Fall 2026 Update
As the last leaves fall, it's time to put a wrap on the 2026 summer season.
The SBA's mission is to preserve and protect the Bowl, and it's clear that in addition to the regular work that we do, the larger projects are a work in progress. Mike Canales, the Administrator for Stockbridge Township provided an update to the SBA Board recently and gave revised timing on the two major construction projects:
Bowl Dredging and Restoration:
As said in our last email, several hurdles were passed this past year. During the coming year, the Town of Stockbridge, who is responsible for the project, will continue the permitting process that should be completed in 2028. Mike thinks the project could happen in the 2030/2031 timeframe. He pointed out that it's been many years since initial cost estimates were made and similar projects have tripled over that time period. This means significant additional funding will need to be found. The SBA will continue to work with the Town throughout the permitting, bidding and fund-raising process. The money that the SBA has already raised provides a solid amount on which to build. In the Spring, we should have updated information on timing and costs.Outlet Dam Repair:
Emergency dam repairs were made last winter. Mike pointed out that because of the immediate needs of the dam, federal and state funds were available and accessed. The repairs took the rating of the dam out of the "critical" range. Although more repairs need to be made, there are no plans to draw down the Bowl this winter.
The SBA's board is reviewing its 2027 budget.
Weed control is on everyone's to-do list and more than 80% of the annual $100,000 budget is allocated to invasive removal - either by hand or a new suction method that we're hoping to use for the first time in 2027 - and maintenance and care of Bullard Woods. Thank you again to all who donated to make the Bowl better. Here is the link to make a donation to the SBA.
We have some interesting stats gathered from the boat ramp that we'd like to share. There were 4,263 vessels put in the water this past summer - ranging from kayaks, paddle boards, canoes, sailboats and power boats - 95% of those were not motorized. Not included in these totals were participants in Josh Billings, Chocolate and Cookie Bowls, and Fishing Derby. The SBA wants to thank Kevin 'Moose' Foran and the Zebra Mussel monitors for their dedicated work this past season.
We have more detailed information on the website where we continue to make updates on a regular basis. The SBA website has lots of information, news updates, photos and other interesting tidbits. Please get in touch by email [admin@thesba.org] or on the website if there are things that you'd like to see that we don't have available.
If the weather cooperates, there will be cross country skiing and ice fishing on the Bowl before we know it.
We'll be back with a Spring Newsletter before too long.
