The Manchaug Pond Foundation (MPF) is a 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to the preservation and correct use of this 380-acre great pond and its 4,288 acre watershed. For over 45 years, the members of the Manchaug Pond Foundation and its precedessor Manchaug Pond Association have served a leadership role as stewards of the lake and advocates and educators for its proper use and preservation.
These conservation efforts were started in 1967 when some 35 member families owning property bordering the lake formed its parent organization, the Manchaug Pond Association. Today, 100 member families and friends meet the needs presented in the 21st century. The Manchaug Pond Foundation’s actions address a variety of issues, ranging from operation of the dam to water quality and invasive species to wildlife and habitat conservation.
The Manchaug Pond Foundation’s recent successes have included the following:
2012 Lake Preservation. Successfully identified, negotiated, and secured an owner for the Manchaug Pond dam ensuring the future preservation of Manchaug Pond, a public great pond of the Commonwealth. In August 2012, ownership of the dam was transferred to the Town of Sutton from Interface Global with a $350,000 dam maintenance fund donation. In December of that year, the MPF recieved the flowage rights in Douglas and Sutton.
2012 Water Quality. Secured a second Nonpoint Source Pollution Grant Award of $120,000 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) to make water quality improvements within the watershed.
This project will result in construction and employment of low-impact structures and will implement stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) to reduce stormwater flows and associated nutrients, pathogens, and sediment from entering Manchaug Pond. An education component develops a resource toolbox for teachers, parents, and community outreach to children. To date, MPF members, teachers, homeschoolers, and environmental educators from the Metacomet Land Trust and the YMCA Camp Blanchard facility on the pond are working together to develop the toolbox.
2007-2010 Water Quality. Secured and completed our first Nonpoint Source Pollution Improvement Award of $129,000 from EPA and MassDEP.
Seven locations of pollution were addressed with the implementation of stormwater BMPs at the public access boat ramp and along private and public roadsides in Douglas and Sutton. An educational component in cooperation with UMASS Amherst's Mass Aggie Program brought proper horsekeeping and manure management techniques to the dozen horse farms in the area and others throughout the state. Additionally, educators from MassDEP provided alternative approaches to homeowners for lawn and landscape care.
