When we left off last time in 1984, the Board of Selectmen had formed a Highland Lake Commission to get all Highland Lake issues off their backs and let an appointed commission deal with them. It circumvented the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission (IWWC) (which should have been in control) and left the lake in the hands of seven individuals, almost all of whom were completely inexperienced and without knowledge of lake issues. It would be a few years and several missteps by that commission before it was dissolved and the IWWC got its rightful power back.

1984 was the “Highland Lake Taxpayers’ Association” 25th anniversary year, and we had accomplished a lot, perhaps the most important of which was our strong commitment to preserve and protect Highland Lake. Because we had taken it upon ourselves to commission and pay for a private environmental study in 1975, the DEP then did a follow-up study resulting in a 42-page report. Following that, as a direct result of our demonstrated involvement and interest in water quality, we were selected by the DEP as one of seven lakes to undergo a year-long comprehensive study under the Federal Clean Water Act. That 1980 study resulted in a 131-page report covering all aspects of the lake and its watershed, along with recommendations for lake and watershed management, which remain relevant today.

In 1985 we had a membership of about 200 families. That year we requested streetlights around the lake, supported an expanded sewer treatment plant (with the view of future sewer-line expansion around the lake), and asked for guardrails in second bay near the tablet. We had a float in the Laurel Parade and Congresswoman Nancy Johnson spoke to us about possible grant money for dredging and weed harvesting. We asked the State (to no avail) to limit the number of boats which could use the state launch. Torrington Area Health District was contacted about suspected leaking septic systems and asked to investigate.

The Association was actively involved in The Greater Laurel Transfer, a triathlon consisting of a 27-mile bike course, a canoe race around the lake, and a nine-mile run. That year we gave $300 to the repair of the police boat and two pairs of waterproof binoculars for the use of the marine patrol. Soil test kits were made available to all lake residents.

In 1986 we threw our support behind the opposition to construction of a wood-burning energy facility within close proximity to the lake. Bio-Gen had built a similar plant in Vermont and news clippings from that area told horror stories of terrible problems and pollution from burning demolition materials. They subsequently tried to get it approved in Torrington, but after a very long and expensive fight, Torrington also successfully beat back their effort.

One of the hot discussion topics of 1987 (and subsequently from time to time) was the feasibility of forming a separate Highland Lake Tax District, modeled after the Lakeridge Tax District in Torrington. As taxes soar, there is still interest today in that possibility.

In 1988 we entered the era of the condo threat. When a 32-unit condo project was proposed for West Wakefield Boulevard, the Association hired an attorney and began a long, all-out offensive to defeat it. The fight would take over a year, lots of fundraising, most of the Association’s energy and about $30,000 in legal fees. However, we did prevail and the character of the lake was preserved. As a direct result, we strongly supported immediate implementation of more restrictive zoning for the lake and watershed area and worked with Planning and Zoning to establish a Highland Lake Zone for lake protection, drafting regulations prohibiting multifamily development (more than three units).

In 1989, as more and more jet skis appeared on the lake, we supported the licensing of jet ski operators and the enforcement of the boating laws with regard to their operation. We also recommended boat size on the lake be limited to 22 feet and boats having cuddy cabins or self-contained heads be prohibited. (To be continued in the next newsletter . . . )

The following is a list of just a few of our activities in the first 25 years:

• Requested inspection of septic systems, supported sewer-plant expansion and sewer-line expansion around lake.
• Published a newsletter, a directory “Who’s Who at Highland Lake,” and educational pamphlets promoting good lake management practices.
• Held “Bottoms-Up Day” cleanup with 53 divers participating; annual Cleanup Day; placed a refuse can at Cannavo Spring; and requested leaf pickup around lake .
• Formed a committee to research all methods of weed control; researched availability of state and federal grants.
• Requested Town to discontinue the annual oil/sand application to Wakefield Boulevard because of runoff into the lake; and asked catch basins be installed/replaced/cleaned.
• Refurbished section signs around the lake; requested Town to repaint street signs around the lake, install speed-limit signs, do more frequent sweeping, repaint white line on Wakefield Boulevard, and do road repairs.
• Requested stop sign on Mountain Road, beach swim markers and no parking signs.
• Supported quiet hours on Sunday afternoon and noise regulations for boats and snowmobiles.
• Held annual dinner dances.
• Conducted free water ski clinic and Young Skippers Courses
• Held boat parade led by a barbershop quartet on a pontoon boat; “Light Up The Lake” night with residents lining the shore with lights and luminaries.
• Sponsored float in Laurel Parade and cosponsored the Highland Lake Road Race.
• Gifts to Police Department, two SCUBA tanks, a “Resusci-Annie” doll, fire pump for police boat, and cash donations; Cooper hose clamps and an ice-cutting abrasive saw to the Fire Department; to the hospital, an air conditioner. Also, cash donations to the Gilbert School Band, the Laurel Water Ski Club, the fund for injured policemen, the Laurel Festival, and the Recreation Department.
• Guest speakers from DEP, Soil Conservation District, Torrington Area Health, Board of Selectmen, Connecticut Lakes Management Division, Winsted Police Department, Winsted Public Works, state and federal legislators, and more.