Sunday!

Manchaug Pond: Alive and Well!

There was been a quiet giddiness on Manchaug Pond this past couple weeks as flashboards went in before April 1st, spring rains came in record amounts bringing the lake up to a nice level, and thanks to the dam owner and his caretaker the water level never reach a point where we had to worry about homes flooding or closing the ramp as have many others. Coupled with the unusually warm weather,  the lake has come alive once again!


What do we mean by "come alive"?

Yellow perch were spawning along the shore in numbers back on April 2nd. Dragging a worm off a fishing pole line brought them scooting over in droves.



Turtles were seen on logs and rocks along the shore basking in the sun near the boat ramp and

and on the opposite shore of Holbrook's. 



Coves and neighboring wetlands brought the evening sounds of spring peepers and wood frogs while herons and ducks were the sights of the day.




A few boats from the ramp enjoyed the early fishing and we could even hear the hooting and howlering of a couple of brothers enjoying the first swim of the season in water way too cold for most of us!

Water is no longer going over the flashboards, and the caretaker has taken the low level gate back a few notches so a bit less is flowing out ....  and all are looking forward to spending the weekend at camp or at our cottage on Manchaug Pond.

Tonight - VERNAL POOL Night Hike at West Hill Dam

http://allaboutfrogs.org/files/sounds/wood.wav LISTEN! You can hear these sounds in the woods across Holbrook's Cove! They are wood frogs and require a moist pool in the spring inwhich to lay their eggs...

Did you know there are a number of vernal pools in the Manchaug Pond watershed? and endangered species that find these areas critical?

This workshop will introduce you to vernal pools with a slide show and then a hike to see for yourself the frogs, salamanders and other creatures who live there! Don't forget your flashlight!

Vernal Pool Night Hikes - Friday April 9, from 7:30-9:30pm Salamanders and wood frogs awaken from winter's rest. They migrate during rain events to the vernal pool they hatched from to lay eggs. Join us, rain or shine, all ages, bring a flashlight, best suited about ages 6 and older.

Join us for our annual night trek, April 9, 7:30-9:30pm. We will view a brief slide show on local species and the special reproduction that occurs in vernal pools. Bring a flashlight as we are off to explore several local favorite pools to see how healthy our populations are. Allow at least two hours for this spring night hike. Meet Ranger Viola at the West Hill Dam Project Office, 518 East Hartford Avenue, Uxbridge, MA (978) 318-8417. No fees, hot chocolate and cookies for the humans who make the trek. Light rain or snow we go, heavy snow stay home. Youth under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Be prepared to walk about a mile and dress for the weather. Junior Rangers Level-2, earn credit. Call Ranger Viola Bramel at (978) 318-8417 for details. http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/recreati/whd/whdevents.htm

(photo of eggs taken here at Manchaug Pond)

Can't make it? Visit these websites!

http://www.vernalpool.org/vpinfo_1.htm
http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/publications/nhesp_pubs.htm#aerial_photo_survey
http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/vernal_pools/vernal_pools.htm

BOSTON GLOBE Article: State sues owners of dams seen as unsafe

State sues owners of dams seen as unsafe

Names Pittsfield, Plympton sites

By John M. Guilfoil
Globe Staff / April 6, 2010

Attorney General Martha Coakley has filed suit against the private owners of two of the worst-maintained and most potentially dangerous dams in Massachusetts, asserting that they defied state orders and failed to make repairs necessary to protect local residents.

In the two lawsuits, the state alleges that owners in Pittsfield and Plympton defied state orders and failed to repair dams deemed unsafe and potentially deadly to residents.

J. Barrett Hollister, owner of the Bel Air Dam on the Housatonic River in Pittsfield, and Roger W. O’Neil Jr., owner of Dennett’s Pond Dam in Plympton, are named as defendants. Neither owner returned calls seeking comment yesterday.

The two lawsuits mark the first time the state has taken such legal action against dam owners.

“Years of inaction on behalf of these private dam owners is unacceptable and has forced the state to file these lawsuits to ensure the safety of those who live near the dams,’’ Coakley said in a statement yesterday.

A state-ordered study found in 2008 that people would probably be killed if the Bel Air Dam failed, according to court documents.

Hollister’s dam was declared unsafe in 2002 and was ruled a “high hazard’’ to residents and property in 2005. Coakley said that over much of the past decade, Hollister “repeatedly failed to comply with orders issued by the Department of Conservation and Recreation to repair the dam and address safety issues.’’

The Dennett’s Pond Dam is categorized as a “significant hazard potential’’ to people and property. In the lawsuit, the state contends that O’Neill failed to comply with a March 2007 order to repair the dam and address numerous safety concerns, forcing the state to step in and spend taxpayer money to prevent a potential catastrophe at the dam during recent storms.

Recent inspections ordered by the state have found the dam to be in a state of disrepair, according to court documents, with “significant leakage.’’

“As the recent storm has demonstrated, keeping dams in good condition is critical to public safety,’’ said Ian Bowles, secretary of energy and environmental affairs. “Dam owners who do not live up to this obligation will be held accountable.’’

The suits were filed on behalf of DCR, whose dam safety office has oversight responsibility for dams across the state. DCR commissioner Richard K. Sullivan Jr. told the Globe last week that the safety office had referred six scofflaw dam owners to the attorney general’s office, which was the first time the state had taken that step. Each lawsuit seeks a court order for the owner to repair or breach the dam and fines to reimburse the state for any emergency repairs.

Across the state, 308 dams are classified by the state as posing a “high hazard’’ to residents or property. Of those high-hazard dams, a recent Globe review found 60 of them were in poor condition, and many of them have not been inspected since 2006. Recently, 39 dams, including both named in the lawsuits, faced significant risk of failure during the historic March rains.

“Recent heavy rains have served as a reminder of how important it is to maintain the integrity of dams throughout the Commonwealth in order to keep our communities safe and protect homes and businesses,’’ Coakley said. “Unfortunately, the state has had to step in and expend state resources several times to address safety risks at these dams, when the responsibility clearly resides with the private owners of these structures.’’

Of the 308 worrisome dams, the DCR owns 56, towns and cities own 186, and the rest are privately owned.


John M. Guilfoil can be reached at jguilfoil@globe.com.


http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/04/06/mass_sues_owners_of_dams_seen_as_unsafe/?s_campaign=8315

Going Door to Door Looking for a Waterfront Home

If you own a home or cottage on the water, you'll come home today to find this message on your door:



A brown pickup truck was seen going door to door around the Sutton side of Manchaug Pond.

Lake Singletary Public Access Boat Ramp Closed

In addition to Webster Lake, the public access ramp at Lake Singletary in Millbury has been closed due to high water. While the water continues to recede from walls and off lawns, it still is not low enough to keep the waves created by boats from bringing water into shoreline homes and cottages.

Boating Basic Course in SUTTON!

* Under age 18? You must take a classroom course and proctored exam.

Just down the road from Manchaug Pond, a Boating Basics Course will be held beginning later this month.


Here's the details:

WHAT: BOAT MASSACHUSETTS is state and nationally approved, concentrating on the equipment and operating guidelines needed to enjoy boating in a safe and responsible way.

WHEN: April 27, 29 May 4 & 6 with all 4 sessions required, from 6:30-9 PM.

WHERE: Sutton Fire Station #2, Manchaug Road, Manchaug/Sutton.

WHY: Classes are for adults and youth 12 years of age and older. Family participation is encouraged and has proven to be very rewarding. All graduates in the 12 through 15 year-old age group will be issued a Safety Certificate allowing them to operate a motorboat without adult supervision, as required by state law. The same is true for 16 and 17 year old youth who wish to operate a personal watercraft (jet ski, wave runner, etc.)

HOW: Pre-register with the MA Environmental Police at 508-759-0002. All classes are free of charge.

Sacred Sunday

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

TOMORROW! MassAggie Horsekeeping/Livestock Seminar

Join us! There is still room ... pre-register at HorsekeepingSeminar@charter.net

PASTURE, MANURE, AND MUD MANAGEMENT
FOR SMALL-SCALE HORSE AND LIVESTOCK FARMS

Mass Aggie Horse Keeping Seminar Series

DOUGLAS/SUTTON — Well-managed pastures, high quality hay, and manure management are the topics of this one day seminar aimed at area livestock owners. On Saturday, April 3, 2010 at the Sutton Town Hall, Mass Aggie in cooperation with UMass Extension will present the Horse Keeping Seminar. The Manchaug Pond Association is sponsoring the educational program through a Mass DEP Grant which looks to protect water quality within the watershed. The workshop is open to everyone and will be held at the Sutton Town Hall, 4 Uxbridge Road, from 9 AM – 12:00 noon with lunch (provided) and discussion to follow. Door prizes donated from area businesses will be given.

Seminar Agenda

9:00 a.m. BASICS OF PASTURE MANAGEMENT - Dr. Stephen Herbert
Well managed pastures can furnish high-quality, nutritious feed at a relatively low cost. Dr. Stephen Herbert will discuss the basics of pasture establishment, and managing pastures for horse and livestock. Problems with weeds and poisonous plants also will be discussed.

10:15 a.m. EQUINE AND LIVESTOCK BARNYARD MANAGEMENT - Dr. Masoud Hashemi
Spring rains may result in manure and mud runoff threatening water quality. Dr. Hashemi will discuss managing nutrients, manure, and mud on horse and livestock farms, and review simple management practices for small equine and livestock operations.

11:15 a.m. HAY QUALITY PRINCIPLES - Dr. Stephen Herbert
Hay is an important and the most commonly used feed. Feeding hay of unknown or low quality may adversely affect animal nutrition, and will cost more than necessary. Learn about hay quality for horses and how to determine it. This will be in-part a hands-on workshop examining several hay samples of varying quality.

12:00 p.m. Lunch (provided) and Discussion

Cost: $35 per person includes lunch. To sign up or for more information contact
HYPERLINK "mailto:HorsekeepingSeminar@charter.net" HorsekeepingSeminar@charter.net

This event is partially funded with federal funds from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) under an s. 319 competitive nonpoint source (NPS) pollution grant for Manchaug Pond administered by the Manchaug Pond Association.

* * *

Webster Lake Closed to All Boating

The Webster Police website has posted an alert/official notice that "Webster Lake has been closed to all boating until further notice." http://www.websterpolice.com/#

Lakeside Marine, formally known as Action Marine in Webster... sent out this notice. Thanks to the MPA board member for bringing it to is!

Hello customers & friends!

We wanted to send you all official notification that Webster Lake is now
CLOSED to boating. The recent rains have resulted in the lake being at
near record-high levels.

At our marina here, the ramp to gain access to our main docks is under
several inches of water. We have seen docks and dock pieces floating
around, and there are some large branches & other debris that has been
swept into the lake from the streams. Besides all that, the water is up &
over residents' lawns and washing things away. The official notice came
from the Webster Police Department, & is on their website
www.websterpolice.com

We will send out another notice when the lake has officially reopened.
Hopefully the warm temperatures and sunshine that are forecasted for the
next few days will help the waters recede, but the last time that
officials were forced to close the lake it took a few weeks before it
officially reopened. We'll keep you posted!


Lakeview Marine Inc.
311 Thompson Road
PO Box 459
Webster, MA 01570
508-461-6020

Please visit our website at the following location:
http://www.lakeviewwebster.com

Check out their webcam for a live look:
http://www.lakeviewwebster.com/custompage3.asp?pg=webcam

Runoff Continues to Raise Manchaug's Waterlevel

The hillsides continue to bring, in torrents, water to Manchaug Pond.








Talk on the street is of the importance of the Manchaug dam to flood control. Downstream is pictured below - earlier this week. (Thanks to the MPA Board member who sent these in!)

Sutton Planning Board Presents Hydropower Bylaw

Small hydropower installations may soon be allowed in all districts of the Town of Sutton. With 17 dams in town, the Planning Board is proposing a change in the Zoning Bylaw which will go before the May town meeting.



The change will allow small hydropower generation in all districts and require dam owners to apply for a special permit before the Planning Board. A public hearing has been scheduled for Monday, April 12, 2010 at 7:20 p.m. at the Sutton Town Hall, 4 Uxbridge Road. Town meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 10th.

It should also be noted, that not only will dam owners need a special permit from the Planning Board in this regard, but the activity also warrants filing with the Conservation Commission.

Pictured above is the falls near the Puckihuddle Preschool building in the Sutton village of Manchaug taken on Monday, March 25th.

Check your shoreline... water level is rising!

If you left a boat, dock or anything else on shore for the winter, you need to give it a check. The waterlevel has come up overnight. We are no longer left "high and dry!"

No Flooding at Manchaug Pond

Can't guarantee what is happening downstream, but I can tell you the water is rising on Manchaug Pond this rainy season!



Here's a look at the Manchaug dam today... notice anything ?


No flooding and flashboards are in! :)

Sacred Sunday

Posting and a Poll

This week sure flew by!

If you scroll down, you will see I completed a few quick posts from earlier in the week which I never found time to complete.

I have also added a little poll which you'll find on the right-hand side of the screen. A couple informal discussions came up between MPA officers and again at a recent MPA committee meeting about the use of Facebook and Twitter by businesses to communicate to their clients - I thought maybe we could explore the preferences of our readership here. Please feel free to comment after you vote. Your input is read and brought back to the Board of Directors.

And you can find us at:
http://www.manchaugpond.org/Welcome.html

USDA Forest Service Live EAGLE Web Cam

Head to the Cascades Mountains and Deschutes National Forest in Oregon to watch the nesting activities of a pair of bald eagles via this live web cam:

http://www.fs.fed.us/outdoors/naturewatch/eaglecam.html


Remember the nest is in a different time zone so you may be view at night if you check in too early!

Ice Still Floats on Ramshorn and Whitins

During that beautiful warm weather last week while Manchaug Pond was fully open - not a chunk of ice to be seen- Whitin Reservoir (Douglas) and Ramshorn Pond (Millbury/Sutton) still had a large ice floa.

Below is a shot of Whitins Reservoir:

Sacred Sunday: A Still Manchaug Pond

Sacred Sunday

Other blogs have Wordless Wednesday where just a photo is posted with not text... but for us here on Manchaug Pond there seems to be plenty to say and report during the week.

So I thought it would be most appropriate if we dedicated, Sunday, the traditional day set aside for God, for family and for shared worship, rest and relaxation, for these special entries of just photos and no talk.

So our next post will begin, Sacred Sunday, where the beauty of Manchaug Pond speaks for itself.

A Taste of Summer

The rain brought the waterlevel up to were many could get a boat to their dock and the warm spring weather had us taking boats out from under their winter cover. With not a drop of wind in the morning most days this past week, we have seen a few canoes and kayaks out as well as a fisherman or two from the state ramp.

An Owl's Call This Still Morning

Four mornings has seen the lake calm and smooth like a mirror with not a ripple. Earlier today, the sound an owl could be heard calling, calling in the darkness.

Did you hear it? Was it the call of the Great Horned Owl... listen

http://www.owlpages.com/sounds/Bubo-virginianus-8.mp3

Heads up! An Adult Bald Eagle is Circling Manchaug Pond!

Just heard an adult eagle is in the sky circling the waters near the state boat ramp!

Waterlevel is Up

The rain and runoff, in just a few days, has brought us to ice-out and late summer waterlevels. Two kayaks just came up the channel to enjoy the peace and beauty of Manchaug Pond in today's springtime sunshine and temperatures. We are looking forward to flashboards in April 1 to capture those "April showers" to bring us up to historical levels which will keep shoreline, coves and wetlands in water. Maintenance of our waterlevel is in the hands of the dam owner and is being overseen by the state.

Here's a look at the lake this afternoon...


at the dock:


at the wall:


at the big rock:



ice-out: n. The thawing of ice on the surface of a body of water, such as a lake.

Stormwater Flowing in Manchaug Pond Watershed

It continues to rain bringing stormwater through the hillsides in torrents to the lake.

No ice remains on the lake. The wall of the channel is mostly submerged.

The Manchaug Dam looks safe and sound.

Rain and Run-off

Rain continues, wind from the east is rising, and water is running in fast and furious streaming through the woods and along the roadsides.

Swans on the Ice

Snowdrops in bloom in the garden

Manchaug Pond from the Hills of the Watershed

Spring is in the Air!

If this warm weather continues, you'll soon be able to use those gifts you found under the tree!

Many found today a great day to polish their car, work on the boat and do a little yard work. We'll be in the water before you know it!

manchaugpond.org

Do you have some time?

Try the MPA's newest effort. Click onto http://www.manchaugpond.org/

This website is still being developed but I am sure you will enjoy the many photos and informative links we have up already.

Let us know what you think!

Eagle on the Pond! 11:45 am

Photo just in from Area 3 of a juvenile eagle! The first photo is as it was taken - not cropped. The young photographer reports the bird sat in that tree for the longest time looking straight at her - not bothered at all by her movements.

Migrating Ducks

Again, it is time to get the binoculars out and the bird book as the fancy ducks have arrived.