading this effort. 

Results from the Adirondack Lake Assessment Program (ALAP), which looks at 10 various water quality measures including alkalinity and transparency, will post its results in the winter and will be shared when available.

 

Big Moose Lake continues to be free from invasive aquatic invasive species. We are so fortunate. Prevention remains the #1 priority. As such, Dunn’s Marina instituted, with the support of the BMPOA, a zero tolerance boat washing policy for guests launching boats in the lake. All boats will be washed, even if they have been tagged at a wash station elsewhere.

 

After Prevention, Early Detection is the most Critical Goal. Kurt Pardue conducted his annual invasives survey of the lake (thanks, Kurt!) and found no aquatic invasives present.

 

This year we introduced the Lake Protectors program. We’ve had 4 people sign up as Lake Protectors. This role adopts and monitors an area of the lake for invasive species. Protectors receive training on how to identify and report aquatic invasive species (online for convenience). Protectors then monitor the lake at least once between July and September. Most volunteers spend 1-2 hours to monitor. Please consider volunteering for this important program! Contact Paul Powers at pkpowers@gmail.com 

 

We again have been formally recognized by the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation for our efforts to support our loons, including managing fishing line recycling collection tubes, lake cleanup efforts and educational efforts including signage and pamphlets available for residents and renters. Thanks to Barry Levin for coordinating this certification! More information can be found at: https://www.adkloon.org/

 

 

 

We mentioned in the annual meeting that the BMPOA was the recipient of a generous donation to be used by the Board at its own discretion for improving the BMPOA facilities. After discussing various alternatives and where our facilities needed repair and / or improvements, we realized that there was a long and growing list of potential projects we could tackle. With over ten years since the BMPOA's last capital campaign, the Board felt that we should use this recent donation as a kickstart for a new capital campaign that would be focused both on maintenance items that have needed attention for a number of years combined with functional enhancements to our facilities that could help to foster and promote more community for our association. We are reviewing designs and costs, but out initial proposal for use of proceeds includes:

 

We are excited about moving forward with these improvements. As the designs are finalized, we will share more of them with you. We expect to kickoff fundraising for the campaign in the new year. Any feedback or suggestions you have is welcome.

 

We are in the 54th year of our recreation program! This fabulous program is supported through participation fees and fundraising efforts, and the goal is to be effectively self-funding. As our expenses continue to rise, we find we need to increase our rates to accomplish this. The new rates are as follows: $100 per child/week, $300 per child/summer and $600 maximum per family/summer. Should this create a financial hardship for any family, please reach out to me, confidentially.

 

Although there is no ice yet, please prepare to make others aware of boathouse bubblers by using a light, strobe or thin ice sign. These markers will help alert lake users of dangerous open water or thin ice.

Wishing you a wonderful Holiday Season,

 

President, BMPOA

860-651-4606