2019.10.16 Council Agenda Item 5

A Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) was formed within the Highland Lake Leadership Team (HLLT) to create an updated Highland Lake Watershed Management Plan (‘the Plan”). The goal of the Plan is to provide action items over the next 10 years that will reduce phosphorus loading into the lake while continuing to investigate additional causes for the lake’s water quality decline. The Plan must be accepted and approved by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to be eligible to apply for future DEP funding through Section 319 of EPA’s Clean Water Act to assist with water quality improvement efforts throughout the watershed. The process to incorporate all required elements and complete the Plan is time-sensitive and requires participation from multiple entities (municipalities, Highland Lake Association, Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District (The District), DEP, etc.).

The District will present the draft action items of the Plan and next steps in finalizing the Watershed Management Plan (both documents attached). Public comment and input on the Plan’s action items will be sought at a workshop on October 23 at The Cornerstone Church, 48 Cottage Rd., Windham from 6:00-7:30pm.