380 acres of Great Pond located in the towns of Douglas and Sutton, Massachusetts, USA.
Join the Manchaug Pond Foundation (MPF) in promoting the welfare and correct use of the lake and its watershed!
You never know what, or who, you will see when you look our your window here in the watershed of Manchaug Pond! Today, walking casually down the road, was a new bird this writer had yet to see this close to the lake: a ringed-neck pheasant!
He walked down the road, across a neighbors lawn, along the shore to the water's edge, stood on a rock to look around, and then flew across the channel over to the other side.
Here's a close up:
Did you know their feathers are used in fly tying!
Our recent fundraiser, the Patriots Ticket Raffle, not only brought in needed funds for our effort to preserve our water level, but also great excitement for those buying and selling tickets as well as the winner and his guests!
4 tickets were presented to the holder of winning ticket # 200 (the last ticket printed!)
Thank you to all who participated and to the Patriots for winning this game!
Here's a photo of a few wild turkeys from a flock of about 40 who ventured up the driveway of a Manchaug Pond home in the Douglas woods a couple days after Thanksgiving.
Thank you to the vegetarian photographer for sending this in!
Sutton Town Administrator Jim Smith reports the town has been awarded the Green Communities' Grant in the amount of $140,000. Included in the list of items earmarked to benefit from these monies is a feasibility study looking at hydropower at the Manchaug Pond and Stevens dams.
The grant was part of the administrator and selectman's decision and push to align the town's goals with the Green Community initiative. Selectman Geraghty stated the grant was very substantial for a town the size of Sutton.
Past photo of the Manchaug Pond dam with flow from the low level gate.
Dear Manchaug Pond Association/The Dam Race Organizers,
I wanted to send a quick thank you note to express how wonderful your race was on October 15th and how much my family and I enjoyed it! Everyone was so friendly and welcoming!
The scenery was lovely, the volunteers were extremely helpful (especially the kind gentleman who let us use his RV bathroom!) and it was an outstandingly organized race! Looking forward to next year's race already!
SUTTON —
Voters at last night’s fall town meeting voted overwhelmingly to allow
the Board of Selectmen to purchase Manchaug Dam on Torrey Road for $1.
The dam’s current owner, Hydro Projects North, which is a
subsidiary of Interface Inc. of Atlanta, has also agreed to give the
town $350,000 for the maintenance of the dam that controls the level of
380-acre Manchaug Pond.
Before the vote was taken by the approximately 200 people at the
meeting, Manchaug Pond Association member Andrew Mosher commended the
Board of Selectmen and Town Administrator James Smith for their efforts
to negotiate the offer that was being considered last night. Mr. Mosher
said purchasing the dam was a quality-of-life issue for the people
living on the shores of the pond. Other people said the entire town
would benefit from the purchase of the dam that was built in 1836.
While the Finance and Warrant Advisory Committee voted 4-1 to
back the article, member Robert Recore said he was worried about the
town’s liability if the dam was bought. He wondered how long the
$350,000 would last and how much it would cost the town if a major
incident occurred.
Voters at last night’s 70-minute meeting also voted to spend
$32,700 to pay for work at town-owned Marion’s Camp and for an article
that would prohibit solar power installations of over 250 kilowatts in
residential areas.
— Bill Fortier
* * *
TESTIMONY OF THE MANCHAUG POND ASSOCIATION/FOUNDATION
Presented by Andrew Mosher, Treasurer
Thank you, my name is Andrew Mosher. I live on Putnam Hill Rd and have been a resident of Sutton for approx. 40 years, have my business here, and care very much for this town.
Tonight, I speak for the Manchaug Pond Association and its newly formed non-profit foundation, of which I serve as treasurer. Our organization, 44 years old and 100 members strong, applauds the Board of Selectman in putting forth this article which preserves one of the town's largest and important natural resources - Manchaug Pond.
The beauty and benefits of Manchaug Pond are immeasurable. As a public lake, it offers 380 acres of year-round recreation to all through the public boat ramp, the 3 private campgrounds on its shores and the 4th at its' inlet, and the non-profits of the YMCA Camp Blanchard and the living history museum, and conservation lands of Waters Farm.
The economic contribution in property values of the homes and summer camps along the shoreline and the tourism dollars to area businesses from the over 500 campsites, filled April through November, is significant to say the least.
Environmentally, Manchaug Pond fisheries and the boarding ecosystem and watershed are part of a broader wildlife corridor and trail system which are all dependent on the lake and its waterlevel.
The dam is key to the preservation of Manchaug Pond and Torrey Road, to its vital work as a reservoir for flood control and maintaining a flow to the Mumford/Blackstone River system. It greatly enhances the quality of life for those who come to this corner of Sutton.
The Manchaug Pond Association and Foundation fully supports article 8. We recognize the dam owner's contribution in providing the funds necessary for its future care. We commend Town Administrator Jim Smith and the Board of Selectman for their foresight and hard work in bringing a workable solution to protecting Manchaug Pond for our community and generations to come.
Thank you.
* * *
Sutton Annual Fall Town Meeting
Monday, October, 17, 2011
Warrant Article 8 Sponsor: Board of Selectman
To
see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectman to
acquire by gift, purchase, eminent domain or otherwise, for general
municipal purposes, on such terms and conditions as the Selectmen deem
appropriate, all or any portion of the lands and improvements thereon in
Sutton and Douglas presently owned by the Manchaug Reservoir
Corporation, which are believed to include the Manchaug Pond Dam
(National Dam ID No. MA 00955), as well as lands bordering on, flowed by
or beneath the high water mark of Manchaug Pond, and to authorize the
Board of Selecmen to enter into all agreements and to execute on behalf
of the Town andy and all instruments as may be necessary or convenient
to effectuate this acquisition, and further to authorize the Board of
Selectmen to seek such authorization and approval of the General Court
as is necessary to allow for such acquisition: or take any action
relative thereto.
Finance and Warrant
Advisory Committee voted 4-1 to recommend passage of this article. this
article allows the town to take possession of a dam along with receipt
of a $350,000 grant for maintenance and upkeep. The town plans to
install hydroelectric capacity on the dam to provide continuing revenue
streams. The dissenting vote reflects concerns over costs and
liabilities of owning and operating the dam as well as the limited
usefulness of the dam to the majority of citizens.
"This is the best little race we run in a long time!" "What a wonderful spirit!"
Jake Murray 23:08 1st Place Men's
Eric Shrayer 23:23 2nd Place Men's
Linda Spooner 24:44 1st Women's
Howard Bottomly 26:16 3rd Men's
Greg Dubell 26:16 4th Men's
Nicole Salmonsen Gantt 26:48 2nd Women's
Nancy Ryan 27:59 3rd Women's
Chris Sullivan 28:59
Richard Costa 29:11
Lizette Gomer 29:18
Donna LeBlanc 29:50
Larry Costinos 30:31
Sandra Kuipers 31:09
Jill Bronson 31:55
Michael Frost 32:29
Katie Schmidt 33:49
Michael Andrus 34:11
Tessy Schlemmer 34:50
Laura Turner 35:16
Kathleen Laperle 35:25
Lauren Salmonsen 36:22
Kevin Stockhaus 36:41
Danielle Salmonsen 36:53
Paul Eklund 38:41
Patti Eklund 38:41
Kathleen Rocha 39:41
Kathy Lyons 39:41
Maddie Vega 42:23
Judy Castonguay 50:45
Jackie Isble 51:30
Rose Charpentier 57:27
Lesa Bickford 1:02:41
Kim Mosher 1:02:41
Kandi Schmidt 1:05:10
Timmy Isble 1:05:11
Andrew Biafore 1:06:47
Kate Biafore 1:06:47
Monica Gauthier 1:09:30
Paula DeMeo 1:09:30
Alice Smith 1:12:45
A big and hearty congratulations and thank you to all those who ran, walked, rode in a stroller, cheer'ed us on, donated and volunteers! All to benefit the preservation of Manchaug Pond. (Check in later for photos and more!)
Race Day is here! And the weather forecast is calling for clear skies!
Thank you to those who have registered to run! or walk!
Runners should park at the finish line which this year is at the crosswalk at 19 Holt Road across from Kings Family Campground.
Beginning at 8 am, Knights Limousine will shuttle you to the start at Waters Farm.
Registration for all runners will begin at 8:30 am at Waters Farm. If you haven't registered, you can do so the day of the race!
All proceeds do benefit the Manchaug Pond Foundation and our work to preserve the water level and dam.
Race begins at 9:30 am. Water station at
Holbrook's Campground. Restroom facilities at start, water station and finish.
Finish line this year is past the dam around the corner to the crosswalk at 19 Holt Road in front of King's Campground store. Refreshments, music and more.
See you there!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
! WIN ! ~ PATRIOTS RAFFLE ~ ! WIN !
ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!
WIN 4 TICKETS ~ $20/chance
Seating just 8 rows behind Coach Belichick on the Patriots' 50 yard line.
NE Patriots Vs. Indianapolis Colts
Sunday, December 4, 2011 @ 8 pm.
At 12 years old Jake Murray captured first place. Join him this year! Run or walk ....
Register by October 1 to reserve your t-shirt!
Download the registration form here and send to MPA, Box 154, Manchaug, MA 01526.
Or use the Paypal button on the right.
See you on October 15th with your running shoes on, or be out there to Cheer us on!
All proceeds to benefit the Manchaug Pond Foundation and our work to preserve the water level and dam.
Runners can park at the finish line at 19 Holt Road, Sutton. Knights Limousine will shuttle you to the start beginning at 8 am. Registration begins at 8:30 at Waters Farm. Participant's number and t-shirt given at registration. Race begins at 9:30 am. Water station and facilities at Holbrook's Campground. Finish line celebration with prizes, refreshments, music and more.
FALL RAMP, ROADSIDE, SHORELINE AND WEED CLEAN-UP RAIN!! POSTPONED TO SUNDAY Saturday, September 24th 9 to Noon Meet at the State Boat Ramp. Garbage bags and gloves provided.
All welcome to join in! Bring your fishing club, scout group, neighbors and friends.
Download the registration form here and send to MPA, Box 154, Manchaug, MA 01526.
Never ran in a race before? You're all invited to walk it - many did last year... but if you want to give running a try... click here to Get training! Check out the couch to 5K running plan.
Perhaps we need a trophy for most improved time!
See you on October 15th with your running shoes on, or be out there to Cheer us on!
At 4:00 pm this afternoon, power was restored to the last area of Manchaug Pond. We suspect this tree on Manchaug Road just after Holbrook's Campground was the culprit.
Hurricane Irene left the area littered with debris of branches and leaves primarily from oak and pine trees. Large trees came down on all roadsides around the lake and even into the lake!
During the storm, the rain gauge overflowed after reaching 5 inches with no one willing to go out in the wind and heavy rains to empty it.
Monday and Tuesday brought cool air putting nighttime temps in the 50's, with daytime blue skies and sunshine making the cleanup much easier.
Over 3 1/2 inches of rain in the rain gauge overnight with power lost
and restored was the situation as Hurricane Irene approaches.
But
now just one hour since this photo was taken, the rain continues to be
heavy with the winds gusts tearing through the trees and the power has
just gone out once again. The stormwater work done around the lake, of
catch basins, infiltration areas and rain gardens, has made all the
difference to reduce flooding and keep sediment from entering the lake.
Forecasters are tracking Hurricane Irene expecting the storm to hit Manchaug Pond bringing with it wind and rain. Talk is of wind up to 150 mph and 8 inches of rain.
The damowner has secured permission from MassDEP to adjust the waterlevel accordingly. The MPA/MPF has been notified the waterlevel will be taken down one foot from yesterday's level.
If you haven't already, today would be a good day to take out your boats and tomorrow, batten down the hatches (which includes lawn chairs, umbrellas, and the like.)
