The Sherwood Forest Lake District was created on October 9th, 2010. Chapter 107 of the Acts of 2010 was approved by the Town of Becket, signed by the governor of Massachusetts, and positively voted for by the residents and land owners of Sherwood Forest. An elected prudential committee manages the Lake District. It is charged with all aspects of protecting and preserving the lakes, dams, and beaches in Sherwood Forest. The Prudential Committee creates the annual budget, which is funded from the Lake District Tax collected by the Town of Becket. All properties are taxed at a percentage of their real estate tax. A special opt-out provision was established for those proprietors who wanted to give up their rights to the lake.
Sherwood Forest was developed in the 1960s. At that time no provisions were made for long term maintenance of the infrastructure. After half a century there was a dramatic need to create a system to watch over the care and safety of the dams as well as the related areas. The Sherwood Forest Neighbor's Association, owner of these areas, did not have the authority to tax the property owners. This left SFNA in the difficult position of responsibility but without the ability to raise the necessary funds. Consequently the SFLD was created.
Currently the SFLD is moving forward with the major task of developing and implementing a short and long term plan for the repair and maintenance of the dams. At the same time, other projects are being worked on to provide an environmentally friendly, safe, and enjoyable environment at the Forest's lakes and beaches for all the property owners of Sherwood Forest.
Sherwood Forest was developed in the 1960s. At that time no provisions were made for long term maintenance of the infrastructure. After half a century there was a dramatic need to create a system to watch over the care and safety of the dams as well as the related areas. The Sherwood Forest Neighbor's Association, owner of these areas, did not have the authority to tax the property owners. This left SFNA in the difficult position of responsibility but without the ability to raise the necessary funds. Consequently the SFLD was created.
Currently the SFLD is moving forward with the major task of developing and implementing a short and long term plan for the repair and maintenance of the dams. At the same time, other projects are being worked on to provide an environmentally friendly, safe, and enjoyable environment at the Forest's lakes and beaches for all the property owners of Sherwood Forest.