Invasive Zebra Mussel Found in Western Massachusetts Lake

Let's look at a definition first...invasive: (esp. plants and disease) tending to spread prolifically and undesirably or harmfully.

Three MPA members have recently been trained on invasive species with more workshops ahead - in their identification, mapping, and management or eradication. The MPA has been on the alert for zebra mussels for many years providing literature at the Annual Meeting to aid members in their identification.



We have invasive species here on Manchaug Pond, BUT NOT ZEBRA MUSSELS! Here's the latest response to the first sighting in Massachusetts the Executive Office of Energy and Environmenal Affairs throught the collaboration of such agencies as DCR Lakes and Ponds Program and Office of Fishing and Boating Access:


Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Ian A. Bowles
SECRETARY
Tel: (617) 626-1000
Fax: (617) 626-1181
http://www.mass.gov/envir

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: July 13, 2009

Department of Fish and Game Takes Action to Prevent Possible Spread of Invasive Zebra Mussels
Responding to local concerns, agency authorizes municipalities to restrict use of public boat ramps on water bodies susceptible to infestation; temporary, emergency measures to remain in place no longer than 45 days

BOSTON – In the wake of last week’s discovery of zebra mussels in Laurel Lake in Lee and Lenox – the first confirmed presence of the invasive species in Massachusetts - and in response to concerns from local officials in nearby communities, the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) today authorized municipalities to enforce limited restrictions on the use of boat ramps at other Berkshire County water bodies deemed at-risk to infestation by the highly destructive species.

The purpose of Friday’s action by DFG’s Office of Fishing and Boating Access (OFBA) is to reduce the risk that boats that have recently been on Laurel Lake will transport zebra mussels to other Berkshire County lakes, ponds and rivers. Coming on the heels of OFBA’s emergency closure of the state boat ramp at Laurel Lake on July 8, it authorizes local boat ramp managers to bar the use of boat ramps at susceptible water bodies by vessels ramp managers determine have been on Laurel Lake within the last 30 days unless boats in question have undergone specific cleaning and disinfection. These measures include thoroughly draining, flushing, cleaning and drying the boat – including the engine, bilge, ballast water, recreational equipment and anything else that has come in contact with lake water; using a bleach solution and high pressure hot water; and allowing the boat to dry for at least one week in dry weather and up to 30 days in cool, wet weather.

Under Massachusetts regulations, both today’s OFBA action and the July 8 Laurel Lake boat ramp closure cannot remain in effect longer than 45 days without public notice and opportunity for public comment.

The OFBA has authority to close state boat ramps, or authorize municipal officials to restrict access, for not more than 45 days if it finds that the immediate establishment of management measures is necessary for the public health, safety or general welfare. Zebra mussels, which significantly alter lake ecology and can harm native animals, humans, and boats, can be unknowingly transported from one lake to another by boaters.

In addition today’s emergency action, DFG and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) announced that they will host a public meeting at 3 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, at Pittsfield City Hall to present information on the status of zebra mussel infestation at Laurel Lake and boat ramp issues, provide background on zebra mussels and DCR’s ongoing public awareness program in western Massachusetts, and discuss future actions such as what citizens can do to prevent the species from spreading.

The Commonwealth is committed to maintaining public access to these bodies of water as required under existing law, and its long-term zebra mussel management plan is focused on containment through public education and enforcement of rigorous boat cleaning rules. But restricting boat access on a temporary basis provides additional safeguards while state invasive species experts determine the scope and severity of the zebra mussel infestation in Laurel Lake, the possible infestation of neighboring water bodies, the level of risk that exists regarding transport of the mussels by boats from one water body to another, and appropriate management measures going forward. Temporary boat access restrictions will reduce the chance of accidentally spreading the species while state officials make the boating public aware of preventive measures.

As part of this effort, the DCR, which confirmed the presence of zebra mussels in Laurel Lake last week, has provided guidance to officials of the Laurel Lake Association, urging them to contact lakefront property owners and request that they not remove their boats from the lake. The association was also asked to distribute zebra mussel educational materials and post additional signs alerting boaters and others that Laurel Lake contains zebra mussels. Volunteer boat ramp monitors trained by area lake associations in cooperation with the DCR will help to enforce the boat ramp restrictions, along with DCR ramp monitors trained by agency biologists. The DCR plans to hire two additional ramp monitors within the next two weeks to assist with this effort.

In addition, to determine the extent of the infestation, DCR will conduct surveys of Laurel Lake and downstream areas next week. Surrounding lakes in Berkshire County are being surveyed by DCR-trained volunteers and the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission. The DCR’s survey will target lakes with calcium concentrations and other water quality characteristics necessary to support breeding populations of zebra mussels. In addition, the OFBA’s authorization for municipalities to restrict use of other Berkshire County boat ramps is limited to water bodies determined by DCR to have the water chemistry necessary to support zebra mussel colonies.
Ramps that could have limited restrictions under this emergency measure include:

· Laurel Lake, Lee
· Goose Pond, Tyringham
· Shaw Pond, Otis
· Big Pond, Otis
· Lake Buel, Monterey
· Thousand Acre Pond, New Marlborough
· Windsor Pond, Windsor
· Stockbridge Bowl, Stockbridge
· Richmond Pond, Richmond
· Onota Lake, Pittsfield
· Pontoosuc Lake, Pittsfield

A freshwater bivalve mollusk that looks like a small clam with a yellowish or brownish shell shaped like the letter “D,” zebra mussels have been found in numerous lakes, ponds and rivers in the United States, including the entire Great Lakes region and Connecticut, New York, and Vermont. Nationally, taxpayers spend billions of dollars a year to control zebra mussel infestations, which, once established, are usually impossible to eradicate. Considered among the country’s most significant invasive species, the mussels out-compete juvenile fish for food and cling by the thousands to virtually everything in a water body - including docks, boats, other aquatic organisms, and various water intake pipes and instruments. Microscopic juvenile zebra mussels can get into boat cooling systems and other water intakes and grow, completely clogging these systems. Found in numbers as high as 750,000 individuals per square meter, their razor-sharp shells wash up on shore, creating a safety hazard for beachgoers.

In 2005, DCR developed a Rapid Response Plan for The Zebra Mussel, which focused on public education, and preventing and/or slowing the spread of the mussels from one body of water to another. The plan directs the state to take steps to minimize the transport of the mussels when infestation is extensive. Steps may include “screening of outlets, curtaining of interbasin channels and preventing human use of the body of water.”

To view DCR’s Rapid Response Plan go to http://www.mass.gov/dcr/watersupply/lakepond/downloads/rrp/zebra%20mussel.pdf.

DCR’s Lakes and Ponds Program conducts ongoing zebra mussel education, outreach and monitoring, and has trained volunteers to collect samples to monitor the species. It was a DCR-trained volunteer who first detected zebra mussels in Laurel Lake. The DCR program includes informative boat ramp signage and an educational brochure on zebra mussels.

DCR and DFG recommend that boaters who have boated in an infested lake thoroughly drain, flush, clean and dry their boat and all recreational equipment before launching it in any other lake. This includes the boat engine, bilge, ballast water, or anything else that has come into contact with the water. Boaters should use a bleach solution along with high-pressure hot water, and dry the boat for at least one week in dry weather and up to 30 days in cool, wet environments.

For more information on zebra mussels, http://www.mass.gov/dcr/waterSupply/lakepond/factsheet/Zebra%20Mussel.pdf

http://www.protectyourwaters.net/hitchhikers/mollusks_zebra_mussel.php

Sutton Website Reports Position of Board of Selectman

Board of Selectmen Take Unanimous Vote to Oppose the Breaching of Manchaug Dam



At the Board of Selectmen's meeting on Tuesday July 7th, 2009 the Board of Selectmen unanimously adopted a resolution in opposition to the efforts of the Manchaug Reservoir Corporation to breach the Manchaug Dam.

The minutes show:
"Selectman Geraghty would like to vote on a resolution in regards to Manchaug Pond as follows: That we, the Sutton Board of Selectmen express in a clear manner our strong opposition to the attempt by Manchaug Reservation Corp. to breach the damn on Manchaug Pond. As a critical natural, recreational and environmental component to the watershed in Sutton and the greater Blackstone Valley the proposed breaching would create incalculable and irreversible damage to our community the Blackstone River Valley and our State, Selectman Chizy seconds the motion passes 5-0."

The Board will be submitting written comments and encourages all that want to preserve Manchaug Pond and protect the environment to submit comments prior to July 14th, 2009.


Written Comments on Breaching of Manchaug Dam Due July 14th

If you are interested in preserving Manchaug Pond and preventing the tearing down of the Dam then Submit written comments to the State prior to July 14th to be heard.

Comments Should Reference EEA #14435 and be sent to:

Ian Bowles, Secretary
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
100 Cambridge St
Boston, MA 02114

An Environmental Notification Form has been submitted for this project. The project requires a mandatory Environmental Impact Report (EIR). According to MGL Chapter 30, Section 62, the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs must issue a determination as to what issues are to be included in the scope of the EIR.

Opinions as to the extent of the significance of possible environmental impacts will be welcome.

Additional comments will be welcome in writing prior to July 14, 2009.

Town of Sutton 4 Uxbridge Rd., Sutton, MA 01590
Website Disclaimer & Privacy Statement
Virtual Town Hall Website

Sunday - A Day of Rest!

Early this morning it was sunny and windy - a great day for sailing!





But now the wind has calmed with blue skies at the northern end of the lake and overcast to the south.

Have a restful day! Let's stop and see what is in bloom... a few native flowers:

Swamp Honeysuckle (Rhododendron viscosum)


Virginia Rose (Rosa virginiana)


and Common Blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium montanum)





along the shores of Manchaug Pond!

Anyone Know This One? A Moth of a Different Color

Here's a photo sent in from Area 2! Thank you for the submission!


Yes, it is very interesting with the Tarantula-like legs and the unusual antenna, not to mention the colors of the wings. By the antennae, I would venture to say we have a moth.



Anyone know it's name?

New Article: "That Dam Issue"

THAT DAM ISSUE-
Company, officials clash over proposed pond breach

BY JOSH FARNSWORTH
Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, July 10th



Several residents and local officials from Sutton and Douglas joined state officials to voice their vehement disapproval of a plan by Manchaug Pond Reservoir Corp. to breach or remove the Manchaug Pond Dam at a public meeting Tuesday afternoon...

..."The only way to describe this is a breathtakingly terrible idea," said George X Pucci of Kopelman and Paige, Sutton's Town Counsel. "The removal of a dam makes sense when it is faulty or damaged. There are no benefits other than that Manchaug Reservoir Corp. does not want to operate it anymore."

Rep. Jennifer Callahan (D-Sutton) accused the Manchaug Reservoir Corp. of being a bully and using "scare tactics" to strong-arm other parties to take responsibility for the up-keep and general responsibility of the pond. It is an oxymoron to think we will be restoring the pond by draining it," she said. The state is not in the business of buying up dams and neither are the towns."...

... "To divest themselves is vindictive," said Pucci. "Going through with this would cripple the ability to store flood waters going into nearby Stevens Pond. It has potentially horrific consequences." ...

...Porter said lack of interest from other parties had forced the company to move forward. "We have received no offers from anyone on taking ownership of the dam," she said. "No one has even put a price tag on it."

Porter said the company has written proof that a request to sit down with Sutton was made in 2004 prior to Smith's time as administrator. ...

..."The dam no longer serves the purpose with the intent for why it was built,"
said Porter. "We believe doing this would ultimately result in a net benefit impact."

... "If the dam was to be removed, property values would decline and the rest of the
residents in Sutton and Douglas will feel the impact," said Sutton Board of Assessors
Chair Robert Nunnemacher. "It will not be a huge impact, but those people will still
have to pick up that difference." ...

...Much the opponents' frustration centered on communication. Opponents scalded the Manchaug Pond Reservoir Corp. for failure to notify Sutton on the issues prior to the town receiving the breach notice last month. Town Manager James Smith argued with Porter that in his two years as town administrator he had never been contacted about negotiations with the town on breaching or removing the dam. ..

... A representative from MassDEP said the organization will be involved in the permitting end of the project and will comment on the matter soon.

David Schmidt, President of the Manchaug Pond Association told the meeting attendees that..."Manchaug Pond is needed now more than ever."....


Click title of post to link to Millbury-Sutton Chronicle for the entire, detailed article.

Last Night on Manchaug Pond

Calm, cool and clear was yesterday evening.





During today's early morning moonlight, the faint call of an owl broke the 3:25 a.m. silence.

Reminded me of the children's classic, "Owl Moon" by Jane Yolan. Sure wish someone was there in the watershed getting the photo!

Thanks to the MPA member who submitted the photos above.

Today's Telegram FLASH

Once again Telegram & Gazette correspondent, Ruth Vecchione reports on the blow-by-blow news lakeside - this time in the FLASH for Grafton, Millbury and Sutton and from the Sutton Board of Selectman's perspective.

Here she goes...

Finally, Selectman Kevin Geraghty, with the board's agreement, expressed their opposition to the attempt by Manchaug River Corp. to breach the dam along with their support of what the town's attorneys and the Conservation Commission are doing in the matter.

Mr. Smith said they have retained George X. Pucci of Kopelman & Paige to represent the town.

"It's a dramatic turn of events, a not-so-veiled threat by the company. Their interest is not the environment or dam safety. They are interested in divesting their responsibility." he said. "I think they're in for a war with the community and the state."


Good choice of quotes, Ms. Vecchione! And well said Mr. Smith and Mr. Geraghty!

Remember readers that you can see for yourself the meetings of our Sutton and Douglas Selectman and Conservation Commission at the towns' websites.

Here's the link to Sutton's award winning website:

http://www.suttonma.org/Pages/index

On the left side of the home page, click Sutton TV online to view the meeting. On the right, click for the Board's decision and how to submit testimony.

And yes, I did noticed that the dam owner is incorrectly listed as Manchaug River Corp. ... but I kind of like it!
But for the record, the dam owner is Manchaug Reservoir Corp. c/o Interface Flooring Systems of Atlanta Georgia.



This morning's photo taken by a new MPA photographer, thank you!

Do you think this bird species, the Cormorant, would continue to live at Manchaug Pond if it is reduced by 180 acres to a shallow, eutrophic swamp?

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

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

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




TESTIMONY OF THE MANCHAUG POND ASSOCIATION
David Schmidt, President

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

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

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

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

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


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


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


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


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

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

put it on paper, in writing and

send to:

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

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

New Bird Circles Manchaug and Whitin

This afternoon a new sight was in the skies of Manchaug. This bird, slow and low, circled Manchaug Pond and than headed west to Whitin Reservoir. Can anyone identify it?



We could hear it for sometime before it came back over Manchaug Pond and then headed east.



Lots of activity at the dam and in the skies of Manchaug Pond today.


Personally, I rather see our herons, eagles and osprey.

Telegram Reports on State Meeting Where NO Support for Breach Strongly Voiced!

The reporter of the following Worcester Telegram article, Ruth Vecchione, is seated in the center of the photo to the left of MPA President Dave Schmidt.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Dam breach comments mostly critical
MEPA official conducts meeting with residents of Sutton, Douglas



David Schmidt, president of the Manchaug Pond Association, lists the reasons the Manchaug Pond Dam should remain in place. (T&G Staff/JIM COLLINS)

By Ruth Vecchione CORRESPONDENT

SUTTON — Despite torrential rain and the threat of severe thunderstorms, more than 60 Sutton and Douglas residents, state and local officials packed the selectmen’s meeting room yesterday afternoon for the state-held meeting on Manchaug Reservoir Corp.’s petition to breach the Manchaug Pond Dam.

William Gage of the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act Office heard opinions from local officials and residents yesterday afternoon on the environmental impact of the proposed breaching. (Mr. Gage will continue to accept comments on environmental impact in writing until Tuesday at the state Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, 100 Cambridge St., Boston, MA 02114.)

The Manchaug Reservoir Corp.no longer operates in Massachusetts and doesn’t need the power the dam once provided. The 350-acre pond is in both Sutton and Douglas, has 125 lakefront homes and is used for boating and fishing.

Wendy Porter of Manchaug Reservoir Corp. outlined the pluses and minuses identified by her company.

She emphasized restoration of the natural pond and ecosystems as benefits to breaching the dam. She identified the loss of underwater habitat, a decrease of 174 acres of the pond’s footprint and the loss of 9,147 linear feet of banking as the adverse impacts.

State Rep. Jennifer M. Callahan, D-Sutton, called the proposal ludicrous. “It’s an oxymoron to say we’re restoring the great pond by draining it,” she said.

She said it’s amazing that the company would be willing to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on breaching the dam without substantive negotiations beyond coming before the Conservation Commission.

Town Administrator James A. Smith said he knew of no discussions regarding acquisition of the dam since he came to Sutton two years ago.

Ms. Porter maintained that the Manchaug Reservoir Corp. had sought out the Manchaug Pond Association, the towns of Sutton and Douglas, the Whitin Watershed District and one campground owner about assuming ownership of the dam.

“In 2004, we were afforded a meeting with the town of Douglas. We were not afforded a meeting here. We were told the town of Sutton was not interested,” she said.

She said no one has put a price tag on the dam, but the company was open to negotiating. “We have received no offers,” she said.

Town Counsel George X. Pucci of Kopelman & Paige and Peter Coffin of the Blackstone River Coalition expressed concern about the downstream impact of removing the dam.

Where Manchaug Reservoir Corp. said the dam “no longer serves the purpose for which it was built,” Mr. Coffin said the flows are still used downstream both for sewage treatment and wildlife habitat. There has not been a natural flow in the Blackstone Valley for 200 years, he said.

Mr. Pucci said that if the dam was breached there would be no ability to store flood water, which would harm Stevens Pond directly below and then Manchaug Village residents beyond that.

“The only benefit would be the economic interest of the proponent,” he said.

Representing the owners of Lake Manchaug Campground, lawyer Jeffrey L. Roelofs of Newburyport said the company should approach municipalities and state officials with a reasonable proposal if it wants to divest itself of the responsibilities of dam ownership.

“They should be taking the lead on that,” he said. “My comments extend to the local officials.”

Sutton Selectman Kevin Geraghty recognized the company’s business problem and liability issue. But, he said, there’s got to be a better way to achieve its business goal.

“I hope we can get to a point of having discussions,” he said.

A Great Day for Manchaug Pond!

Today was the meeting in which the dam owner presented their latest plan - breaching the Manchaug Pond dam. Today was the day legislators, many state and local officials from Sutton and Douglas, residents from Manchaug and Stevens Pond, and Whitin Res and the heads of many environmental/lake/river groups stood in support of Manchaug Pond and the Mumford/Blackstone River system.

This email was waiting for me when I returned home...


"...I'm sure happy we moved to such a well loved and cared for lake."


Me too! Thank you to all those who attended in support of Manchaug Pond!



More details tomorrow! Check the newspapers as I counted at least 4 reporters in attendance.

High Water and the Manchaug Pond Dam

With the July 4th weekend - always exciting on the lake! - we are thrilled to have finally reached a high water level! A cause alone for celebration!



BUT remember....

1.) The waterlevel will be coming down from now on as the dam owner, Manchaug Reservoir Corporation c/o Interface of Atlanta, Georgia, will be following the 1930 Rule Curve elevation - not actual historic levels. This means the water level was to peak in June (an elevation of 518.3 which was never reached) and then starts to drop off in July.


2.) The dam owners has filed an ENF/application #14435 to breach the Manchaug Pond dam with MEPA (Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act Office) of the
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.

All interested individuals, meaning YOU and ME, may attend a special meeting this

Tuesday, July 7th at 3:30 p.m.

at the Sutton Town Hall, Uxbridge Road in the Selectman's meeting room

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

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

Link for the town website: http://www.suttonma.org/Pages/index

Link to the project summary the dam owner submitted: http://www.mass.gov/envir/mepa/secondlevelpages/currentissue.htm

Check the archives/older posts such as June 18th for more information.

Any questions?

The Value of Water: Part three - The Flow of the Mumford River

Okay, Mumford River?! - now you are probably saying where is she going with this one! Who cares about the Mumford River! This is Manchaug! Doesn't she have enough to write about?

Well, I've been re-reading my copy of the Mumford River Low Flow Study (better than reading Dam Removal in Massachusetts: A Basic Guide for Project Proponents!) If you remember the low flow study, you are shaking your head up and down fully aware of where we are going! Click the link on our blog or read it in the original Notice of Intent filed by the dam owner. Anyway, the low flow study was published in 2003 for the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs by the engineering firm of Gomez and Sullivan to specifically investigate recurring low-flow observations in the river; from Manchaug Pond, Whitin Res. and every pond, dam and use east along the Mumford River to the Blackstone River in Uxbridge.

The work and concern of own Douglas Conservation Commissioner, Mr. Mike Yacino is cited along with those of the Blackstone River Watershed as the reason for the study. (1st page, second paragraph) The study reveals that Mr. Yacino's observations, experience, and volunteer work were right on target! His concern is valid not only from a conservation/environmental perspective but because the Douglas Water/Sewer Department (user of 15% of the flow) in 1998-2001 was the second largest user of the river with increase use each year of the study! (Let's hope Mr. Yacino is re-appointed to his position on the commission!)

Other big users included the Whitinsville Water Company (70%), the Interface Fabrics mill(13%), and the Whitinsville Golf Course (2%). Water was/is also withdrawn and trucked out of the watershed to the Milford power plant during the summer months for cooling water use and sold by WWC outside the watershed.

The study reveals: "From the Mumford River's origin at the outlet of Manchaug Pond to the confluence with the Blackstone River there are 13 mainstem dams. The river travels approximately 13.5 miles over this same stretch and has a total drainage area of 56.6 mi2 - thus: there is approximately one dam every mile. There are roughly 37 dams impounding ponds, lakes, and reservoirs in the Mumford River watershed.... The most prominent waterbodies in the watershed that are over 50 acres in size include: Crystal Lake (94 acres), Manchaug Reservoir (353-380), Stevens Pond (83 acres), Whitin Reservoir (330 acres), Lackey Pond (120 acres), Meadow Pond (55 acres), Whitins Pond (135 acres), and Carpenter Reservoir (83 acres)...."

Note that Manchaug is by far the largest : "Manchaug and Whitin Reservoirs collectively control a large portion of the Mumford River flow. These two reservoirs have significant storage capacity ..." We are the big players! A recently reappointed Douglas Conservation Commissioner stated to me that if Manchaug was breached, the dam at Stevens Pond would take care of the town. I think not - Steven's does not have the storage capacity of Manchaug which is filled with snow melt and spring rains, and stores the water, with Whitin to "supplement naturally low flow conditions by reducing impoundment levels in the summer to maintain 16cfs below Gilboa Pond." (the staff gauge is below Gilboa Pond in Douglas and is mandated by MassDEP.)

So given all that, what do you think?

Well, I think... #1. Manchaug and Whitin have the largest acreage and storage capacity of the river. Breach Manchaug... and see the river, Whitins, and every pond all the way to the Blackstone in big trouble not to mention every user. It will redefine the term low-flow!

So that makes me feel like ... there is NO WAY the state will allow the dam owner to breach the headwaters of the Mumford River. We haven't even talked about wetlands, fisheries, etc. There's the value of Manchaug!


#2. Looking at the big water users: drinking water (Whitinsville, Northbridge and other towns), waste water treatment (Douglas, Northbridge), irrigation (Whitinsville Golf Course), power plant (Milford). and soon the hydroelectric plant at Alternatives Unlimited. Hmmm.

Let's look at the little water users at Manchaug: the 120 lakeshore residents (40% year round - 60% seasonal), the 3 campgrounds' day swimmers and campers, the YMCA Camp for inner city kids, the Waters Farm view, numerous fishing and canoe/kayak clubs and Joe Boater from the ramp. Hmmm.

Then there are the creatures who call Manchaug home who only have our voice: fish, birds, muskrats (or is that the Tucker Pond beaver?), frogs, turtles, dragonflies, etc.

So that makes me think of the value of this water in terms of ownership and control!


For the record: The members of the Manchaug Pond Association do not take this water for granted and from day one - actually before 1967 when the association was founded! - see the value of Manchaug Pond. We will continue to work towards its preservation and towards a workable solution.

Fireworks Start Early on Manchaug Pond!

The sky provided the fireworks on Manchaug Pond tonight as only a couple camps had their July 4th cookouts.

Foam Flows into Manchaug at Holbrook's Cove

Thursday as more rain brought the level of Manchaug higher, it also brought Aldrich Pond up sending a large amount of white water over their falls into Holbrook's Cove.



Amazingly, the water entered Manchaug filled with white "sudsy" water with the foam ranging in size from large balls the size of basketballs to very tiny. I could not imagine what it was as we drove by. It appeared as large chunks of stryrofoam floating throughout the area!



Closeup it appears very much like soap suds, but my guess is this foam was caused not only by the strong turbulence created with the large volume of water coming over the falls but also because of the high level of organic materials in the water: algae from the little pond's algae blooms, aquatic plants, and decomposing plant material.

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality explains further: "The foam that appears along lakeshores is most often the result of the natural die-off of aquatic plants. Plants are made up of organic material, including oils (i.e., corn oil and vegetable oil). When the plants die and decompose, the oils contained in the plant cells are released and float to the surface. Once the oils reach the lake surface, wind and wave action pushes them to the shore. The concentration of the oil changes the physical nature of the water, making foam formation easier. The turbulence and wave action at the beach introduces air into the organically enriched water, which forms the bubbles. Foam commonly occurs in waters with high organic content such as productive lakes, bog lakes."

This will be documented Saturday morning as the volunteers from the Blackstone River Watershed Association/Blackstone River Coalition take their monthly water samples at Manchaug's inlet and outlet.

Don't You Love Water!

Around town, Manchaug Pond residents are subjected to comments like:

"Okay, it's time to stop the rain dance!"

"Is your water level high enough!"

"Could you pray for sunshine now!?!"

"Rain.... again!"

Our response: Just a big grin! :))

Yesterday evening, the water at Manchaug Pond reached a level where it was flowing over the flashboards of the Manchaug Pond dam. Who would have thought we would have received so much rain this May and June to bring us up to this level! Not only is the water bringing our lake, shoreline, coves and wetlands back to life but we are seeing how our site work for the storm drain grant is taking the flow of the storm run-off!

Don't you just love the water!

Granted the flashboards just don't seem to quite measure up to their 3.5 foot height as described in the engineers' inspection reports and other official documents but we are at a good level!

Here's the flashboards last night.



Here's the flow over the flashboards out the spillway.



With 1 1/2 inches of rain yesterday and another 2 this morning and now a storm as I write, the rain gauge continues to fill and



the dam owner has opened the low level gate.




Well, I guess we should be thankful they haven't decided to employ a new strategy of flooding us out!!

Sutton Town Website Announces State Meeting on Manchaug Pond

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

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

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

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

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

Meet the Wetlands Mystery Creature(s) - FROGS!

Thanks to the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department website, I have identified the mystery singers: the Gray Tree Frog, and the twangy friend, the Green Frog! Here's their info and photos from the website. Visit the NH Fish and Game yourself and listen to them sing! While you're there, listen to the American Toad - I've heard that song before here at Manchaug Pond!

The GRAY TREE FROG
(Hyla versicolor)

Photo by Mike Marchand

State Rank Status: Widespread and secure

Distribution: Throughout NH except north of the White Mountains

Description: A small 1-2 inch frog usually a brownish gray or greenish color. The skin is rough with several dark spots. Usually a light spot with a dark edge below each eye. The inner thighs are bright yellow or orange

Commonly Confused Species: Spring peeper

Habitat: Forested areas with small trees or shrubs that are close to water. Found under loose bark on trees, tree cavities, or in rotting logs during summer. Seldom seen on the ground.

Life History: Attaches up to 2000 eggs to vegetation in shallow water. Hibernates under tree roots or matted leaves.

Voice: A loud, resonating trill

Conservation Threats: Species is secure

AND

The Green Frog
(Rana clamitans melanota)

State Rank Status: Widespread and secure

Distribution: Throughout NH

Description: A 2-4 inch green or brownish frog with prominent ridges along each side of the back that branch from a large disc (the tympanum) behind the each eye. The ridges terminate before reaching the groin area.

Commonly Confused Species: Bullfrog, Mink frog

Habitat: Found in a variety of permanent and semi-permanent freshwater habitats including the shorelines of ponds, lakes, and streams, vernal pools, moist woodlands, bogs, and ditches.

Life History: During spring and summer, large numbers of eggs are coated in masses of jelly and attached to submerged vegetation in permanent water. Females may lay two clutches per year.

Voice: Like the twang of a banjo string, usually given a single note at a time. Often gives a startled yelp as it leaps away.

Conservation Threats: Species is secure.


HEY, NOW LET'S FIND THAT Northern Leopard Frog and we need photos and documentation on our Spotted Turtles!

Have you seen these two? Report it to MassWildlife!

Have you seen the Spotted Turtle?


or the Northern Leopard Frog??

(photos provided by New Hampshire Fish and Game Department)

MassWildlife wants to know and so does the MPA!


This news bulletin came out yesterday in MassWildlife's monthly news release:

REPORT HERPS!

The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) is asking interested conservationists for reports or sightings of certain specific reptiles and amphibians. The species of NHESP interest include: Smooth Greensnake, Eastern Hog-nosed Snake, Eastern Ribbonsnake, Eastern Musk Turtle, Spotted Turtle, and the Northern Leopard Frog. NHESP is particularly interested in sightings of the Eastern Hog-nosed Snake.

These particular species are of interest for a variety of reasons:
1) the species is thought to be rare, declining or vulnerable, but there is insufficient information on the condition, number and size of populations to make a determination;

2) the species was removed from the official regulatory list, but the Program believes it still is in need of some conservation attention;

3) the species distribution and abundance are not well known. Herpetologists want to bring attention to and track reports of these reptiles and amphibian in order to determine whether any of the species listed are appropriate for proposal to the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act list.

Anyone who has seen the above mentioned wildlife are encouraged to submit a Rare Animal Observation Form found on-line at http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/species_info/pdf/electronic_animal_form.pdf.

Information needed includes date of sighting, specific mapped location and a photo of the observed animal. Submit the form, map and photo(s) to: Data Manager, Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program, MassWildlife, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581. For more information about this conservation effort, visit the following web page: www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/conservation/herps/reptiles_amphibians_undstat.htm.

A Front Row Seat

After a ride around the lake, what a perfect ending to sit and watch the sunset

from the front row. (notice the boat taking it all in!)