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.
* * *
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
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.
* * *
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.
* * *
Monday, March 10, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
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.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Another Dam in the News!
http://helpsavethelake.com/photos.php
http://www.wickedlocal.com/tauntongazette/obituaries/x1288316308
http://www.wickedlocal.com/tauntongazette/obituaries/x1288316308
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
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!
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!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
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.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
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.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
What's for Dinner?
During dinner, he looked out the window toward the lake and said, "We could have had goose!"
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
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.
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.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
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.)
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.)
Friday, November 02, 2007
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Clean up a Great Success!
On this beautiful sun filled fall day, Manchaug Pond and the roadsides around the lake saw numerous volunteers participate in the annual cleanup.
Here's a shot of the total haul! Thanks to the Mark Brigham, Highway Superintendent for the Town of Sutton for providing the town truck!
The trash came by scouts! ...
The trash came by boat! ...
and the trash came by pick-up trucks, trailer, and wheelbarrow! ...
as volunteers reported a lot of dumping and litter at the boat ramp, Blueberry Island, the Sutton Conservation Commission land, and roadsides around the lake.
Volunteers also included Cub Scout Pack 143 from Sutton: the Webelos and Bear Den scouts, their leaders, and families. Thank you for joining us!
Great Job Everyone!
Here's a shot of the total haul! Thanks to the Mark Brigham, Highway Superintendent for the Town of Sutton for providing the town truck!
The trash came by scouts! ...
The trash came by boat! ...
and the trash came by pick-up trucks, trailer, and wheelbarrow! ...
as volunteers reported a lot of dumping and litter at the boat ramp, Blueberry Island, the Sutton Conservation Commission land, and roadsides around the lake.
Volunteers also included Cub Scout Pack 143 from Sutton: the Webelos and Bear Den scouts, their leaders, and families. Thank you for joining us!
Great Job Everyone!
Friday, October 12, 2007
Will you join us! ..... Manchaug Pond Fall Cleanup
The Manchaug Pond Fall Cleanup has been scheduled for Sunday, October 28, 2007 from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
The shoreline and coves which especially accumulate litter will be targeted first as well as the boat ramp. If time, energy and volunteers permit we can do some roadsides such as Manchaug, Torrey, Holt and the dam area down Parker Road, Sutton.
The Boat Ramp on Torrey Road will serve as a meeting point for volunteers as well as the drop off point for all trash collected. As in past years, area reps and other volunteers can collect the rubbish by boat and bring to the ramp. We will also have a pickup truck available to shuttle from the roadsides or shoreline. Please provide the items you will need for the day, such as gloves, waders, whatever. Garbage bags will be available at the ramp and the Town of Sutton is providing the truck to haul away the trash collected.
Weather permitting, the educational display will be set up providing participants with educational material on septic system maintenance, healthy lawns, etc. as part of our outreach with the s. 319 grant project.
Special thanks to our 1st Vice President for organizing the event and coordinating with the town of Sutton.
See you there!
The shoreline and coves which especially accumulate litter will be targeted first as well as the boat ramp. If time, energy and volunteers permit we can do some roadsides such as Manchaug, Torrey, Holt and the dam area down Parker Road, Sutton.
The Boat Ramp on Torrey Road will serve as a meeting point for volunteers as well as the drop off point for all trash collected. As in past years, area reps and other volunteers can collect the rubbish by boat and bring to the ramp. We will also have a pickup truck available to shuttle from the roadsides or shoreline. Please provide the items you will need for the day, such as gloves, waders, whatever. Garbage bags will be available at the ramp and the Town of Sutton is providing the truck to haul away the trash collected.
Weather permitting, the educational display will be set up providing participants with educational material on septic system maintenance, healthy lawns, etc. as part of our outreach with the s. 319 grant project.
Special thanks to our 1st Vice President for organizing the event and coordinating with the town of Sutton.
See you there!
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
"Everything in the Known Universe about Manchaug Pond Association!"
Well, the MPA blog has been found and rated by the blogging world. How did we measure up? My opinion is ... We did good! We made the list! They found us! That is an accomplishment in itself! Out of today's 107.9 million blogs, the MPA ranked 3,915,745! I know that is not in the top 10, or top 100 or the top 1,000 even but we are ahead of about 104 million other blogs! I'm impressed. :))
AND to add to that success (He! He!) we were also check out and given a "vote of approval" by:
"Water Words That Work
http://waterwordsthatwork.com
Authority: 33
Rank: 189,691
A multimedia blog to help nature protection and pollution control experts make a splash when speaking or writing for the general public."
Soo..check out the TECHNORATI site to see for yourself! :)
http://technorati.com/blogs/manchaugpondassociation.blogspot.com
"Welcome to Technorati
Currently tracking 107.9 million blogs and over 250 million pieces of tagged social media.
Technorati is the recognized authority on what's happening on the World Live Web, right now. The Live Web is the dynamic and always-updating portion of the Web. We search, surface, and organize blogs and the other forms of independent, user-generated content (photos, videos, voting, etc.) increasingly referred to as “citizen media.”
But it all started with blogs. A blog, or weblog, is a regularly updated journal published on the web. Some blogs are intended for a small audience; others vie for readership with national newspapers. Blogs are influential, personal, or both, and they reflect as many topics and opinions as there are people writing them.
Blogs are powerful because they allow millions of people to easily publish and share their ideas, and millions more to read and respond. They engage the writer and reader in an open conversation, and are shifting the Internet paradigm as we know it.
On the World Live Web, bloggers frequently link to and comment on other blogs, creating the type of immediate connection one would have in a conversation. Technorati tracks these links, and thus the relative relevance of blogs, photos, videos etc. We rapidly index tens of thousands of updates every hour, and so we monitor these live communities and the conversations they foster.
The World Live Web is incredibly active, and according to Technorati data, there are over 175,000 new blogs (that’s just blogs) every day. Bloggers update their blogs regularly to the tune of over 1.6 million posts per day, or over 18 updates a second.
Technorati. Who's saying what. Right now."
AND to add to that success (He! He!) we were also check out and given a "vote of approval" by:
"Water Words That Work
http://waterwordsthatwork.com
Authority: 33
Rank: 189,691
A multimedia blog to help nature protection and pollution control experts make a splash when speaking or writing for the general public."
Soo..check out the TECHNORATI site to see for yourself! :)
http://technorati.com/blogs/manchaugpondassociation.blogspot.com
"Welcome to Technorati
Currently tracking 107.9 million blogs and over 250 million pieces of tagged social media.
Technorati is the recognized authority on what's happening on the World Live Web, right now. The Live Web is the dynamic and always-updating portion of the Web. We search, surface, and organize blogs and the other forms of independent, user-generated content (photos, videos, voting, etc.) increasingly referred to as “citizen media.”
But it all started with blogs. A blog, or weblog, is a regularly updated journal published on the web. Some blogs are intended for a small audience; others vie for readership with national newspapers. Blogs are influential, personal, or both, and they reflect as many topics and opinions as there are people writing them.
Blogs are powerful because they allow millions of people to easily publish and share their ideas, and millions more to read and respond. They engage the writer and reader in an open conversation, and are shifting the Internet paradigm as we know it.
On the World Live Web, bloggers frequently link to and comment on other blogs, creating the type of immediate connection one would have in a conversation. Technorati tracks these links, and thus the relative relevance of blogs, photos, videos etc. We rapidly index tens of thousands of updates every hour, and so we monitor these live communities and the conversations they foster.
The World Live Web is incredibly active, and according to Technorati data, there are over 175,000 new blogs (that’s just blogs) every day. Bloggers update their blogs regularly to the tune of over 1.6 million posts per day, or over 18 updates a second.
Technorati. Who's saying what. Right now."
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Migrating Monarchs Visit Manchaug Pond
Saturday afternoon before that microburst hit Manchaug Pond, in the beautiful warmth and sunshine at least 30 monarch butterflies stopped in their yearly migration to drink the nector of four plants in my and my neighbor's perennial flower garden. Sedum Autumn Joy is the plant that drew them to our neighborhood. To see the large orange and black beauties slowly flutter at eye level to land in clutters on the flowers was exciting.
Check out the following links to view beautiful photos, to learn more about Monarch Butterflies as well as the citizens' tagging program to monitor the migration:
http://www.naba.org/chapters/nabambc/construct-species-page.asp?sp=Danaus-plexippus
http://massaudubon.org/butterflyatlas/index.php?id=116
www.monarchwatch.org
Monday, September 24, 2007
Press Release Announces Grant Award
The following press release and two photos taken by the MPA 1st Vice President is starting to be picked up by local newspapers. The September 20th issue of the Millbury-Sutton Chronicle published the grant announcement with the view of Manchaug Pond from Waters Farm photo. The press release was written largely by the environmental engineer at CEI and edited by the MPA President, 1st Vice President/Grant Coordinator and Corresponding Secretary and reviewed by the MPA Board of Directors...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: David Schmidt, President Manchaug Pond Association (508) 476-7804
Eileen Pannetier, President Comprehensive Environmental Inc. 603-424-8444 x301
Local Watershed Group Awarded $130,000 State Grant for Pond Improvements
Douglas/Sutton, MA – September 15, 2007 – Over 40 years ago, 35 families with a common interest to protect a pond banned together to form the Manchaug Pond Association (MPA). Forty years later, the group now boasts a membership of over 100 member families along with several businesses and a nonprofit group. With an 18 member volunteer Board of Directors, the group celebrates their 40th anniversary with energy, optimism and an impressive grant awarded to them by the MA Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP).
A picturesque area, the 360acre Manchaug Pond lies within Douglas and Sutton and has been slowly degrading over the past few decades. Likely a result of increased development pressures and various nonpoint source pollution inputs, residents have seen a rise in algal blooms and invasive aquatic plants and a decrease in water quality. The MPA lead by Mr. David Schmidt, President and Ms. Marty Jo Henry Vice-President, worked with Comprehensive Environmental, Inc. (CEI), a Milford based engineering and science firm to develop conceptual designs and a successful grant application for funds to help improve the water quality of the pond.
The MassDEP s.319 Nonpoint Source Pollution Grant will provide the MPA with almost $130,000 in funds to be spent on stormwater improvements utilizing Low Impact Development (LID) techniques within the watershed and citizen education on issues such as septic system maintenance and other residential LID techniques such as landscaping with buffer zones and rain gardens to limit runoff of fertilizer nutrients and animal wastes. The grant also includes storm drain management improvements that will be implemented by the towns. The group will provide a 40% grant match with volunteer hours as well as in-kind staff hours to be provided by the Towns of Sutton and Douglas. CEI is currently developing engineering designs for construction with work expected to begin this summer for completion sometime in 2008.
The MPA is a non-profit organization made up of volunteer property owners within the Manchaug Pond Watershed whose mission is “to promote the welfare and correct use of Manchaug Pond and the contiguous area.” Online at www.manchaugpondassociation.org
CEI is a local employee-owned civil and environmental engineering and science firm serving the New England area with a focus on comprehensive stormwater, wastewater, water supply engineering, planning and design. Online at www.ceiengineers.com
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: David Schmidt, President Manchaug Pond Association (508) 476-7804
Eileen Pannetier, President Comprehensive Environmental Inc. 603-424-8444 x301
Local Watershed Group Awarded $130,000 State Grant for Pond Improvements
Douglas/Sutton, MA – September 15, 2007 – Over 40 years ago, 35 families with a common interest to protect a pond banned together to form the Manchaug Pond Association (MPA). Forty years later, the group now boasts a membership of over 100 member families along with several businesses and a nonprofit group. With an 18 member volunteer Board of Directors, the group celebrates their 40th anniversary with energy, optimism and an impressive grant awarded to them by the MA Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP).
A picturesque area, the 360acre Manchaug Pond lies within Douglas and Sutton and has been slowly degrading over the past few decades. Likely a result of increased development pressures and various nonpoint source pollution inputs, residents have seen a rise in algal blooms and invasive aquatic plants and a decrease in water quality. The MPA lead by Mr. David Schmidt, President and Ms. Marty Jo Henry Vice-President, worked with Comprehensive Environmental, Inc. (CEI), a Milford based engineering and science firm to develop conceptual designs and a successful grant application for funds to help improve the water quality of the pond.
The MassDEP s.319 Nonpoint Source Pollution Grant will provide the MPA with almost $130,000 in funds to be spent on stormwater improvements utilizing Low Impact Development (LID) techniques within the watershed and citizen education on issues such as septic system maintenance and other residential LID techniques such as landscaping with buffer zones and rain gardens to limit runoff of fertilizer nutrients and animal wastes. The grant also includes storm drain management improvements that will be implemented by the towns. The group will provide a 40% grant match with volunteer hours as well as in-kind staff hours to be provided by the Towns of Sutton and Douglas. CEI is currently developing engineering designs for construction with work expected to begin this summer for completion sometime in 2008.
The MPA is a non-profit organization made up of volunteer property owners within the Manchaug Pond Watershed whose mission is “to promote the welfare and correct use of Manchaug Pond and the contiguous area.” Online at www.manchaugpondassociation.org
CEI is a local employee-owned civil and environmental engineering and science firm serving the New England area with a focus on comprehensive stormwater, wastewater, water supply engineering, planning and design. Online at www.ceiengineers.com
###
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Directions to Singing Dam
Shi Chian has left a new comment on your post "Dams in the News: A Sutton Dam No One Wants!":
Hi,
Would you happen to have directions to get to the singing dam from Worcester, MA? Or if you have the address of the approximate location of this dam? Thank you.
Hello Shi Chian! Thanks for visiting! Singing dam is located in the village of Wilkinsonville in the Town of Sutton. The straightest route from Worcester would be to take Rte. 146 south. At the intersection at Boston Road (Tony's Pizza is on the right!), take a left onto Boston Road and follow to the stop sign. Take a left on to Rte 122A heading toward Millbury. On 122A after you go under a railroad bridge, take a right on to Blackstone Street and Singing Dam and the future park and canoe launch to the Blackstone River is just up the street! Enjoy and glad to be off service!
Hi,
Would you happen to have directions to get to the singing dam from Worcester, MA? Or if you have the address of the approximate location of this dam? Thank you.
Hello Shi Chian! Thanks for visiting! Singing dam is located in the village of Wilkinsonville in the Town of Sutton. The straightest route from Worcester would be to take Rte. 146 south. At the intersection at Boston Road (Tony's Pizza is on the right!), take a left onto Boston Road and follow to the stop sign. Take a left on to Rte 122A heading toward Millbury. On 122A after you go under a railroad bridge, take a right on to Blackstone Street and Singing Dam and the future park and canoe launch to the Blackstone River is just up the street! Enjoy and glad to be off service!
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