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Our Lakes Need LAPA-West ! Almost all of the recreational water bodies in Western Massachusetts suffer exotic weed growth and algae blooms. These symptoms of eutrophication are indicative of the excessive nutrient loading that plague many of our lakes and ponds. Lake and pond associations need a way to share in the research of other associations and work cooperatively towards effective and pragmatic solutions to improve water quality. The Lakes and Ponds Association of Western Massachusetts (LAPA-West) was formally created on September 25, 1999. LAPA-West is a product of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Watershed Initiative. In response to numerous requests from lake and pond stakeholders, the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs Watershed Team Leaders, Tom O'Brien and Mike Parker, secured funds from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management (DEM) to develop the Western Massachusetts Lakes and Ponds Network. This effort resulted in the official formation of LAPA-West. The primary goal of LAPA-West is to develop an active and effective network of stewards interested in improving water quality in the lakes and ponds of the watersheds of Western Massachusetts. Such a network can lead to improvement in water quality in our lakes and ponds through: informed decision-making based on the best scientific evidence and data collection practices; efficient use and availability of existing data; shared and cooperative use of limited resources for implementation of lake management programs and specific remediation projects; and increased local involvement and control. |
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Since its formation, LAPA-West has successfully assembled key stakeholders interested in developing and implementing lake management programs and has coordinated their activities, developed an active lake and pond water quality monitoring program, conducted water quality monitoring workshops, and gathered water quality data. In addition, LAPA-West organizes and conducts Annual Workshops, publishes a quarterly newsletter, and conducts several membership campaigns each year. LAPA-West tripled its membership in its first year, demonstrating the success of the organization and the dedication of the lake and pond stakeholders in the region. Early on, LAPA-West became aware of the desire of stakeholders throughout the region for a pool of shared monitoring equipment upon which to draw. In response to this interest, LAPA-West has purchased state-of-the-art water quality monitoring equipment through funding acquired from a Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs grant. Through the use of this shared equipment, LAPA-West has provided lake and pond associations with a cost-effective means of conducting volunteer water quality monitoring. With community outreach and education being one of LAPA-West's primary functions, the organization and presentation of workshops and an annual symposium has been a primary focus. To this end, a wide variety of resources have been utilized such as The Massachusetts Water Watch Partnership (MWWP) of UMass Amherst, which was commissioned to duplicate their series of workshops at various western Massachusetts locations. |
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| LAPA-West Needs You ! | ||||||||
LAPA-West was formed to represent the interests of the lakes and ponds of Western Massachusetts. To accomplish this, we need to combine our efforts to effectively communicate the specific needs and requirements of the lakes and ponds that grace our landscape. |
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We need your input, your ideas, your energies and, most of all, your involvement. Only you can direct the efforts of this grassroots organization in ways that will best suit your needs. It will only be through our unified voices that the issues concerning our water bodies will given the attention that they deserve. There are many ways that you can become involved. LAPA-West has developed three focus areas: Technical Advice, Membership, and Annual Workshop / Symposium Development. Technical Advisory efforts focus on water quality monitoring, Membership Outreach coordinates communication among lake/pond associations and publishes a quarterly newsletter, and Annual Workshop / Symposium Development involves all aspects of planning, setting up, and presenting the annual workshop and symposium. If you are interested in more information, please go to the CONTACTS page and contact any of the individuals listed.
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