NEWSLETTER
SDRA BOARD Meeting
July 29 2024 via Google Meet
6:30pm
Open to all members, please let Deb know @debsilva7771@gmail.com
AGENDA
Call to Order
REPORTS OF THE OFFICERS
President
Vice-president
Secretary (see minutes of June meeting, attached)
Treasurer
OLD BUSINESS
Water Quality:
- Watershed Watch Update
- Rain Garden
- Grant Application Status
- Membership: Status, followup & responsibilities
Updates:
- Annual meeting debriefing
- Crystal Lake Fundraiser
NEW BUSINESS
- Review Comprehensive Chart to clarify roles & responsibilities
- Review Policies
- Schedule of upcoming Board meetings
Board or Member Concerns
Adjournment
SDRA NEWSLETTER – July, 2024
● REMINDER: SAND DAM DAY – Saturday, July 20, 9AM – Noon
Join neighbors & friends to celebrate our lake and friendship!
Our hosts this year: Tony & Maryann Hawkes
48 Angell Rd.
Please bring a dish to share.
● DUES ARE DUE: $125 – If you have not already paid, bring your checkbook or cash to Sand
Dam Day; or mail your check to SDRA, PO Box 284, Chepachet, 02814
GOOD NEWS, ALERTS & NEEDS
● After all expenses paid, our Crystal Lake Fundraiser yielded a profit slightly in excess of $13,000!
Thanks to all volunteers, individuals & businesses who contributed to the SIlent Auction, and to the 6
Down Band & Kevin Kitson of Chepachet Wine & Spirits!
● Early season lake surveys did not reveal the presence of milfoil! However, it may be lurking.
○ This means that ALL should have ”Eyes on the Lake” & do 2 things if you spot milfoil: 1)
mark the location; 2) contact Deb Silva (debsilva7771@gmail.com or 290-73810).
○ EARLY DETECTION IS CRITICAL & enables our suction harvesting volunteers to tackle the
area before it spreads.
○ See the attachment that follows for photos to help ID invasive species & be aware of the
potential for HYDRILLA, a very deadly weed now found in 3 RI Lakes & the CT River!
● Water Quality Monitoring:
○ The excessively high nitrogen readings are continuing at the southern end of the lake and
nitrogen, like phosphorus, is a great nurturer of invasive species, such as milfoil!
○ After research & exploring strategies to tackle this problem, a Rain Garden has been chosen &
will be installed on the property where the single road drain feeds into a pipe that leads directly
into the lake. This will help filter road runoff, as well as existing groundwater.
○ An architect has been employed to design the rain garden; equipment to dig the site & time to
plant native species will all be done by volunteers. The cost will not exceed $2000. If proven
effective, a 2nd site will be considered for the future.
● LAKE SMART PROGRAM:
○ This important SDRA program (modeled after the Maine program) helps landowners see how
their property performs in relation to “Best Practices”.
○ It requires only 1 hour of your time, & interaction with the review team has proven helpful.
○ To learn more or schedule a visit, contact Janice Baker of Judy Colaluca. A copy of the survey
is enclosed at the end of this newsletter. Janice: neverneverlandjb@gmail.com 578-2308; Judy:
colalucajudy@gmail.com 486-8414.
● TRASH PROGRAM: Volunteers are needed for these blocks of time: (see Judy’s contact info above)
Aug. 1-15; Aug. 16-31; Oct. 1-15; Nov. 1-15; Dec. 1-15; Dec. 16-31:
Jan. 1-15; Jan. 16-31; April 16-30; May 1-15; June 1-15;
EYES ON THE LAKE: This is everyone’s job! Be on the lookout for these invasive species and report
any findings to Deb Silva Early awareness is important!
● Contact Deb Silva (debsilva7771@gmail.com 401-290-73810)
● If you observe any of these invasives, also try to mark the spot.
○ Hydrilla The newest, severe threat, to freshwater bodies, has been labeled
“The World’s Most Dangerous Weed”.
It has been found in the CT River & in RI: Indian lake, Lake Mishnock & Worden Pond.
○ Milfoil All must be on the lookout for this invasive plant which has been found frequently
in our lake!
○ Bladderwort Some sightings of bladderwort in our lake are being reported.
○ Water chestnut
○ Phragmites
○ Cattails
(not invasive, but need to be thinned out)
Link to DEM fact sheet containing photos & descriptive information for invasive plants found in RI Lakes:
https://dem.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur861/files/programs/benviron/water/quality/surfwq/pdfs/invasive-sp
ecies-found-in-ri-lakes.pdf
SDRA LAKESMART Program: Master Copy of Survey
Date:
Lake Association Name: Sand Dam Reservoir Association
Waterbody Name: Sand Dam Reservoir, aka Smith & Sayles Reservoir
Coordinator Name(s): Janice Baker & Judy Colaluca
Evaluator Name(s): Janice Baker & Judy Colaluce
Property Owner(s) Name(s): Year Home Built:
Site Street Address: # of Years Owned:
Best Phone #: Year Round or Seasonal:
Best Email Address:
SCORING
SECTION NAME SCORING STANDARD SCORE QUALIFY (y/n)
1 Driveway & Parking Areas 9/13 Possible Points
2 Structures & Septic System 16/22 Possible Points
3 Yard, Recreation & Footpaths 25/34 Possible Points
4 Buffer & Water Areas 36/46 Possible Points
SECTION 1: DRIVEWAY AND PARKING AREAS
LAKESMART STANDARD SCORING SYSTEM POINTS
a. Are the driveway & parking areas defined? 0 = undefined
1 = somewhat defined
2 = well defined
b. Are the driveway & parking areas appropriate in
size to the needs of the homeowner?
0 = excessive in size
1 = larger than use requires
2 = appropriate in size
c. Are the surfaces of shoulders & ditches stable or do
they show signs of erosion?
0 = >10% eroding
1 = between 5% and 10% eroding
2 = between 1% and 4% eroding
3 = no erosion
d. Does stormwater sheet across the driving surfaces
or is it channeling? (In this case, sheet erosion is not
penalized. A swale to divert runoff is OK.)
0 = ruts of 1.5 inches or more are evident
1 = rills are 1⁄2 to 1 inch deep
2 = rills are less than 1⁄2 inch
3 = no erosion
e. What happens to stormwater runoff? Is it directed
to an effective vegetated buffer or other BMP?
0 = None (Including negative slope runoff from
driveway or lawn onto road, unless diversion
onto road protects the lake)
1 = some
2 = most
3 = all
TOTAL POINTS AVAILABLE = 13 9 TO QUALIFY
Comments or observations to be noted: (reference the standard by its letter if applicable)
SECTION 2: STRUCTURES AND SEPTIC SYSTEM
LAKESMART STANDARD SCORING SYSTEM POINTS
a. Is the roof runoff soaking into the ground? If not, is
it directed to an infiltration trench, rain garden, rain
barrel, vegetated area or other BMP?
0 = none
1 = some
2 = most
3 = all
b. If there are outside pets, does the owner clean up
after them or do you see animal waste or manure on
the grounds?
0 = much waste piles or manure
1 = waste or manure near lake
2 = minimal waste or manure
3 = no waste or manure
c. Is the leach field solid underfoot and without odor? 0 = significant evidence of malfunction (odor
seeps, or soft wet ground would disqualify a
property)
1 = system installed pre 1974 and owner doesn’t
know where leach field is located
2 = post 1974 & suspicion of malfunction (Is
there a difference in plant color immediately
downstream from leach field?)
3 = no evidence of malfunction
d, Is the leach field free of woody vegetation? (If large
trees crowd leach field, ask homeowner to have service
provider check perforated pipes to see if damage has
occurred.)
0 = much vegetation
1 = some vegetation
2 = threatened by encroaching vegetation
3 = free of woody vegetation
e. Is vegetation downhill from the leach field
noticeably greener & more vigorous than other areas?
0 = yes
1 = no
f. Does the homeowner have & follow a septic pumping
schedule which is based on current usage of the
property (i.e. # of occupants & duration of occupancy)?
Seasonal with less pumping must have excellent
conditions in septic area.
0 = no pumping schedule
1= seasonal/septic area in excellent condition
2 = homeowner follows recommended pumping
schedule based on current usage
g. Has the septic system been pumped within the past 6
years? Or is there a clear indication pumping was not
needed? (no award can be given if property is year-round
or primary & not pumped within last 6 years, unless
clearly shown it was not needed & systematic checks must
be in place)
0 = no
1 = yes
h. If there is an outside heating oil tank, is it in good
condition & protected from falling snow & ice?
0 = exterior heating oil tank is leaking, rusty, not
protected from falling snow/ice
1 = valve of exterior oil tank not covered
2 = valve of exterior oil tank has valve cover
3 = exterior tank is completely covered or no
exterior tank
I. Are gas cans & chemical containers stored under
cover where they don’t pose a threat to water?
0 = chemical container is leaking, rusty
1 = chemical containers present but uncovered
2 = chemical containers present & covered,
protected from falling snow/ice
3 = no chemical containers present
TOTAL POINTS AVAILABLE = 21 15 TO QUALIFY 2
Comments or observations to be noted: (reference the standard by its letter if applicable).
SECTION 3: YARD, RECREATION AREA AND FOOTPATHS
LAKESMART STANDARD SCORING SYSTEM POINTS
a. Do you see signs of erosion in yard or recreation
areas and on paths?
0 = significant signs of erosion (rills & gullies)
1 = lots of sheet and rill erosion
2 = minor sheet erosion
3 = no erosion
b. Does the flow of stormwater go to a BMP such as a
vegetated area, infiltration trench or rain garden?
0 = none
1 = some
2 = most
3 = all
c. Does the homeowner use herbicides or pesticides? 0 = yes
1 = once annually & for a limited area
2 = no
d. What is the extent of homeowner’s use of fertilizers?
(If fertilizer is phosphorus-free, do not penalize. Organic
fertilizers are not necessarily phosphorus free.)
0 = areas fertilized yearly
1 = areas fertilized less than once a year
2 = areas fertilized based on soil test
3 = fertilizer is never used
e. Is the lawn area appropriate to the owner’s needs, or
is much of it cosmetic for appearance?
0 = excessive
1= moderate
2 = minimized
3 = no lawn
f. When mowing, does the owner set the mower bar
high or low?
0 = mower set on low or medium
1 = mower set on high, at 3 inches or more
g. Does the owner leave clippings when mowing the
lawn?
0 = clippings are raked up
1 = some clippings are left to form mulch
3 = all clippings are left to form mulch
h. Excluding lawn, paths and recreation areas, does the
homeowner allow pine needles and leaves (duff) to
accumulate?
0 = no duff
1 = some duff and/or mulch
2 = most areas have duff/mulch
3 = all areas with duff /mulch
i. Is the land surface uneven and conducive to soaking
up stormwater in low places?
0 = surface is smooth
1 = some low places that capture water
2 = many low places that capture water
3 = rough and uneven
j. Has the homeowner covered bare soil with mulch and
spread mulch between garden plants in cultivated
areas?
0 = lots of bare soil
1 = some bare soil
2 = no bare soil
k. Is flowing water buffered by vegetation? (This
applies to water courses [aka streams] whether
year-round or not and whether from a natural source or
uphill culvert flow.)
0 = no buffer
1 = some buffer
2= 10 foot buffer
l. Are play and socializing areas and boat storage
spaces well-defined and limited?
0 = none
1 = some
2 = most
3 = all
m. Paths are limited, defined, curved, and do not
convey runoff into the lake. Paths may be 4’ wide. If
property lacks paths, it gets full points if there is no
visible footwear or need for a path.
0= none
1 = some
2 = most
3 = all
TOTAL POINTS AVAILABLE = 32 24 TO QUALIFY
Comments or observations to be noted: (reference the standard by its letter if applicable).
SECTION 4: BUFFER AND WATER ACCESS
LAKESMART STANDARD SCORING SYSTEM POINTS
a. Is there a well-distributed stand of mixed vegetation
along the shoreline?
0 = none
1 = some
2 = most
3 = all
b. How many effective layers of vegetation make up the
buffer? (A minimum of 3 tiers is required for Award. The
MLS Buffer and Water Access Worksheet can be a guide in
determining point allocation.)
0 = no tiers effective
1 = 1 tier effective
2 = 2 tiers effective
3 = 3 tiers effective
4 = 4 tiers effective
5 = 5 tiers effective
c. How wide is the buffer, averaged across the shore
frontage? (10 feet, measured horizontally from the high
water line is required for Award)
0 = less than 10 feet in width
1 = 10 to 20 feet
2 = 21 to 30 feet
3= 31 to 40 feet
4= 41 to 50 feet
5 = over 50 feet in width
d. Is the duff layer maintained in the buffer? (Ideal is a
thick, deep layer of duff here.)
0 = none
1 = some duff and/or mulch
2 = most areas with duff and/or mulch
3 = all areas with duff
e. Is the buffer vegetation composed of native or native
friendly species?
0 = mostly invasive plants
1= mostly native friendly
2 = both native friendly and native
3 = all native plants
f. Has channeled or concentrated runoff into the buffer
been corrected?
0 = all flow channeled or concentrated 1 =
significant channeled or concentrated runoff
2 = minor channeled or concentrated runoff
3 = no channeled or concentrated runoff
g. Are there areas of bare soil in the buffer? This
includes paths, boat storage and recreation areas.
0 = large bare areas
1= some bare areas
2= none
h. Is stormwater directed to adequate BMPs and/or
dense vegetation?
0 = none
1 = some
2 = most
3 = all
i. Is the shoreline stable? (Look back from the end of the
dock; do you see bank undercutting, bank slump, or leaning
trees along the shore?)
0 = mostly unstable
1= moderately unstable
2 = mostly stable
3 = totally stable
j. Is the shoreline natural or has rip rap been added? If
the latter, are the stones exposed or are they covered
by vegetation? (A large area of exposed rip rap will absorb
heat from the sun and heat the near-shore nursery area of
aquatic organisms.)
0 = unnatural shore, exposed riprap, no
vegetation
1 = riprap is about 1/3 vegetated
2 = riprap is between 1/3 and 2/3 vegetated
3 = shoreline is completely natural, or riprap
and/or wall vegetated and appear natural
k. Is the place where the path joins the dock stable or
does it allow soil and other pollutants to enter the
water?
0 = effectiveness of buffer is compromised
1 = some buffer still functioning
2 = most buffer still functioning
3 = buffer isn’t compromised
l. Is access to the beach stable and designed to prevent
runoff?
0 = not stable
1 = some is stable
2 = most is stable
3 = all stable, no runoff.
m. Is access to water stable and designed to prevent
runoff?
0 = not stable
1 = some is stable
2 = most is stable
3 = all stable, no runoff
n. Do you remove any aquatic plants from the lake near
your shorefront? (Give a brief description of “good”
species, not invasives, the latter of which we want them to
hand harvest.)
0 = frequently
1 = occasionally
2 = infrequently
3 = never
o. Do you remove any woody structure, rocks, leaves or
other natural materials from the lake near your
shorefront that do not pose a hazard to safety or
navigation?
0 = frequently
1 = occasionally
2 = never
TOTAL POINTS AVAILABLE = 46 36 TO QUALIFY
Comments or observations to be noted: (reference the standard by its letter if applicable).
Final Questions for Homeowner:
● May we post your name on our website for participating in LakeSmart? ( ) Yes ( ) No
● May we use photos taken here for teaching or promotion (no address will be given)? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Evaluator Data:
● Time spent on Survey and speaking with homeowner:
● Time spent traveling to and from site:
● Time spent preparing report:
● TOTAL TIME SPENT COMPLETING THIS LAKESMART VISIT:
● COMMENTS from Evaluating Team:
PHOTOS:
Celebrate Sand Dam Day!
Saturday July 20, 2024
9:00 – 12:00
Hosted by the Hawkes Family
48 Angel Road
Breakfast will be provided but please feel free to bring a dish to share or a dessert
SDRA ANNUAL MEETING JUNE 19, 6:30 PM
Attached please find the agenda for Wednesday’s annual meeting as well as the minutes from last year’s meeting. Dues will remain at $125; please come prepared to pay your dues at the meeting. If you are unable to attend, please send your dues to SDRA, P.O. Box 284, Chepachet RI 02814.
Details:
The ANNUAL MEETING of the Sand Dam Reservoir Association is Wednesday, June 19th at the TOWN HALL, 145 Putnam Pike, Chepachet. (Please note that food and drinks are not allowed.)
6:30 PM: Sign in & informal chat with fellow lake residents
7:00 PM: Meeting
ALL are urged to attend, to learn about what is occurring in your lake association, its finances & accomplishments, lake management, issues & needs, and to share your ideas. Please plan to attend. —
SDRA SecretaryKatie Critelli
website: sanddamreservoir.com
ANNUAL MEETING: AGENDA – JUNE 19, 2024
GlocesterTown Hall, 1145 Putnam Pike, Chepachet, RI
6:30 PM: SIGN IN & INFORMAL CHAT; 7:00 PM: WELCOME & CONFIRM QUORUM
INTRODUCE BOARD
REPORTS OF THE OFFICERS
● President
● Vice-president
● Secretary
● Treasurer
REPORTS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES
● Budget
● By-laws
● Nominating CommitteeCOMMITTEE REPORTS: EDUCATION Lake Smart Program
● Boat Greeter Program
● Website
COMMITTEE REPORTS: LAKE MANAGEMENT
● Lake Management Plan
● Water Quality Monitoring
● Drawdown 2023-24
● Suction Harvesting
● Trash Program
COMMITTEE REPORTS: COMMUNITY OUTREACH
SUPPORT FUNCTIONS:
PROPOSED PRIORITIES FOR 2024-25
MEMBER CONCERNS OR IDEAS
VOLUNTEERING
NEW BUSINESS
● Light Pollution
● Nominations Committee Recommendations & Vote
● Sand Dam Day
● Other
ADJOURNMENT
SDRA ANNUAL MEETING 2024
NOTICE: The ANNUAL MEETING of the Sand Dam Reservoir Association is Wednesday, June 19th at the TOWN HALL, 145 Putnam Pike, Chepachet.
6:30 PM: Sign in & informal chat with fellow lake residents
7:00 PM: Meeting
ALL are urged to attend, to learn about what is occurring in your lake association, its finances & accomplishments, lake management, issues & needs, and to share your ideas. Please plan to attend. —
SDRA SecretaryKatie Critelli
website: sanddamreservoir.com
May 20,2024. 6:00 PM
SAVE THE LAKES ANNUAL MEETING 2024
May 20, 2024 – 6:00 PM
Cranston Central Library, 140 Sockanosset Cross Rd. Cranston, RI 02920
Saving Our Lakes: Successes, Challenges and Opportunities
AGENDA
WELCOME & INTRODUCTIONS: Judy Colaluca (15 mins.)
- Board of Directors Introduction
- Lake Voices: Introductions and One Issue
SUCCESSES, CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES: Bruce Payton (15 mins.)
- Successes
- Creation of a Lakes Program/Person
- Senate and House Legislative Process
- Grants Process in motion
- STL support for creation of new Lake Associations
- Challenges
- Hydrilla and other Aquatic Invasive Species
- Stormwater Runoff and Climate Change
- Associations Coordination
- Opportunities
- More lake planning ongoing
- STL Bridges the gap between RIDEM and Lake Associations
- Educating the Public
- Attending the Annual Land & Water Summit
- Serve on Board and Committees
DEM PERSPECTIVE AND UPDATES (10 mins.)
HYDRILLA, THE DEADLIEST WEED (10 mins.)
- Katie DeGoosh, Principal Environmental Scientist
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT: A NEW APPROACH FOR LAKES (10 mins.)
- Tom Pendergast, VP Upper Dam Pond Conservation Association
STEWARDSHIP AND NEXT STEPS: (5 min.)
- Judy Colaluca
2023_09_12. IMPORTANT INFO!
2023_07_29 SAND DAM DAY
ANNOUNCEMENTS
APRIL 15, 2021
MATCHING FUNDS DRIVE to attack milfoil
$3,675 – raised to date toward the $6000 target that represents the anonymous donor funds
Campaign runs until the end of April
Please donate – any amount is appreciated!
Many thanks to all who have made donations to this or other fundraising drives this year.
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EARTH DAY – Saturday, April 24 – VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Our participation will be part of a town wide effort to clean up trash!
9 AM – 1 PM – Arrive at 9 to receive assignments!
Our group will work the areas around the lake.
PAVILION at KENT FIELD, MAIN STREET, CHEPACHET
● Bags & gloves will be provided.
● All Covid-19 regulations will be followed.
The first 50 people will receive a FREE Glocester Earth Day T-Shirt!!
Contact Judy if you have any questions: colalucajudy@gmail.com or 486-8414
**************************************************************************************************************
SDRA ANNUAL MEETING – Save the date!
Wednesday, June 16, 6 PM
Pavilion at Kent Field, Main Street in Town – Outdoors
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Exciting news!!!
Members and Friends of Sand Dam Reservoir Association
Now to the end of April 2021, an anonymous, caring person has offered to match all donations for our lake – up to a total of $6,000. Just think, your gift will be matched dollar for dollar!!
(Because SDRA is a 501c3, your donation can be used as a deduction on your income taxes.)
Your one-time donation will help us to achieve our goal and treat our lake with the top of the line herbicide available – ProcellaCOR – which is non-toxic to humans and animals.
Please make checks payable to Sand Dam Reservoir Association & send to:
Marissa Danville, Treasurer SDRA PO Box 284, Chepachet, RI 02814
WE ARE ALL GRATEFUL TO THIS GENEROUS PERSON FOR PROVIDING THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY.
EVERY SDRA MEMBER SHOULD MAKE A DONATION, & HOPEFULLY FRIENDS OF THE LAKE WILL DO SO AS WELL, TO WHATEVER EXTENT EACH OF US CAN. EVERYONE IS ABLE TO AFFORD SOMETHING. EACH SHOULD DECIDE HOW TO STRETCH & MAKE THE BEST CONTRIBUTION THAT YOU CAN.
100% PARTICIPATION IS OUR GOAL!
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1-20-21
How to attend the Town of Glocester Town Meeting go to :http://www.glocesterri.org/ Click on: Upcoming Meeting Thursday, January 21,2020 @ 7:30 Agenda & Zoom Info- there you will find the meeting ID & password to get into the meeting.
Please try to attend!
Thank you!
1-12-21
Dear SDRA Members & Families,
SDRA will be making a brief presentation to the Town Council Thursday evening that will provide a little background about us but its focus will be MILFOIL. We will be trying to improve public awareness about this invasive species, and seek their support, including financial assistance.
The meeting is at 7:30 PM on Thursday (not Wednesday) and anyone can attend via zoom. Unfortunately, we do not know just when our agenda item will occur within that meeting.
Zoom information and Agenda information will be posted late Tuesday (not Monday) afternoon and can be found at https://www.glocesterri.org/
It might be helpful to have many “attending” as a show of interest and support from our members.
Many thanks to Judy for working steadfastly to make this happen.
11/20/20
Dear SDRA Member,
As you know, we were unable to have our primary fundraiser at Bella’s last Spring – a function where we
typically earn about $4000 after expenses are paid. Such a large profit is only possible because of:
● the generous donation of wines by Kevin Kitson;
● services donated by the fantastic Black Tie Band;
● donations provided by various businesses in support of our silent auction;
● participation in the silent auction, as well as the raffle, and
● the purchase of tickets ($45 in recent years) by each of you.
OUR CURRENT STATUS: In spite of the superb efforts in 2020 of our suction harvesting teams, as of October,
we still have an estimated 22 acres of milfoil that have been mapped. The November warm weather
spell has likely nurtured this growth even more and we can expect those numbers to increase by next
summer! Please bear in mind that:
SDRA is asking EACH OF YOU to make a donation, at a minimum taking into consideration what you
would have spent at Bella’s last Spring. Please consider the following:
● the full or at least half the price of the $45 Bella’s tickets you & and your family would have
purchased; & some additional amount similar to what you would have spent on the silent
auction & raffle;
● if you fall into a more financially able group, a large donation of $300, $500, $600 or $1000;
payments can be spread out according to your choice: monthly or 2 or more payments;
● any amount that you can manage – because every donation is helpful.
SDRA has non-profit status so your donations are tax-deductible.
ALL CHECKS SHOULD BE MADE PAYABLE TO SDRA: PO BOX 284, Chepachet, RI 02814
OR GIVEN TO ANY BOARD MEMBER (Janice, Deb, Elaine, Marissa, Eric, Cleo, Judy)
Thank you for your help! It is very much needed !
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Sand Dam Reservoir Association 