Restoring the Bowl
What We Do
The Stockbridge Bowl Association is a nonprofit organization focused on protecting the health, beauty, and long-term sustainability of the lake.
Through environmental efforts, community collaboration, and education, we work to ensure the Bowl remains a valued resource for all who enjoy it.
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Monitoring, testing, and preservation efforts to maintain a healthy lake ecosystem.
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Sharing updates, resources, and information with residents and visitors.
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Promoting responsible use and long-term sustainability.
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Working with local organizations and stakeholders to protect the lake.
1. Dredging
The SBA will assist the Town in working with GZA, a firm that provides geotechnical, environmental, ecological, water, and construction management services. Together, we will: (a) finalize plans for dredging as per the Bullard Woods dewatering site design; (b) obtain cost estimates and a timeline for completion of the project; (c) consult with the Town to determine how much of the dredging it will fund. If Town funds combined with monies already raised by the SBA are insufficient for the dredging project, we will work with the Town to determine how to close the financial gap.
2. Mechanical harvesting
The SBA will help the Town obtain a more robust mechanical harvesting permit that will allow for more cutting than the 10 acres allowed under the current permit. The SBA will provide the resources of our lake management consultants as well as legal review to draft a new Notice of Intent for mechanical harvesting to be reviewed and filed by the Town.
3. Hand harvest
(a) The SBA will continue its partnership with the Town to monitor and hand harvest the invasive water chestnut that has been found behind the Kwuniikwat Island and down the outlet.
(b) The SBA is piloting a program to offer financial assistance (of up to $5,000 in matching funds) to our member lakeside residential organizations to hand pull invasive and nuisance vegetation from their communal swimming and boating areas.
4. Herbicides
Rather than pursuing possible use of the herbicide Fluridone, The SBA will pursue the use of a newer herbicide, ProcellaCOR, which is more targeted and allows for spot treatment of Eurasian Watermilfoil rather than full lake treatment. This approach provides more flexibility in terms of the area of application, timing, and cost. We will seek approval of the use of ProcellaCOR by the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program. Once granted, we will file a new Notice of Intent for the project.
5. Bullard Woods
The SBA will establish programs for Bullard Woods that will protect the old growth trees and remove invasive plants.
Planning, permitting, funding and fundraising for these five projects are currently part of the core mission of The SBA.
Get Involved!
The work of the Stockbridge Bowl Association is made possible through the involvement and support of the community.
Whether you choose to become a member, make a donation, or stay engaged with ongoing initiatives, your participation helps strengthen efforts to protect the lake, maintain its ecological health, and preserve its role as a valued part of the Berkshires.
Continued support allows us to carry this work forward in a thoughtful and sustainable way.
