Fall, 2004

We all love Sylvia Lake. Some of us only get to be close to her for a few weeks out of a year. Some of us are lucky to experience all four seasons. No matter how much time we get to spend at the Lake, we all want Sylvia to be healthy and clean. This is a year-round goal. Whether the challenge comes from invasive plants like Eurasian Milfoil or beaver dams, or tent caterpillars, a team of Lakers always steps up to the plate and gets the job done.

Over Labor Day weekend, one team tackled the milfoil issue and another worked to clear the outlet. This is a critical activity. In the Fall, the lake's water level rises. Beavers build homes for the winter and summer debris fills the outlet. It's natural for the lake to rise, but too much rise means the coming ice might pose a danger to docks and property.

Enter the TEAM. Stepping up to the plate, a group of intrepid volunteers, armed with chainsaws and coolers, got the job done. Thank you to Gale Ferguson, Mike Hatch, Andy Leonard, Scott McHelvey, Randy Gadbaw, Ralph Undercoffler, Gary Scott and helpers, for your willingness to perform such a stinky, slimy, dangerous and necessary job. . Special thanks to Ferg for the photos.

The Cooler Guard leads the way...

...into the stinky, slimy, swampy outlet.