YIPPEE! Not a drop going over the spillway :)

YIPPPEEEE! YAHOOOOEEEEE!


LOOK! Not a drop going over the spillway!!



I knew this big "green" company would do the right thing for the well-being of Manchaug Pond and the many creatures who live in its watershed!

- once we brought it to their attention :)) Good work everyone!

BOARDS ARE IN! GATE CLOSED!

THE BOARDS ARE IN! all seven of them! AND THE GATE IS CLOSED to the one inch required by DEP for downstream aquatic life. The employee for the dam owner remaining at the mill did this work this morning at 10. (I was on the phone with the Sutton Town Administrator's office at 9:30 and the MPA President right after, so I missed the whole thing! No photos.) He explained the Boards will leak a bit until they swell with water. But we are good for now. Pray for rain and we'll see how fast this lake can come up.

I'll report more after my daughter comes for the grandchildren! It is hard to blog with an 11 month old and a 2 1/2 year old.

Dam Owner Notifies MPA the Boards are Going In!..... WHEN?

Here's the lake from the launch at the Public Access Boat ramp on Manchaug Pond this afternoon.

At 4:45, the water was still pouring though the spillway and low level outlet to leave Manchaug Pond lower still.


The MPA President did speak with the attorney for the dam owner as to what is going on. He reports the boards are going in.... WHEN?



I'll report more later...

Enough is Enough - let's hope today is the day!

We're told flashboards have been ordered to go in today!



This information came to us Saturday morning (unconfirmed, but from a state official to two of our board members) - the dam owner did not return our call Friday after their meeting with DEP - but we heard the meeting went in the LAKE's favor.



We'll see what today brings ... promises or action?

BOARDS! The word of the day!

What a Beautiful Day!

What a beautiful day! Sunshine, comfortable temperatures, and a nice breeze to keep the mayflies away as a wonderful backdrop for a day with good company on a beautiful peaceful lake. Last night fireworks were seen on the lake which seemed to mark the start of the season.


This beautiful field of bluets are to be found at the Public Access Boat Ramp on the Sutton side of Manchaug Pond. The boat ramp is owned by the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife and managed by the Town of Sutton.



Oh, did I just hear someone ask why the town manages this state owned ramp?

Go back and Check out the comments! And the New photographer!

Go back and take a look at older posts to see what readers have to say...

KGB has left a new comment on your post "Dam FOR SALE to the right owner!":

Instead of putting up a fence, the dam owner should have put in the boards. geesh!

Also check out photos sent in by our newest photographer! He sure did capture two of the happiest workers!





I'd like to suggest that a few of you readers start your own blog! Use sites like Blogger or Wordpress, they make it easy.

Will Fall 2008 be another 2006?

These photos came in late last night. Taken the fall of 2006 at one of the 3 campgrounds directly on Manchaug Pond, this shows the importance of the waterlevel and how the dam owner can make you or break you.

This is a waterfront campsite. The lake begins just after the trees.




The dam owner took the water level down to make repairs to the spillway gate in 2006 - but timing being everything... that drawdown was delayed til fall after the recreation season dies down.


The low water level did have a negative impact on a couple wells, and one cove still reports no peepers or bull frogs since. The lake was brought up immediately after the repairs were completed - impact was minimized as the safety issue was fully addressed.



Today we question the need to maintain the water level low as we have heard of no threat to safety. The dam owner still owns this dam, we ask you to honor your committment and service to this community.

Questions, and more questions....

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Boards Still Out, Prop Problems":

So we did'nt get any new info from the May 5th meeting and I saw that the following day could shed some light on the issues. Have we had anymore progress with the dam? Are we just hoping that someone puts the boards in?

Dear Reader, The MPA is looking for two things: 1. Short term - to get the waterlevel up ASAP (Dam Owner! how about 5 of the seven boards!) to a reasonable level to ensure the safety of boaters especially those visitors from the Public Access Boat Ramp and campgrounds who don't know the lake as well; for the health and well-being of aquatic species, amphibians and reptiles; to prevent excessive invasive aquatic weed growth; for the recreation of day campers from the YMCA facility, and the seasonal campers at the 3-4 campgrounds of the watershed; the continued economic health of the family-based businesses on Manchaug Pond and the tourism dollars they bring into our communities; as well as preserving property values of lake and near-lake property owners.
2. Long term - secure a dam owner who is interested in working with us to preserve the beautiful water resource of Manchaug Pond and its watershed.

The May 5th meeting did flush out some facts and intentions as well as a mandate for the dam owner to develop a written action/management for the dam in cases of stormy weather. That doesn't help us with the water level today but will/could in the future. And the Office of Dam Safety did hear the over 100 emails and calls made to their office from a local campground as well as others in state and local government.

We haven't given up hope nor are we sitting back waiting. We are actively building on the May 5th meeting, broadening the circle of people/agencies we are having conversations with concerning the water level. Don't lose hope and if you're a camper - make those reservations as you don't want to lose your spot!

Boards Still Out, Prop Problems

Our MPA President confirmed that as of last night around 6:30 there are still NO flashboards in the dam spillway and the reports received from lake neighbors concerning a fence were true. President Dave confirmed the fence was extended higher around the gate.

We would all like a few flashboards in especially with the rain we had last night. We'll see if the dam owner is hearing our cry from around the lake. I know putting flashboards back into the spillway is definitely a two man job... so perhaps the mill has to find a second man off the street to help the lone millkeeper. I know, I know, about 50 of you would volunteer and be down there in a flash to lend him a hand!! :)) So helpful, concerned and cooperative! That's us! Seriously, let's hope they take action today! This is not making for good relations and it is costing businesses around the lake dearly.


And how about last night's fishing tournament from the club using the state Public Access Boat Ramp?! With 15 plus boats out there, and I was wondering how they were all doing navigating around the rocks especially when they love to fish the shoreline!

Sure enough, as my husband and a neighbor sat and watched them heading home through the old causeway, they heard the all too familiar CLUNK of a motor hitting a rock. Big bucks for those fancy boats, hope it is just a prop that was damaged. How about this one from Battleship Cove in Fall River!


http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/pab/pab_schedevents.htm

Dam FOR SALE to the right owner!

This blog entry is unconfirmed/unofficial info... I have not seen or
confirmed this myself but heard it from a few sources tonight. I'll
take a walk tomorrow with my camera and check it out for myself and
take a few photos so you can see for yourself.

This is the word on the street - from the Torrey Road to be exact! The neighbors
report... A red truck from Charlton Fence came in and added more fence
to extend the cage around the dam controls. Remember the dam owner reported
two incidences of vandalism to the spillway controls this past month.
Funny, that in 25 years, this is the first vandalism I've heard of or seen - except for couple painted signs.

Anyway, seems the dam owner is trying to secure everything here in
Massachusetts: the mill is empty, the contents sold, the staff reduced
to one or two and the whole package - mill and three dams - is up for sale. But while they are waiting for just the right buyer for the mill or a dam or two, they need to further button things up, limit the liability, tie up the loose ends until it can be sold in whole or in parts.



Too bad our water level, properties, businesses, and front yards are their loose ends!

Water is still flowing out to Steven's. Tonight at about 5:30 when I drove up Parker Road, there was still a good flow coming from the dam. It didn't look like any boards had been put in, yet. We're hearing boards are going in, but only time will tell how
many. I'm hoping a few boards go in before the rain!

The MPA has another Board of Directors meeting this week to discuss the waterlevel.

Dams in the News: Channel 5 Reports the Unsafe

Sunday night the Channel 5 news at 11 highlighted unsafe dams in Massachusetts.

Of course the Manchaug Pond dam did NOT make the broadcast nor did it make the list provided by the Office of Dam Safety.

Check out this link yourself to read the Channel 5 investigation, to view the video broadcast and to check out a pdf list from Dam Safety of unsafe and poorly kept dams.
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/16117642/detail.html

The past few weeks we have heard some tall tales and good rumors being told about Manchaug Pond and its dam. One of our MPA officers was across town in the Sutton village of Wilkinsonville at a local store only to hear tales being told of the condition of our dam. Again, Manchaug is a well-maintained dam: the MPA has on file years of inspection reports and has been kept informed as to repairs and the like from the dam owner.



This photo taken in October of 2006 by our President during a tour of the dam while repairs and improvements were being made. This is a view of the inside of the spillway.

Manchaug Still Waiting on Waterlevel

Today, the dam owner did meet with the Office of Dam Safety to obtain their recommendation as to how they can best address the guidelines the DCR Office of Dam Safety put forth since the dam owner went through the inspection process two years ago.

Our MPA President did receive the anxiously awaited call this evening and was given details as to what was considered, for how long and by whom, etc...seems the concerns raised by lake residents and businesses were examined and discussed....but as to the outcome of the meeting.... seems there will be more discussion going on by the powers that be again tomorrow.

Our hope is, at the very least, that a few flashboards be put back in the dam... Soon.... Please...

Whitin Reservoir in Douglas Shares Concern

Here's a photo of the dam at Whitin Reservoir in Douglas, the residents of Whitin share our concern of a low waterlevel.


Both Manchaug and Whitin's dams are owned by the same parent company. With the closing of their mill in Douglas, the contents of the mill was sold off, the mill put up for sale, and the local staff reduced to two employees. The mill utilized the flow of the Mumford River from Manchaug and Whitin to wash the fabric produced at the mill and for their own sewage plant. The water of both Manchaug and Whitin shared this load. Today, no longer needed by the mill, the waters remain a valuable resource for the residents of both lakes and for the downstream activities including the Town of Douglas' sewerage treatment plant which request 16 cubic feet of continuous flow.

In addition to its shoreline residents, Manchaug is also of prime importance to thousands of visitors year round. Many recreational boaters,individuals and families and bass and canoe/kayak clubs who come through the state Public Access Boat Ramp each day or with organized event and tournaments. The lake is also the home of the YMCA Camp Blanchard facility who buses in children for their day camp throughout the summer and have many groups rent their fields and buildings for games and private events. Manchaug Pond also brings in tourism dollars to the area through the three campground on her shores and another at the inlet on Aldrich Pond. And don't forget the beautify views afforded to the visitors of the Water's Farm living history museum, donated by past MPA secretary Dorothea Waters Moran to the town of Sutton.

Rain brings water level up

It has been pretty rainy the last few days with more rain in the forecast.



The rain has brought the water up a couple inches putting the pontoons in the water but we are still not floating. If the flashboards go in, this rain is saturating the ground of the watershed which will make for more runoff to fill us up.


I find it amazing how soon the green plants begin to fill in the newly exposed shoreline.

Another email concerned over the low waterlevel

This was forwarded to the MPA early this afternoon. Just one of many calls and emails we have fielded. This email is another which was sent to the Office of Dam Safety who is welcoming the input of residents and lake users.

"I have been a summer resident of Manchaug Pond in Douglas MA since 1984. During that period we have seen many years of high water, thanks to the stewardship of Guilford Industries (Interface, as it is now known). They were forever watchful of weather forecasts and would react to impending situations before they became problems.

The spillway at the dam has been adequate all these years and as I can recall the flashboards were very seldom used to control the water level. The low-level gate had always been sufficient. I feel that if the continued monitoring of weather conditions and lake level continues there should be little concern about the safety of those downstream.

My concerns also go to septic systems. Each year, there would be a drawdown of the water in the fall to prevent damage to walls, etc from ice, allow for some repairs if necessary, and to help control the weed growth in the pond. One year the MPA requested that the water be lowered and kept lower than usual for the winter. We were advised that the lower level for an extended period of time would effect the hydraulics that work in keeping septic ground water from entering the lake. This way beyond my knowledge but it may be possible.

Your consideration of this information would be appreciated."

Comments from members on the low water level

Here's an email just in from Manchaug Pond's Area 8:

To: Tom.Famulari@State.MA.US

Please raise the water level back to historically normal levels at this time of year.

Although everyone agrees safety is paramount, please emphasize to the dam owner your guidelines are not intended to unreasonably interfere with recreational use of Manchaug Pond.

Thank you for your help

Concerned about Low Water - tell Dam Safety!

I've only been on the lake about 25 years. But this was a first for me... seeing this little truck in the sand along the Manchaug Road, Sutton side of Manchaug Pond. Usually this area is 3 plus feet under water in the spring and summer.



This is the first year I don't hear the spring peepers singing us to sleep in the evening, as the cove and adjoining wetlands are pretty dry.

Did you get a letter from Interface about the water level? I didn't get one because my husband and I don't own waterfront property - we're one row back and have waterrights to a beach area as do the rest of the property owners on our road. Even though we're one row back, my husband did complain to me of dead fish smell the other day.

This is the first year of many that one of my kids hasn't been swimming yet. I have a couple of hardy girls that take their first dip in March or April depending on when the ice melts. It's May now and the water is down just over the large rocks and boulders we stand on in the summer.

This is the first year we haven't taken a spring boat ride. Remember last year I said something about our 28 foot pontoon boat being high and dry until the mill raises the water. I took a lot of heat last year for that comment from one family who said I was trying to scare people ... well, from where I live it was true. We wait... we rely on the mill - the dam owner to take care of the water level, the weed control, the amphibians and fish, our recreation and a host of other issues.

But let's get back to being optimistic! Blog writters should be optimistic if not inspirational! Yes, today we are between a rock and a hard place - a pretty dry hard place, but here on Manchaug Pond we're used to rock. right?! We're even known for our rocks here on Manchaug! All this could change on Monday, May 5th and by Memorial Day weekend, if not before, we could be in GREAT shape!

Here's how it has to go: Monday morning the Office of Dam Safety lets Interface our dam owner and their engineering firm tell their story: what they are worried about and what they are "trying" to accomplish. Then Dam Safety tells Interface (fingers crossed and praying everyone!) not to worry about the guidelines that have been inplace for a few years as the dam is well maintained - we've seen its performance during hurricanes and the flooding in 2005 - put the flashboards in and return us to historical level!

Rain is in the future, our dam is still in great shape so we'll be up to full in no time! Don't write off the season yet!


Help make it happen! Voice your concern, tell of the impact Manchaug Pond's low water level is having in your area, email the Office of Dam Safety today:

Tom.Famulari@State.MA.US

Our 1st Vice President spoke personnally to this gentleman - Dam Safety wants to hear from you! Their guidelines and regulations look to protect us !

Saturday's Clean-up

Last Saturday provided a beautiful sunshine-filled morning for the MPA spring clean-up. Volunteers met at the state boat ramp on Torrey Road to share some conversation over coffee and donut before heading out.

Hitting the streets and shoreline, the usual bottles, fast food cups and food wrappers were found as well as some unique items: a small safe, a rug and a catch of old garden ornaments.



The broken garden statues were found over the side of the road which bordered a wetland area with skunk cabbages and water running toward Steven's Pond. These delicate little wood anenome (Anemone quinquefolia) were found growing around the rubbish down the bank in the transitional area between the road and the wetlands.



The haul was less than our fall clean-up as Manchaug Pond sees far more visitors over the spring and summer than in the winter. Click the title to link back to see photos of the fall. It also gives us an opportunity to survey the watershed and remove rubbish which are sources of pollution. Oil cans found in the area between the dam and Steven's Pond are a prime example.



After the work was done, volunteers gathered round to discuss a little composting and view a new product purchased by a lake resident to start a worm farm.

Subject: Manchaug and Whitin Reservoir WaterLevels and Acts of Vandalism at Manchaug

Thursday night's sunset shows the beauty of Manchaug Pond.


Concerning our lower than usual waterlevel on Manchaug Pond...The following is a letter dated April 23, 2008 which our MPA President received on Friday on your behalf from the Mumford River Reservoir Company and The Manchaug Reservoir Corporation the dam owner and operator:

Subject: Manchaug and Whitin Reservoir WaterLevels and Acts of Vandalism at Manchaug

Dear Mr. Schmidt:

The purpose of this letter is to update our neighbors on changes relating to water level management at Manchaug Pond and Whitin Reservoirs this spring as well as recent acts of vandalism at the manchaug Dam.

Hydro Projects North, has owned the controlling interests in the reservoir corporations which operate the dams on Manchaug Pond and Whitin Reservoirs for over twenty years. During this time, the reservoir corporations have strive to balance recreational interests, aquatic needs, and minimum water
flow needs. However, the number one priority has been, and continues to
be, the safe operation of the dams in compliance with applicable laws,
rules and regulations.

Our neighbors, who live around and enjoy the two ponds, have likely noticed that the water levels are not as high as they have been typically in the past at this time of year. This is because both dames are presentlybeign operated a lower level upon
the recommendations of the professional engineering firm that recently
completed the annual inspections of the two dams. These recommendations
were driven not by any change in condition of the dams, but rather by
guidance from the Massachusetts Office of Dam Safety that took effect
for the dams this year, requiring safe operation of the dams to
accommodate possible high rainfall events. It is very important to note
that this does not mean the dams are unsafe or are any less safe than
they have been in the past. We are told the guidance and compliance
requirements reflect the Office of Dam Safety's latest thinking on dam
safety.

Given that our number one priority is safe operation of
the dams in accordance with applicable law, we have conformed to the
recommendations of the engineers. We also have requested a meeting with
the Office of Dam Safety to discuss the inspection results and our
engineer's recommendations, and in that meeting we hope to determine if
a safe alternate course of action is available to us. This meeting is
tentatively scheduled for Monday, May 5.

We also feel it is very important to make all of our neighbors aware of recent vandalism at the Manchaug dam. On two occasions within the last month, unauthorized person(s) entered the fenced and locked area on the Manchaug
Dam, cut off the locks, and forced shut the low level outlet gate for
the Dam, presumably in an attempt to raise the water level in the Manchaug
Pond Reservoir to the prior year's springtime water level. This
trespass and vandalism is a violation of the law, and as such we have
filed reports with the Town of Sutton Police Department and the Office
of Dam Safety. These acts of vandalism jeopardize the safe operation of
the dam. We feel that it is important to emphasize that these acts will
not achieve their presumed objective or raising the overall reservoir
water levels and will potentially interfere with the recreational use
of Manchaug Pond for the following reasons:

* Closing the low level outlet gate will not raise the water level in Manchaug Pond beyond its current levels. At the times of both acts of trespass, the water level in the Pond was at or just above the spillway elevation, thus closing the outlet gate only increased the water flowing over the spillway. The water level may only be raised above the spillway height by installation of flashboards. Following our engineer's recommendation, the flashboards have not and will not be installed until safe operation of the dams has been discussed with the Office of Dam Safety. Thus, the trespasser(s) risked damaging the outlet gate, jeopardized safe operation of the dam and ultimately had no impact on the overall water levels.

* If the outlet gate is damaged due to unauthorized operation, it would likely be very costly to repair and require the water levels to be immediately lowered significantly below what they are now in accordance with ODS procedures.

* Lastly, untrained operation of the dam is very unsafe. Any untrained persons who take it upon themselves to trespass and operate the dam risk bodily injury or death, due to hydraulic forces present in the dam.

If you have any questions about the water levels or the operation of the dams, we kindly ask that you direct any inquiries to our local attorney... Mr. Cooper has established lines of communication with the Presidents of both Reservoir Associations and we urge you to wrk through those organiations, as that will result in the fastest and most efficient attention to your concerns.

If you have any information regarding the trespass and vandalism of the Manchuag Dam, please call the Town of Sutton Police Department at (508) 865-4449.

We take great pride in our stewardship of the dams and the reservoirs over the past twenty years as well as our partnership with the towns of Douglas and Sutton. While we recognize that lower water levels may be a cause of concern for some, please remember that safe operation of the dams in compliance with applicable law is the ultimate priority.

We sincerely appreciate the productive and cooperative relationship we have had with our many neighbors, and we would like to thank everyone in advance for the understanding and cooperation as we determine the safest course of action that yields optimal results for all.

Sincerly,
Wendy Porter for the Mumford River Reservoir Company and the Manchaug Reservoir Corporation

Elevation, Latitude and Longitude

Are you into numbers?

Check out the numbers for Manchaug Pond!
http://www.lat-long.com/ShowDetail-15199-Massachusetts-Manchaug_Pond.html

Spring Clean up 2008 - Sat. April 26th

Mark that calendar! Our 1st Vice President has scheduled a Spring Cleanup of the Manchaug Pond Watershed for Saturday March 26th from 9 am to noon.

Tell a Friend!

A great Community Service project!

Date & Time: Saturday, April 26, 2008
9:00 AM-12:00 PM

Suggested Audiences: Elders, Adult, College, High School, Middle School, Elementary

Location: Public Access Boat Ramp, Manchaug Pond
20 Torrey Road
Sutton, MA 01590

Cost: Free

Sponsored by: Manchaug Pond Association

Description: Join the Manchaug Pond Association and volunteers from the Blackstone River Watershed Association for a major Spring Cleanup Event of the shoreline of Manchaug Pond, the Public Access Boat Ramp in Sutton, and the roadsides of the watershed. Volunteers should bring their own gloves and meet at the state boat ramp on Torry Road. Educational information on septic system maintenance, rain gardens, and healthy lawns and landscapes will be available. See you there rain or shine!
More Information:

Website: http://www.manchaugpondassociation.blogspot.com/
E-mail: MPA319grant@charter.net

Check this and other MPA community events as we list them on the Worcester Telegram Social Web Calendar! http://www.socialweb.net/Events/74651.lasso

Sutton Mandates 15-0-5 Fertilizers ONLY

With the warmer temperatures of the weekend, the
lawns are greening up, the trees are budding and the forsythia will
soon be in bloom. Before you head to the garden center for fertilizer,
crab grasspreventer or weed and feed or spend your money putting the
care of your landscape with a company... you may wish to educate
yourself as to the best options and techniques for your lawn, the
watershed you live in, and your pocketbook and take a look at your
town's local bylaws and regulations. If you live in the Blackstone
River watershed register for Thursdays Healthy Lawn and Landscape
Workshop given byDEP and sponsored by the Manchaug Pond Association. (See post below.)


Last September, the Town of Sutton's Conservation Commission adopted more
stringent regulations in addition to their local bylaw regulatinglakeshore
activities by further regulating fertilizer use and tree cutting. I believe the intent was to call attention to our watersheds and look for the protection of our lakes,ponds and rivers. This ad makes it clear that activities in the watershed directly effect our water resources. Fertilizing around the home landscape can result in runoff which fertilizes our lakes promoting aquatic weed growth. The regulations are as follows:

FERTILIZERS
--- Any application of fertilizer on any lawn, landscaping, garden,
orchard, filed or within 100 feet of any resource area or 200 feet any
body of water be 15-0-5 zero phosphate, slow release.

(To identify local regulation or bylaws check
the link to the right for the MA Conservation Commissions or call your
local Conservation Commission.)

So remember...
-Keep fertilizer use to a minimum-only use if a soil test indicates the need
-Use fertilizer as directed
-Use a non-phosphorus fertilizer when you decide fertilizing is necessary
-Use native grasses and shrubs to reduce the need for extra watering
-Leave natural undisturbed buffer strips to protect lake shore

And register for the Healthy Lawns workshop at MPA319Grant@charter.net

Last Night's Sky Rolling In

April 15th HEALTHY LAWNS & LANDSCAPES Workshop

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Marty Jo Henry
Manchaug Pond Association


HEALTHY LAWNS AND LANDSCAPES COME TO SUTTON, MA

You can have a beautiful yard without using chemicals that may harm children, pets and the environment. On April 17th the Manchaug Pond Association through a DEP funded 319 Grant will present a free Healthy Lawns and Landscapes Workshop led by Ann McGovern of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The workshop is open to everyone in the Blackstone Watershed and will be held at the Sutton Senior Center from 7 PM – 8:30 PM. To register for the workshop, email MPA319Grant@charter.net or call the Sutton Highway Department at 508-865-8743.

Pesticides and lawn chemicals may have unforeseen impacts on human health and can move through the soil into drinking water supplies, ponds, streams and rivers. Children and pets are especially susceptible to harmful effects of pesticides because of their size. Birds and other wildlife suffer injury and even death from long term exposure to traces of pesticides in the environment.

“With a few simple changes, you can have a beautiful lawn and landscape without the use of harmful chemicals,” notes Ann McGovern, Consumer Waste Reduction Coordinator for the DEP. “By developing healthy soil, choosing plants that are appropriate for your site conditions and following some basic guidelines in caring for them, you can have a very rewarding, attractive landscape that contributes to the health of your family, neighbors, pets, wildlife and water quality.”

David and Phyllis Charpentier don’t bag and carry their leaves to the Sutton transfer station. They save time and money by recycling their yard waste back into the soil. “We make mulch and compost out of the leaves, and that enriches the soil so much we don’t need to add anything else. We don’t need to water as often as we used to either,” said David , “and the compost makes a rich, dark mulch around trees and shrub and in our gardens.”

Bill Wence leaves the clippings on his lawn at their Douglas cottage on Manchaug Pond and Sutton home when he mows. He hasn’t needed to use any fertilizer in years because his lawn is green without it. Pests aren’t a problem because the grass is healthy. “I used to think the clippings might cause thatch to build up,” he told us, “but it hasn’t. Bagging clippings was a pain in the neck. This is much easier.”

Come and learn some simple techniques you can use in your own yard. Working with nature, you can create conditions in which life in and beyond your yard can thrive. YOU can be part of the solution to pollution. Materials will be provided for volunteers who wish to promote sustainable landscaping in their neighborhoods.
All attendees can enter the raffle for a compost bin donated by the Sutton Highway Department and gift from Worm’s Way in Sutton, MA. Refreshments will be served.

For more information on the workshops and healthy landscaping methods, visit www.mass.gov/dep. The Manchaug Pond Association Grant has been financed with Federal Funds from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection under an s. 319 competitive grant.

* * *

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Marty Jo Henry
Manchaug Pond Association
508-476-7580

HEALTHY LAWNS AND LANDSCAPES COME TO SUTTON, MA

You can have a beautiful yard without using chemicals that may harm children, pets and the environment. On April 17th the Manchaug Pond Association through a DEP funded 319 Grant will present a free Healthy Lawns and Landscapes Workshop led by Ann McGovern of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The workshop is open to everyone in the Blackstone Watershed and will be held at the Sutton Senior Center from 7 PM – 8:30 PM. To register for the workshop, email MPA319Grant@charter.net or call the Sutton Highway Department at 508-865-8743.
Pesticides and lawn chemicals may have unforeseen impacts on human health and can move through the soil into drinking water supplies, ponds, streams and rivers. Children and pets are especially susceptible to harmful effects of pesticides because of their size. Birds and other wildlife suffer injury and even death from long term exposure to traces of pesticides in the environment.
“With a few simple changes, you can have a beautiful lawn and landscape without the use of harmful chemicals,” notes Ann McGovern, Consumer Waste Reduction Coordinator for the DEP. “By developing healthy soil, choosing plants that are appropriate for your site conditions and following some basic guidelines in caring for them, you can have a very rewarding, attractive landscape that contributes to the health of your family, neighbors, pets, wildlife and water quality.”
David and Phyllis Charpentier don’t bag and carry their leaves to the Sutton transfer station. They save time and money by recycling their yard waste back into the soil. “We make mulch and compost out of the leaves, and that enriches the soil so much we don’t need to add anything else. We don’t need to water as often as we used to either,” said David , “ and the compost makes a rich, dark mulch around trees and shrub and in our gardens.”
Bill Wence leaves the clippings on his lawn at their Douglas cottage on Manchaug Pond and Sutton home when he mows. He hasn’t needed to use any fertilizer in years because his lawn is green without it. Pests aren’t a problem because the grass is healthy. “I used to think the clippings might cause thatch to build up,” he told us, “but it hasn’t. Bagging clippings was a pain in the neck. This is much easier.”
Come and learn some simple techniques you can use in your own yard. Working with nature, you can create conditions in which life in and beyond your yard can thrive. YOU can be part of the solution to pollution. Materials will be provided for volunteers who wish to promote sustainable landscaping in their neighborhoods.
All attendees can enter the raffle for a compost bin donated by the Sutton Highway Department and gift from Worm’s Way in Sutton, MA. Refreshments will be served.
For more information on the workshops and healthy landscaping methods, visit www.mass.gov/dep. The Manchaug Pond Association Grant has been financed with Federal Funds from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection under an s. 319 competitive grant.

* * *

Making Way for Spring

This past week's warmer temps, torrential rains and the weekend's high winds
have caused the ice to totally disappear between the old causeway and the dam.



The main part of the lake still has quite a bit of ice on it, but certainly not safe for any kind of sport. The high waterlevel and ice continues to raise havoc with docks around the lake's shore. Inspite of the dam being wide open, the tremondous runoff from the watershed continues to bring the water level up.


Here's a photo of the lake just last week - the circles in the snow reminded me of those mysterious circles you read about in corn fields.

Full Moon in the Morning Sky in the Watershed

Yesterday Morning Photos

Yesterday morning saw a temperature of 16 degrees F, freezing the water which flows from the ledge of the watershed. Today is a bit warmer at 24, but still cold enough to put a skim of ice on the open water going through the Old Causeway.



The waterlevel remains high, even with the dam open, twisting our docks out of shape. The high level will also give us very little weed control this summer.

Another Dam in the News!

http://helpsavethelake.com/photos.php

http://www.wickedlocal.com/tauntongazette/obituaries/x1288316308

Yesterday's Blue Sky

Snow Cover + Warm Temperatures + Rain = Runoff Problems

Manchaug Pond is fed by runoff from the watershed - not by springs. This means that the waterlevel of the pond goes up with precipitation and from the water that drains in from the surrounding yards, forests and hillsides. Today's warm temperatures caused most of the 2 inch snowcover in the watershed to melt. With frozen and saturated ground and heavy rains, this brought a lot of water into the lake from the watershed.

Of concern to the MPA are the problems which arise from this stormwater runoff: flooded roads, erosion, non-point source pollution of sediment, organic matter, road salt, etc. Our 319 grant will address 5 such problem sites around the lake.

These photos taken today show just 2 out of over 20 non-point source pollution problem areas identified around Manchaug Pond.



The 319 grant will address pipes such as this which go directly into the lake to be replaced with retention pools, stormdrains and other designs which will filter the stormwater before it gets to the lake. Eliminating these sources of pollution will greatly reduce aquatic weed growth and improve the quality of the waters of Manchaug Pond.




Thanks to our 1st Vice President and 319 Grant Coordinator for the photos!

Lunar Eclipse on Weds., Feb 20th

While this photo was taken of a full moon over the YMCA Camp Blanchard on Manchaug Pond the evening of January 21st, this Wednesday will give us all plenty of opportunity - actual 3 hours and 26 minutes - to view and capture photos of a lunar eclipse. The eclipse will begin at 8:43 p.m. in eastern North America with totality or mid-eclipse being reached at 10:26 p.m. The moon travels west to east and is very visible in the evening/night sky from Manchaug Pond, especially in the early evening from areas 5,6,7, 8 and 1. Below are a couple of links from NASA which will aid your viewing - even instructions on photographing. Mid-eclipse can be particularly spectacular as the moon can take on a very vibrant red-orange glow.

http://www.mreclipse.com/Special/LEprimer.html

http://sunearth.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse/LEmono/TLE2008Feb21/TLE2008Feb21.html

If you do take a photo - please email it to me and I'll share it with our readers.

Dam Open as Rain and Snow Continue

Pictures taken this morning as the dam was open has it has been this past week sending more white water out of Manchaug Pond and flooding the area below the dam.

What's for Dinner?

During dinner, he looked out the window toward the lake and said, "We could have had goose!"

Turkey for a Manchaug Pond Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!



While turkey maybe on the menu in most parts of the US, here on Manchaug Pond they are the guests! Do you see them?! In area 3, a flock of over 20 frequently visits a number of homes along Manchaug and Torrey Roads. As you are driving, watch for them and our female deer and her three young ones born this spring.

Preserving open space is another reason to form a watershed district. As property comes up for sale, conservation grants are available to secure this land to maintain wildlife corridors and protect endangered species common to our watershed.

Sutton Conservation Commission to Hold Mtg on Docks

The Sutton Conservation Commission is holding another meeting to discuss lakes and ponds on Wednesday, November 14th at 7:00 p.m. in the Sutton Town Hall.

Dock regulations have been the topic of recent board discussions. Public attendence at those meetings has been by non-lake residents as well as residents from ponds with and without public access. In September of this year, Sutton Conservation Commission enacted "non-dock regulations on 300 ft. abutters notification, 2 1/2" tree replacement (less if due to poor access) for trees felled in the jurisdiction greater than 5", and the requirement to use 20-0-10 (or comparable), zero-phosphate, slow-release fertilizer w/in 200' of any waterbody, wetlands or stream."

As in the past, the MPA will continue to take a strong role in educating Manchaug Pond lake abutters, watershed friends of Manchaug Pond, and others as to current state and local regulations and concrete ways to minimize and eliminate negative impacts to the lake. New docks have not been an big issue on Manchaug Pond as we have had just a couple new docks in the past few years with the sale of a couple old homes/summer cottage - the state Dep and local Sutton permit notices are posted in the local newspaper for Sutton, the "Millbury-Sutton Chronicle", if you are interested in tracking! MPA is into educating and letting the officials do the policing/enforcing. We have seen existing docks around the lake receive regular maintenance to ensure homeowner and public safety. This author's own shared/neighborhood dock received new eye bolts and replacement boards after ice damage this past spring. So the old, abandoned dock issue thing doesn't exist here either.

MPA's current Non-point Source Pollution Improvement Project will go far in bringing the latest information on Best Management Practices and Low Impact Development to property owners in and around our towns' lakes. Stay tuned!

(Check out the links on the right - Conservation Commission - that site has town bylaws concerning ponds by town. Suttons big bylaw is listed.)

How Perfect is That Autumn Sky!

Autumn on Manchaug Pond seen in tonight's night sky!