Silver Lake Assoc. Honors Field, Approves Lake Level Resolution
By Kim Furlong

The Silver Lake Association had its annual meeting last week, beginning with a dedication ceremony in honor of Dan Field.

A plaque was placed on the lakeshore under the Silver Lake Association's Information Case that acknowledges Field and his family for their generous donation and stewardship of the land that surrounds Silver Lake. Field's wife, Holly, spoke eloquently about his dedication to Barnard and his love for the town.

The meeting moved to the town hall where the primary topic was the state's proposal to permanently lower the level of lake six inches and to stop lowering the level of the lake 18 inches in the fall, in preparation for the winter ice. Though the state had already dropped this issue for this year, it is still one that will appear on a future agenda.

There was much discussion surrounding the reasoning behind such a proposal, with many asking where is the benefit and why would this be a healthy decision for the lake's well being?

The association decided to write a formal resolution that would reflect the following: All present agreed to leave the lake at its current level year-round and rejected the proposal to lower the lake six inches permanently. This decision was based on the adverse results such an action would bring to the land owners who have lakeshore property, as well as the potential of leaving the very popular swimming and recreation area across from the store unsightly and unusable.

There was also discussion about the development of property that feeds into the lake and how delicate the balance can be. There is concern over the potential sale of such property and the need for firmer zoning regulations to secure the beauty and health of the lake. Further meetings will explore the need to become involved and the steps necessary to help the town keep the lake safe from the effects of over-development.