The canal blocked by a beaver dam, in this photo submitted by Southwick Lake Management Committee Chair Richard Grannells.
SOUTHWICK – The Board of Selectmen gave its stamp of approval this week for the Lake Management’s Canal Restoration Sub-Committee to seek grant funding.
Sub-Committee Chairman Michael DeBay told the board the grant was from the state division of fish and game, which is under the Energy and Environmental Affairs Office.
DeBay said the grant is two-fold, offering both technical assistance and direct funds.
In Southwick, the money would be used to ultimately improve lake water.
“We want to try to open up the flow, which is important for overall lake quality,” said DeBay.
The grant application does not guarantee approval, but it puts Southwick on the map.
“This opportunity gets us on their priority fund list,” said DeBay. “From there we would have to submit more data.”
Lake Management Chairman Richard Grannells said the grant funds would help restore Canal Brook from the end of the lake to the Connecticut line.
“It needs to be widened, deepened, and materials removed,” said Grannells.
The canal suffered from erosion when runoff from nearby fields created a large gorge. Grannells said the town worked with the property owner to remedy the problem, but it now needs to be cleaned up and restored. The other problem, he said, is beavers.
The whole canal should be open like in this photo, submitted by Southwick Lake Management Committee Chair Richard Grannells.
“Beavers drag materials into the canal and build dams,” he said. “So, we’re trying to restore it so the only outlet is the lake and we’re told beavers don’t build dams in deep water, only shallow water.”
The restoration would bring back the canal levels to a point the beavers would find unappealing for dam building.
The board supported the application unanimously.
“I can’t think of lakes any more deserving of state funding,” said Selectwoman Tracy Cesan.
DeBay said the grant can work in two ways – matching funds from the town or in-kind funding.
The board said it was in favor of applying for the grant particularly because town funds were not required. The application deadline is Dec. 30.
