A suggestion to drawdown the Forestville Millpond over an extended period of time has raised concerns from the Southern Door Fire Department. According to the press release announcing the meeting for next Wednesday, the Parks Committee and the Soil and Water Committee will recommend a drawdown of the Millpond for two summers and two winters in an attempt to raise water quality and remove invasive aqautic species. However, the fire department has mentioned that a full drawdown could disrupt its normal operations as the Millpond serves its predominant water source. Randy Massart, assistant fire chief at the Southern Door Fire Department, said that while the department does have other places to draw water from, there would be too many problems to resume working as usual.

The Millpond also provides water to the Brussels-Union-Gardner Fire Department. Massart said a shorter drawdown of the Millpond could still be effective without disrupting the activities of the fire department. The pond was formed in 1887 following construction of the Forestville Dam and is a popular destination for those visiting the area.