Showing posts with label Fishing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fishing. Show all posts
Saturday, June 15, 2013
A Turkey Vulture on Holt Road Sutton
This week a large turkey vulture, with a large fish in its talons, blocked traffic on Holt Road in Sutton on the shores of Manchaug Pond.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Sunday Telegram Tells Beaton Farm Story
Sunday, May 19, 2013
SUTTON — There is hardly a more classic rural New England landscape than in Sutton.
Rolling hills unfold in a patchwork of fields and stone walls. Weathered barns stand against the wind. Orchards, dairy and horse farms dot knolls sloping to sparkling ponds.
That view — and the town's cultural heritage — is changing, as open space succumbs to development.
Selectman Michael A. Chizy, who serves as board chairman, has lived in town almost 60 years.
“Where cornfields used to be, now there's houses,” he said.
Another quintessential parcel, the 100-acre Beaton Farm Property that was once part of historic Waters Farm, overlooking Manchaug Pond, may be the next to be developed.
The current owner, who has received property tax benefits for 73 acres on the site under the state Chapter 61A program for agricultural land, plans to sell the property. Under state law, when land comes out of agricultural, forestry or recreation space protection, the town has the right of first refusal to buy the land.
Selectmen agreed April 16 that the town was not in a position to purchase the parcel, but assigned the nonprofit Manchaug Pond Foundation to act on its behalf to try to raise $1.32 million by July 16, the deadline set by law, to buy the 73 acres.
“Taxes have gone up,” Mr. Chizy said. “People can only afford so much. I don't think the town would purchase it (if money couldn't be raised privately).”
The College of the Holy Cross has submitted a $1.9 million proposal to purchase the full 100 acres, including 73 acres under Chapter 61A, plus roughly 26 acres along the pond in Douglas, on which to build a 30,000-square-foot retreat center.
Ellen M. Ryder, director of public affairs for Holy Cross, said, “It is so beautiful. It's what attracted us to it in the first place.”
She said that retreat and contemplation are an integral part of a faith-based education. The college used to hold one-day or overnight retreats, often conducted in silence, at a facility in Narragansett, R.I., but that site was no longer available. Since the 1980s, students and staff have had to travel at least an hour to other locations.
Phyllis M. Charpentier, corresponding secretary for the Manchaug Pond Foundation, said the group has nothing against the college.
But she wants to preserve the scenic open space that is enjoyed by visitors from all over, the historic quarry in the woods that once supplied Blackstone Valley mills with stone, the pristine trout ponds and brooks that run through the property to 875 feet of shoreline on Manchaug Pond, and the working stables that house 19 miniature horses.
“If we do not succeed, everything will be sold: the house, the barn, 26 acres abutting the pond and the fields,” Ms. Charpentier said. “We're looking to keep it undeveloped so the streams feeding Manchaug Pond stay as they are now. It's the last quiet cove.”
Marty Jo Henry, Manchaug Pond Foundation's first vice president, said the land was a priority habitat for endangered species and served as a wildlife corridor linking Sutton State Forest and Douglas State Forest. She has photographed bald eagles, osprey and heron soaring overhead there.
“It's a big stopping point for migrating ducks heading up to Canada,” Ms. Henry said.
The stone-wall-bordered overlook at the top of the fields, with a panoramic vista of the 380-acre Manchaug Pond below, provides an ideal viewing spot for bird watchers and others, including wedding couples who have portraits taken there.
That “viewshed” was highlighted a dozen years ago in the master plan for Waters Farm, a living-history farm preserved to portray 19th-century agrarian life. The Waters homestead, which was built in 1757 by Stephen Waters and is on the National Register of Historic Places, is across the road from Beaton Farm and looks out onto the fields and hillside to Manchaug Pond.
National Park Service Ranger Chuck Arning said, “You'd like to see the way it might have been in the 1800s.”
He cited passages from the Waters Farm master plan: “This amazing view is a powerful experience for the first-time visitor because it is so unexpected and so dramatic. The view is evocative of how the land may have looked more than 250 years ago — regardless of its actual appearance. The momentary sensation of being in another time anchors Waters Farm in the mind of the visitor as an important place, a place where you can feel connected to the past through the power of this unique setting and experience. Preservation of views should be a primary goal.”
But preservation takes money, time and a lot of hard work.
“The problem is, we need such a large amount of money in such a short time,” said Andrew J. Mosher, Manchaug Pond Foundation treasurer.
“The situation the foundation finds itself in, scrambling to pull together funds to purchase open space before it is sold for development, isn't uncommon, according to Rob Warren, Massachusetts director of protection and policy for The Nature Conservancy.
“I think it's important for people to understand that lands that are enrolled in Chapter 61 programs are not permanently protected lands. That's at the discretion of the landowner,” he said.
Mr. Warren said that because these properties typically become available on short notice, many land trusts work with landowners ahead of time to get them thinking about placing their property in permanent protection, through conservation restrictions, donation or sale to a conservation organization.
Towns that have adopted the Community Preservation Act, which Sutton has not, may be in a better financial position to acquire open space. The Community Preservation Act creates local funds, through a surcharge of up to 3 percent on real estate levies, for preserving open space and historic sites, promoting affordable housing and developing outdoor recreation facilities.
Open space committees can also plan strategically for land acquisition.
“Any of that sort of foresight is helpful, Mr. Warren said. “Having planning in place ahead of time helps a community respond. The 'white knight' is a true rarity,” he said, referring to a donor who swoops in to help buy land.
He added that towns should be aware of the economic benefits of protecting land, which costs far less over time than providing services for developed parcels, despite the additional tax revenue.
Contact Susan Spencer at susan.spencer@telegram.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanSpencerTG.
Group races to save Sutton landscape
A robin takes flight from a fence post on land
the Manchaug Pond Association wants to save from development. (T&G
Staff/RICK CINCLAIR)
The Manchaug Pond Foundation is racing to raise $1.32 million by July 16 to buy the Beaton Farm Property overlooking Manchaug Pond. (T&G Staff/RICK CINCLAIR)
The Manchaug Pond Foundation is racing to raise $1.32 million by July 16 to buy the Beaton Farm Property overlooking Manchaug Pond. (T&G Staff/RICK CINCLAIR)
SUTTON — There is hardly a more classic rural New England landscape than in Sutton.
Rolling hills unfold in a patchwork of fields and stone walls. Weathered barns stand against the wind. Orchards, dairy and horse farms dot knolls sloping to sparkling ponds.
That view — and the town's cultural heritage — is changing, as open space succumbs to development.
Selectman Michael A. Chizy, who serves as board chairman, has lived in town almost 60 years.
“Where cornfields used to be, now there's houses,” he said.
Another quintessential parcel, the 100-acre Beaton Farm Property that was once part of historic Waters Farm, overlooking Manchaug Pond, may be the next to be developed.
The current owner, who has received property tax benefits for 73 acres on the site under the state Chapter 61A program for agricultural land, plans to sell the property. Under state law, when land comes out of agricultural, forestry or recreation space protection, the town has the right of first refusal to buy the land.
Selectmen agreed April 16 that the town was not in a position to purchase the parcel, but assigned the nonprofit Manchaug Pond Foundation to act on its behalf to try to raise $1.32 million by July 16, the deadline set by law, to buy the 73 acres.
“Taxes have gone up,” Mr. Chizy said. “People can only afford so much. I don't think the town would purchase it (if money couldn't be raised privately).”
The College of the Holy Cross has submitted a $1.9 million proposal to purchase the full 100 acres, including 73 acres under Chapter 61A, plus roughly 26 acres along the pond in Douglas, on which to build a 30,000-square-foot retreat center.
Ellen M. Ryder, director of public affairs for Holy Cross, said, “It is so beautiful. It's what attracted us to it in the first place.”
She said that retreat and contemplation are an integral part of a faith-based education. The college used to hold one-day or overnight retreats, often conducted in silence, at a facility in Narragansett, R.I., but that site was no longer available. Since the 1980s, students and staff have had to travel at least an hour to other locations.
Phyllis M. Charpentier, corresponding secretary for the Manchaug Pond Foundation, said the group has nothing against the college.
But she wants to preserve the scenic open space that is enjoyed by visitors from all over, the historic quarry in the woods that once supplied Blackstone Valley mills with stone, the pristine trout ponds and brooks that run through the property to 875 feet of shoreline on Manchaug Pond, and the working stables that house 19 miniature horses.
“If we do not succeed, everything will be sold: the house, the barn, 26 acres abutting the pond and the fields,” Ms. Charpentier said. “We're looking to keep it undeveloped so the streams feeding Manchaug Pond stay as they are now. It's the last quiet cove.”
Marty Jo Henry, Manchaug Pond Foundation's first vice president, said the land was a priority habitat for endangered species and served as a wildlife corridor linking Sutton State Forest and Douglas State Forest. She has photographed bald eagles, osprey and heron soaring overhead there.
“It's a big stopping point for migrating ducks heading up to Canada,” Ms. Henry said.
The stone-wall-bordered overlook at the top of the fields, with a panoramic vista of the 380-acre Manchaug Pond below, provides an ideal viewing spot for bird watchers and others, including wedding couples who have portraits taken there.
That “viewshed” was highlighted a dozen years ago in the master plan for Waters Farm, a living-history farm preserved to portray 19th-century agrarian life. The Waters homestead, which was built in 1757 by Stephen Waters and is on the National Register of Historic Places, is across the road from Beaton Farm and looks out onto the fields and hillside to Manchaug Pond.
National Park Service Ranger Chuck Arning said, “You'd like to see the way it might have been in the 1800s.”
He cited passages from the Waters Farm master plan: “This amazing view is a powerful experience for the first-time visitor because it is so unexpected and so dramatic. The view is evocative of how the land may have looked more than 250 years ago — regardless of its actual appearance. The momentary sensation of being in another time anchors Waters Farm in the mind of the visitor as an important place, a place where you can feel connected to the past through the power of this unique setting and experience. Preservation of views should be a primary goal.”
But preservation takes money, time and a lot of hard work.
“The problem is, we need such a large amount of money in such a short time,” said Andrew J. Mosher, Manchaug Pond Foundation treasurer.
“The situation the foundation finds itself in, scrambling to pull together funds to purchase open space before it is sold for development, isn't uncommon, according to Rob Warren, Massachusetts director of protection and policy for The Nature Conservancy.
“I think it's important for people to understand that lands that are enrolled in Chapter 61 programs are not permanently protected lands. That's at the discretion of the landowner,” he said.
Mr. Warren said that because these properties typically become available on short notice, many land trusts work with landowners ahead of time to get them thinking about placing their property in permanent protection, through conservation restrictions, donation or sale to a conservation organization.
Towns that have adopted the Community Preservation Act, which Sutton has not, may be in a better financial position to acquire open space. The Community Preservation Act creates local funds, through a surcharge of up to 3 percent on real estate levies, for preserving open space and historic sites, promoting affordable housing and developing outdoor recreation facilities.
Open space committees can also plan strategically for land acquisition.
“Any of that sort of foresight is helpful, Mr. Warren said. “Having planning in place ahead of time helps a community respond. The 'white knight' is a true rarity,” he said, referring to a donor who swoops in to help buy land.
He added that towns should be aware of the economic benefits of protecting land, which costs far less over time than providing services for developed parcels, despite the additional tax revenue.
Contact Susan Spencer at susan.spencer@telegram.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanSpencerTG.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Beaton Farm Property ...
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Outdoors: Hoping someone can save this land from development by July
Today’s column was supposed to be about great fishing — the first big
surge of stripers, mackerel, squid, the Canal, Barnstable Harbor, huge
flocks of terns feeding over bait, tired casting arms, local mayfly
hatches, and shad runs.
That news is temporarily on hold for a much more urgent matter. A Sutton wildlife treasure is on the precipice of development. It’s the bottom of the ninth for Beaton Farm. Without immediate intervention — i.e., $1.325 million — we’re going to lose it forever.
July 16 is D-Day. Without someone coming to the rescue and having all formalities completed by that date, Holy Cross stands ready to take over the land — and build on it.
In lieu of what could or should have been done long before now, we need a deus ex machina — a wealthy benefactor or a conservation rescue team from the DCR, MassWildlife, MassAudubon, the Nature Conservancy, a land trust or Trustees of Reservations — to again step in at the proverbial last minute, as some have done so many times in the past. But most public and private organizations are now cash-strapped. Many Wall Streeters and Dow manipulators could do it, but they live in a different neighborhood. It’s sad that local steps were not taken in time to address a moment like this.
Some residents tell me it’s a pity conservation leadership was never persuasive or had enough foresight in Sutton to establish a land trust, as neighboring towns like Grafton successfully have done to step in when urgent cases arise.
I’ve heard desperate suggestions that the town of Sutton could yet agree to purchase the land and then create a limited development so there would be no new taxes and the majority of the land could be saved. The town of Grafton did so with the Hennessey Farm not long ago. It’s not a perfect solution, in that frontage land is generally sacrificed. But at least with that scenario, a majority of the wild land could be preserved.
Because of inaction, though, the continued existence of Beaton Farm — “the jewel of Sutton,” as many residents lovingly refer to it — is now improbable. The land may well be a Hopeless Diamond. The unique, nearly 100-acre property with 875 feet of shoreline on Manchaug Pond has a breathtaking hilltop view. The town of Sutton, having recently spent money on a new school, allegedly didn’t care to further increase residents’ taxes to save the land for its future generations. Many share that without selectmen leading the way, there remains little hope.
Residents have told me that the land is crying out for preservation for future generations. Manchaug Pond Foundation’s Phyllis Charpentier writes that its hilltop overlook of stonewalls, fields and forest provides a stunning scenic view of the lake. Its network of streams and small ponds are cold-water fisheries habitat for native brook trout and tributaries, which feed the lake. I know it has turkeys and deer. The late Brad Beaton, former owner and hunter, was a great steward of that land.
A large portion of the farm, I’m told, is priority habitat for endangered species as designated by the state Natural Heritage Endangered Species program. Located in the Lake Manchaug Greenway and Wildlife Corridor, the Beaton Farm is a valuable wildlife link that presently prevents fragmentation between the Sutton State Forest, Purgatory Chasm State Park and Douglas State Forest. Large, contiguous tracts like these properties are even more valuable in their collective totality, exponentially increasing their wildlife’s security and productivity. When contiguous areas of this magnitude area diminish in size, their wildlife value diminishes proportionately.
Charpentier further notes that this property directly abuts the 120 acres of Sutton conservation land on the Waters Farm, a 1757 homestead on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
The Sutton Board of Selectman assigned the Manchaug Pond Foundation the town’s right of first refusal to purchase 73 acres held under Chapter 61A. To save the farm, the foundation needs to raise $1.3 million and close by July 16 — or, as Charpentier fears, “the entire property will be lost forever to development. Should we fail, Holy Cross has signed a purchase-and-sales agreement with an initial 30,000-square-foot facility planned.”
Anyone capable of helping save this land should immediately contact the Manchaug Pond Foundation president David Schmidt at (508) 981-3820 or treasurer Andrew Mosher at (508) 865-6242.
Timing is everything. According to Ken Crater of the Grafton Land Trust, if the Trust for Public Land had been contacted earlier — before the town assigned its right of first refusal — it could have tried to engineer a solution, assuming Sutton would consider making an investment.
Crater suggests the best hope now may be to work with Holy Cross, encouraging the school to preserve conservation land and buffers to the pond in the permitting process. The crusade to save this land now needs some real Crusaders to do the right thing for our local wildlife and future generations.
Let’s go ’Saders!
Contact Mark Blazis at markblazis@charter.net.
That news is temporarily on hold for a much more urgent matter. A Sutton wildlife treasure is on the precipice of development. It’s the bottom of the ninth for Beaton Farm. Without immediate intervention — i.e., $1.325 million — we’re going to lose it forever.
July 16 is D-Day. Without someone coming to the rescue and having all formalities completed by that date, Holy Cross stands ready to take over the land — and build on it.
In lieu of what could or should have been done long before now, we need a deus ex machina — a wealthy benefactor or a conservation rescue team from the DCR, MassWildlife, MassAudubon, the Nature Conservancy, a land trust or Trustees of Reservations — to again step in at the proverbial last minute, as some have done so many times in the past. But most public and private organizations are now cash-strapped. Many Wall Streeters and Dow manipulators could do it, but they live in a different neighborhood. It’s sad that local steps were not taken in time to address a moment like this.
Some residents tell me it’s a pity conservation leadership was never persuasive or had enough foresight in Sutton to establish a land trust, as neighboring towns like Grafton successfully have done to step in when urgent cases arise.
I’ve heard desperate suggestions that the town of Sutton could yet agree to purchase the land and then create a limited development so there would be no new taxes and the majority of the land could be saved. The town of Grafton did so with the Hennessey Farm not long ago. It’s not a perfect solution, in that frontage land is generally sacrificed. But at least with that scenario, a majority of the wild land could be preserved.
Because of inaction, though, the continued existence of Beaton Farm — “the jewel of Sutton,” as many residents lovingly refer to it — is now improbable. The land may well be a Hopeless Diamond. The unique, nearly 100-acre property with 875 feet of shoreline on Manchaug Pond has a breathtaking hilltop view. The town of Sutton, having recently spent money on a new school, allegedly didn’t care to further increase residents’ taxes to save the land for its future generations. Many share that without selectmen leading the way, there remains little hope.
Residents have told me that the land is crying out for preservation for future generations. Manchaug Pond Foundation’s Phyllis Charpentier writes that its hilltop overlook of stonewalls, fields and forest provides a stunning scenic view of the lake. Its network of streams and small ponds are cold-water fisheries habitat for native brook trout and tributaries, which feed the lake. I know it has turkeys and deer. The late Brad Beaton, former owner and hunter, was a great steward of that land.
A large portion of the farm, I’m told, is priority habitat for endangered species as designated by the state Natural Heritage Endangered Species program. Located in the Lake Manchaug Greenway and Wildlife Corridor, the Beaton Farm is a valuable wildlife link that presently prevents fragmentation between the Sutton State Forest, Purgatory Chasm State Park and Douglas State Forest. Large, contiguous tracts like these properties are even more valuable in their collective totality, exponentially increasing their wildlife’s security and productivity. When contiguous areas of this magnitude area diminish in size, their wildlife value diminishes proportionately.
Charpentier further notes that this property directly abuts the 120 acres of Sutton conservation land on the Waters Farm, a 1757 homestead on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
The Sutton Board of Selectman assigned the Manchaug Pond Foundation the town’s right of first refusal to purchase 73 acres held under Chapter 61A. To save the farm, the foundation needs to raise $1.3 million and close by July 16 — or, as Charpentier fears, “the entire property will be lost forever to development. Should we fail, Holy Cross has signed a purchase-and-sales agreement with an initial 30,000-square-foot facility planned.”
Anyone capable of helping save this land should immediately contact the Manchaug Pond Foundation president David Schmidt at (508) 981-3820 or treasurer Andrew Mosher at (508) 865-6242.
Timing is everything. According to Ken Crater of the Grafton Land Trust, if the Trust for Public Land had been contacted earlier — before the town assigned its right of first refusal — it could have tried to engineer a solution, assuming Sutton would consider making an investment.
Crater suggests the best hope now may be to work with Holy Cross, encouraging the school to preserve conservation land and buffers to the pond in the permitting process. The crusade to save this land now needs some real Crusaders to do the right thing for our local wildlife and future generations.
Let’s go ’Saders!
Contact Mark Blazis at markblazis@charter.net.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
100 acre Beaton Property can be saved! Town assigns "right of first refusal" to MPF
At an April 16th Public Hearing, the Sutton Board of Selectman voted to assign their "right of first refusal" on 73 acres of agricultural lands protected under Chapter 61A to the Manchaug Pond Foundation.
Chairman Michael Chizy called the property "a jewel of Sutton" noting its beauty as seen from the property's edge on Waters Road as it overlooks the 100 acres of rolling pasture, forested land, and the abutting Manchaug Pond.
WHAT? A purchase and sales agreement signed with Holy Cross College for the entire near 100 acres, the horse barns, and family homestead looks to remove the main barn and training rink with preliminary plans to construct a 30,000 sq. foot building complex to house faculty, students and staff for overnight retreat events. (Watch the video of Holy Cross' presentation)
WHY? The action taken by the Board of Selectman looks to protect one, if not THE most significant parcels, for Manchaug Pond from sale and development: the 73 acres of agricultural land used primarily as an equestrian training center and a miniature horse rescue stable is part of a larger piece totaling about 100 acres in Sutton and Douglas.
Of importance to the mission of the MPF in its protection of the 380 lake, is the property's 875 feet of shoreline fisheries; the steep, forested slopes which bring water directly to the lake; numerous streams and 3 small ponds that are coldwater fisheries for brook trout which drain into the lake; a large area of state designated Priority Habitat for endangered species encompassing the waterfront area; the acreage directly abuts conservation land preserved as Waters Farm; and the fact that it is located in the Lake Manchaug Greenway and Wildlife Corridor which is a larger wildlife corridor initiative aimed at linking the Douglas State Forest and Sutton State Forest at Purgatory.
HOW? The Town of Sutton has given their right to purchase the property to Manchaug Pond's non-profit 501(c)(3). This is a tremendous opportunity to save a significant parcel of property on Manchaug Pond and prevent a large development, as the MPF now become the "buyer" in the purchase and sales agreement.
WHEN? Now! We need to raise a little over $1.9 million for the total 100 acres and close the deal in less than 90 days. No small task, but definitely worth the try. We received our first pledge of $100,000 from a single donor this week getting us off to a great start!
WHERE? Right here - you and me! Spread the word! The MPF Board of Directors is asking everyone to help make this happen! A fundraising thermometer on the right side of this blog will tract our weekly efforts. We hope all readers will consider making a donation to this cause - no amount is too small as we race the clock! Use the Donate button for paypal and credit card donations or send your check to MPF, P.O. Box 154, Manchaug, MA 01526.
MPF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity. All donations are fully tax-deductible. Memorial and honorary donations are welcome as well as matching employer gifts.
Chairman Michael Chizy called the property "a jewel of Sutton" noting its beauty as seen from the property's edge on Waters Road as it overlooks the 100 acres of rolling pasture, forested land, and the abutting Manchaug Pond.WHAT? A purchase and sales agreement signed with Holy Cross College for the entire near 100 acres, the horse barns, and family homestead looks to remove the main barn and training rink with preliminary plans to construct a 30,000 sq. foot building complex to house faculty, students and staff for overnight retreat events. (Watch the video of Holy Cross' presentation)
WHY? The action taken by the Board of Selectman looks to protect one, if not THE most significant parcels, for Manchaug Pond from sale and development: the 73 acres of agricultural land used primarily as an equestrian training center and a miniature horse rescue stable is part of a larger piece totaling about 100 acres in Sutton and Douglas.
Of importance to the mission of the MPF in its protection of the 380 lake, is the property's 875 feet of shoreline fisheries; the steep, forested slopes which bring water directly to the lake; numerous streams and 3 small ponds that are coldwater fisheries for brook trout which drain into the lake; a large area of state designated Priority Habitat for endangered species encompassing the waterfront area; the acreage directly abuts conservation land preserved as Waters Farm; and the fact that it is located in the Lake Manchaug Greenway and Wildlife Corridor which is a larger wildlife corridor initiative aimed at linking the Douglas State Forest and Sutton State Forest at Purgatory.
HOW? The Town of Sutton has given their right to purchase the property to Manchaug Pond's non-profit 501(c)(3). This is a tremendous opportunity to save a significant parcel of property on Manchaug Pond and prevent a large development, as the MPF now become the "buyer" in the purchase and sales agreement.
WHEN? Now! We need to raise a little over $1.9 million for the total 100 acres and close the deal in less than 90 days. No small task, but definitely worth the try. We received our first pledge of $100,000 from a single donor this week getting us off to a great start!
WHERE? Right here - you and me! Spread the word! The MPF Board of Directors is asking everyone to help make this happen! A fundraising thermometer on the right side of this blog will tract our weekly efforts. We hope all readers will consider making a donation to this cause - no amount is too small as we race the clock! Use the Donate button for paypal and credit card donations or send your check to MPF, P.O. Box 154, Manchaug, MA 01526.
MPF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity. All donations are fully tax-deductible. Memorial and honorary donations are welcome as well as matching employer gifts.
Thank you and check back for more on the Beaton Property!
Monday, January 30, 2012
Manchaug Boat Ramp on Town Agenda
An agreement concerning the Manchaug Pond state boat ramp has been worked out between MassWildlife and the town of Sutton. January 17, 2012 the Sutton Board of Selectman reviewed and approved the details as follows:
The Manchaug Pond Foundation is continuing to work closely with the town on this new arrangement.
- Fee structure of $6 for in state and $12 for out of state users. (no change)
- User fees collected 24/7 (new- expands from seasonal weekends to daily, year round)
- Lockbox/honor system for collection (new)
- Police patrols, with fines for non-payment.
The Manchaug Pond Foundation is continuing to work closely with the town on this new arrangement.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
The big picture - Mass Bass Federation Conservation Director Speaks Out
AS I SEE IT
A win for the environment
By Erik Kaplan
During the recent holiday season, most Americans were busy making their lists and checking them twice, and weren’t paying attention to whether Congress was being naughty or nice. Fortunately, President Obama and the Environmental Protection Agency gave us a big dose of holiday cheer — new limits on mercury and other toxic air pollutants that spew out of coal and oil-fired power plants.
Some in Congress are still preparing to deliver the proverbial “lump of coal” not just to our stockings, but to our lungs, to our airways and, most frighteningly, to our children’s brains, by blocking clean air safeguards against harmful air pollution from mercury and other pollutants. But the Obama administration’s action will make it a bit harder for polluters and their allies to threaten our health.
The problem is serious. More than 500 power plants in the U.S. belch 48 tons of mercury pollution each year. That mercury falls into our waterways through rain and snow, washes off the land and builds up in fish and the animals that consume fish — other fish, black ducks, loons, eagles and humans.
Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that is especially dangerous to children and pregnant women. Mercury exposure affects a child’s ability to walk, talk, read, write and learn. Until now, there were no national limits to how much toxic mercury pollution a coal plant could pump into the air. The mercury contamination problem in the U.S. is so widespread that up to one in ten women of childbearing age is likely to have mercury levels in her blood high enough to put her baby at risk for mercury poisoning.
Every angler and hunter knows that a successful outdoor experience depends on a healthy environment. Yet every state has a fish consumption advisory for mercury. Almost half of U. S. lakes and reservoirs have mercury amounts exceeding safe levels. Massachusetts has 125 bodies of water where the fish can’t be eaten at all, or can be eaten only in small amounts and infrequently. Nearly all fish and shellfish contain traces of mercury, according to EPA. Who wants to take home a mercury-laden fish for dinner?
The new limits will cut mercury emissions from power plants by 91 percent, acid gas pollution by 91 percent, and particulate matter by 30 percent. These reductions, combined with the forthcoming “cross-state” rule, will translate into $340 billion in reduced health care costs and healthier lives. In addition to mercury and arsenic, power plants emit lead, other heavy metals, dioxin and acid gases that threaten public health. Even in small amounts these pollutants are linked to cancer, heart disease, neurological damage, birth defects, asthma attacks and premature death.
This could prevent up to 11,000 heart attacks and 120,000 asthma attacks a year and save more than 17,000 lives over the next year alone. In fact, the health benefits associated with these updated standards are $59 billion to $140 billion in 2016. This means that for every dollar spent to reduce pollution from power plants, we get $5 to $13 in health benefits.
The truth is simple: Industry leaders and their Washington lobbyists don’t care about our kids; they only care about their bottom line. But for me and for parents everywhere, the bottom line is the health and safety of our kids. We need to protect the clean air and public health policies that work for our families and protect our kids. We need to do everything we can to reduce harmful air pollution from toxics like mercury and arsenic and oppose the big polluters who say our kids aren’t worth the cost of reducing these dangerous emissions. I applaud the Obama administration for taking bold steps to do just that.
Erik Kaplan is the President of the Massachusetts Bass Federation.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
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!
Sunday, August 01, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
MassWildlife Working on Manchaug Pond!
Mass Wildlife/Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game are out on the lake taking a survey of our fisheries. With this year's waterlevel they are able to take their boat into the coves!
Thank you to the 3 MPA directors and 1 member who called in the info and sent this photo. More are on the way!
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Biological Indicators of Watershed Health: HEX HATCH 2010
As the rain comes down the Mayflies (Hexagenia) are hatching! Flying in large numbers just above the water causing fish to jump and the swallows to dive!
Last year it happened June 10th, with our 1st Vice President blogging it here and her neighbor reporting it as the largest hatch he had seen in his 75 years on the lake.
She wrote:
"One of the best indicators of the health of a lake are the bugs that call it home. Last night there was a significant Hex hatch (Hexagenia a.k.a. Mayfly) and this morning I counted over 120 that were resting on the screens and doors of my house. According to my neighbor Harry, this is the largest hatch he has seen during his 75 years on the lake. These Mayflies are a great indicator that our lake is healthy.
Mayflies are loved by Trout as well as the local Robin who has been plucking them off the deck."
Click in the title for a link to the EPA Bioindicators information.
Last year it happened June 10th, with our 1st Vice President blogging it here and her neighbor reporting it as the largest hatch he had seen in his 75 years on the lake.
She wrote:
"One of the best indicators of the health of a lake are the bugs that call it home. Last night there was a significant Hex hatch (Hexagenia a.k.a. Mayfly) and this morning I counted over 120 that were resting on the screens and doors of my house. According to my neighbor Harry, this is the largest hatch he has seen during his 75 years on the lake. These Mayflies are a great indicator that our lake is healthy.
Mayflies are loved by Trout as well as the local Robin who has been plucking them off the deck."
Click in the title for a link to the EPA Bioindicators information.
Saturday, May 01, 2010
Murphy's Law or My Dog Ate My Tackle Box... !! TACKLE BOX !!
YES, YOU HEARD IT RIGHT!
Here's the email message and photo that came in this week.
"Want to laugh?
I just got back from the vets - Murphy ate my tackle box... with all sorts of stuff in it. 190 dollars and 6 x-rays later - no hooks! yay! What a CRAZY dog we have, huh?"
GULP!
Here's the email message and photo that came in this week.
"Want to laugh?
I just got back from the vets - Murphy ate my tackle box... with all sorts of stuff in it. 190 dollars and 6 x-rays later - no hooks! yay! What a CRAZY dog we have, huh?"
GULP!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Saturday, April 03, 2010
Looking for Trout? Try Lake Singletary or Wallum
Looking for trout?
Manchaug Pond is not stocked, but the following central Mass lakes were stocked the week of March 15, 2010 according to Mass Wildlife:
Brookfield - South Pond
Douglas - Wallum Lake
Hubbardston - Comet Pond
Lancaster - Fort Pond
Lunenburg - Whalom Lake
Rutland - Long Pond
Spencer - Browning Pond
Sterling - West Wauschacum Pond
Sutton - Singletary Lake
Webster - Webster Lake
Worcester - Lake Quinsigamond
"Any angler who catches a trout with a bright pink tag will receive a prize from the local cooperator in the Tags 'N Trout Program!" Check out the website: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/recreation/fishing/trout/tags_n_trout.htm
Manchaug Pond is not stocked, but the following central Mass lakes were stocked the week of March 15, 2010 according to Mass Wildlife:
Brookfield - South Pond
Douglas - Wallum Lake
Hubbardston - Comet Pond
Lancaster - Fort Pond
Lunenburg - Whalom Lake
Rutland - Long Pond
Spencer - Browning Pond
Sterling - West Wauschacum Pond
Sutton - Singletary Lake
Webster - Webster Lake
Worcester - Lake Quinsigamond
"Any angler who catches a trout with a bright pink tag will receive a prize from the local cooperator in the Tags 'N Trout Program!" Check out the website: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/recreation/fishing/trout/tags_n_trout.htm
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Ice Auger at 7:19. All Is Well
The USGS has an realtime updated map of recent earthquake activity.
Check for yourself: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/
A July 1980 Manchaug Pond Dam MA.00955 Phase I Inspection Report of the National Dam Inspection Program of the Department of The Army New England Division, Corps of Engineers states: "The dam is located in Seismic Zone 2 and in accordance with recommended Phase I guidelines does not warrant seismic analysis."
Check for yourself: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/
A July 1980 Manchaug Pond Dam MA.00955 Phase I Inspection Report of the National Dam Inspection Program of the Department of The Army New England Division, Corps of Engineers states: "The dam is located in Seismic Zone 2 and in accordance with recommended Phase I guidelines does not warrant seismic analysis."
Saturday, January 02, 2010
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
He's Jigging! Season's First Ice Fisherman
Taken today from the state boat ramp in Sutton, we sighted a first ice fisherman of the season on Manchaug Pond!
Also a report came in this morning of 0 degree F temperatures over on the Ledgestone side of the lake. Good for ice-making!
As the ice forms, the lake is also making its loud "whale" sounds!
Please be cautious! Consult the following link from MassWILDLIFE Division of Fisheries and Wildlife on Ice Strength & Safety Tips.
http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/recreation/ice_safety.htm
Here's a quick guide...
2" STAY OFF!
or less
4" Ice fishing or other activities on foot
5" Snowmobile or ATV
Also a report came in this morning of 0 degree F temperatures over on the Ledgestone side of the lake. Good for ice-making!
As the ice forms, the lake is also making its loud "whale" sounds!
Please be cautious! Consult the following link from MassWILDLIFE Division of Fisheries and Wildlife on Ice Strength & Safety Tips.
http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/recreation/ice_safety.htm
Here's a quick guide...
2" STAY OFF!
or less
4" Ice fishing or other activities on foot
5" Snowmobile or ATV
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
MassWildlife Trout Hatchery
Lets feed the fish!
Feed them a few pellets at a time and watch them jump!
Or get someone in the back of the pickup to throw it in by the shovelful!
They sure get big! Manchaug Pond is not a stocked pond but brook trout do live in the unnamed tributaries of our watershed. Land worth preserving.
A beautiful ride out to Belchertown, especially this time of year!
http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/fisheries/fisheries_home.htm
Feed them a few pellets at a time and watch them jump!
Or get someone in the back of the pickup to throw it in by the shovelful!
They sure get big! Manchaug Pond is not a stocked pond but brook trout do live in the unnamed tributaries of our watershed. Land worth preserving.
A beautiful ride out to Belchertown, especially this time of year!
http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/fisheries/fisheries_home.htm
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Big Fish - Found Not Caught
Okay. Here's my disclaimer: the following post may NOT be too pleasing or pretty to all readers! Photos include a skeleton and dead fish up close and personal! ... these fish were found by two of my daughters on Manchaug Pond - cause of death unknown.
A pickerel I believe - big but not a champion!
This skeleton found by my youngest while she explored the old causeway in the spring. Definitely an exciting find for a young scientist!
Another daughter brought this bass home in early August. She could not believe the size of it!
The gash on the side... do you think a prop got it once it was dead and floating belly up?
A pickerel I believe - big but not a champion!
This skeleton found by my youngest while she explored the old causeway in the spring. Definitely an exciting find for a young scientist!
Another daughter brought this bass home in early August. She could not believe the size of it!
The gash on the side... do you think a prop got it once it was dead and floating belly up?
Friday, July 31, 2009
It Is Out! Secretary Bowles Decision Released by Town
July 7th was the meeting. July 14th was the deadline for comments. July 24th the decision was expected. Here it is! The long awaited decision by state Environmental Affairs' Secretary Ian Bowles has been released by the Town of Sutton website.
Over 30 state agencies, environmental groups and individuals joined the MPA to stand in support of Manchaug Pond and bring to light concerns and devastating impacts of the proposed project to breach the dam: Senator Richard Moore, Reps. Callahan and Kujawski, the Blackstone River Coalition and Mass Audubon, The Bass Federation and the Massachusetts Bass Federation, Douglas Selectman, Town of Sutton, Sutton Conservation Commission, and MassDEP, Mass Department of Fish and Game, Mass Dept of Conservation and Recreation and a number of citizens and attorneys. Secretary Bowles notes "the proposed project has garnered widespread opposition from the public and from officials at both the state and local level."
In the document, it is clear that Secretary Bowles understands the value of this lake to the property owners in the watershed, to up and down stream, to the local communities and to the Commonwealth. He calls for an arrangement "to prevent significant adverse environmental impacts to Manchaug Pond and provide for the continued use of this recreational fishery of state-wide importance by the boating and fishing public."
Further he notes that comments from the "Office of Dam Safety (ODS) state that the dam was in satisfactory condition as recently as December of 2008, and that the ODS has not determined the dam to be in unsafe condition."
Fully outlined by the Secretary's requirement that the dam owner perform a full Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) is the numerous adverse impacts, the need for specific studies identifying the scope of the impacts, the licensing and permitting this would require, and significant mitigation measures. "The project is predicted, by both the proponent and the concerned commenters, to have significant consequences for wetland resource areas, species habitat, and downstream water flows, which many in turn adversely impact nearby water supplies, wastewater treatment facilities and/or septic systems. In addition, commenters have stressed that this dramatic change to the size of existing pond would threaten to severely curtail recreational uses of the Pond, reduce the value of abutting properties, and harm nearby business that rely on this heavily used public recreational resource."
Here's a few examples of the many specific impacts noted and the mitigation required - it just makes the whole project absurd and cost prohibitive:
The MPA presented testimony received from a recent survey of members and other abutters as to current impacts to private wells. In response to that concern, Secretary Bowles stated the dam owner's report should "inventory all public and private water supply wells that could be affected by the permanent drawdown caused by the dam removal. This includes but is not necessarily limited to all public and private water supply wells within a one-mile radius of the Pond. If water supplies are diminished, mitigation should be proposed by the proponent."
Mass Dept of Fish and Game (DFG) "is concerned that the removal of the dam would result in substantial adverse impacts to a recreational fishery of state-wide importance and effectively eliminate the use of the Pond for recreational boating by the Public, while providing limited environmental benefits in return." Fisheries surveys of the Pond reveal the presence of ten species and "of the Mumford River have yielded 21 species and the unnamed tributary to Manchaug Pond is identified as a significant coldwater fisheries resource. The DEIR should fully evaluate the impacts of the proposed project on fishers within the Pond and associated tributaries..."
In speaking of the DFG boat ramp and property on Manchaug Pond, "the removal of the dam would result in lowered water levels and effectively eliminate the ability of the public to launch and retrieve trailered watercraft. In addition, there are numerous other private recreational uses sponsored on or near the Pond." The detailed analysis here should include the identification and impact on current and future recreational public uses of the pond and propose mitigation to offset impacts to recreational interests.
How about a graphic survey of all private or publicly owned and operated water-dependent facilities, including but not limited to: facilities for swimming, fishing, and diving; docks, piers, floats and/or moorings; shore protection structures, headwalls and culverts; and road crossings.
And how about where "the project will result in the elimination of Torrey Road"... lets look at the impacts from its removal to nearby residences, businesses and identify alternative routes, identify current number of vehicles using and specify where this traffic would go in order to provide access within this portion of Sutton and Douglas." And address "ownership of Torrey Road and whether the proponent possesses sufficient rights to eliminate this roadway that is currently used by the public."
We didn't even talk yet about the impact to bordering wetlands, land under water and the permanent loss of 9,147 linear feet of bank, oh the list goes on and on! Read it for yourself!
To the Town website: http://www.suttonma.org/Pages/index
Here's the link to the document itself:
The link to EOEEA Secretary Ian Bowles decision on the proposed removal of the Manchaug Dam http://www.suttonma.org/Pages/SuttonMA_News/014BF165-000F8513
The Manchaug Pond Association remains committed to Manchaug Pond having served as stewards and advocates for the past 40+ years, we expect to continue this work into the future. As suggested by Secretary Bowles, we look to foster the partnerships and identify the arrangements necessary to "prevent significant adverse environmental impacts to Manchaug Pond and provide for its continued use..."
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