YOU Can Name MPF to Telegram Outreach for Charities Program

You can help Manchaug Pond through a new program of the Telegram & Gazette.  Subscribers can name the Manchaug Pond Foundation to benefit from the new TOUCH (Telegram Outreach for Charities) program.

When you receive your TOUCH letter and voucher, just fill in Manchaug Pond Foundation,  P.O. Box 154, Manchaug, 01526, and return in the provided pre-paid envelope.

There is no cost to you,  and the benefits to Manchaug Pond will grow with each Telegram subscriber participating.  Boston Globe Media's Linda Pizzuti Henry tells us that Manchaug Pond Foundation will receive free advertising space to help "raise awareness around their mission, recruit more volunteers, advertise events, and create a better Worcester County community for all of us."

Go Manchaug Pond Foundation!

Today's Millbury-Sutton Chronicle Article on MPF

Manchaug Pond Foundation announces water improvement plans

 

MPF Photo/R. L. Charpentier

The Manchaug Pond Foundation (MPF) is going “full speed ahead with their next major initiative”, according to a press release from the organization which will be to complete a “s.319 Nonpoint Source Pollution Grant recently awarded to the nonprofit group by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.”

MPF completed a similar grant in 2011, which is designed to help improve the quality of water entering the pond. The MPF said they will work with Comprehensive Environmental Inc. (CEI), a Massachusetts based environmental engineering firm who will design the stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs), and the Town of Sutton “who will construct it with their generous in-kind commitment” according to the press release.

A real estate acquisition to preserve the 100-acre Beaton Farm Property was completed after they were given a right of first refusal after a group from the College of the Holy Cross last year presented plans to purchase the parcel and build a retreat center on the property.

The MPF release also said they would be working with Whittier Farms on “a number of agricultural related improvements. With over 500 acres of farmland within the Manchaug Pond watershed, the Whittier Family has committed many hours of volunteer labor to help make some unique watershed improvements for educational outreach including modifications to several areas which will include the addition of a dedicated rain garden area at the Milk Store and restoration of vegetated areas around ponds feeding into Manchaug Pond.”

The MPF will “simultaneously be working on a major education effort. Coordinating with local educators and stakeholders, the MPF will work to develop a comprehensive resource of materials for teachers, parents and children that may include web resources, study kits, and portable literature displays.”

MPF said it is also looking for people who may be interested in helping with this grant. Those who are can contact Marty Jo Henry at ManchaugPond319@gmail.com.

Press Release on Water Quality Improvement Efforts by MPF

For: Manchaug Pond Foundation
Contact: Marty Jo Henry, Vice President, 508-667-4349

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Manchaug Pond Foundation Continues Water Quality Improvement Efforts

Sutton/Douglas, MA – With a landmark real estate acquisition to preserve the 100-acre Beaton Farm Property now complete, the Manchaug Pond Foundation (MPF) is going full speed ahead with their next major initiative, completing a s.319 Nonpoint Source Pollution Grant recently awarded to the nonprofit group by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.

    Having successfully completed a similar grant in 2011, the MPF will continue their efforts to improve the quality of water entering the pond. The MPF will once again work with Comprehensive Environmental Inc. (CEI), a Massachusetts based environmental engineering firm who will design the stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs), and the Town of Sutton who will construct it with their generous in-kind commitment.

    The MPF is particularly excited to be working with Whittier Farms on a number of agricultural related improvements. With over 500 acres of farmland within the Manchaug Pond watershed, the Whittier Family has committed many hours of volunteer labor to help make some unique watershed improvements for educational outreach including modifications to several areas which will include the addition of a dedicated rain garden area at the Milk Store and restoration of vegetated areas around ponds feeding into Manchaug Pond.

    While structural improvements are being made within the watershed, the MPF will simultaneously be working on a major education effort. Coordinating with local educators and stakeholders, the MPF will work to develop a comprehensive resource of materials for teachers, parents and children that may include web resources, study kits, and portable literature displays.

    Anyone interested in joining the Manchaug Pond Foundation in helping with this grant is encouraged to contact Marty Jo Henry at ManchaugPond319@gmail.com

    The Manchaug Pond Foundation 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 predecessor, Manchaug Pond Association, have served a leadership role as stewards of the lake and advocates and educators for its proper use and preservation.

* * *

Water Quality: MPF Secures Second Grant

Yesterday, we received a "green light" from MassDEP to begin the Manchaug Pond Water Quality Improvement - Phase 2 grant project.  Our paperwork is complete, we are good to go!

Phase 1 project - Pervious pavers installed at the state boat ramp.

Last October, we received news that of the 14 proposals submitted, Manchaug Pond Foundation's was one of seven projects to be recommended to the US EPA for funding through the 'FFY13 319 Nonpoint Source Competitive Grants Program. Earlier this year our final scope, budget, and timeline were accepted and this month our final paperwork was completed.  Of the total $1.4 million, Manchaug Pond will receive $119,865 with MPF responsible for matching

Phase 1- Catch basin installed on lake roadside

with time and services for a total project budget of $208, 525.

Phase 1 project - Rain garden captures runoff preventing erosion

This grant will also allow additional Nonpoint Source (NPS) improvements in the watershed to help improve the water quality of Manchaug Pond and ultimately the Mumford and Blackstone Rivers.

The phase 2 project, like the phase 1, will install a number of stormwater BMP structures immediately around the pond in both towns of Sutton and Douglas: leaching catch basins on Old Mill Rd; bioretention area on Manchaug Rd.; vegetated swales and more on Lackey Rd. and Holt Rd in Sutton and on Parker and Bigelow Roads in Douglas.

  Agricultural efforts will extend beyond education and work directly with a large farm operation to provide technical services for the design and implementation of agricultural BMPs and utilize the farm store location for a demonstration rain garden to educate customers.  Another educational component targets children and elementary groups providing NPS education and promoting watershed awareness.

Phase 1 project - Small roadside rain garden filters stormwater pollutants from street.

A huge thanks to all those on the MPF Board of Directors involved in the submission and execution of this grant, to the many teachers and various other educators who wrote letters of support, to our local farm for its total cooperation in promoting these goals with its customers, and to the towns of Douglas and Sutton for working with us in the installation of the roadside structures... all to improve the water quality of Manchaug Pond!  Thank you and stay tuned for updates and photos of our progress!

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.

Last week a busy week! Thanks for the ideas...

It has been a few days since we've had a post on the blog - pictures were taken last week but our work for Manchaug Pond and life on the lake has kept us busy.

So let's just recap a bit of last week's happenings:

First, let's thanks those readers who submitted suggestions to our FUNdrai$ing Committee.  All your ideas were brought to last week's meeting and let me tell you new events and activities are in the works!  Three are being planned for later this year... a followup meeting is scheduled for next week and then a Board meeting the week after for final approval. The goal is to have registration forms available for members at the MPA's 43rd Annual Meeting later next month. Also in 2011, you'll see once again the great RAFFLE event, Spring Social, and the Boat Decorating Contest.  So stay tuned!

Tuesday we found the Town of Sutton doing some maintenance on the drainage sites on Manchaug Road and having a telephone pole moved out of a drainage pipe/ditch.  Important work necessary to improving our water quality - minimizing run off of sediments and nutrients into the lake.





Also on Tuesday,  our invasive aquatic weed survey was being conducted by Lycott Environmental.

I didn't get a photo of the boat, but I can tell you the weather was perfect - blue skies and not much wind.  Hired by the MPA,  Lycott's boat was seen methodically working not too far off shore, raking up plants growing under water, identifying them,  and mapping by GPS the location.  You may have heard a shout out or two of "MILFOIL!" or "FANWORT!"  We look forward to the results of that survey so that we can compare it with past surveys/reports.

Last year's milfoil

And speaking of weeds... we are seeing PURPLE along the roadsides of the watershed once again!  ugh! PURPLE LOOSESTRIFE.  If you see it, pull it, bag it and take it out of the area.  Do not compost!  Put it in a plastic bag, and send with the trash or incinerate.  We do not want this highly invasive weed on the shore of Manchaug Pond!





How did your week go?

Smooth sailing?













See you on Manchaug Pond tomorrow!

Rain Garden Blossums

Our new perennials are blooming in the "made possible by an s. 319 stormwater grant from the EPA/DEP" rain garden at the state boat ramp.

If you are having a runoff problem on your property causing erosion into the lake or large wet areas in your landscape consider planting a rain garden of your very own. Visit these links:

http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/runoff/rg/index.htm#plant_lists

http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/runoff/rg/littleone/small.htm

MPA Meets with Engineers

This morning from 9:30 to 12:30pm, 2 engineers visited the roadsides of Manchaug Pond checking the catchbasins, gabion dams, plunge pools, pervious pavers and other structures constructed last year under the S 319 DEP stormwater grant project for Manchaug Pond.

The engineers' goal today was two fold: first to evaluate the current structures noting improvements needed if any and secondly to identify new sites to be addressed.

Three MPA officers gave the Douglas/Sutton tour.
To take the tour yourself, view the slide show on the right.

For more information on Low Impact Development and what you can do to protect the water quality of Manchaug Pond consult our website at www.manchaugpond.org under Living in the Watershed or visit http://www.epa.gov/nps/lid/

http://www.lid-stormwater.net/background.htm

On seeing this site the engineer exclaimed, "It's working!"

How can you tell? Note all the road sand and salt captured!

2009 Fall Cleanup a Success!

All for one and one for all! Annual Fall Cleanup 2009 a success! ending with chocolate, blueberry and choc. chip muffins and a box of Joe!


18 volunteers from 11 households cleaned the state public access boat ramp, Manchaug Road from Central Turnpike to Torrey Road, Torrey to Oak St, Shore Road, and Lackey Road as well as the lake shoreline areas which were not cleaned during the spring cleanup event. Whew!

Covering the Shoreline and lake areas:



The public boat ramp:



Along Shore Road and the conservation land:



Also a few invasive weeds not picked up during the Weed Cleanup a few weeks ago also made there way to the truck!



Along Manchaug Road:


Strange finds included a distributor cap and a part to a high tech weather machine or something!



Great job everyone! It was a pleasure working with all of you - we sure covered a lot of area.



(I also was told the story about last week's boating accident from two eyewitnesses. We're working on getting the pics, video and story to you via the blog! Stay tuned.)

Tomorrow - Join us for the Annual Clean-up!

Our annual Fall Clean-up is tomorrow morning, Saturday, October 17th from 9 to noon. The town has the truck parked waiting for us to get to work! Our coordinator wants YOU ALL to come join the MPA Board of Directors as we...

Hit the road!



Hit the Boat Ramp!



Hit the shore!



Our annual clean-up targets litter and illegal dumping in and around the lake. 9:00 am to noon. Meet at the Boat Ramp on Torrey Road to get a bag and fan out from there or take a piece of your own shore or a roadside and get to work. If you thought the Weed Cleanup was hard work- you'll find this a breeze! Thursday we spotted two early birds cleaning up Lackey Road and Manchaug getting a head start on the job.

Thank you to the Sutton Highway Dept. for joining us in this effort with the use of the truck and disposal of trash collected.

This Morning's Heavy Rains Filtered by 319 Grant Work

Heavy rains hit the area this morning bringing rivers of water down the roads and from the watershed hillsides into Manchaug Pond. Let's take a look at the completed site work made possible by the s.319 NonPoint Pollution Grant to filter all this stormwater:

On Manchaug Road in Sutton, the first site - a GABION WEIR.


Site 2 - LEACHING CATCH BASIN- complete with small boulders to keep people from parking in the area.


Site 3 built in the existing ditch - CHECK DAM WITH FILTRATION POOL.


Site 4 - CHECK DAM - breaking the flow in that same roadside ditch.


State Public Access Ramp: Site 5-1 - Grass Paver Infiltration System


Site 5-2 - Nutrient Filtration System


5-3 - Rain Garden Area before planting


5-4 - Catch Basin Upgrade


In Douglas on Oak Street, Site 6 & 7 - Gabion Dam with Filtration Purge Pool





This site work has been done to filter the stormwater of nutrients to improve your Manchaug Pond resource!

The project is funded by the EPA and MassDEP, spearheaded and administered by the Manchaug Pond Association, written with the help of engineers and environmental scientist at CEI, Inc, and matched with work performed cooperatively by MPA, and the Towns of Sutton and Douglas Highway Departments and Conservation Commissions.

Data was based on a watershed survey and water quality testing paid for by the Manchaug Pond Association and performed by CEI, Inc and Lycott Environmental Inc. for the MPA.

One more task to complete! We remain On Target, Below Budget and On Schedule!

Heavy Rains, Runoff a Test for Grant Sitework

The afternoon brought heavy rains to already saturated soils here in the Manchaug watershed. 2 plus inches of rain by the rain gauge lakeside.



Here down past the village on Whitins Road a tree took down wires and made travel a bit dangerous.


But back at Manchaug Pond as we check in on the site work for the stormwater grant at the Public Access Boat Ramp, we see a lot of runoff being caught and filtered.






The Highway department foreman had the original asphalt taken out at the edge putting a greater slope in around the cobblestones to allow the flow off the parking lot into the plunge pools.



We definitely will need plants that can handle lots of moisture and wet roots! Native species have been chosen and ordered from the New England Wildflower Society.



Our MPA s.319 Grant Coordinator and Sutton Town Highway Department Superintendent are already discussing needs on the other side of the ramp parking lot to capture and filter the runoff there. So after this grant is completed next year, the MPA and the town will partner with pen to paper in hand to forge a new grant project to further address water quality and weed growth here on Manchaug.

Furthering the benefits to our water resources, the town is using this technology over at the Marion's Camp Town Beach on Lake Singletary with the planning of 3 rain gardens in the parking lot area.

Last Thursday's Mtg. - Good Going MPA!

Not that last Tuesday wasn't enough excitement for Manchaug Pond, Thursday morning provided another meeting for the MPA. Our 1st Vice President/Stormwater Grant Coordinator met with CEI, the engineering/environmental firm concerning the s.319 stormwater grant. We just completed our second year of a 3 year grant. Our Grant Coordinator is the taskmaster - keeps us hopping, turning us now and again from the water level/dam issue back to water quality, has us keeping detailed volunteer logs, gets the reporting in on time to DEP, and makes sure we don't go over budget... to name a few of her duties!

Well, Thursday's assessment of our project is that we are in great shape!

We are under budget, and the site work in Douglas and Sutton is now completed with the exception of the rain garden at the Public Access Boat Ramp. And all the rain provides the added bonus of actually allowing us to see right away how the structures will handle heavy rains and lots of runoff!



The rain garden site is all prepared with just some design work and planting to be done. The center strip in the photo below - where no grass is growing - will be planted with native species which can handle the moisture and work to filter pollutants.


Our Grant Coordinator is working with the New England Wildflower Society and has received input from the Sutton Conservation Commissioners as to the different plants they would like to see incorporated in the design.



Year three, will be used to finish up with most of our focus on the educational component of the project targeting horseowners and residents in the watershed.

In the first two years of the grant, the MPA has held spring and fall clean up events, workshops on Composting and Lawn and Landscape Care as well as a Mass Aggie Horsekeeping Seminar for the many livestock/horse owners in the watershed. The MPA has also provided an educational display at a number of events from the clean-ups, to Waters Farm Days, to our educational programs, to the January conference of the Mass Congress of Lake and Pond Associations. The exhibit brings the latest research and technology in easy to read form for you to use in your home landscape!

This is made possible by a s.319 DEP storm water grant and with matching volunteer time by the MPA, and towns of Douglas and Sutton.

The Value of Water: MPA Speaks on Behalf of Manchaug Pond

MPA President David Schmidt present the "NO BREACH" position of the Manchaug Pond Association at state MEPA meeting.

Meeting of MEPA (Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act)
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Environmental Notification Form # 14435
July 7, 2009, 3:30 p.m., Sutton Town Hall




TESTIMONY OF THE MANCHAUG POND ASSOCIATION
David Schmidt, President

Thank you for this opportunity to speak on behalf of Manchaug Pond. My name is David Schmidt, I am President of the Manchaug Pond Association. This organization was formed over 40 years ago to promote the welfare and correct use of Manchaug and its watershed. My family has owned a summer cottage on Manchaug since 1938 along with many of the other 120 property owners. In addition to our members, many enjoy this 380 acre lake through the public access boat ramp, the campgrounds, the YMCA day camp for inner city kids, as well as those who view from the historic Waters Farm. We will be sumbitting written testimony based on the observations and experiences of living with this Great Pond as our backyard. We strongly oppose this project and foresee many issues and hardships caused by its action.

Today we respectfully ask that the scope of the MEPA process consider:

First - the impacts to Manchaug Pond and the bordering ecosystem: to our private wells; our two coldwater tributaries and native brook trout fisheries; to the 4 vernal pools and the bordering critical habitat area; to the wetlands, coves and bank and the significant 380 acreage under the water, habitat to fisheries and other wildlife; to public access; and to the strides we are making with the current s. 319 DEP storm water grant; and to our non-chemical control of invasive aquatic species.

and Secondly - to the downstream users and ecosystems of the Mumford and Blackstone River systems. Manchaug Reservoir is the headwaters of the Mumford River. It is the largest reservoir on the river system and with Whitin Reservoir contributes the major portion of the flow of the river. Downstream impacts include those to Stevens and the many other smaller ponds but more dramatic are those to the major water users: the Whitinsville Water Company, the Douglas Waste Water Treatment Plant, the Milford Power Plant, and the soon to be Alternatives Unlimited hydroelectric plant.

While the Manchaug Pond dam has served the mill industry safely for 130 years, it must not be discarded. Today this rich water resource provides a more important role. Its water storage capability provides the flow for drinking water and waste water treatment, for life in the river system, and an environmental habitat to many diverse wildlife species. Manchaug Pond is needed now more than ever, especially in light of today's environmental pressures and the valley's build-out potential. In closing, we challenge the dam owner to recognize the value of Manchaug Reservoir to the community and to the Commonwealth, and to work creatively and in partnership to preserve Manchaug Pond and the Mumford River system. Thank you for your consideration.


The MPA as well as many other local and state boards and agencies will be submitting detailed comments about the concerns for this latest proposal of the dam owner - Manchaug Reservoir Corp. c/o Interface, Inc. Atlanta, Georgia


Speaking in support of Manchaug Pond this day, with many grave concerns over this project:
Rep. Jennifer Callahan, Sutton resident and District Representative
Rep. Paul Kujawski, District Representative for Douglas
James Smith, Sutton Town Administrator
George Pucci, Attorney, Kopelman and Paige, representing Town of Sutton and SCC
Mark Briggs, Chairman Sutton Conservation Commission (SCC)
David Schmidt, President, Manchaug Pond Association
Jeffrey Roelofs, Attorney, Law office of Jeffrey L. Roelofs, for Lake Manchaug Camping
Robert Nunnemacher, Assessor, Sutton Board of Assessors
Kevin Geraghty, Member, Sutton Board of Selectman
Jack Sheehan, Member, Sutton Conservation Commission
Peter Coffin, Coordinator, Blackstone River Coalition


Also addressing the dam owner:
Richard Lindstrom, Sutton Resident, asked for information on the old Indian dam.


In attendance:
A extensive list of Sutton and Douglas town officials; many property owners from Manchaug, Stevens Pond and along the Mumford River, Sutton residents; leaders and members of organizations from Manchaug Pond Association, Mass Audubon, Blackstone River Coalition, Blackstone River Watershed Association, MA Congress of Lakes and Ponds, Whitin Reservoir Watershed District, and the Mass Bass Federation; and representatives from state agencies from Mass Department of Environmental Protection, Mass Department of Conservation and Recreation, Mass Department of Fish and Game, etc., etc.

Consider putting your thoughts and concerns about the removal of the Manchaug dam, the reduction of Manchaug Pond from 380 acres to 201, the elimination of Torrey Road from Parker to Holt Road, the loss of the boat ramp, and the loss of access from the shoreline properties, the impact to the environment upstream, downstream and along the river...

put it on paper, in writing and

send to:

Secretary Ian A. Bowles
EOEA, Attn: MEPA Office
William Gage, EOEA No. 14435
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900
Boston MA 02114

http://www.mass.gov/envir/mepa/secondlevelpages/submittingcomments.htm
Deadline for submission is July 14th.

Sutton Town Website Announces State Meeting on Manchaug Pond

State to Hold Meeting to Discuss Application
To Breach Manchaug Dam
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
3:30 pm
Sutton Town Hall – Selectmen’s Meeting Room

An Environmental Notification form has been submitted for the “Restoration of Manchaug Pond – Douglas & Sutton” Project. This project requires a mandatory Environmental Impact Report (EIR). A consultation meeting will be held to receive advice and comments from agencies, official and citizens regarding which environmental issues are significant for this project. Opinions as to the extent of the significance of possible environmental impacts will be welcome.

The meeting will include a brief presentation of the project by the proponent, with periods for questions, answers, and open comment. Additional comments will be welcome in writing prior to July 14, 2009.

Pursuant to the requirements of the American Disabilities Act, this meeting notice is available in alternative formats upon request. Questions on the meeting may be answered by contacting William Gage of the MEPA staff at 617-626-1025.

For link to MEPA website to read the ENF, see the MPA "For More Information!" section to the right.

"Green" Asphalt Installed at Manchaug Pond State Ramp

Our state public access boat ramp continues to be modernized,

this time with the latest in paving material: pervious or permeable pavers or porous pavement.



The idea of the pavers is to capture runoff allowing it to filter into the ground before it gets to the lake. This keeps pollutants such as gas and oil drips from vehicles as well as the salts from road sand and other pollutants from flowing directly into the lake.


The water flowing into the ground also recharges groundwater supplies which are important to maintaining our drinking watersupplies/private wells and water levels of the lakes and tributaries. Filtering the water directly improves water quality and reduces or eliminates weed beds in the lake and around the shoreline.


So this porous pavement allows the rain and water flowing down the ramp from the parking area to hit this area and flow water through it!

How is this new technology possible? Partnerships: Federal monies from EPA and the Clean Water Act, state administered through MassDEP's s.319 NonPoint Source Pollution Grant Program, with local partnerships with the lake association securing and administering the grant and providing volunteer time and resources and the Towns of Sutton and Douglas providing the actual work with existing manpower and equipment. Manchaug Pond Association put in the initial money for water quality testing and weed surveys with Lycott Environmental and then enlisting the help and expertise of engineers and environmental scientist at CEI. The towns, CEI and MPA are reimbursed for materials and other expenses.






The project also includes a rain garden, updated catch basins, plunge pools and other filtering systems at the state boat ramp and 6 other locations bordering the lake on Manchaug Road, Sutton and Oak Street, Douglas.