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What's New
LMPA President Dan Albro was recently interviewed by Patrice Wood about hydrilla in Lake Mishnock and the role LMPA has served to help maintain a healthy lake. This interview aired Tuesday July 2, 6pm on channel 10, WJAR. We hope this will give some needed attention to Lake Mishnock and other lakes in Rhode Island. Invasive vegetation in our water systems is growing at an alarming rate. Hydrilla is one of the worst. You can view the interview here.
Lake Mishnock will be treated for hydrilla and milfoil on July 9. This is our second treatment this year.
The lake will be treated Thursday, June 12, 2025 with the herbicide product Sonar. This will be one of four treatments this season. Notices will be distributed before treatment, though there are no restriction on lake activities.
What is new: hydrilla verticillata (click to read). It was discovered in Lake Mishnock last season. This invasive, hydrilla, can overwhelm a lake and turn it into a swamp. For a video about hydrilla, click here. (You can skip the ad.) LMPA is spending about $25,000 per season in an effort to defeat this plant. Hydrilla was caught early so we have a window of opportunity to defeat it. If you are reading this, we hope you will consider joining LMPA and/or making a tax-deductible donation. You can give in three ways:
1) Give the old fashioned way: write a check to LMPA and send it to: PO Box 240, Coventry RI, 02816.
2) Click here to reach DONATE OR JOIN to pay on line through through PAYPAL.
3) Click here to give through GOFUNDME. (You can see names of others who have given.)
LMPA is a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt organization . Your donations are tax deductible.
A Directors' meeting was held Saturday May 10, 2025. It was well attended and produced a lively discussion of ways to raise money. Also, we established a protocol for official communications.
There will be an Earth Day cleanup on 4/26/25 called Big River Cleanup. People will meet at Exit 19 park and ride on I95, near Mishnock Rd and Hopkins Hill Rd. Read more here. This cleanup has been going on for many years and attracts many. This is our chance to clean up trash around the lake.
To learn more about what Hydrilla has done in other states click here. It is impossible to overstate how important it is to get control of this plant.
There was a Directors meeting April 12. The discussion centered on the need for increased revenues to pay for Hydrilla treatment. The next two years are critical.
We had a great turnout for our Directors' meeting on March 15, 2025 at the Barn. The
driving interest is obtaining funds for lake treatment this year. As it turns out we were not successful in our grant application with Rhode Island Foundation. We are still hopeful of help through the Water Resources Board. We did determine we can pay for this year's treatment with existing resources but that would deplete us to virtually nothing. Fingers crossed. Next meeting April 12. We will establish a date and time for our band fundraiser.
Next Directors' meeting is March 15, 2025 at the Barn
The meeting scheduled for 2/22/25 was cancelled due to the passing of Robert Meehan, a beloved Mishnock resident. A celebration of his amazing life was held at the Barn on 2/22/25.
The Executive Committee met with Kent County Water Authority February 20. We think it was a productive discussion. KCWA wants to help. They understand the importance of Lake Mishnock in the interconnected waterways that produce our drinking water. They will be provided with the safety sheets and data sheets for the products used in managing our invasives, particularly Hydrilla. We were told The Water Resources board may be helpful. KCWA will pursue this avenue and report back. Fingers crossed.
The Directors meeting held January 25 discussed the need to find funding sources to combat invasive weeds. This is becoming critical if we are to keep control of our lake's health. Dan Albro said he would talk with Kevin Breene, Town Manager for ideas.
The ANNUAL MEETING AND ELECTIONS was held at the Barn October 26. 2024. Nomination chair Joyce Nero presented her report that renominated the Officers: Danny Albro, Kelly Albro, Ken Brown and Kathy Fallon for another term. She also nominated Directors John Berchem, Ken St Onge, and Kevin Obrion for another term. All were reaffirmed in their positions. One new Director, Ed Kane was voted in unanimously. Congratulations to Ed! He has been a long time member of LMPA and I'm sure he will add a lot to his new role. We have the full complement of Directors at 14. LMPA has a lot to figure out for the coming season. The cost of treating and keeping the lake healthy is more challenging every year. We now fight Hydrilla and Cyanobacteria! Our next Directors meeting is January 25.
A great big thank you to the bands: SUNDANCE and JAKE AND THE BROS, who gave their time and talents to the Rock For Mishnock fundraiser September 29. Attendance was around 100 people and more than $3500 was raised. Thanks to the (get ready to click) businesses who donated to the raffle. We urge our members to patronize these businesses. They support us and we support them. The next major event for LMPA is the annual meeting and elections to be held at the Barn October 26.
A Directors' meeting was held Saturday, September 14. A nominating committee was selected for our annual meeting on October 26 at the Barn. They will prepare a slate of applicants for membership and Directors. The date of September 29 was reaffirmed for the Rock for Mishnock Fundraiser.
A Directors' meeting is scheduled for Saturday, September 14, 2024, 10am at the Mishnock Barn. The purpose is to make final preparations for the fundraiser set for September 29.
August 9, 2024: Finally, we get two negative tests in a row for Cyanobacteria. The advisory for lake restrictions from DEM has been removed, the signs are down, and people can use the lake however they want. This issue has been followed closely, especially by lake side residents. A big sigh of relief can be heard around the lake! No doubt it will be a busy weekend.
July 30, 2024: There was a Directors meeting on July 23 when we talked about the cyanobacteria problem. There was no resolution. As I write this, it is still a problem. The last test was still positive . There is no enforcement of lake restrictions, though they are posted.
July 24, 2024: The latest update regarding Cyanobacteria is that our water sample tested negative for Cyanobacteria! DEM will be back tomorrow to take another sample. Hopefully it will test negative and we can take down the warning signs. Yipee. Spread the word.
July 16,2024: The following email was sent to the Directors at LMPA on July 15. DEM should be testing the lake today for Cyanobacteria.
As you know, Cyanobacteria is in our lake and signs are posted telling people about it. There will be another test of the lake tomorrow (July 16) and another one week later at the same locations. The hope is that we get two negative tests and the warning signs can come down. This is disappointing to many who hoped to use the lake, but LMPA's job is to help transmit good information.
As this is happening, we have lake treatment scheduled for this Thursday and signs will be put up for that. These signs state "no restrictions" for swimming, boating etc., but that doesn't mean the signs about Cyanobacteria are revoked. They remain in place and tell people to stay off the lake. This is confusing but LMPA doesn't make the rules. We are a volunteer organization working with DEM as best we can to look after the lake. Just pass the word that the sign regarding Thursday's treatment for invasives does not replace the one about toxic Cyanobacteria. People can call the number on the sign 401-222-7727 if they want further clarification We are the messenger, but we didn't write the message.
An email from DEM dated July 11, 2024 states the following:
Our sample came back indicating there are toxins present in the bloom in Lake Mishnock. We will be issuing an advisory and RIDEM will continue to monitor the waterbody over the next few weeks.
Five signs telling people to stay off the lake are up and some more signs are on the way. If you live in the area spread the word.
Below are key portions of a letter written July 9, 2024. This is a big deal. Lake Mishnock contains(click to learn more) cyanobacteria. We should know more in the next few days. Spread the word and stay away from it.
The water was murky this morning at Mishnock Beach Association. It is now disgusting!
DEM has taken samples from both the north and south sides of Lake Mishnock. They have confirmed it is a cyanobacteria. They are taking the samples to the Department of Health to confirm what type of bacteria it contains. It may take a couple of days for the results. Please be aware that it is not only green, it may also be brown, yellow and green.
It started as a haze like pollen. This morning was green, yellow with brown spots as if plant material was dissolving from the treatment. Now it is a big mat of brown, yellow and green stuff. Disgusting!
Please pass this along to other officers, neighbors or post on Friends of Lake Mishnock. I will keep you updated.
Pond and Lake will be treating the lake for a second time on June 25, 2024 commencing around 11am. They will use Sonar and Procellacor. Signs have been posted. The only restrictions are no irrigation until the next day, June 26.
Pond and Lake won the bid (see below) and will treat the lake Friday, June 7. 2024 with Sonar. This will be the first of several treatments this summer. We hope to essentially knock out Hydrilla. Notices will be put up this week letting residents know of the treatment. Last week a letter of explanation was distributed around the lake making people aware of Hydrilla and what LMPA and DEM are doing about it.
Bids have been received for Hydrilla treatment. The Executive Committee and Director O'Brion are meeting Saturday April 20, 2024 to evaluate the Bids and pick the winner.
Earth Day cleanup for West Greenwich is Saturday, April 20, 2024. Meet at old park and ride exit 6a on Hopkins Hill Rd.
A Directors' meeting was held on Saturday March 16, 2024. The big item of discussion was the approval of the State Grant for lake treatment this spring/summer. This is a big deal for LMPA. As noted elsewhere, Hydrilla verticillata has been detected in the lake. It is a dangerous invasive. Our grant can cover up to $17000 in treatment costs. The next step is to solicit bids for the treatment. We are hoping to knock out this invasive in one season. Our request for bid requires at least 4 assessments of lake conditions during the season. This is whole lake systemic treatment. The vendor is required to follow all State and Federal rules for safe application of low dose fluridone, the product of choice for whole lake treatment. Solicitation for bids to do the work will go out the week of March 17. This project requires careful monitoring and coordination with DEM.
Below is a list of recent donors who added extra money to their yearly membership dues. Thank you!
Dan and Kelley Albro
Joyce and David Nero
John Florio
Hennessey Construction
Sparrow Industries
Diane Blaquiere
Mary Lyons
Cathy and Gary Brown
Mike Berek
Alicia Curtin
Finally, thank you to Senator Leonidas Raptakis for his role in obtaining another State grant in the amount of $2000.
Lookin after all these nasty invasive plants ain't cheap!
The annual meeting for LMPA was held on Saturday, October 21, at the Mishnock Barn. The Nomination Committee recommended Frank and Tracy Calderone to become Directors. They were elected unanimously with a raise of the hands by the members. We are thrilled to have the Calderones on board. They love the lake and want to do their part to preserve it for future generations. Also, three Directors of long standing were confirmed to continue as Directors -- Diane Blaquire, Steve Shriner, and Neil Digris. With the Calderones we have a full complement of 15 Directors.
Director Kevin O'Brion gave a presentation about the lake's history, starting with glacier action thousands of years ago and ending with our latest Pond and Lake report. (Quite a summary) As to the Pond and Lake report, the big news is that we have a new invasive you can read about Hydrilla verticillata. It is wicked stuff. Under the right conditions it can grow from 1 to 4 inches a day. This problem has been reported to DEM. The report has been shared with Rhode Island Watershed Watch. Our organization will be working with all stake holders to do all we can to make sure Hydrilla doesn't take over here as it has in many parts of the country. Florida for example is spending millions.
The annual meeting for LMPA will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2023, 10 am at the Mishnock Barn. Three directors are up for review and we could elect two new directors. The meeting is open to the general public and we hope for a good turn out. Letters were sent to all the members. Here is the letter we mailed to all members:
Dear Friends of Lake Mishnock:
Unfortunately, no swans this year. A pair was sighted on Little Mishnock early in the year, but they did not make a nest. Good news: Canada geese aren’t living on the lake.
The lake was treated on June 29th with ProcellaCOR by The Pond and Lake Connection. This is the second season of our renewed contract. The lake is getting good protection from invasive milfoil. This year’s treatment funding was enhanced by a legislative grant acquired by RI Senator Leonidas Raptakis. There also was a good turnout for this year’s fundraiser, Rock for Mishnock, held at Dan & Kelly Albro’s Mishnock Barn, featuring: Sundance and Jake Heady & the Albros. They all donated their time and talent.
Some members reported new growth of phragmites along the shoreline. Nick McMahon from Pond & Lake will be treating the phragmites within the next two weeks. He reviewed photos and saw nothing alarming, but will take a closer look. Nick will send an end-of-year report which will be available at the meeting.
PLEASE ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING ON OCTOBER 21st AT THE MISHNOCK BARN TO LEARN MORE. IF YOU HAVE A FRIEND OR NEIGHBOR INTERESTED IN BEING AN LMPA MEMBER, PLEASE INVITE THEM TO ATTEND. ALSO: The Nomination Committee will submit nominees for the Board of Directors. As an LMPA member, you will vote at the meeting to renew three positions on the Board of Directors. In addition to renewals, if you would like to nominate yourself or someone you know for a seat on the Board, please fill in the enclosed form which you can mail or bring to the annual meeting on Saturday, October 21st.
Hope to see you at the Barn. The LMPA motto remains: It’s all about the lake.
Sincerely,
Nancy Brown
Membership director, LMPA
Enclosure
cc: Nicholas McMahon
The Rock for Mishnock fundraiser was held August 12, 2023, music provided by Sundance- Jake Heady and the Albros, who kept things rockin from 7 to 11. There was a great turnout! When all was said and done we raised over $5,000. See the list of donors who provided the products for the raffle. Additionally we received a grant from the State of Rhode Island for $2,000. A giant thank you goes to State Senator Leonidas "Lou" Raptakis who presented the check at the fundraiser.
Our next Directors meeting is July 22. Everyone should bring raffle donations to the meeting. The Neros, as usual, are leading the charge in getting donations for raffle prizes.
A Directors meeting was held June 3, 2023 at the Mishnock Barn. We discussed the upcoming treatment of the lake and the forthcoming fundraiser. There was general agreement that the lake looked good. Stephan St. Onge and Nick, from Lake and Pond, had recently toured the lake. The only meaningful area of concern is the presence of phragmites, an aggressive invasive plant. During the upcoming milfoil treatment Nick will evaluate the extent of phragmites and give us a price for treating in the Fall.
Recently I sent out a reminder to LMPA members about an Earth Day cleanup for West Greenwich sponsored by the West Greenwich Land Trust, with information at https://www.facebook.com/wglandtrust/
It was brought to my attention that there is another Earth Day cleanup for West Greenwich the same day being sponsored by the Conservation Commission and includes “Big River Cleanup.” This is the one most of us have participated in throughout the years and is convenient for those living near the Lake. It meets at the Hopkins Hill park and ride on April 22 at 8am. Learn more here: https://www.wgtownri.org.
Spread the word. See pictures from past trash cleanups here.
A Directors meeting was held March 18, 2023 at the Barn. In addition to conducting business, we enjoyed seeing each other! We are all tired of winter and Covid! I even saw a few hugs.
Our annual fundraiser will be Sunday, August 20, 2023, doors open at 3pm. It will be another "Rock Mishnock" with prizes, just as last year. Food will be provided by Wicked Pizza. Cash bar. Tickets available before the event. Donations will be solicited. Those who donate will received a letter verifying our IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non profit status.
We discussed two additional invasive weeds. Our existing contract only covers Milfoil. Pond and lake will be asked to give us a price for dealing with these new invasives. Treatment normally takes place sometime in early June. Next Directors meeting June 3.
The Annual Meeting for 2022 was held November 12 at the Mishnock Barn. Before the meeting started Dan and Kelly were presented with a recognition award for their many years of service
Nancy Brown, Ken Fallon, David Nero and Joyce Nero were reelected as Directors for three year terms. Steven St. Onge, Michael Berek and Kaitlynne Morris were elected as new Directors for three year terms. Steven is a long term and active member who some of us thought was already a Director. Michael and Kaitlynne are new to the organization. They bring youth and enthusiasm! Kaitlynne has state government and grant writing experience. Michale has been a prominent member of the Mishnock community for years and eager to help look after the lake.
We discussed the end of year report from Pond and Lake. Everyone was happy with last year's treatment. The lake looks good. There was some discussion of new invasives. We will have Pond and Lake evaluate in the spring . Next Directors' meeting March 18, 2023.
For those who order through Amazon and want to make a donation to LMPA, Amazon makes it easy. This costs you nothing because Amazon donates a small percentage of the purchase price to qualified non profit organizations like LMPA. Here is a direct link to this feature
https://smile.amazon.com/ch/20-2446561
The annual meeting is set for Saturday, November 12, 10 am, at the Mishnock Barn. Notices have been mailed to all directors and members. We will discuss this past years activities and elect Board members. We hope to see some new faces!
Read about this year's fundraiser.
Update Directors Meeting of June 11, 2022
The Directors Meeting for June 11 ending up being held virtually instead of at the Barn. Basic business was conducted but there were some technical problems. We hope to go "live" next time.
Next Directors Meeting is August 27. Our Annual Meeting for all members is scheduled for November 12, 10 am at the Barn. A fundraiser and raffle, "Rock for Mishnock is scheduled for September 11.
Lots of bass being caught on the lake! Two swans are frequently seen but don't appear to have a nest. So it goes.
Lake Treatment on June 9, 2022
The Pond and Lake Connection will be treating the lake this Thursday, June 9. There has been growth since last year. In Little Mish the milfoil is already growing out of the water. Notices were posted today, June 6. Written notices were mailed to all abutters in February notifying them of future treatment. Here's hoping the treatment lasts for many years. Mitigating invasive weed growth is costly.
There will be a meeting of LMPA Directors Saturday, June 11 at the Mishnock Barn. This only our second "in person" meeting since the arrival of Covid. We can see if we recognize each other and then talk about fund raising. It is great to see that summer is arriving. There have been several swan sightings, but no swan nest sightings!
Directors' meeting held January 8, 2022
LMPA held its first virtual meeting Saturday, January 8 due to Covid concerns. Steve Shriner did a great job of hosting the meeting. Not everyone attended but we had a easy quorum. The issue before the Directors was how to treat the lake for invasive vegetation. The Board voted unanimously to accept the three year contract from Pond and Lake. We just finished a three year contract and were happy with the results. We are hopeful that another three years of treatment with Procellacor Aquatic Herbicide will drastically reduce the amount of milfoil. As someone said, "We've got it on the ropes, let's finish the job.".
December 6, 2021
Notices for renewal of memberships mailed today.
October 15, 2021
An ugly bloom was discovered on the lake a few days ago, and it turned out to be cyanobacteria. People and pets should avoid contact. Use the links in the DEM comments below to learn more about cyanobacteria (blue/green algae)
Please read the DEM comments below:
There appears to be some accumulation of the cyanobacteria happening at various points along the shoreline. We have several lakes that have similar conditions, wind-driven accumulation that is broken up easily and difficult to sample effectively. If there are further reports of deteriorating conditions with high accumulation, we’ll look to sample further. We expect with shorter days and cooler temperatures that the cyanobacteria will naturally abate in the late fall and winter. If any questions come in regarding the cyanobacteria, they can be referred to: DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.govor our website with further information here: www.dem.ri.gov/bluegreen.
Our annual meeting was held yesterday, Saturday, October 10, 2021 at the Pavilion behind West Greenwich town hall. We discussed the end-of-year report from Pond and Lake Connection and voted on Directors and Officers. We reelected the same set of officers: Dan Albro, President; Ken Brown, Vice President; Kelly Albro, Secretary; and Kathy Fallon, Treasurer. Directors reelected were Ken St. Onge and John Berchem. A new Director and recent resident of Mishnock, Kevin O'Brion was also elected to the Board. Kevin has an impressive background in fresh water lake science and management. The Board is thrilled to have his youth, education and experience. Our next meeting for Directors is January 8, 2022 10 am at the Barn. LMPA will have to decide on a treatment plan for 2022.
A big thank you to Kevin Breene for offering the Pavilion as a meeting place. It is beautiful. Take a look.
September 29, 2021
Many of our members live with septic systems or cesspools. There is a lot to know to keep your system working efficiently. Proper maintenance of cesspools/septic systems is especially important if you live on a lake. DEM provides extensive information on this important subject. Learn more by clicking here , or:
Learn what not to put down your kitchen sink (such as fats, oils, or greases), how to properly dispose of food waste, and how to use cleaning supplies in moderation. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIWoB2QtBvY [youtube.com]
September 08, 2021
On Monday, September 6, an LMPA board member was kayaking and discovered a disturbing scene - a number of turtles had been caught and killed in a net trap. Here are some pictures she took. People around the lake mostly love turtles. Let us hope this was some kind of mistake, someone trying to catch crayfish or something similar, and left the net. It may have blown into the southeast corner of Mishnock Barn property. It was not tethered.
August 28, 2021
Our Annual Meeting and Elections are scheduled for Saturday, October 9, 2021, 11am to 1pm at the Pavilion behind Town Hall, 280 Victory Highway, West Greenwich RI. This is a lovely setting and we hope for a good turnout.
The Fund Raiser , Rock for Lake Mishnock Benefit Concert was a success!.
June 18,2021 We have a video of two new swans..
June 17, 2021: This could be a big day. Two swans were sited on the lake earlier in the week and they are still there! Many are watching to see if they build a nest. As you may know from Swan Story on the website we've been without swans for a while and that leads to more geese.
There will be a fundraiser at the Mishnock Barn Sunday, June 27. Read about it.
Pond and Lake will survey and treat Lake Mishnock for invasive milfoil
Wednesday, June 16, at 0900.
June 2, 2021
There will be a meeting for Directors on Saturday, June 12, 2021, 10am at the Mishnock Barn. This is the first meeting since Covid "took over". The agenda is open, but we will certainly discuss the upcoming lake inspection, milfoil, treatment options for the future, and fundraising. It will be good to get together.
EARTH DAY 2021
If you would like to learn more about the health of lakes in Rhode Island or would like to volunteer to help monitor them, click here and you will be connected to URI Watershed Watch.
You can contribute to the Lake Mishnock Preservation Association (LMPA) by choosing it as your charity when you order through Amazon.com. Amazon has a program called Smile Amazon that allows customers to choose a favorite charity. Amazon donates a certain percentage of the cost of every purchase to that charity. So it costs you nothing! It's money you've already spent. To learn more click here
March 4, 2021
It has been many months since the LMPA website has been updated. Two factors converged at the same time: Covid 19 and the slow deterioration of the platform for maintaining the website. The Covid pandemic brought to a halt our meetings and activities. Our website provider decided they didn’t support the platform I used for over 15 years. Increasingly it became obvious another website would have to be created. The original was the repository of much of the organization’s history. I did not want to lose that. In any event, this new website is under construction with the hope of keeping as much of our history as is reasonable. I’ll admit to a little hoarding. Your patience is appreciated. We keep our domain name and change the website host. Without the technical help of Mike Berube this would not be possible. Thank you Mike!! Mike will continue to work with me in building the new website.
On February 15, 2021, The Pond and Lake Connection sent out Notices to all lake abutters explaining upcoming periodic lake inspections and targeted treatment of invasive vegetation. These Notices are required by The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and are part of the permitting process. When the time comes for treatment Notices will be posted around the lake.
It’s been a difficult year, but daylight is in view! I hope many of you have received vaccinations and the rest will soon. The vaccination process, after a rocky start, seems to be moving well in West Greenwich.
We have two audacious cardinals nesting near our home and they’ve been singing the joys of spring since mid February. Nancy and I have seen flocks of robins, red-winged blackbirds, and killdeer. So, they think it’s spring. We’ll have a Board meeting as soon as we think it’s safe.