FOC Newsletter, Chairman’s Letter, Summer 2007

The Mill has been lifted. A local company lifted the Mill in July. With the building “up in the air” it is clear how much damage has been done by time and the elements. The next step will be to pump out the water located behind the temporary cofferdam that was constructed last fall. New concrete footings will be poured. Concrete piers will be poured and faced with native glacial stone. Some of the stone will be from the original piers that were replaced with wood by the State in 1973. With foresight Gil Bergen, the Park Superintendent, had saved this stone in the cellar of the Main Club House. New structural timbers are on site for repairs to the undercarriage. New shingles for the roof and sides are on site. We expect that by the time of the Gala all of phase I (stabilization) phase II (structural and foundation) and phase III (siding, windows and roof) will be complete. We continue to raise money for phase IV which will be to convert the structure to a working tub Mill. It is not difficult to imagine the look of wonder that will appear in the eyes of children and adults as the millstones turn. The Gerry Trust has very generously offered to match the next $40,000 raised by the Friends toward this effort. The Friends need your help. Please be generous!

The Veterans Highway overpass continues to present a risk to the River and to the hatchery. An independent environmental firm has been onsite during the last few significant rain events. They have confirmed that runoff from the outside traffic lanes runs almost directly into the Connetquot River. Runoff from the center lanes drains into the ground in the median strip. Once absorbed into the ground this water and the pollutants it carries find their way indirectly into the River. It appears that during significant floods or at times when the ground is frozen, water from the center median flows directly into the river. An accident involving hazardous materials near the overpass could be catastrophic. A formal report from the environmental firm should be available in the next month. We will continue to press this matter with New York State Department of Transportation. Our strength will come from membership. Encourage a friend to join. Give a membership to a friend. The Veterans overpass must be redesigned.

IPN continues to be on the minds of Connetquot fishermen. The brook trout and brown trout fingerlings at the hatchery have been destroyed. New fingerlings have been brought in. The State will do additional testing this fall. In the meantime the fishing is fantastic! The fish are safe to eat and open beats are almost always available. There are few places like Connetquot anywhere in the country for fishing, riding, hiking, bird watching or jogging. Come to the Park, check out the Mill and enjoy this local treasure.

Sincerely,
Richard Remmer

Current Chairman's Letter

Past Chairman's Letters:
Summer 2011
Spring 2011
Winter 2010-11
Fall 2010
Summer 2010
Spring 2010
Winter 2009-10
Fall 2009
Summer 2009
Spring 2009
Winter 2008-09
Fall 2008
Summer 2008
Spring 2008
Winter 2007-08
Fall 2007
Summer 2007
Spring 2007