Dear Monterey Friends and Neighbors of Lake Garfield,

We are reaching out to you with a renewed urgent plea to help protect and preserve one of our community’s most cherished treasures: Lake Garfield (“LG”). As members of the Friends of Lake Garfield (“FLG”), we are dedicated to the health and well-being of our beautiful lake, but we cannot do it alone. As many of you know, Lake Garfield has faced a number of serious challenges this summer:

• Blue-green algae called Cyanobacteria: In both June and July, health officials advised Monterey residents to avoid swimming in the Lake because of cyanobacteria, which, as reported twice in The Berkshire Eagle, “can pose a health risk to people and animals.”

Visit Friendsoflakegarfield.org/the-berkshire-eagle for articles.

• Huge surge in invasive 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. After almost 80 years of permitting our Town to draw down LG 6 feet each fall, the State, this year, allowed only 3 feet. Again, as reported in the Berkshires Eagle, “The state pulled back, the weeds pushed in.”

Visit Friendsoflakegarfield.org/the-berkshire-eagle for article.

WHY FLG IS URGENTLY ASKING FOR YOUR SUPPORT:

• Additional Support of DASH: DASH, which stands for Diver Assisted Suction Harvesting, is a program that uses divers to remove Milfoil with suction hoses. While we are all grateful for the Town’s line-item budget of $62,500 toward DASH, FLG estimates it will cost at least TWICE as much to get the invasive milfoil and other weeds under control for this seasonal cycle.

• 3-Foot Drawdown: FLG will also be advocating to correct the inadequate 3-foot drawdown ordered last winter to 6 feet for the 2025-2026 winter. This will require significant resources in terms of developing relevant scientific evidence with our Lake Scientists.

• Testing and services of Lake Scientist: FLG pays for periodic testing and monitoring of our Lake, something needed with even greater frequency in the coming year.

Generous donations from our entire community are needed, especially this year, and will directly fund these proactive steps. As this summer has demonstrated, without immediate action, we risk losing the pristine waters and vibrant ecosystem that makes LG a jewel for all of us.

While every donation in any amount from any member of our community is deeply appreciated, this year, we are asking for your tax-deductible donation of $300, or more.

Please visit friendsoflakegarfield.org/donations to make your donation,

or mail your contribution to: Friends of Lake Garfield, P.O. Box 355, Monterey, MA 01245

With our deepest thanks, Friends of Lake Garfield.

AN Urgent Plea for Help. Lake Garfield needs your support!