GREENSBORO – Call to action: Let’s remember that Caspian Lake is a glacial lake, formed by melting glaciers during the last Ice Age. As a glacial lake, it has unique properties and ecological importance. Sustainable management is crucial to avoid depleting the water resource. iere.org/what-are-glacial-lakes/
Today, Caspian’s declining water levels are more than a visual change upon the landscape; they are a profound warning that if we do not act now, we will lose one of our region’s most precious natural treasures. As David Attenborough might tell us, “Here, in this tranquil corner of the world, the delicate balance of life depends upon the water’s edge.”
Caspian Lake Dam facts: The aging Infrastructure of the dam at Caspian’s south end was last reconstructed in 1948. The last improvement was in 1967, nearly 60 years ago, leaving water level management dependent on outdated infrastructure. Poor and at-substantial-risk reports are at anrweb.vt.gov/DEC/DamsInventory/ListDams.aspx Type “Caspian” into the “Dam Name Containing” field, then click “View” to open up the page. There are tabs at the top, such as “reservoir” and “dam,” with information. The tab to the right, “documents,” includes a folder called “Inspections” that lists the most recent inspection reports.
At Caspian Lake’s edge, the effect of declining water levels is visible: decreasing fish populations, increasing risk of pollutants and algae blooms, increasing loss of wetlands and shoreline habitats and receding shorelines that degrade wetlands and riparian areas.
We must act with urgency and care in forming a community coalition with support from the state and Hardwick Electric Department (HED) to protect Caspian Lake by developing a concept plan of how to replace the dam to meet the needs of the lake and river.
“Something will have gone out of us as a people if we ever let the remaining wilderness be destroyed,” said Wallace Stegner.
What has already been published: hardwickgazette.org/2024/07/02/greensboro-association-shares-caspian-lake-protection-needs/
“Managing Caspian Lake’s water level is a three-legged stool, said Arnold, with John Schweizer measuring the lake level every other week for the GA, the state wanting the level to be maintained without alteration unless there’s a safety situation during a flooding event and HED being responsible for operating the dam’s flow control device to adjust lake water level.
“The lake level is now approximately two inches below where it’s historically been for the last five years, Arnold reported, asking that the level now be raised those two inches. HED Interim Manager Scott Johnstone agreed to work with HED staff to have the water level adjusted accordingly.
“Arnold asked to establish a contact for the Greensboro Association in the event an emergency requires immediate action, as it did during last summer’s flooding. Commissioners agreed Johnstone would serve as the GA contact for all its needs, including emergencies.”
hardwickgazette.org/2023/09/12/hed-keeps-an-eye-on-dam-safety-after-recent-flooding/
Elizabeth “Dede” Stabler is a resident of Greensboro.
Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story spelled John Schweizer’s name incorrectly.
