Where are you killing time this weekend?

Manchaug Pond comes alive!

The warm weather brought out fisherman, campers and seasonal residents back to camp and the lake!

Local Newspaper Headline: Beaton Property goes to Manchaug Pond Foundation...for now

Beaton Farm homestead overlooking Manchaug Pond.

Yes, you read it right! The ball is in our court!

We have the once in a lifetime opportunity to preserve up to 100 acres directly abutting Manchaug Pond! The Beaton Farm Property is the most significant parcel of property in our watershed, after the dam, to Manchaug Pond and the area.

Check out the Millbury-Sutton Chronicle's April 25th report of the public hearing: the developer's proposal, testimony from the neighborhood,  the MPF, and the unanimous vote of the Sutton Board of Selectman to assign a right to purchase to the community.

Beaton Property goes to Manchaug Pond Foundationn...for now 

Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, April 25, 2013

Beaton property goes to Manchaug Pond Foundation…for now

BY TOM REILLY

The Board of Selectmen unanimously voted at their April 16 meeting to assign dozens of acres a right of first refusal to the Manchaug Pond Foundation (MPF).
A public hearing under Massachusetts General Law 61A was held to discuss whether or not the town would act to purchase the Beaton property, located on Waters Road adjacent to Waters Farm, assign those rights to a qualified third party or else allow the land to be purchased by The College of the Holy Cross as a retreat center. There are five parcels, a total of approximately 100 acres involved, some of them in neighboring Douglas. The price of the entire property is set at $1.925 million, though the town’s right of first refusal extended only to about 70 percent of the land up for sale.
The Beaton land is classified as agricultural under Chapter 61A meaning it can only be used for agricultural uses and in return the owners pay a lower tax rate. When land comes out of 61A in order to be sold, the municipality has the right of first refusal. MPF has 90 days to act or the land goes to Holy Cross.

West cove's 875 ft of shoreline will go to the developer.

Town Administrator Jim Smith said he has been working with MPF, a nonprofit public charity, for a few months in hopes the town could assign its rights, which would not develop the land. However, the MPF has been unable to put together the necessary resources, said Smith. He told the selectmen the Holy Cross plan would have “a minimal impact on the property and will work hard to be a good neighbor.”
The college’s lawyer, Robert Longden of Bowditch and Dewey, said the college told the town in January it wanted to establish a religious retreat center on the land though at that time it had yet to develop specific designs, waiting until the town decided on what it would do with its right of first refusal. He noted the college would work closely with the appropriate town agencies if the time came but wanted to give everyone present some idea what the completed project might look like.

Today's Beaton Farm equestrian center which would be lost. 

Longden showed a map of the property, currently owned by Carolyn Beaton, noting only two of the parcels are classified as 61A-agricutural, what he called “the heart of this property,” a total of 69 acres. Two of the other parcels are in Sutton and the remaining one is located in Douglas. The Board’s decision was to decide whether or not to act on the town’s right to purchase those two parcels for $1.325 million.
Longden said the College’s plan was to construct a retreat center on the property. Part of this is going on retreat, where students can spend time in “contemplation, prayer and reflection.” Longden said Holy Cross does not have an adequate location for this on its Worcester campus.
Showing a preliminary design of the retreat center, Longden pointed out it would use only a small portion of the property. He said the college desired to preserve most of the site in its natural condition, which was exactly the type of atmosphere a retreat center needed.
There would be one main building containing a chapel, kitchen, dining hall, meeting rooms and other space. There would be several connecting additions with 50 bedrooms and a maximum of 60 beds for those taking part in the retreats. The front of the building would be heavily glassed and face toward the pond .
“All of this is designed to be compatible with the site, compatible with the property, to preserve the natural look of the property and to fit in with it and to also be compatible with the neighborhood in terms of its architectural design,” Longden observed. The entire square footage of the building and additions would be about 30,000 square feet.
The existing driveway would continue to exist, running down to where the horse farm is today. A parking lot for 20 vehicles would be built there and another circular driveway would lead down to the retreat center.
Longden said a meeting was held at Waters Farm with abutters back on Jan. 19 and some of their input was taken into consideration as well as other input received since that time. One thing he came away with was the sense the view of Manchaug Pond from Waters Farm and Waters Road is very important and the college was dedicated to preserving that view as a part of its plans. The retreat center was located in a place where that view would not be disturbed.
He also said he had been told about a parking area on Waters Road where new married couples liked to come and have their pictures taken with Manchaug Pond in the background. Even though this would become private property if the land was sold to Holy Cross, Longden said the college would still welcome people to come to that site for pictures.
Longden said he did not yet know how often the site would be used during the year, but currently the College conducts 50 retreats at other locations during the year and expects that number to increase. He said the condition of the site would encourage people to walk in the woods and along the shore, enjoying the quiet beauty.
He told the selectmen and residents he saw the retreat center as a very benign use of the Beaton property and one in keeping with the character of the neighborhood. The students visiting there would be under supervision by academic leaders. Most of the transportation would be done via vans and students would rarely drive their own cars. One abutter expressed a concern the construction vehicles coming onto the site would damage Waters Road, but Longden said the necessary machinery would be the same as for building houses thanks to the design and should have no impact.
Selectman Ken Stuart said he was trying to keep the emotion out of this, but “we think of this land as ours,” thanks to its close association with Waters Farm. He said if the town was in a better financial condition, “I would be the first to jump up and say, ‘we want this land.’”
Stuart said he would come right out and say what he thought was on everyone’s mind—it was a retreat center but there were college students involved. He expressed a concern with traffic on Waters Road at places where it was hard for more than one car to pass at a time. Longden said there could be no more than 60 people on site for an overnight retreat, citing the number of beds. He also told Stuart these students were on a supervised religious retreat and in no way were they there to “have a good time.” He said there would not be a lot of traffic generated by this facility. “People come here for a retreat and they stay there,” said Longden. “They don’t come to the retreat and go out and party at night and then come back.”
Longden said the plan was to have the retreat center secluded from the road with new trees added to screen the parking lot as well. He said there would not be few maintenance vehicles and food service trucks using the road. He also noted the site would not be inhabited when there were no retreats taking place.
Selectman Michael Chizy said his concern was the college might look to expand. Even when the town acquired Waters Farm, it had only been given to the town under the sponsorship of the Conservation Commission so as to resist the temptation to make too many changes, Chizy noted. He said if there was any money available, he would want to hold on to the Beaton property.

* * *
 

Let's not just save the Beaton Farm Property "for now"
. . .  but forever!"

Can you identify? Found in the Manchaug Pond watershed.

Take a guess! Do you know what these white blobs are? They're in our watershed!

This photo was sent in by a friend of Manchaug Pond from a walk last weekend. Our next post will take you there and give you all the details!

UPDATE:
Not frog eggs.  Not your neighbor's golf balls.  But the egg mass of the SPOTTED SALAMANDER!

This is an egg mass of the Spotted Salamander, Ambystoma maxulatum, taken in a vernal pool in the watershed of Manchaug Pond. The photographer reported seeing "about 80" masses this year.  The spotted salamander is a very large amphibian (4.5-8" long) which is black in color with yellow spots. Adults spend their lives in forested areas within a half mile of a vernal pool, tunneling under logs or in the crevices of stone walls.  Feeding at night, they are seldom seen except on rainy early spring nights when migrating to vernal poos to breed. 

The egg masses are firm in texture and may be attached to twigs or leaves in the vernal pool.  Laid in mid-March through May they will begin hatching from mid-May onward. The larvae, the stage between egg and adult, live in the water of the vernal pool having feathery external gills. With the approach of summer, the vernal pool drys, and the larvae grow and develop into adults with the gills disappearing as the salamander becomes a land-swelling animal.

Moon over Manchaug Pond

Today's Earth Day. Do Something Meaningful!

Resident raccoon, Beaton Property on Manchaug Pond

Yes, it's Earth Day...

Want to do something meaningful?

... Something of benefit where you live, work and play?

... Something right here, for right now?

Make a donation to MPF for the Beaton Property.

Protect 875 ft of shoreline and 100 areas of significant wildlife habitat.

Please do it today!  Paypal or to MPF,  P.O. Box 154, Manchaug, MA  01526


Thanks to our resident photographer who captured this perfect photo of a Beaton Property resident raccoon!

All donations are fully tax-deductible. Make them in memory or in honor of someone you love.  A letter recognizing your contribution will be sent upon receipt.  Thank you!

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. 

Thank you and check back for more on the Beaton Property!

Look to the Sky - State Bald Eagle Survey Today!

Past photo of an adult bald eagle soaring over Manchaug Pond.

Eagles are frequent visitors to Manchaug Pond.  We love seeing them soar, perch in the tall pines, and dive for fish.

Eagle and other wildlife enthusiasts are out today across the state counting the state's eagle population. This effort will include a concentrated survey of the major rivers, lakes, and reservoirs across the Commonwealth. If you have some time, get the binoculars and watch the skies of Manchaug Pond! 

Organized by the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) the survey will be conducted by agency staff and volunteers. Teams will be checking known eagle territories and exploring areas with potential eagle habitat to try to locate "new" eagle nests. If inclement weather prevents the survey on April 5, the backup date is April 12, 2013. Additionally, the Division encourages anyone to submit eagle sightings throughout the year by email to natural.heritage@state.ma.us or by postal service to "Eagle Survey", MassWildlife, Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program, 100 Hartwell Street, Suite 230, West Boylston, MA 01583. 

The new spring Bald Eagle Survey will replace the Division's long-standing Midwinter Bald Eagle Survey. "Although MassWildlife has participated in the winter eagle surveys for over 30 years, the federally administered Midwinter Bald Eagle Survey was designed to monitor the North American population of Bald Eagles," said Andrew Vitz, State Ornithologist. "Now that Bald Eagle numbers have greatly increased and have been removed from the Federal Endangered Species List, the need to monitor nationwide populations has been reduced. At the same time, as the number of eagles has increased across the Commonwealth and a spring eagle count meets the Division's need to more closely monitor eagle breeding status and distribution in Massachusetts."

Lake Visitors

We may have some serious doubts that Spring is around the corner but this Hooded Merganser visiting Area 2 yesterday is a sure sign that the Spring migration has started and warm weather will soon follow! 

The FLASHBOARDS are going in!

Stay tuned for pictures and the details!

No visibility on Manchaug Pond

This photo just in from the west side of the lake as the blizzard continues to snow and blow on Manchaug Pond. 

Snowing and Blowing on Manchaug Pond

Haven't lost power here on Manchaug Pond but it is snowing and blowing with low/no visibility. Send your photos here or on Facebook and I'll post them!

Also, you have to love Manchaug Pond's distinctive shape which is easily recognizable on the weather maps!

Here's the links to monitor the power outage maps:

http://outage.nstar.com/outage/outagemap.aspx

https://www1.nationalgridus.com/PowerOutageMap-NY-RES

White Water at the Dam!

Thank you! 

This morning the town opened the low level gate even further to bring the water level down at a faster rate.

With rain in December we saw the water level continuing to come up even with the gate kept open.  Today's measures should get us back down to a level that gets docks out of the ice and gives a deeper level of control of invasive aquatic species - namely fanwort and asian clam.

Did you hear the fishing augers on the lake yesterday!

Tonight's Sunset

HAPPY NEW YEAR from Manchaug Pond!

Eagle Soars Manchaug Pond

While we shovel out the few inches of snow received overnight, an adult bald eagle soars just above the treetops of Manchaug Pond's shoreline.

Ice forms on Manchaug Pond

 

Display Flags for Hurricane "Sandy"

Coastal Warning Display Signals

DAYTIME SIGNALS

SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY

GALE  WARNING

STORM WARNING

HURRICANE WARNING

  “Frequent gusts”are typically long duration conditions (greater than 2 hours).

For a list of NWS Weather Offices by Region, refer to the following website: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/organization.php
 
GALE WARNING: To indicate winds within the range 34 to 47 knots are forecast for the area.

STORM WARNING: To indicate winds 48 knots and above, no matter how high the speed, are forecast for the area. However, if the winds are associated with a tropical cyclone (hurricane), the STORM WARNING indicates that winds within the range 48-63 knots are forecast.

HURRICANE WARNING: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected somewhere within the specified coastal area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.

NOTE: A "HURRICANE WATCH" is an announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible within the specified coastal area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.

NOTE: A SPECIAL MARINE WARNING is issued whenever a severe local storm or strong wind of brief duration is imminent and is not covered by existing warnings or advisories. No visual displays will be used in connection with the Special Marine Warning Bulletin; boaters will be able to receive these special warnings by keeping tuned to a NOAA Weather Radio station or to Coast Guard and commercial radio stations that transmit marine weather information.

Lake Clean Up This Saturday From 9-12

Pack your gloves, our semi annual lake clean up will take place this Saturday October 20th.  Meet at the boat ramp at 9 for some coffee, doughnuts and cider!

AND......

Don't forget the Monster Mash later at the Dudley Gendron Post from 7 - 12!!

THE DAM RACE 2012! The winners!

The start:

1st Men's - 0:20'26 39  Andrew Wommack #51 of Jamaica Plain

2nd Men's - 0:22'30 56  Jake Murray #21 of Uxbridge

3rd Men's - 0:23'20 66  Tyler Vance #56 of Waltham

1st Women's - 0:24'52 64  Tara Wommack #62 of Jamaica Plain

2nd Women's - 0:25'00 60  Nicole Salmonsen-Gantt #9 of Uxbridge

6th - 0;25'33 09  Jack Schreiber #23 of Uxbridge
7th - 0:26'13 47 Scott O'Toole #1 of Clinton
8th - 0:26'19 95 Howard Bottomly #3 of Sutton
3rd Women's - 0:27'19 25 Nancy Ryan #4 of Sutton

10th - 0:28'06 76  Jose Aponte #57 of Southbridge
11th - 0:28'29 52  Rich Costa #27
12th - 0:28'35 46  Kaitlin Lesko #18
13th - 0:28'42 71  Sarah Hartman #55
14th - 0:28'53 45  Jason Johnston #41
15th - 0:29'16 80  David Brown #24
16th - 0:31'54 36  Chris Sene #58
17th - 0:32'06 92  Nicole Robbins #45
18th - 0:32'11 91  Jill Bronson #26
19th - 0:32'31 17  Danielle Salmonsen #8
20th - 0:32'58 68  Kevin Stockhaus #22
21th - 0:33'42 23  Angela Powers #5
22nd - 0:35'42 81  Kathleen Laperle #2
23rd - 0:36'27 61  Paul Eklund #15
24th - 0:36'38 30
25th - 0:37'17 85  Chris Deluca #50
26th - 0:37'51 28  Mary Mulrenin #59
27th - 0:37'51 66  Kathleen Rocha #29
28th - 0:38'12 71  Sherry Roe #32
29th - 0:38'59 49  Patti Eklund #16
30th - 0:39'24 73  Melissa Shaw #54
31th - 0:39'57 19  Jessica Denison #25
32nd - 0:42'13 26  Donna Cote #61
33rd - 0:44'12 73  Jayne Hildick #53
34th - 0:48'54 00  Angela Evers #40
35th - 0:48'55 53  Kelly DeMeo #39
36th - 0:51'34 68  Rose Charpentier #97
37th - 0:51'45 65  Christine Pinto #17
38th - 0:51'46 30
39th - 0:56'03 61  Patti Frankiian #60
40th - 0:56'05 91  Paula DeMeo #35
41st - 0:59'14 85  Dawn Wilson #52
42nd - 0:59'15 19  David Wilson #28
43rd - 1:01'04 01  Kathy Lyons #30
44th - 1:01'04 52  Judy Castonguay #10
45th - 1;01'20 96  Jeanne Berkowitz #36
46th - 1:01'21 51  Alice Smith #37
47th - 1:02'26 63  Kim Mosher #48
48th - 1:02'31 55 Christine McLaughlin and 2 children #49

Thanks to all 60 runners who registered for supporting Manchaug Pond and making The Dam Race 2012 a success!

Run, Walk, Cheer' em On!

Today's The Dam Race 2012

Today's Manchaug Pond's 6k, THE DAM RACE, happened rain or shine! With 61 registered we had 50 finish the race including 2 young ones in the stroller division.

Here's a look at the lead runners speeding by the water station at the Old Holbrook Place!

 

More photos to come from the official race photographer.  If you snapped a few, email them in and we'll post them!

Thanks to all who ran to benefit Manchaug Pond!

Warming up for The DAM Race!

Recognize these two?  They were spotted this morning on the Manchaug Pond dam getting ready for The Dam Race!  Don't be outdone...

If you haven't registered, there is still time and t-shirts!  First come first serve  - just use the Paypal button to the right of this post. 

We have 52 runners pre-registered:  back with us again this year are a couple past top winners as well as many new runners, a good many walkers, and even 3 "stroller" teams! 

Come join us!  The foliage season is at peak, the air crisp and clean, the views around the lake are beautiful, and we have a great group of volunteers to cheer you on!

Scenic Manchaug Pond's Fall Foliage Begins

An early morning ride around Manchaug Pond gave a number of surprises: a mother deer and her two sets of twin following behind her, one from last season and the other from this spring, crossing near Camp Blanchard; the beauty of the fall foliage putting color to the shoreline; and a flock of turkeys at the forest edge at Lackey Road.

Where do you go when it rains?

As the rain comes down this morning,  a group of cormorants are huddled on the old causeway.

Ready, Set, Go! Register for The Dam Race!

Have you registered for Manchaug Pond's 6k, 
The Dam Race?

Sign-up today in order to get your free tech t-shirt!
 Mail your Registration form to MPF, P.O. Box 154, Manchaug, MA 01526 or use the Pay Pal button to the right of this post or give us a call or email!

This year we have:

• a race during the peak of New England fall foliage!
• the same great scenic course!
• a load of volunteers ready to cheer you to the finish line!
• Central Mass Striders running club of Worcester providing the timing and scoring!
•  sponsors, trophies, goody bags, and more!

Besides having a good time, your participation assists the members and
friends of the Manchaug Pond Foundation (MPF) in promoting the welfare
and correct use of Manchaug Pond and its watershed through initiatives
targeting the dam, the waterlevel, water quality, invasive aquatic
weeds, safe boating, and more!  All dues/donations/contributions are
fully tax-deductible or for this event you may seek reimbursement with
your health insurance company.

Thanks again and see you there!

Cool Manchaug Pond Morning

This photo was posted on Facebook by a seasonal camper at one of Manchaug Pond's campgrounds. It captured Monday's cool morning temperatures and pink sunrise on Manchaug Pond.

Kudos to the photographer and thank you for posting!

Misty Morning on Manchaug Pond

Sacred Sunday: A Picture-Perfect Day on Manchaug Pond!

While the boats are away... the seaplane!

With summer vacations over, the children back in school, and the campgrounds not as busy, we see Manchaug Pond return to quiet with few boats during the weekdays.

The seaplane used the opportunity to buzz down the channe, land on lake and boat around from one end of the lake to another. 

   


It was a grand sight!

TONIGHT: 8:30PM Lighting of the Shoreline

Manchaug Pond Association and now the Foundation have a long history of lighting the shoreline on the eve of July 4th and Labor Day. 

Tonight MPF members and friends will light flares, campfires and tiki torches at 8:30 PM at their beaches and shoreline in a show of solidarity and appreciation.

Join us!