To obtain input regarding the aging Waldo Mill Pond and Onion River Dam, the nonprofit Waldo Pond Improvement Association partnered with Kevin to create an opinion survey. 234 surveys were mailed to addresses within the Village of Waldo, or the Town of Lyndon if adjacent to the Mill Pond or less than one mile downstream of the dam. Of these, 61 surveys were completed and mailed back to the Extension Office for tabulation — a response rate of 26%, which is typical for such surveys.
When asked about the usage of the Mill Pond and park area, respondents were most likely to visit the site to “enjoy the view and tranquility.” “Wildlife observation” and “fishing” rounded out the top three responses.
The Association intends to use the survey results to guide its future maintenance and improvement projects.