Section 3.1 The years 1980-1984
Subsection 3.1.1 The year 1980
The year started with a bang, finding the waters of the Pond once again inundated with silt. While not as extensive as at the time of the construction of the interstate, forces were quickly marshaled to contact those who could address the situation. The main source of the problem seemed to be erosion of the bank of the southbound lane of Interstate 89 in the vicinity of Sanborn Hill Extension. The State responded within 10 days repacking and reseeding the area, making provisions so that further erosion would not impact the pond. Other sources of possible concern were of projects involving Eastman development which had done excavation near the transfer station and had established settling pond both in close proximity to Eastman Brook which flows towards the north end of Stocker Pond.
This issue of the increasing presence of weeds in the Pond was once again raised, along with questions of identification and methods for weed control. The State was contacted.
Continued concern about the camping and general misuse of Palazzi pond. The Association was later informed that Mr. Palazzi intended to close down the pond, though remained unsure what exactly that meant.
Yet another letter sent to the Town’s road agent complaining about the condition of the Road, and for a change of pace, the beaver dam(s) seemed to pose no problems.
There was a motion that the "trash" be cleaned out of the inlet at the south end of the Pond, and dead trees along the entrance be replaced.
Discussion of a better date for the annual meeting was discussed, agreeing upon the third Saturday in September.
Subsection 3.1.2 The year 1981
The big news of the year goes to the beavers who successfully dammed both ends of the Pond, causing flooding on Georges Mills Road (now Stoney Brook Road), and threatening to close access to Stocker Pond via Sanborn Hill Road. Fish and Game responded.
While water quality testing revealed acceptable levels, there was concern about four potentially problematic septic systems, though no action was taken. Still at this date most properties on the Pond were cottages with essentially no full time residents, aside from the beavers.
The Association bank balance had grown enough to consider moving $1000 to a money market account. We recall that the 1980s were a time of historic inflation rates with mortgage rates in the mid teens.
Finally weed encroachment again was an issue with mechanical and chemical methods of weed control being considered.
Subsection 3.1.3 The year 1982
The report on options for weed control held a good deal of the spotlight. It was reported that
-
A weed harvester will cut weeds to a depth of six feet.
-
An aquatic rake can pull plants out by the root to a depth of six feet.
-
Various chemical treatments.
-
An aqua mesh screen in 7x100 rolls can be placed on the bottom of the Pond impeding growth.
Balancing the costs versus the severity of the problem had the Association take no action at that time, however the issue of Milfoil began to be a potential concern.
A site visit from the State investigated the possibility of using the old channel (at the northwest corner of the Pond) next to Interstate 89 to better control the high water problem due to the beaver activity. The Water Resource Board recommended that the best course of action for the Association was to continue to trap the beavers since the costs would be upwards of $40,000 and require substantial permitting. After a good deal of discussion the recommendation of the Water Resource Board was accepted.
A concern was expressed once again about sewage working into the Pond, with the decision to continue water sampling.
Continued concern of the road condition of Georges Mills Road due to heavy truck traffic; the Town of Springfield would be sent a letter.
And yet more discussion about better dates for the annual meeting. After much discussion, no change was proposed.
Subsection 3.1.4 The year 1983
While there is no record of the minutes of the Annual Meeting, a number of interesting items arose.
-
Serious complaints were registered with the State and the Town of Springfield over Gravel Pit Operations adjacent to Stoney Brook Road.
-
A map of Stocker Pond showing the location and abundance of aquatic vegetation was produced by the State.
-
While no minutes have been found, there was a letter from the Eckbreth’s [property 236-024] indicating their enjoyment of their first year on the Pond and suggesting a topic of possible interest was to get the State to plant pines along the bank of the southbound lane of Interstate 89 to mitigate noise and reduce visual impact.
Subsection 3.1.5 The year 1984
There were no new issues this year, but plenty of old ones performing an encore:
-
Letters should be sent to all those three years in arrears on dues indicating they have been dropped as Association members, though they can be reinstated with back dues have been paid.
-
Water testing was stable enough that they proposed performing tests only every two or three years.
-
Attendance was problematic and the issue of proxy votes resurfaced along with moving the meeting date to before Labor day since most owners were seasonal and often packed up by Labor Day.
-
A letter was sent to Fish and Game expressing concern over the beaver dam in Eastman Brook.
-
A letter was sent to the Springfield Selectmen expressing concern over the condition and traffic on Georges Mills Road.
-
Officers for the next two years are: President Jackson English [236-030], Secretary-Treasurer Warren Heinzelmann [236-028], and directors Donald Cole [236-026], Joseph Dasaro [middle West side], and Robert Littlehale [236-039].
