Primary attention was given to the substantial drainage and erosion issues in the Watson Straits and Lock Pond Road areas. The committee highlighted the lack of maintenance since 2008 on the road owned by the Lake Wyola Association, leading to significant water runoff problems. A participant noted that the lack of proper water management has caused severe consequences, including a failed septic system due to excess water runoff. The intermittent stream identified by the Conservation Commission was cited as a major contributor to sedimentation issues impacting Lake Wyola.

A discussion ensued about the condition of a culvert located south of Watson Straits. One individual observed that the culvert was active. Historical context was provided regarding a former resident named Paul and how the water flow impacted current residents. The need for collaboration between public and private entities to address water management issues effectively was emphasized, with a proposal to identify major projects for recommendation to the select board.

The committee deliberated on potential solutions, including the necessity of an engineering study. Opinions varied, with some members skeptical about the need for additional studies, instead suggesting leveraging existing expertise within the committee to implement effective interventions. Techniques such as retention basins and water bars were considered as possible methods to manage water flow and reduce sedimentation.

The conversation also covered the condition of Lock Pond Road, where shallow trenches on the uphill side were identified as exacerbating water management problems. Participants suggested redirecting water into the stream rather than allowing it to flow directly into the lake. The condition of culverts carrying water from the uphill side down into the association was another point of concern, as they contributed to water accumulation at the top of the hill.

The committee also discussed the potential for creating a retention pond or water garden, though the feasibility and necessity of engineering oversight were noted. There were discussions about whether the Conservation Commission would allow such measures, with speculation that special approvals might be possible for unique cases. The idea of a multi-BMP (Best Management Practices) treatment was mentioned, contingent on consent from private landowners.

In addition to these discussions, the committee explored the pursuit of funding through the MVP Grant. Becky had reached out to representatives about their interest in collaborating, describing the task as a “big ask.” Despite making two attempts, she had not received a response. The availability of resources on the MVP website, including webinars and toolkits, was highlighted as useful for understanding previous projects and their funding status. The next application deadline for MVP grants was noted as mid-March 2025, prompting encouragement for the task force to explore available resources.

Concerns were raised about jumping into the MVP Grant process without identifying specific projects first. It was suggested that the task force should clarify potential projects before pursuing grant funding. Participants noted recent receipt of an MVP Grant for $225,000 to fund solar panels for a new library and an electric pickup truck, raising questions about future grant availability and implications for future projects.

Mark emphasized that the task force could not act independently of the select board, as any recommendations needed their approval. He suggested that the task force should first identify potential projects before pursuing grant funding, noting that information about MVP grants was already available on the town’s website.

The discussion transitioned to examining findings from Furog, categorizing recommendations into structural, non-structural, and educational projects. There was an acknowledgment that the current findings were still in draft form, affecting the reliability of the recommendations. Participants proposed focusing on specific sites for their next steps, particularly addressing the condition of Wendell Road and the potential for improvements to manage water runoff.

The committee underscored the importance of addressing sedimentation issues caused by materials used by the Lake Wyola Association, such as sand and gravel, which have been washing directly into the lake. It was noted that individual homeowners’ choices regarding their driveways and swales were not conducive to water management, contributing to erosion and sediment flow into the lake.

A suggestion was made to conduct a field walk of the affected properties to provide clarity on the issues discussed. Seeing the problems firsthand was deemed essential for enhancing understanding. The committee considered the necessity of obtaining permission from homeowners for any proposed interventions, emphasizing the need for professional guidance to ensure that properties remain undamaged.

The idea of documenting the discussion to codify the identified systems and potential projects was proposed, involving detailing systems from Wendell Road down to Lake Wyola. A field trip was tentatively scheduled for September 12th at 4:30 p.m., with logistical considerations for parking and meeting locations discussed. The Lake Wyola Association parking lot was proposed as a suitable starting point.