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(This article appeared in Seven Days and was Published May 17, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.)

Two Women Have Monitored the Health of Vermont’s Lakes Together for 12 Years 

Article by RACHEL HELLMAN

https://www.sevendaysvt.com/vermont/two-women-have-monitored-the-health-of-vermonts-lakes-together-for-12-years/Content?oid=38244897

On an overcast morning in early May, a lone Boston Whaler gently bobbed on the gray waters of Seymour Lake. The three-mile-long lake near the Canadian border is fringed by homes, family camps and public beaches. In summer, it is a beloved place — and lively. In spring, though, it is quiet.

On board, a bespectacled woman, decked from head to toe in a bright orange survival suit, stood and went to work. Using a syringe-like plunger, she carefully drew samples of lake water and deposited them into test tubes, like a phlebotomist drawing blood from a patient.

Across the boat, her windswept, rosy-cheeked colleague, also in a neoprene survival suit, quietly counted the yards of rope she was pulling up from the water. The women were focused, moving through well-practiced motions with ease and care. They jotted notes on clipboards, retrieved tools from waterproof bags, sifted through nets.

“We have the responsibility of protecting some of the best remaining waters in the nation.”KELLIE MERRELL

From afar, it might have looked as if the pair were simply fishing in garish matching outfits. But in reality, the two women — Leslie Matthews, 61, and Kellie Merrell, 52 — had stopped their boat at precisely the deepest part of the lake, at 181 feet, to take measurements that would provide a valuable snapshot of Seymour Lake’s health. The “outfits” would keep them buoyant and dry in case either one wound up in the water.

The duo has been working together for almost 12 years and is responsible for monitoring all of Vermont’s large lakes after each spring thaw. Although a battalion of citizen scientists volunteer for similar work throughout summer, Matthews and Merrell, both biologists, are the only paid scientists collecting and analyzing data across Vermont’s bodies of water larger than 10 acres, Lake Champlain excluded.

In the span of just four to six weeks each spring, Merrell and Matthews visit more than 70 lakes and take thousands of measurements. It’s important to do this work soon after the thaw, which acts as a sort of blender mixing up lake sediments, thus offering scientists a handy sampling of what’s in the water. With a seasonal clock ticking, the biologists have much work to do.

When lakes are inaccessible by car, Merrell portages their 40-pound canoe, sometimes for more than a mile. Matthews carries nearly 60 pounds of surveying tools. At times, they bushwhack, weaving through trees and brush.

Seymour Lake, easily reached, required no such heroics.

Over the years, the two have had to push their truck out of a ditch, endure surprise thunderstorms and contend with a failed boat motor in the middle of a lake. Merrell once accidentally left a wet suit on the beach after a day of snorkeling.

“But we’ve never left anything at the bottom of any lakes,” she cracked mischievously, causing Matthews to burst into laughter.

After nearly two decades working together, Merrell and Matthews are no mere coworkers. Merrell likes to call Matthews her “work wife,” a term of affection that has taken on meaning as Matthews readies for retirement next winter. They joke about writing a sitcom called “Lakes” about people with jobs like theirs. Hijinks might ensue.

Joshing aside, Matthews and Merrell are some of the leading scientists in their field, and their superiors at the state Agency of Natural Resources crow about their collective acumen. Matthews is responsible for having created a new way of visualizing data, and Merrell is a dogged advocate for legislation protecting Vermont’s lakes.

On this day, the women worked with precision, their hands a flurry of practiced motion as they collected samples. Matthews used a spring-loaded device called a Kemmerer to capture water from a certain depth. She squirted water from the Kemmerer into plastic vials, which would be sent to a lab in Waterbury to be tested for various factors, including phosphorus content, turbidity, alkalinity and dissolved organic carbon levels. 

From her side of the boat, Merrell dropped a Secchi disc, essentially a bull’s-eye with a measuring tape attached, and watched as the target sank and receded from view. She recorded the depth at which it became invisible. In unhealthy lakes, she explained, the target might disappear at one foot. In Seymour Lake, it was closer to 29 feet — a good sign.

The visible health of Seymour Lake may owe at least partial thanks to their monitoring efforts. A few years ago, the duo noticed increasing phosphorus levels, inspiring the local residents to take action, such as growing vegetation near the waterfront. The levels eventually subsided.

That kind of vigilance pays off. The state’s lakes are relatively clean — a recent survey ranked Vermont’s fifth in the country in terms of clarity. (“We beat New Hampshire, which is all that matters,” Matthews quipped.) The lake monitoring program they staff is one of the oldest in the country, dating back to 1977.

“We have the responsibility of protecting some of the best remaining waters in the nation,” Merrell said.

They see plenty of reasons for concern, including the proliferation of invasive plant species that can choke lakes to death; Merrill and Matthews aren’t monitoring that. Their data show rising rates of phosphorus, a common element in agricultural fertilizers and manure, over the years. Excess phosphorus feeds algae blooms, which turn lakes green and can be toxic. Lately, the pair has noted an increase in chloride levels as well, most likely the result of runoff from road salt. Recently, Merrell testified in front of Vermont legislators about S.146, a bill that aims to strengthen water quality standards, which did not pass this legislative session.

Working to protect bodies of water has been a career goal for Merrell for as long as she can remember. Her grandfather was a waterman on Chesapeake Bay, inspiring her to major in marine biology in college. Merrell’s eyes brightened as she described the joys of working on the water. “Follow your bliss,” she advised.

Matthews’ path to the lakes was less straightforward. She got a PhD in molecular genetics, then worked at a lab developing a vaccine for malaria and later researching AIDS and SARS. Despite success, Matthews said, she was “really miserable.”

She eventually landed a temporary gig with Merrell, working for Vermont’s Agency of Natural Resources. The two immediately hit it off, but Matthews wasn’t sure she was ready to switch course. A fortune cookie at a Chinese restaurant provided a push.

It read: “You could prosper in the field of medical research.”

She first thought Merrell had planted the fortune to push her to quit and go back to her old work, but then saw the message as a sign to stay. “Nobody understands that,” she said, “but I interpreted the message that way.”

The natural world isn’t the one the two biologists worry about. After finishing on Seymour Lake, Merrell pondered the root of the challenges facing their beloved Vermont lakes: “We’ve studied macroinvertebrates. We study fish. We study aquatic plants. We study diatoms. But humans—”

“Forget about it,” Matthews said, finishing for her. They laughed in unison as they placed their filled vials in containers and brought up the anchor.

The tone turned more urgent as the scientists guided the boat back to shore. Merrell said a sustained effort was essential to keep the state’s lakes healthy. “We have no time to lose,” she said.

Merrell slowed the boat as it approached the dock, and Matthews hopped out to tie it off.

The women had spent many similar spring days collecting samples over more than a decade. But Matthews’ retirement plans mean that the number of outings they have left together is dwindling.

The old friends peeled off their survival suits and pulled the boat back on land. There was time to check one more lake before the end of the day.

Wake Boat Public Hearing Held February 15, 2023

SLA members commented on Wednesday, February 15 on a proposed State rule on wake boats.

While most wake boats look similar to other power boats, depending on the size of the tank, an average 1,000-3,000 pounds of water ballast is taken into a wake boat to increase the wake. We currently have several wake boats on Seymour.

The SLA Board of Directors voted unanimously on January 23, 2023 to support this proposed rule.

Rule Synopsis:

This wake boat rule is a compromise. This rule is based on a review of legal precedent and Agency of Natural Resources authorities; requirements of the Use Of Public Waters Rules (specifically the requirement to resolve use conflicts in the least restrictive manner possible); what other states are doing; operational and safety constraints; and studies about wake boat wave height, wave energy, and impacts on shoreline erosion. It also happens to reflect a compromise between the wake boat regulations proposed in the original Petition and the input from many who commented on the rule with the perspective that education, not only regulation, is needed regarding use of wake boats on public waters in Vermont. It allows wake boat owners to continue to enjoy their boats, while imposing some restrictions to protect people, property, and the lake.

Those restrictions include:

1. Wake boats will only be able to operate when they’re 500’ from shore, to protect people and wildlife, and to prevent damage to the shoreline from their significantly enhanced wakes;

2. Wake boats will only be able to operate on lakes that have at least 50 contiguous acres that are also at least 20’ deep (and 500 feet from shore);

3. Wake boat owners will need to declare their “home lake,” and will get a sticker for that lake. This has been called “home lake rule” and as an example, a wake boat with a Seymour sticker would not be allowed by the greeters at another lake to enter that lake, and vice versa, unless the boat owner presents a certificate of decontamination from a DEC-approved service provider

The “home lake rule” portion of this proposed rule is because wake boats cannot fully empty their ballasts, and the concern is considerable about them transporting invasive species to other lakes. And while the wake boat industry’s testimony in the past has been that wake boats aren’t usually trailered to other lakes, last August alone, our greeters counted six wake boats that were trailered to Seymour.

To get get more information on this rule click here:

You do NOT have to be an expert to comment on this rule:

We can’t state clearly enough that you don’t have to be eloquent or a scientist to comment. Ultimately, the state will just assign check marks for each comment as “for” or “against.” So, for example, if you like the rule or like it but don’t think it goes far enough, you should preface your comments with “I support this rule …” or “I support this rule, but …” Likewise, if you think there should be no rules regarding wake boats, you should start with “I do not support this rule …”

Please attend by zoom or personally attend the Feb. 15 Public Hearing in Greensboro:

The public hearing will be held on February 15, 2023 at the Highland Center For The Arts in Greensboro at (5:30-7:30 pm). You can attend in person or by zoom. Here is link to sign up: https://dec.vermont.gov/event/public-meeting-provide-update-proposed-draft-wake-boat-rules

There will be a time in the future when written comments will be welcomed.

SLA was actively represented by Candy Moot (802-279-8449) and Beth Torpey (802-323-3235) for the last year in the deliberations of this rule. Feel free to call either of them if you have questions that haven’t been answered.

Potential Reclassification of Seymour Lake to A(1)

A (1) RECLASSIFICATION UPDATE – JULY 2022

As a result of input from several lake associations, including SLA, the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has agreed that the statutory restriction regarding new septic systems in A(1) watersheds (limited to 1,000 gpd capacity) is no longer appropriate. Originally conceived as helpful to limit development in high elevations, it has become a barrier for A (1) reclassification in part because new technology can clean septic discharge better than the technology which was in place when the statute was written. ANR worked to obtain a change to this restriction in the 2022 legislative session but was unsuccessful.

Four NEK lakes (Maidstone, Caspian, Echo and Shadow) have submitted A (1) petitions to the state. These lakes have all experienced increasing phosphorous levels in recent years, hence their sense of urgency in moving forward with petitions.

As the outlet of Seymour Lake flows into Echo Lake, the Echo Lake watershed includes Seymour Lake’s watershed. Therefore, should Echo Lake be reclassified, Seymour Lake and its watershed would be included. For this reason it is important that SLA follow the progress of Echo’s petition. We intend to participate in any hearings and solicitation of written comments. We will also notify our members via an e-mail when comments are invited or hearings posted.

All four petitions have been determined administratively complete and are posted for the public to view on the DEC website at the following link:

https://dec.vermont.gov/watershed/lakes-ponds/reclassification

The petitions completed the Agency’s legal and technical review and were determined to have legal and technical merit. The next step would be for ANR to solicit public input via hearings and written comments. Hearings were scheduled for July but were subsequently cancelled. A final decision has been made by ANR leadership to hold off on starting the public participation phase of their review until they have worked with the legislature during the 2023 session to amend 10 VSA 1259 (d), (which is the 1,000 gpd septic limitation). They have, however, committed they will move forward with public meetings during the summer of 2023 under the existing statue if they are unsuccessful in achieving a change to the septic restriction.

At this time the SLA Board of Directors continues in our position that we do not want to seek reclassification to A (1) or be reclassified via the Echo Lake petition until such time as the septic restriction is removed or modified.

There is a possibility that as a special exception to the usual process, Echo’s petition could go forward without the inclusion of the Seymour Lake part of their watershed. Echo has offered this as an alternative that would be acceptable to them and SLA advised we would support this action. We have been advised by the state that this was considered but was not approved.

A(1) RECLASSIFICATION UPDATE – MARCH 2022

• As a result of input from several lake associations, including Seymour Lake Association (SLA), the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has agreed that the statutory restriction regarding new septic systems in A(1) watersheds (limited to 1,000 gpd capacity) is no longer appropriate. Originally conceived as helpful to limit development in high elevations, it has become a barrier for A(1) reclassification in part because new technology can clean septic discharge better than the technology which was in place when the statute was written. There is an ongoing effort by ANR to work with the Legislature in the current session to recognize the problem and work to get a legislative change to amend the current statute. SLA has written a letter of support for this action.

• Four North East Kingdom lakes (Maidstone, Caspian, Echo and Shadow) have submitted A(1) petitions to the state. These lakes have all experienced increasing phosphorous levels in recent years, hence their sense of urgency in moving forward with petitions.

• All four petitions have been determined administratively complete and are posted for the public to view on the DEC website Click here to view

• As the outlet of Seymour Lake flows into Echo Lake, the Echo Lake watershed includes Seymour Lake’s watershed. Therefore, should Echo Lake be reclassified, Seymour Lake and its watershed would be included. For this reason it is important that SLA follow the progress of Echo’s petition. We intend to participate in any hearings and solicitation of written comments. We will also notify our members via an e-mail when comments are invited or hearings posted.

• At this time the SLA Board of Directors continues in our position that we do not want to seek reclassification to A(1) or be reclassified via the Echo Lake petition until such time as the septic restriction is removed or modified. To see letter SLA sent to the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources re this issue click here

• There is a possibility that as a special exception to the usual process, Echo’s petition could go forward without the inclusion of the Seymour Lake part of their watershed. Echo has offered this as an alternative that would be acceptable to them.

David Wieselmann, Director of SLA’s Invasive Patroller Program (VIPs)

Wheelchair to Kayak and Back
The David Wieselmann Story

Over the past year, The Seymour Lake Association has been involved in finding a solution for a paralyzed man, David Wieselmann, to move from his wheelchair to his kayak, unassisted by any help from his neighbors. This has been achieved by designing and building a structure with donated labor and funds from Seymour Lake residents. It is now completed and David has been using it for over 3 months. This is his story and you can see it all via links to the many photos, videos, circulated widely throughout newspapers, radio, and the internet.

Learn More Here

Vermont’s CBS affiliate, WCAX (Ch. 3) came to Seymour for the story, which aired on August 23, 2021. (click here to view)

An article appeared in the August 18th issue of the Barton Chronicle (click here to view)

NPR story by Manhattan-based radio journalist Jon Kalish on “All Things Considered” (click here to listen)

Article in the Seymour Lake May 2021 Newsletter (page 3) (click here to view)

All Morgan Town Roads Open to ATVs and UTVs

Subsequent to a March 2021 approval of the voters of Morgan (45 yes; 38 no), the Morgan Select Board voted to allow all Town roads to be open to ATVs and UTVs. For more information, (click here to view)