The 6 foot drawdown of Lake Garfield will not happen this year!

It will only be drawn down 3 feet even though the conservation commission approved the 6 foot drawdown.

The Lake Garfield Dam was completed in 1972 and has been drawn down nearly every year to 6 feet until last year. The Monterey Conservation Commission approved an amendment for a 6 foot drawdown this year, but the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) did a superseding order to block it.

The drawdown helps control Milfoil and other weeds: Milfoil is a fast-spreading plant quickly taking over LG, choking out native vegetation, and making recreational activities (swimming, boating and fishing) daunting.

Friends of Lake Garfield will continue to try to get back the 6 foot dry down for 2026. We hope you will support our efforts.