Wishing All a Happy and Holy Christmas Season from Manchaug Pond!

The Christmas Stars shines brightly over Manchaug Pond! 

Thanks to Holbrook's Campground for this beautiful photo taken Dec. 17th.

Spent all your cash? There's a buck or two in the Manchaug Pond watershed....

Early this morning as the snow fell on Manchaug Pond, two bucks were caught on camera crossing Torrey Road south of the dam.

Thanks to photographer, Dick for mailing these in!

If you have a photo you'd like to share - do so! We would love to post it!

And if you still have a buck or two in your wallet, please consider making a tax-deductible gift to Manchaug Pond this year.  Matching donations from your place of business, in memory of and in honor of someone special can now be accepted - please send to the Manchaug Pond Foundation, P.O. Box 154, Manchaug, MA  01590.  All donors will be placed on our mailing list and receive our sincerest thanks!

Saturday's Ice Bring's Ice Fishermen

The sound of ice augers were heard on Manchaug Pond this weekend as cold temps transformed the lake.

Thanks to our Facebook friend for sending in this photo!

New Ice!

 

From our resident photographer at Holbrook's Campground!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Big Skies and Eagles

Yesterday we saw big skies over Manchaug Pond! Today is another day to look to the sky as eagles have been observed soaring above the water.

This morning at 8:30, an immature eagle was observed sitting in a tree in Area 2 not 15 feet from the house.  A sight to behold!

Big sky from Old Holdbrook Camping

"Sky on Fire" from Holbrook's Campground

Thank you to the photographer!

Another Incredible Sunset Over Manchaug Pond

Morning surprises... SNOW!

This morning we woke to a strong, bitterly cold wind and snow!

Sacred Sunset: Autumn Color Past

Today's Visitor on Manchaug Pond

 

Thanks to our Facebook photographer for catching this one!

Election Tuesday Brings Change to Districts of Manchaug Pond

The day after election Tuesday has brought a sunrise which painted the morning sky red and blue, banding itself along the lake's horizon in imitation of the USA's Old Glory.  

The election has brought change to the districts in which Manchaug Pond and it's watershed find itself.

This morning's Telegram reports new state representatives for both Douglas and Sutton.

First, the Manchaug Pond Association extends its deepest gratitude to Representatives Callahan and Kujawski for their valiant work with us in calling for the preservation of this lake. Their words of inspiration and experience at our past Annual Meetings have been uplifting and their work on the state level invaluable.

Secondly, we congratulate Messieurs Kuros and Fattman and look forward to meeting and working with them in the protection of our natural resource.

Tonight's Sunset on Manchaug Pond

Are you missing summer ?

Sacred Sunset: Race Day Sky and Post Race First Aid!

Taken from Old Holbrook's Campground, our 2 mile water station, yesterday morning at the start of Manchaug Pond's 6K THE DAM RACE

Those who participated in the race, runners, walkers, wheelers and volunteers, please take extra care of yourself today:

• drink plenty of water (not soda, coffee, or tea as they dehydrate)
• soak, ice, massage and stretch sore muscles (add a little Epson Salts or foot soak to the water!) 

"Pain relief can helped by icing, massage, light activity and slow gentle stretching. All of these things work by increasing the circulation to the area. The increased circulation takes away waste and extra fluid and brings new nutrients. Drinking fluids will help flush the waste products from the body."

• walk today, even just 15 minutes to keep the circulation going and loosen stiff muscles
• eat well to replace carbs lost
• get plenty of rest - go to be early
• check in to the blog tomorrow to plan for next year's race!  We loved your participation and want you to come back to THE DAM RACE 2011 !

 Check in for more detailed advice at:
  http://www.runtheplanet.com/trainingracing/marathon/recovery.asp

THE DAM RACE, Manchaug's 6K a success!

THE START:  
Historic Waters Farm, Sutton Massachusetts

The former home of Dorothea Waters Moran, past MPA secretary who donated this property high in the Manchaug Pond watershed to the Town of Sutton.  A living history museum cared for and enhanced by the Waters Farm Preservation, Inc.

56 runners registered

THE FINISH:
The Manchaug Pond Dam, Sutton Massachusetts.

 The dam was built in the mid 1800's, reconstructed in 1960, and vital today in 2010 to the preservation of Manchaug Pond: the waterlevel, the wetlands, for the user community,   for downstream use, flood control and more. The cause for which we ran/walked today!

THE WINNERS:

Men's

1st Place - #47 Jake Murray at 24:06

2nd Place - #56 Eric Shrayer at 24:30

Women's:

1st Place - #17 Jill Bronson at 30:32

2nd Place - #44 Sarah Caseneda at 30:36

AND the rest of the winners:

Place    Time     RUNNER
1   M     24:06   Jake Murray        (First Male)
2   M     24:30   Eric Shrayer        (Second Male)
3   M     24:40   Howie Bottomly
4   M     26:54   Kane Bachand
5   M     26:55   Brandon Castaneda
6   M     27:54   Nicholas O'Mera
7   M     30:20   Mwai Ndegwa
8   F      30:32   Jill Bronson         (First Female)
9   F      30:36   Sarah Castaneda (Second Female)
10 M     32:00   Don Desio
11 F      32:28   Diane Smith
12 F      33:05   Sandra Kuipers
13 M     33:55   Henry Lane
14 M     34:59   Brad Gustafson
15 F      35:26   Elizabeth Emanuelson
16 M     36:10   Brandon Bouchard
17 F      36:12   Liana Desio
18 F      38:00   Melody Nydam
19 M     39:30   Carlos Neves
20 M     39:51   Matt Emanuelson
21 M     42:50   Alex Desio
22 F      44:34   Paula DeMeo
23 M     44:34   Ted DeMeo
24 F      47:18   Linda Bachand
25 M     47:19   Alan Bachand
26 F      49:35   Nancy Ryan
27 M     49:35   Mark Ryan
28 F      49:35   Patricia Eklund
29 M     49:35   Paul Eklund
30 F      51:13   Leesa Bickford
31 M     51:15   Kevin Bickford
32 F      55:03   Jackie Isble
33 M     53:04   Timmy Isble
34 F     1:04:40 Susan Moran
35 F     1:04:41 Aileen Striker
36 F     1:04:50 Carol Shrayer
37 F     1:05:24 Karen Sherlock
38 F     1:05:25 Alice Smith
39 F     1:09:18 Christine McLaughin
40 F     1:09:18 Wendy Bickford
41 F     1:09:18 Kimberly Mosher
42 F     1:09:40 Aimee Hibbard
43 F     1:10:02 Rose Charpentier
44 F     1:10:02 Monica Gauthier
45 F     1:10:54 Karen Bronson
46 F     1:11:33 Phyllis Charpentier


See more photos on Facebook! 

Thanks to everyone who made this event a success! Congratulations and we'll see you next year!

All proceeds benefit the Manchaug Pond Foundation ~ a newly formed 501c3 non-profit whose mission is to further preserve Manchaug Pond!

Are your sneakers ready? THE DAM RACE is almost here!!

OOOooo!  Are you excited!

Over 50 runners/walkers/families with strollers have registered and will meet tomorrow at historic Waters Farm high in the Manchaug Pond watershed at the peak of fall foliage season to run for the Manchaug Pond Foundation.

Registration is a 8:30 am. Today the rain has stopped with the breeze bringing in lovely sunshine and blue skies!

Here are some photos from the archives of this beautiful and color-filled course!


What can you expect?  Well, 30 volunteers (in safety green staff shirts) are gathering at 7:45AM to fan out along the course to ensure a safe and fun event!

Runners should plan to arrive at 8:30 for registration. Drop-off/parking is on the left before the house (look for sign). Check in with Pam and Allison at the registration table to receive your t-shirt and race bib/number (pin to the front- pins are provided).  

The Starting Line and a boat air horn will start the race!  Runners, walkers and strollers will set off down Waters Road, take a right onto Douglas Rd and another right on to Central Turnpike to approach the one mile mark. Volunteers will be at all road intersections to assist you. Right onto Manchaug Road will bring you past a wetlands in our watershed (where old beaver damage is evident), past Aldrich Mill Pond and Sutton Falls Camping, to

 the 2 mile mark at our official THE DAM RACE Water/Medical Station at the Old Holbrook's Place campground.  This stop provides:

• cups of water, 
• port-o-let/rest room, 
• nurse, 
• perhaps a band-aid or jelly bean or two
• and a couple volunteers on hand to assist you and cheer you on to the final leg of the race!

 On the road again, you'll run along the shore of Manchaug Pond, right at the water's edge for a full view of this 380 acre lake.  Don't be surprised if you catch a glimpse of other reknown residents and visitors including white egrets, osprey, eagles, cormorants, red-tailed hawks and more!

Once you past the big rock and round the northeast corner of the lake you head up our little "heartbreak hill" to the YMCA Camp Blanchard and mile 3.
There's a staffed water station at the top of the hill in the roadside parking area at the ball field.

Heading down hill,
stay straight onto Torrey Road,
past the state boat ramp
to bring the Finish Line in sight!


Oooo you're almost home!






For your Victory Finish, our MPA President Dave Schmidt and other volunteers/nurse will congratulate you, take your photo, and log in your time!  
 A trophy will be awarded for the 1st place man and woman!  Medallions for the 1st and 2nd place runners!  and a hearty cheer and huge thanks for all who participated!


 All are invited to Paul and Pauline's on Holt Road (just a little cool down walk from the dam!) where hotdogs, chips and soda will be on sale ( $4 for the meal with all proceeds benefiting the MP Foundation), port-o-let, MPA logo t-shirts and hats on sale, pick up parking of friends/families cars or a shuttle ride back to Waters Farm and a few laughs over refreshments.
  

Port-o-toilets are located at Waters Farm, Holbrook's campground and after the finish on Holt Road across from the King's Store. 
Nursing staff are located at Holbrooks and the finish line.
Pick up parking or shuttle to Waters Farm after the race is on Holt Road.


Sponsored by the Manchaug Pond Association.  All proceeds benefit the establishment of a 501c3 nonprofit Manchaug Pond Foundation

Love to Run? Can you walk? Could you cheer 'em on? 

Join us for THE DAM RACE to benefit the nonprofit Manchaug Pond Foundation. Day-of-the-race registration allowed - $30.  THE DAM RACE t-shirts will also be on sale for $12 - first come first serve! Thank you for working with the MPA to preserve Manchaug Pond ~ the lake, the waterlevel, the wetlands, community access, and so much more.  If you haven't registered, show up tomorrow.  We'd love to have you join us. 

Sacred Sunset: Blue Skies, Blue Seas

Waters Farm Days

The weather is perfect and MPA is looking forward to being at the 31st annual Waters Farm Days. Apple crisp, fall foliage, views of Lake Manchaug, crafts, adorable animals, antique cars, maple sugar demonstrations, antique tractor pull, and plenty of things for the kids. Today and tomorrow from 10 - 4.

Sacred Sunday

Roadside Ferns, Manchaug Rd.

IRS Decision in ... Foundation Declared Public Charity!

MPA President reports the anxiously-awaited, official letter from the government concerning the Manchaug Pond Foundation has been received!  Remember the MPA membership voted twice in 2009 to proceed with a 501c3 for Manchaug Pond with paperwork filed last October 19. 

Here are the highlights of the letter:
 
"We are pleased to inform you that upon review of your application for tax exempt status we have determined that you are exempt form Federal income tax under section 501(c)(3)... You are also qualified to receive tax deductible bequests, devises, transfers or gifts... We determined that you are a public charity..." 

Whitins District Suggests Douglas Use Manchaug's Water

Remember the 16 cfs of flow needed downstream for the Town of Douglas Waste Treatment Plant? Since the beginning of June, only 7 cfs, and during a brief period of rain 12cfs, have been flowing through the treatment plant.   This, combined with the need to maintain a flow for wildlife downstream, are the reasons Manchaug is always maintaining a flow through the low level gate. Updated in 2006, it actually does not close up tight. The Town of Douglas has stated that Interface, the Manchaug Pond dam owner, has been very cooperative in maintaining our contribution of the flow.

Sutton's contribution today to the Mumford River from Steven's Pond dam.

So here are a couple of the meetings which took place concerning the Town of Douglas and the Whitin Reservoir Watershed District, the need for a greater flow in the Mumford River,  and the suggestion that water sources other than Whitin Reservoir be tapped.


1.)  First listen to the meeting of the Whitin Reservoir Watershed District.
Go to: http://www.douglasma.org/cable/online_programs.php


Scroll down and click onto:
Whitin Reservoir Watershed Management Committee: August 25, 2010

Click to view the Whitin Reservoir Watershed Management Committee meeting dated August 25, 2010. The meeting length is approximately one hour and seventeen minutes.

Manchaug Pond's water is discussed early in the agenda.

2.) then:
Board of Selectmen: September 7, 2010

Click to view the Board of Selectmen meeting dated September 7, 2010. The meeting length is approximately forty-two minutes. The agenda of this meeting is available here.

3.)  Next you can read the report in the Telegram Towns:


http://www.telegram.com/article/20100916/FLASH/9160502 


Thursday, September 16, 2010

Town looks at proposal to control Sutton dam

By Susan Spencer CORRESPONDENT

DOUGLAS —  Selectman Jeffrey LaPorte, a member of the Whitin Reservoir Watershed District’s management committee, suggested at last week’s Board of Selectmen meeting that Town Administrator Michael Guzinski look into the potential cost of having the town control the water flow through the dam at Manchaug Pond. The watershed district would like to purchase the pond, but not manage the dam.


“If it’s not prohibitive, would it be in our best interest to babysit the dam?” Mr. LaPorte asked, noting that downstream flow to Douglas, including to the water treatment plant, has been inadequate.


Mr. Guzinski said he plans to discuss the issue with the Sutton town administrator, since the Manchaug Pond dam is in Sutton.


Selectman Mitchell Cohen said having the town control multiple water supplies would likely require some type of mathematical formula. “There has to be something clean cut that says where the water is coming from,” he said.

Gatekeeper off duty for the season but ramp still in use...

With the passing of Labor day,  the ramp gatekeeper provided by the town is off duty for the season but the State Boat Ramp on Manchaug Pond is still open.  This morning boats roared out after 6:30 a.m. for some fishing.

Manchaug Pond definitely sees less activity with the arrival of September as the children have gone back to school, the weather has brought lower temps (this morning 54F), winter drawdown necessitates the removal of the shore docked boats, and the summer camps and campgrounds sadly wind down for the close of their season.

Manchaug Pond	Saturday, September 11, 2010	22	6:30 AM	7:00 AM	3:00 PM	Pioneer Valley Bass Anglers
Manchaug Pond	Sunday, September 12, 2010	12	6:30 AM	7:00 AM	3:00 PM	New England Bassmasters of R.I.

Manchaug Pond

Saturday, September 18, 2010

11

6:30 AM

7:00 AM

1:00 PM

A-1 Bassmasters

Manchaug Pond	Saturday, September 26, 2010	20	6:30 AM	7:00 AM	3:00 PM	Iceholes
Manchaug Pond	Sunday, October 03, 2010	15	6:30 AM	7:00 AM	2:00 PM	Central Mass Smallmouth

The ramp continues to offer public access to the great pond through all seasons - leaving our summer swimming and summer sports for the enjoyment of some fall fishing, kayaking, etc and then on to winter sports of ice fishing, snowmobiling and cross country skiing ...   enjoy the day!

Labor Day Weekend LIGHTING OF THE SHORELINE

LIGHTING OF THE SHORELINE 

Sunday evening at 8:00 p.m.

 The tradition of lighting the shoreline is longstanding here on Manchaug Pond! At 8:00 p.m. on Sunday evening, set your flares aglow at your beach or shoreline during our last celebration at the end of the summer!  Flares are available from your MPA Area Representative or purchase at cost at the local campground store.  $3. each or 2 for $5.00.


Thanks to the MPA member who sent in this photo of last year's event!

Pick up the Corn-on-the-Cob at Whittier's - After Earl, Nice Weekend

Storm Preparation Advise Courtesy of Lakeview Marine, Webster

Looks like Hurricane Earl will be bringing rain and wind to Manchaug Pond Friday afternoon into early Saturday morning.  Take today and tomorrow morning to secure umbrellas, lawn furniture, boats and other "toys" around your home, dock or campsite.

Here's advise one of our Board members received in an email from a local marina:

Greetings!

Although we are at this point unsure of what kind of weather this weekend
will bring, we wanted to pass on some tips for securing your watercraft
and keeping potential storm damage to a minimum!

A few key things to check IF your boat is in the water:

-Ensure proper operation of your bilge pump. Make sure your battery is
fully charged, and that the pump is working. During the storm if a
significant amount of rain has fallen, it is important to activate the
pump to keep the water from accumulating. After any heavy rain, always
check the boat to make sure that the automatic feature worked.

-Cover the boat securely to keep much of the water out. It is normal for
some water to seep in, but a cover will help to disperse most of it.

-Make sure that there are no loose items such as inflatable toys and
non-secured seat covers. If your boat has small fishing seats with
individual covers, make sure that the covers are tied down, or consider
removing them. When wind gets underneath those small covers, they have a
tendency to fly away.

-Check your lines and bumpers!! Double check that the dock lines are
secure and in good condition, and that the fenders are double knotted on
the lines. You certainly don't want to lose one in the storm and then
sustain damage to the boat as it hits the dock.

-On pontoon boats, lower the bimini top to the trailering position if
possible, and install the bimini boot. Open tops will act as sails and put
extra pressure on the lines and docks themselves. The boot will protect
the fabric from tearing in the wind. Putting the top down will reduce the
risk of damage to the top frame.

-For PWCs in the water, try to tie off the machine away from the dock.
Many times we have seen significant damage to a machine that has gotten
wedged under a dock during times with high waves. If you can't tie it away
from the dock, consider beaching it and securing it to something on shore.

-Check the area around your watercraft for branches and trees that appear
loose, dead, or saggy. A big gust of wind can cause trees and limbs to
fall down on top of watercraft and damage covers or worse.

IF your boat is on the trailer:

-Make sure that the drain plug is removed! The boat will fill up with
water otherwise, and literally sink on the trailer.

We have ordered some extra fenders and lines if you need some last-minute
supplies. We will be open regular hours, 8:30-5:30 Thursday and Friday. If
you need something and can't get here during those hours, call us and we
will make arrangements to leave it for you.

We are advising our slip customers to come and secure their boats.
Depending on the timing of the storm, we may not be able to personally
check each boat. If you have questions or need assistance, please call us.

We hope that we won't get a direct hit on this or any future hurricanes-
but it is always best to be prepared!

Happy Labor Day Weekend!!

Lakeview Marine Inc.

Great Boating Weekend? Check for Weeds Washed up on the Beach!

On Monday morning around the lake one just needs to take a look at their beach to know whether or not it was a big boating weekend on Manchaug Pond!

With the weeds growing up and the waterlevel going down - the plants are easily severed by motor boats.  The plant fragments wash in and pile up on the shore with waves bringing in more and more.  As the waterlevel inches down, ribbons of dried plants form on the sand. 



Two invasive aquatic weed species are dominant:  variable milfoil and tape-grass.

Variable milfoil (Myriophyllum heterophyllum)

Tape-grass or wild celery (Vallisneria americana)

 Variable milfoil grows in dense beds reaching up to the water's surface. Milfoil spreads rapidly, crowding out our native species, and blocking sunlight and oxygen.












Tape-grass is now flowering, sending up long spiraling stems we see at the surface.

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/Bay/sav/key/wild_celery.asp







What do you do with the wheelbarrows full of weeds that wash ashore?  Options include composting, bagging and bringing to a composting area at the town transfer station, or drying for incineration.

CONTROL: Since weeds have seeds and the plant fragments of some species can grow roots starting new plants, it is best to remove from the lake and dispose of.  A rocky beach and shore is best - it is also illegal to bring sand into the lake - need permission from Conservation Commission and DEP.

Lake-level drawdown  has been employed since 1991 to control the weeds around the shoreline.

Clean boat motors of any plant fragments when coming from a different lake or going to a new lake to prevent introducing a new species.

Sacred Sunday: Yesterday Morning's Bird Sightings

Adult Great Blue Heron on the dock

Osprey flying over rescue drill

Cormorant on the dock

Heron in flight

Two juvenile Great Blue Herons on Blueberry Island