Spencer residents work to preserve their natural resources
By Wendy Post

Three different community efforts, in which Rural Economic Area Partnership (REAP) maintains involvement, are working towards preserving the natural resources located throughout their community. The Nichols Pond Beautification Project, Spencer Lake Project, and Watershed Project, are three separate efforts that are taking place in Spencer, New York with the hopes of meeting these ever-changing challenges.

The Nichols Pond Beautification Project is moving forward with the help of over 20 committee members from the community. The Pond, which is located in the heart of Spencer, is in need of dredging. Because it has not been dredged, the pond now contains algae and emergent vegetation. The Chamber of Commerce was once involved in the beautification project, but turned it over to the community when Dale Weston, committee co-chair and Town Board Member, decided to take the project over. According to Joan Weston, also a co-chair, the project began in 1998 with $100 in the bank.

Since that time, the committee has worked with property owners to gain right-of-way for access to the south side of the pond. In November of 2003, a Mildred Faulkner Truman grant allowed for a survey of village properties and a landscape architect development plan. Cornell University got involved and was able to perform a study and develop a conceptual plan. With 15 students involved, each developed a plan, three were chosen, and the final three were taken to the public for a decisive final plan. Currently, a fence that obstructed entrance into the property by equipment was removed and the committee hopes to be able to clean the perimeter by spring. The final plan includes the building of a perimeter as well as a walking path. The committee continues to host fund-raisers for the effort and is looking forward to continuing the beautification efforts. To learn more you can contact Joan and Dale Weston at 607-589-4927.

Further down the road, the Spencer Lake Project is a plan to both preserve and utilize the spectacular 100-acre spring and creek fed lake, as well as the 75 acres of adjoining woods and fields in Spencer, New York. By combining art, education, and the environment, the Spencer Lake Project committee is working to form what will be a nationally marketed cultural enrichment retreat and conference center. The current plan is to use geothermal, solar, and hydropower to generate the energy necessary to sustain operations. For more information you can contact Karen Frick at 607-589-7616 or visit www.u-s-c.org/html/SpencerLakeproposal.htm.

And finally, a project entitled the Watershed-Creek Project will impact the entire watershed in Spencer and surrounding communities. The strategy of the committee is to recreate the habitat, making it more natural for trout and other inhabitants. The committee is also trying to develop methods that would prevent flooding. With up to 20 members on the project committee, progress has been made to prevent immediate flooding. By removing gravel from the Catatonk Creek at a location called "the narrows," flooding has been reduced. Ponds and wetlands have also been created in surrounding areas in an effort to reduce flooding. According to Al Evans, Town of Spencer Representative and Board President, the creek is a smaller part of the counties entire watershed. By maintaining and controlling the watershed, the creek will continue to remain as a natural resource within the community. Thanks to the efforts of REAP, funding was acquired for the initial stages of the project. "The members of REAP have been very helpful in guiding us through this process," said Evans. For more information about the Watershed-Creek Project you can contact Al Evans at 607-659-5553.