Conservation Commission clears weed harvester for Big Alum Lake

Conservation · Meeting of March 5, 2026

Sturbridge Conservation Commission clears mechanical weed harvesting for Big Alum Lake, holds the line on copper treatment acreage. The three-member quorum, Chair Eric Gaspar, Nick Gravel and Floor San Germano, voted 3-0 to amend the lake's order of conditions, letting the Big Alum Lake Association hire a floating harvester and residents use temporary "benthic barrier" mats instead of the herbicide Diquat. Environmental committee chairman Tim Harrington said he is "actively trying not to" keep using chemicals "because I'm concerned for my children's health." The commission rejected raising the annual copper-treatment allowance from 10 to 40 acres, up from six treated last year, instead letting the conservation agent and Board of Health approve added treatment case by case if an algae bloom threatens the lake.

Separately, the board cleared a National Grid pole-replacement project on Whitmore Road requiring removal of 29 trees, and continued a hearing on 23 Old Hamilton Road to April 16.

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Source: the Conservation meeting of March 5, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.