Freeman Lake Diagnostic and Management Assessment


The Freeman Lake Diagnostic and Management Assessment Final Report

Chloride and Conductance Memo Report


A comprehensive Diagnostic and Management Assessment of Freeman Lake began in 2023. Analysis has been completed, and the final report is posted HERE. After reviewing the findings and available budget, the Town plans on initiating a water chestnut hand harvesting program, implementing mechanical harvesting, applying targeted herbicide treatments, and undertaking a benthic barrier pilot study in 2025.  

At the February 13, 2025 Vinal Square Strategic Action Plan Committee Meeting, the major findings and proposed next steps were discussed. The meeting was recorded by Chelmsford TeleMedia. The recorded meeting and the Freeman Lake PowerPoint Presentation are available below. 

Recording of February 13, 2025 Vinal Square Strategic Action Plan Committee Meeting - Click Here

February 2025 Update of the Freeman Lake Diagnostic and Management Assessment Presentation - Click Here 

Open Office Hours were held at the Chelmsford DPW (9 Alpha Rd) on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 from 1-3 pm to discuss The Freeman Lake Diagnostic and Management Assessment Draft Report. 

Two separate NOIs have been submitted regarding Invasive Plant Management at Freeman Lake. The first NOI is just for implementing mechanical harvesting at Freeman Lake (available HERE Version Options Freeman Lake Diagnostic and Management Assessment Headline), and the second NOI is for an integrated Management Program (available HERE Version Options Freeman Lake Diagnostic and Management Assessment Headline). The first NOI, just for mechanical harvesting, was presented at the May 13, 2025 Chelmsford Conservation Commission Meeting (available to view HERE Version Options Freeman Lake Diagnostic and Management Assessment Headline), and an Order of Conditions was approved at the May 27, 2025 Meeting. The integrated management program NOI was addressed at the May 27, 2025 Chelmsford Conservation Commission Meeting and approved at the June 10, 2025 meeting. The integrated management program NOI was appealed by a group of residents on July 16, 2025. The appeal process is currently underway.

Mechanical Eco Harvesting of invasive and nuisance aquatic vegetation took place on July 23 & 24, 2025 at Freeman Lake. The public notice is available HERE Version OptionsFreeman Lake Diagnostic and Management Assessment Headline. 

Eco Harvester Event July 2025 Field Log - Click Here

Eco Harvester Event July 2025 Photo Log - Click Here

Ongoing Monitoring of Varney Beach Shoreline - Click Here

Videos from July 2025 Eco Harvester Event - Click Here

After the July 2025 Eco Harvester Event, TRC reviewed the materials, provided above, which documented the process and results of the 2-day event. Based on the results of the 2025 Eco Harvester event, mechanical harvesting (including the use of an Eco Harvester) is not recommended for effective control of Eurasian milfoil or fanwort at Freeman Lake. TRC's Review of Eco Harvester Event is available HERE. 

For more information, please contact the Stormwater Engineer, Courtney Thompson, at CThompson@ChelmsfordMA.gov or 978-250-5228 x 5235