Fairfield Pond Lake Watershed Action Plan

Through a grant from the Lake Champlain Basin Program, FNLC is conducting a Lake Watershed Action Plan (LWAP) for the Fairfield Pond watershed. Fairfield Pond is a 446 acre body of water located in northwest Fairfield near the borders of Swanton and St. Albans Town. The pond’s watershed is approximately 5.6 square miles and consists of active agriculture, forested land, and a high concentration of seasonal and year-round residences along the pond’s shoreline. The pond experienced dramatic water quality decline due to severe eutrophication in the early 1980s to 1990s, but has since improved to a mesotrophic state according to data from the VT Inland Lake Score Card. The pond’s water quality is still considered stressed due to elevated nutrients and phosphorus. The watershed is classified as highly disturbed, and the water quality trends are categorized as good. The pond is also impacted by Eurasian water milfoil.  

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FNLC contracted Fitzgerald Environmental Associates, LLC (FEA) to develop the LWAP by conducting a comprehensive investigation of upland stormwater runoff and shoreline erosion patterns to provide a data library of accurate mapping information for the community that can used as a resource for future studies and projects. FEA is also working on producing five conceptual design improvement projects that can be used by FNLC and others to implement projects that improve water quality and shoreline health within the watershed. Throughout the process, FNLC and FEA have corresponded and planned with the Fairfield Pond Recreation Association to identify key areas to best understand the needs within the watershed. 

 

Stay tuned for more information and events related to the completion of the LWAP and our continued work in the Fairfield Pond watershed. 

Image caption: Images courtesy of FEA from LWAP field work.