Announcements
Dog Complaint Form.pdftown_of_eaton_dog_control_law-1.pdfPosted on March 15, 2024
There is a dog control law in the Town of Eaton. Attached above, please find a copy of the Dog Control Law for the Town of Eaton and a Town of Eaton Dog Complaint Form. Please be aware that people walk around the lakes and/or bike around the lakes and should feel safe from dogs as they enjoy the lakes. The following is from the Town of Eaton website:
Animal Control
Any calls regarding dogs please call the office of the Town Clerk first (315) 684-8051. This way the Clerk can help identify the Dog and who the owners are and we field the calls to the Dog Control Officer. It also allows us to determine who should be called IE. DEC, DCO, ASPCA.
Posted on February 15, 2024
HBBLA has hired UFI to assist in 2023 algal bloom investigation
The BOD for the Lakes Association has recently approved the hiring of Upstate Freshwater Institute(UFI) in Syracuse to execute a water quality project focused on Bradley Brook Res. with the following goals:
1) UFI will analyze long-term datasets, including available water quality in Bradley Brook Reservoir (CSLAP, HBBLA data), alongside long term climatological datasets to assess possible reasons for the 2023 algal bloom(HAB)
2) Management options to address HABs will be provided and tailored to reflect the results of the analyses proposed in this document
3) An assessment of the nutrient sources and total phosphorus (TP) budget for Bradley Brook Reservoir will be completed by a multi-part approach to include long-term data analysis combined with output from watershed assessment tools
4) An updated list of lake management options will include approximate costs and possible barriers to implementation
UFI was the only organization responding to the HBBLA Proposal Request and is one of the premier organizations in NYS with expertise in our areas of concern. We have worked with them in the past with the CSLAP program.
The HBBLA contacts working directly with UFI will be Jim Kallmerten and Don Bigelow who also lead the revamped Water Quality team. An onsite review and walkaround will happen the week of 2-21. The project is expected to be completed by March 29.
UFI will be using existing data collected by HBBLA CSLAP, HBBLA water quality team and also regional weather data and information from other agencies. This will be developed into a predictive model to help better understand nutrient loading impacts and combinations of factors that encourage water quality issues such as the 2023 long duration algae bloom.
This project is underway and we will be keeping the residents informed as results become available and presentable. A presentation on the final report will be scheduled sometime in May in person and via video conference.
Direct any questions to Don (dobigelow@hatchbradleybrook.org) and Jim (jimkallmerten@hatchbradleybrook.org).
D Bigelow / J Kallmerten HBBLA Water Quality Team Leaders
Posted on January 22, 2024
Algae in the Ice
We have just received the toxicity analysis on the blue-green algae frozen in ice that Don Bigelow sampled back in early December. Not unexpectedly for a surface collection, the sample showed high levels of cyanobacteria. The good news is that the sample was confirmed to be 100% coiled and straight forms of Dolichospermum, a BGA genus that does not produce toxins. As predicted, the cyanotoxin concentration in Bradley Brook Reservoir has dropped to a level so low that it cannot be measured.
Report from Professor Boyer’s lab is attached and linked here.
Happy new year, hope everyone is warm and well!
Jim Kallmerten
Co-President, HBBLA
Posted on January 7, 2024
Update on Request for Proposal (RFP) for water quality consultant:
On Friday, January 5, 2024, the Request for Proposal was sent to the Upstate Freshwater Institute and to the Ramboll Group. This RFP was prepared in response to board member comments in connection with the request for hiring a water quality consultant.
The RFP documents are posted on the website under Water Quality. You can reach the folder by clicking on the link below:
https://www.hatchbradleybrook.org/water-quality/consultant-request-for-proposal
As you can see in the RFP Schedule Section, the HBBLA Board of Directors will be meeting the week of February 5, 2024, to discuss and award the bid. Should you have further questions, please contact your director using their association email address as listed in the fall newsletter.
If there is a place where you cannot see the whole page, click the little square with an arrow in it and it will expand the whole document (Lake Management Plan, and others).
Thank you,
Gabby Clark-Oliver, Carol Borg, Celeste Amaral
Season's Greetings from HBBLA.pdfPosted on December 19, 2023
Many of you are aware of the Huntington HOA's contribution towards hiring a consultant to assess our lake situation. Since then, the Board has reviewed the initial proposal and submitted feedback to Gabby Clark-Oliver. We then wrote an RFP that incorporates the feedback received.
The Board will submit a Request for Proposal (RFP) to two consultants, Ramboll Group and Upstate Freshwater Institute (UFI), and possibly a third. The proposal is for assessing our current situation, reviewing our water quality activities, and identifying potential next steps.
If you would like further detail, please contact:
Gabby Clark-Oliver (gabbyclarkoliver@hatchbradleybrook.org)
Carol Borg (carolborg@hatchbradleybrook.org)
Celeste Amaral (treasurer@hatchbradleybrook.org)
Posted on December 5, 2023
Cazenovia Lake Summit Annual Watershed Council Meeting
Conversation with Prof. Greg Boyer SU-ESF
December 2, 2023
Informal Discussion about Algal issues on Bradley Brook Res:
● Don, Celeste and Ken talked to Professor Greg Boyer, ESF Algae expert, for about 45 min after the Caz Lake Meeting. They described the various aspects of the issue seen on Bradley and thanked Professor Boyer for his help to date. Professor Boyer had some observations.
● Don mentioned the buildup of zebra mussels on objects. Professor Boyer agreed that robust growth is likely due to the abundant food source. But he also suggested that our Zebras may have been replaced by fast growing Quagga mussels. One characteristic is that a quagga cannot stand on its side like a zebra, plus size and color differences. The excrement from both can add to HAB as a food source.
Don took a sample and evaluated it. These are still zebras.
● We have green ice (trapped algae). Professor Boyer: wanted a sample as it may contain other plants/animals that would be of interest.
Don will get a sample at the next freeze and send it to Professor
Boyer.
● The plant population died off earlier than expected this year due to solarization from the algal mass. Professor Boyer: stated the weeds are pretty robust and perennial. They should return next year even though it looks bad now. Maybe not as many at first.
● Professor Boyer: All samples at ESF for this year have been completed this week. Jim should have or be getting the Oct sample results soon.
● Why the continuous bloom? Professor Boyer: Hatch is deep and will have clear stratification layers. It likely turns over 2x per year. It is also somewhat protected from wind. BB is shallower, but not too shallow in some areas. Its turnover may happen more frequently due to exposure to west winds running lengthwise causing mixing and uplifting of nutrient laden sediment. Measuring the temp in the water column with a simple logger scheme would confirm when a mixing was happening. He described a simple (cost less than $2,000) system that would datalog year round. Or just take deep samples in a catch bottle and measure the temp a couple times a week….look for a multi-degree change in temperature
Don to request the plans for this from Professor Boyer. He’ll
share..
● Nutrient sources impact?
o Professor Boyer: Septic needs to be operational/functional. Don Bigelow mentioned we have an education program to encourage system pump outs and replacements.
We need to plot a map of the residences that are up to date.
o Professor Boyer: Tribs and culverts – We need to measure the CFM (volume of water per minute) and concentration (weight per volume) to have useful data in weight, not solely in concentration (Same as Town of Nelson’s process)
o Professor Boyer: Sediments - stirred up by turnover or any current inducing events. Phosphorus and Nitrogen in sediments get into the water column and feed the algae. May be a significant portion of the possible nutrient load. May or may not get accessed.
● Algae disappears then returns on the same day? Professor Boyer: The algae, certain species, will sink in the water to find a depth that meets its chemistry and sunlight needs. It may hide in the bright sun, then return when it fades. It's very adaptable.
● Color changes during the season? Professor Boyer: This is from different algal types OR, you are seeing algae die (turn brownish) and then be replaced by a new batch, maybe a different strain. The new may feed on the old.
● Other resources, support? Professor Boyer: He suggested we contact Oneonta BFS as they provide a holistic approach to understanding the lake ecology. Consider updating our Lake Management plan as a decade is a long time…things change, especially in the environment like HABS, for instance. Don mentioned we had talked to them and they suggested we continue with UFI and ESF for current assessment of specifics.
● Don mentioned we were in touch with Jim Cunningham and the Tuscarora Lakes Association to understand their trib & culvert monitoring and testing program. We recently learned about Caz lakes testing process of 3 years.
● One lake resident (at BB) recorded a daily log of his kayak trips on the lake and recorded the algal characteristics on FB. Like a lake diary. Professor Boyer would like access to that information.
Don will get this information to Professor Boyer …FB access and the diary info., likely from Sam Hough.
Professor Boyer seemed pretty interested in continuing to look at specific aspects of our problem. Don and Jim will keep in contact. We’d also like to see what they can do for us next season.
Posted on December 4, 2023:
Cazenovia Lake Summit Annual Watershed Council Meeting
December 2, 2023 Celeste Amaral
Lake Health Committee:
Established a baseline and determined which culverts or tributaries had the greatest impact
Now testing those considered to be contributing the most nutrients and developing plans to fix some of the areas
They use the ESF or UFI labs depending on the type of test that they are doing
I asked for a copy of the presentation which shows what they test for
Caz Lake Association conducted a study for one of the main tributaries from Chittenango Creek that is flushing sediment into the lake during heavy rain events. It sent out the RFQ to 6 companies. Three submitted proposals. I asked for the names of the companies they considered for the RFQ.
Controlling the Milfoil:
Caz uses two methods: the harvester and chemicals.
CHEMICALS:
They used Renovate every other year and in 2020 changed to ProcellaCOR every three years. This is less expensive, and it is just as effective.
First year had good milfoil control, second year effective, and third year milfoil is back.
They have 300 spots around the lake that they rake the bottom to determine if the chemical application has any impact on the native plants. So far, it appears to have no impact.
Caz lake has a surface of 1,184 acres. The DEC’s chemical permit allows for chemical application on 190 acres or 16% of the total surface area.
It costs ~$200K to apply ProcellaCOR to 190 acres. These funds must be raised every 3 years. Those that do the fundraising say that it is extremely difficult to do.
Spoke with a daily swimmer that said she had a skin reaction to the treated weeds. She described them as matted weeds and when she came into contact with them, she developed skin welts. It took her several medical visits before she made the connection. She did not mention others experiencing similar issues.
RAKE AND TOSS STUDY:
The DEC and Caz LA want to understand the impact of the chemical treatments on the aquatic plants
They rake 300 spots to analyze the plant mix and put in a database
So far, it appears that the chemical targets just the milfoil
Out of the 300 sites, 25 still had reduced populations of milfoil. Chemicals greatly reduce the levels of milfoil but it does not eradicate it totally
HARVESTER:
The Town is responsible for the harvester, handling permits, and the cleaning station.
Cleaning station has paid staff but does not have full coverage. The Town is looking into making changes so that there is full coverage.
The harvester is used in areas that do not receive the chemical treatment.
HYDRILLA:
Caz wants to be very vigilant in keeping hydrilla away from the lake. Everyone has to engage and habits/behaviors will need to change if this plant is to stay out of the lake.
Cayuga Lake has hydrilla as well as the Twin Lakes and the Connecticut River.
Hydrilla was known as a southern states issue but no longer. Hydrilla spreads fast – two years to become a nuisance and four years to make the lakes/rivers unusable for boating and recreation.
There are no chemicals that kill hydrilla without also killing the native plants
Link to video on CT River hydrilla:
FISH SURVEY BOAT:
Caz LA and Caz College had worked together to fund a electroshock fish survey boat
With the Caz College closure, Thad Yorks was able to transfer it to SUNY Morrisville
The boat is owned by the county but will be used by Bill Snyder from SUNY Morrisville for fish studies. Bill is a Biology and Ecology professor
The first study was done this fall in Caz Lake
The boat is available for others to use in Madison county
SEPTIC:
Caz LA to continue to educate people on the need to replace and maintain existing septic systems. There was a sense in the room that not everyone is doing their part. There was a blind study done that found raw sewage going into the lake in one location. Note that Caz has a rigorous inspection program….but still has issues.
Preview YouTube video Invading the CT River – The Spread of Hydrilla
Invading the CT River – The Spr
Posted on December 3, 2023:
A couple of things
First, a status update on Hatch Lake Drawdown.
Until the last few days Hatch level has remained at or above the spillway level while Bradley Brook has lowered to the winter levels. This was done intentionally to facilitate inspections of the Bradley Brook dam. Those inspections are completed, and the Hatch Valves adjusted to start drawdown this past week. As of today, the level on Hatch is 2-3 inches below the spillway crest and lowering. Bradley Brook level will probably rise somewhat until Hatch's level reaches it's winter level.
Second, Because I have been getting complaints about how we are not working hard enough on water quality issues and do not know what I am talking about. I thought I would share how I spent my weekend.
Thursday Afternoon and Evening:
I talked with Steve Loraine at USDA Soil and Water about designing fixes to the Shiloh and Tollerup Road culvert erosion projects, then I talked to Owen at Shiloh to discuss a site visit by Soil and Water to review the conditions and start a design to fix the erosion issue. Previously Ed Keplinger, Linda Hoxie and I met with Owen and a Shiloh board member about sharing expenses to mitigate storm water runoff from this road to Hatch Lake. I spent 3 to 4 hours working using a mapping database to look at drainage into the lakes (focusing on BB inlets) to determine which agricultural lands could potentially contribute to the elevated phosphorus levels that are being seen. At one point I was nationally ranked in Orienteering so yes, I can read a topographic map.
Friday
I looked at the Fields on Fisk Road and Rt 26 to see if I could identify an issue causing high phosphorous runoff. The field on Fisk Road is being split into 3 sections, 2 are hay fields and one is winter wheat. I looked at these same fields in August and they had the same use, the two hayfields had not been cut at that point and the wheat had not yet been harvested. This was after the bloom had started so it is very unlikely that manure on these fields caused the bloom. The fields on Rt 26 consist of 2 hay fields, a low-intensity pasture and a corn field, the one hay field on the Children's camp sat fallow for most of this year. A hay field along 26 belonging to Herboldt is in active use but I don't know if manure was spread on it this year. Since I grew up on an active farm and still work on one part-time I feel qualified to make these assessments. I also looked at the results of the samples that have been taken over the last few months and compared them against CSLAP results going back to 2018. (The CSLAP data for 2023 is not available yet). Insights- Hatch phosphorus levels are consistent with the CSLAP data going back to 2018. BB phosphorus levels are 5-6 times the levels seen in the CSLAP data. The Beaver Dam stream by the children's camp had high phosphorous levels both times it was sampled.
Saturday
I (along with Don and Celeste) attended the year-end meeting of the Cazenovia Lake Association from 10 am -2 pm. We were there to see the CLA presentations on Invasive species, weed control treatments, controlling nutrient inflow, and to network with small lake experts. While there we had discussions with 3 experts (Current or retired Professors in fields of freshwater ecology) about the issues at Bradley Brook.
Sunday
After the rain stopped, I checked the inlets to both lakes looking for high flows of sediment to the lakes. I also talked to Rich Walker about actions to lower the risk levels from the Beaver Dam and Pond on Rich's and the Children's Camps property. Rich and I also went up to the dam to check out the condition there. At this point it was fully dark, so I didn’t get to Tollerup or Cook Shore Rd to check them.
Ken Masker, Vice President HBBLA
Posted on November 2, 2023:
On this morning’s walk around the lakes, I had a pleasant surprise. Two days of freezing temperatures have killed off the last traces of blue-green algae and for the first time since late July, Bradley Brook is free of the bloom that rendered the lake hazardous for contact activities. It’s small comfort that other lakes, local and statewide, have experienced similar blooms. The root cause(s) of this year’s unprecedented bloom are not known; we have theories, the common thread being increased nutrient levels in the lake. We expect that our lakes will reset over the winter, as they always have. Our homework over the winter season will be to better understand what triggered this year’s extended bloom and to prepare an action plan to reduce nutrient inflows on both lakes.
Solving our algae problem is simple in concept and challenging in practice. Like your car, algae runs on fuel. Choke off the fuel and your car doesn’t start. You stop an algae bloom the same way: by removing it’s principle nutrient sources, bioaccessible phosphorus and nitrogen. Our challenge in the coming months will be to identify the sources of these nutrients flowing into our lakes and, where possible, reduce or eliminate them.
To focus our efforts to control major nutrient inflows into the lakes, we are preparing a timeline that maps last summer’s weather conditions and agricultural and construction events against nutrient levels, as determined by CSLAP data. We’re currently waiting for DEC to release the 2023 CSLAP data, with which we should be able to identify likely nutrient sources and prioritize which sources need immediate attention.
Point and non-point sources of phosphorus and nitrogen that may have contributed to the bloom are numerous, but available evidence suggests runoff through tributaries and ditches are a major source of nutrients and one that we can affect. Previous work by the Water Quality Committee has mapped all the tributaries flowing into both lakes. Our next step will be to determine which of these water sources are also major sources of nutrient inflow. To date, we have measured phosphorus and nitrogen levels in two of the largest tributaries into Bradley Brook and identified at least one major contributor of nutrients into the lake. Beginning this spring, we will implement a program to sample and determine nutrient levels in all tributaries of our lakes. We plan to streamline and economize the analytical timeframe by conducting phosphorus and nitrogen analysis ourselves, using operationally simple and relatively inexpensive technology. We are currently researching the available testing systems for phosphorus and nitrogen to determine which is best suited for our needs. This spring we’ll be looking to assemble a team of lake residents to aid in collecting tributary samples after major weather events.
With comparative data regarding nutrient inflow in hand, we will prioritize redesign, repair and maintenance of tributaries and ditches that direct water into our lakes from the watershed. Member-organized projects to manage culvert runoff from sections of Tollerup Road and Huntington Camp Road have already been initiated. The west side of the Tollerup hill has been reconstructed, with work on the east side, including the construction of retaining pools to capture runoff, to begin soon. Steve Lorraine of the Madison County Department of Soil and Water advised on the design of the Tollerup Road project and we look forward to a continued collaboration as we begin work on other probable nutrient sources this spring.
We’re not alone in our efforts to manage our algae problem. Members of the Board and other residents of the lakes are already in touch with local, county and state agencies who can assist us in our efforts. Particularly useful in our planning process have been our liaisons with Jim Cunningham, Supervisor of the Town of Nelson and a recognized expert in watershed management, Steve Lorraine of the Madco Department of Soil and Water and Prof. Greg Boyer of the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, a reknowned expert in the biology of algae. Our involvement with NYSFOLA (New York State Federation of Lakes) continues to provide us with access to other experts in limnology. The reemergence of the MadFOLA (Madison County Federation of Lakes) allows us to collaborate with the lake associations of other nearby waterbodies and better connect with county governance.
What can you do now to aid in nutrient reduction? First and foremost, take advantage of the opportunity to learn about lake ecology. If you live on this lake you need to learn how it works. Start by following recommendations in your Homeowner’s Guide and read the literature posted on the Association website. Then take steps to help control nutrients entering our lakes, including:
1. Reduce erosion of soil into the lake during construction and waterfront landscaping projects with properly installed silt fences and common sense erosion control. If you run muddy water from your site into the lake, DEC will be getting involved. It’s your job to ensure that your contractors protect YOUR lake.
2. Service your new septic treatment unit as recommended by the manufacturer so it continues to work properly. Pump conventional septic tanks and make sure your
system is functional. If you have a steel tank or a system more than 30 years old, take a hard look at replacing it in 2024.
3. Report runoff from culverts and ditches that is going into the lake to the Association so we can work with the Town of Eaton and Madison County Department of Soil and Water to fix the issue.
4. Refrain from applying phosphorus-based fertilizers to your lawn. Consider a landscaped shoreline that uses bushes and native plants to reduce runoff and deter geese from gaining access to your lawn.
We will keep residents apprised as plans develop further and we will be soliciting input from stakeholders in our lake communities as summer 2024 approaches. In the coming months, we will continue to remind all our neighbors what we as individuals can and must do to prevent future HAB outbreaks. None of our ongoing efforts to prevent further algae blooms will succeed without the active participation of each member of our lake communities.
On behalf of the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors, I wish all of you a safe and warm winter wherever your wings may have carried you. See you all next spring!
Jim Kallmerten
Co-President, Hatch-Bradley Brook Lakes Association, Inc.
Posted on August 23, 2023
We've received results back from the Upstate Freshwater Institute on the Bradley Brook algae bloom. The bloom is 100% dolichospermum (formerly, Anabaena), a blue-green algae variant that can produce a variety of toxins. Here's a link to a review of this particular genus: https://www.inaturalist.org/guide_taxa/707293 for anyone interested.
This particular algae genus is potentially dangerous and Bradley Brook residents are advised to limit contact with lake water until we have some info on toxin levels. Please pass the word on to others on the lake who may not use Facebook. Toxicity testing is ongoing and UFI says we may have results by Friday. When I know, you'll know.
Jim Kallmerten
Posted on August 19, 2023
Confirmed Algae Bloom on Bradley Brook on August 16, 2023
https://nysdec.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=ae91142c812a4ab997ba739ed9723e6e
Bradley Brook Reservoir
Date of Observation: 8/16/2023 10:16 AM
HAB Status: Confirmed
Reported by: Public
Extent: Open Water
County: Madison County
Attachments:
Sent out as email on 7/27/23:
Lake friends,
I would like to commend the membership of the Hatch-Bradley Brook Lakes Association for their civility and decorum during last weekend’s annual meeting, despite several contentious discussion items on the agenda. The meeting was historic both in the number of ballots cast for directors/officers and the close voting for the office of president.
Given the enthusiasm exhibited by supporters of both candidates for president and the narrow difference in votes cast, I believe it is appropriate to invoke our By-Law VI.C, which allows for offices of the Association to be co-chaired. With the unanimous consent of the Board of Directors, I have reached out to Judd Werner and extended an invitation to join me as co-president, jointly carrying out the duties of the office.
I am pleased to report that Judd has accepted my invitation and that we will serve as co-presidents of the Association for the 2023-2025 term. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I welcome Judd and our two new directors, Craig Vogel and Gabrielle Clark Oliver, and look forward to adding their voices to this year’s deliberations of the Board.
Jim Kallmerten
Co-President, HBBLA
Posted July 22, 2023
Results of voting at today's HBBLA Annual Meeting:
Jim Kallmerten got 51 votes. Jim Kallmerten is the new HBBLA President.
Judd Werner got 49 votes.
Ken Masker is the new Vice President.
Craig Vogel is the new BB District 3 Director.
Gabby Clark Oliver is the BB District 4 Director
Paul Irish continues to be the HL District 1 Director
Marion Saluja continues to be the HL District 2 Director
Linda Hoxie continues to be the HL District 3 Director
Posted July 21, 2023
Posted June 9, 2023
Posted October 8, 2022
Lakes Draw Down
Draw down to winter levels will begin in the middle of October.
Posted October 8, 2022
HBBLA 2022 Directories
The Directories are in progress. They will be distributed in the spring of 2023, unless you are at the lake later in the fall. Sorry for the delay. There are unforeseen obstacles. Thanks for your patience.
Posted on August 2, 2022
TOWN OF EATON COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP DAYS 2022
Friday, August 26 from 9 am to 3 pm
Saturday, August 27 from 9 am to 3 pm
• Bring all that stuff you have laying around your property and have not had the time to get rid of it.
• There will be dumpsters at the Town of Eaton Highway Department
• Keep recyclables and scrap metal separate. No appliances that contain Freon (freezers/refrig)
• No charge for tires this year. (4 maximum)
• No hazardous materials accepted. (paint cans, oil)
• Town of Eaton and Village of Morrisville residents only.
For more information contact the town office at 315 (684)-8051
Posted on September 7, 2021
I regret to announce the passing of Father Paul Carey of Bradley Brook. Link to obituary below:
Posted on July 16, 2021
I regret to announce the passing of David Wade (Bradley Brook). Link to obituary below:
https://everloved.com/life-of/david-wade/obituary/
Posted on July 10, 2021
The results of the election for the BOD of the HBBLA is as follows:
President of the HBBLA is Ken Masker with 42 votes; 1 write in vote for Don Bigelow
Vice President of the HBBLA is Jessyca Doran with 42 votes
Hatch Lake Director District 1 is Paul Irish with 42 votes
Hatch Lake Director District 2 is Marion Saluja with 42 votes
Hatch Lake Director District 3 is Linda Hoxie with 44 votes
Bradley Brook Director District 3 is Dave Turner with 43 votes
Bradley Brook Director District 4 is Don Bigelow with 45 votes
Posted on August 9, 2020
TOWN OF EATON COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP DAYS 2020
Friday, August 28 from 9 am to 3 pm
Saturday, August 29 from 9 am to 3 pm
• Bring all that stuff you have laying around your property and haven’t had time to get rid of it.
• There will be dumpsters at the Town of Eaton Highway Department
• Keep recyclables and scrap metal separate. No appliances that contain Freon (freezers/refrig.)
• No charge for tires this year. (4 maximum)
• No hazardous materials accepted. (paint cans, oil)
• Town of Eaton and Village of Morrisville residents only.
For more information, contact the Town Office at 684-9111.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Posted on 4/18/2020:
From: Don Bigelow, Hatch/Bradley Brook Lakes Association President --- A Spring 2020 Update
I am sending this note to give an update on what’s happening at your lake community so far this spring.
How do we know spring is here and summer is coming? The robins are back, daffodils are blooming, sugaring season is over , and the neighbor’s dock is in (albeit snow covered today!). Our beautiful lakes are still here waiting for your return from another winter and a very, very abnormal virus hexed spring. I hope you and your families have all been able to stay healthy and well during this unusual event.
There is some normalcy left in the world over here on Bradley and Hatch. Some geese and ducks have moved in, algae appears to be a bay, lake levels are close to normal, the new walleye’s are “walleyeing” around in Hatch and the sounds of chippers, saws and screw-guns is just starting to echo across the lakes on the weekends. And the post cards with planned subject to change) 2020 Association activities will be going out to you soon. So if you can escape from your stressful COVID -19 impacted lives, your home at the lakes is waiting for a more relaxing time!
Now all we need is some warm weather .... and for the COVID to give us a break. The Madison County NY website has a COVID impact map for the county broken down by Township if you are interested.
The economy in southern Madison Co. has taken a hit just like your hometowns, but most everything you need to open up your lake house is available. Many of the essential businesses pivoted to home delivery and other ways to stay in operation and keep customers safe. Non-essential businesses have been seriously impacted as is the case everywhere. Groceries, hardware, garden supplies, prescriptions, prepared food, fuel, car repairs, liquor and so on are all available locally. In many cases store hours changed, some are pickup or delivery only, and some items may be out of stock....so check ahead. Many restaurants are open for takeout or delivery to stay in business. Everyone should try buying local so that these businesses can make it through this crisis and come back strong in the future.
The lakes ended last year better than 2018...Bradley’s water was crystal clear through the fall. Impressive when compared to the 2018 algae mess. Hatch had some small blooms on the east side, later in the season, and likely brought on by runoff from some lakeside projects. All in all, it looked pretty good. Lake levels are getting to normal and water quality so far is visually very good. Bradley will be watched closely since the beaver dam partially broke last fall and flooded out the streambed leading into the lake. It was a partial break so the valley erosion was less, but still lots of nutrients into the lake. The lack of beavers in the pond caused the unmaintained dam to weaken, and fail.
Town of Eaton shut down except for essential services since early March and not expected to be in full operation until May 15 at the earliest. Building permits can be issued, but no work can be done by a contractor with 2 or more employees. Owners can do their own work or hire someone who works by themselves. If they hire someone, the owners cannot be there. Variances will not be decided until June at the earliest. These NYS rules are in effect until 5-15 at this point. The Town will be backlogged so keep that in mind when planning your projects.
We hope to see you here this year enjoying this special place. Please take care, follow the COVID-19 precautions, stay well and travel safe.
Don Bigelow , President HBBLA
4/18/2020 HBBLA 1