The meeting, held in a hybrid format, saw significant deliberation over the proposed lake management plans led by a conservation group. The focus was on developing comprehensive management strategies for Long Lake and Forge Pond, following the establishment of a plan for Spectacle Pond in 2025. The committee emphasized the need for such plans to accurately monitor and maintain the water quality and ecological health of these lakes. A representative from the conservation group noted the importance of these plans, stating, “It’s really good practice to have those lake management plans in place so that we can accurately monitor the health of the water body.”

A major point of contention was the request for funds to support the use of herbicides in controlling aquatic invasive species. The conservation group had engaged with the Department of Conservation and Recreation, which recommended herbicides over mechanical methods like eco-harvesting due to the latter’s limited effectiveness. However, the committee members expressed concerns about the environmental and health impacts of herbicide use. They questioned whether studies had been conducted to analyze these potential effects. The representative acknowledged the lack of specific studies on herbicide concentration but assured the committee that the chosen herbicides were approved by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources.

The conversation also touched on the practicalities of herbicide selection, which would be determined by licensed applicators based on the specific invasive species present. The state advocated for newer, safer herbicides.

Funding coordination with the neighboring town of Westford was another issue. The committee discussed a funding request of $20,000 for herbicide treatments on Forge Pond, contingent on Westford’s financial commitment to the western side of the lake. Concerns arose over the implications if Westford did not approve their funding, potentially jeopardizing Littleton’s plans. A representative stressed the importance of an integrated approach and timely execution, recounting past delays due to funding issues and additional conservation hearings required by Westford.

The committee debated the allocation of funds from the open space and undesignated reserve buckets. A proposal was made to allocate $70,000 from the undesignated reserve for management plans and $80,000 from the open space bucket for herbicides. This proposal received support, with a motion to classify the Long Lake management plan under the open space category gaining unanimous approval.

Further discussions explored the possibility of adjusting funding request language to include “plant mitigation treatments” rather than strictly “herbicide treatments.” This change aimed to provide flexibility, allowing for the inclusion of mechanical methods if necessary.

The meeting also addressed historical funding issues, particularly regarding Forge Pond. There was confusion over Westford’s contributions and a disagreement on whether Littleton should bear the entire cost of the management plan. A representative emphasized the necessity of Westford’s involvement, stating, “I personally do not think that Littleton should pay for the whole thing,” and highlighted the importance of collaboration given Forge Pond’s shared nature.

The committee decided to request $55,000 for herbicides for the Littleton side of Forge Pond, recognizing the need for systemic and contact herbicides due to invasive species challenges. They also discussed the historical decline in funding for pond management.

The meeting concluded with a broader discussion on budgeting and project applications, including a proposed collaboration with Clean Lakes to address mutual needs. The committee acknowledged the urgency of finalizing details before the March 18th meeting. They also discussed unspent funds allocated to other projects, such as elderly heating and roof replacements, seeking consensus on their reallocation.