InApril, 2011, the VT Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation (FP&R)drained Sweet Pond in Guilford because they considered the deteriorating dam posed a hazard to downstream life and property. Tropical Storm Irene probably proved them right.

Our lovely pond, a popular 4-season recreation site for fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, ice skating, and nature study, has been empty ever since.

This past June engineers presented a report evaluating alternatives for restoring or removing the dam to the Department and to local citizens for comment. An overwhelming majority chose the alternative that restores the dam and pond to former dimensions, and the leadership in FP&R support this. However, they need to ask the legislature for special funding.

Their funding request rests on popular support for restoring the pond. The more people who tell the Vermont legislature we want Sweet Pond back, the better our chances for funding in a post-Irene economy.

Please sign this petition stating your support for restoring Sweet Pond and then pass it along to family and friends.