For the past several years, the Highland Lake Watershed Association has participated in the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Circle Award program. Our efforts as diligent stewards of Highland Lake (such as conducting a semiannual Road Cleanup Day) were recognized by Commissioner Gina McCarthy when she presented the HLWA with this award. President Dick Labich thought it would be appropriate for HLWA to adapt this idea and provide recognition for any Highland Lake watershed property owner who demonstrates positive actions to preserve our lake. The Board of Directors confirmed this idea, and we have received permission from Commissioner McCarthy to piggyback on the DEP program.

Thus, we proudly announce HLWA will be offering the Blue Circle Award program this spring. The purpose of the award is to heighten awareness, among all watershed property owners, of our opportunity and responsibility to be stewards of Highland Lake. Since lakes are fragile natural resources, it is incumbent upon property owners to learn about the lake environment and manage their property in a way that will protect and preserve lake water quality. The Blue Circle Award will, each year, spotlight and publicize the efforts of one or more watershed property owners who demonstrate a keen sense of stewardship.

In the spring 2008 newsletter, we will be providing you with a list of examples of the types of actions that are “watershed friendly.” Everyone who lives in the Highland Lake watershed is eligible to nominate a person who you believe is worthy or submit yourself for the Blue Circle Award (except HLWA Board of Directors members). We will provide a nomination form and be presenting the award at our Annual Meeting on July 12. Please start to think of people who you think are worthy of this recognition; being “blue” is as laudable as being “green” when you live at a lake!