Today on Manchaug Pond

Ice melting, a winged visitor, and snowdrops in the garden on Manchaug Pond...











Special thanks to the MPA member who sent in the photo of the swan in the channel!

Mass Voters Choose the Fisherman

Massachusetts voters chose the fisherman over the farm. We are disappointed. Waters Farm sits on the hillside of the watershed overlooking the lake, a gift from a past MPA secretary to the Town of Sutton used as a living history museum and representing a wholesome time of simple New England life....


but then again what can we say... here on Manchaug Pond we too like fisherman.

I'll leave up the Waters Farm slide show for a few more days.

Here is the official release... on March 05, 2009, the Governor's office released the following results to their contest:

Massachusetts Citizens Select Gloucester Fisherman's Memorial to be Featured on a Quarter
BOSTON– Thursday, March 05, 2009 – Governor Deval Patrick today announced the Gloucester Fisherman’s Memorial received the most votes from citizens throughout the Commonwealth to be featured on a new Massachusetts quarter created by the U.S. Mint. Governor Patrick announced the selection via his official Twitter feed, www.twitter.com/MassGovernor.

The three alternate sites selected by voters are the Lowell National Historic Park, the House of Seven Gables in Salem and the U.S.S. Constitution.

The state received 245,000 votes online at www.mass.gov to select their favorite nationally-recognized site to be featured on the new quarter. The site received votes from citizens throughout the Commonwealth, with Worcester, Middlesex and Essex counties putting forward the most votes.

The U.S. Mint asked Massachusetts, in addition to the other 49 states, the District of Columbia, and the territories, to select one preferred and three alternate Massachusetts national sites to be featured on the reverse of a quarter. As part of America’s Beautiful National Parks Quarter Dollar Coin Act, the new quarters will be issued at the rate of five new designs per year beginning in 2010, and will be issued in the order in which the selected sites were established as national sites.

To learn more, go to: http://www.mass.gov/governor/quarter.

21 days: Dam Owner Risk vs. Wetlands Protection Act

Weds, March 4th another Public Hearing was held at the Sutton Conservation Commission for Manchaug Reservoir Corp's newly revised Notice of Intent Operation and Maintenance Plan for the Manchaug Pond dam and reservoir.

Two attorneys represented Interface Fabrics - one from the Boston law firm and the other from Interface's Atlanta, Georgia corporate headquarters.

Additionally, the attorneys presented 2 more documents: 1. a memo from their engineering firm Stantec addressing the MPA's September testimony and 2. a Stantec memo looking at Manchaug Pond as a Great Pond. (Interface did not give the MPA a copy so I can't give you details yet.)



Bottom line: The Sutton Conservation Commission (SCC) voted to continue the hearing for the purpose of having a peer review of the revised Notice of Intent. SCC stated they understood MRC %Interface's position with dam safety but needed "reasonable time to review" the revised NOI and assess the extent of the alternations to the resource. SCC has called for a peer review since last fall.
MRC denied permission/did not consent to the peer review.
SCC has 21 days to respond/rule.

In the meantime Interface is to comply with the DEP order of May 2008 to put in the flashboards. SCC also gave MRC, a list of requests which I believe I heard included having the flashboards in by April 1.

MRC, during the course of the meeting, explained that three different engineering firms recommended they operate at three different levels because of the Office of Dam Safety's new reporting form. Depending on which report you look at the level goes from 519 to 517 to 515.4. (And I might add, not to mention historical levels above 519.) they sited Hurricane "Katrina shows us that the dam was operated as unsafe." "...simply cannot and will not operate ... we cannot operate the dam at a risk."

For those village residents Manchaug Reservoir Corp. named during the meeting who they are protecting, the condition of the dam is not at issue. The dam is well maintained and in good condition. Over the years, Interface has been an attentive dam owner, noteworthy are the major repairs made to the low level gate in 2006 and the yearly mowing, trimming and patch work completed last fall. Again the condition of the dam is not at issue in this case.

Water Level Public Hearing - March 4th - Sutton Conservation Commission

Weds, March 4th, 8:00 p.m. Sutton Town Hall before the Sutton Conservation Commission

a public hearing to consider the NEWLY REVISED Notice of Intent proposed by dam owner.

The new Operations and Maintenance Plan and Rule Curve Plan for Manchaug Reservoir calls for the reduction of the lake by about 55 acres and the waterlevel down by 3 1/2 to 4 feet.

All interested individuals can attend. Written testimony/letters can be sent to the Sutton Conservation Commission, Sutton Town Hall, 4 Uxbridge Road, Sutton, MA 01590

As for today's water level...

I did notice the dam was opened Saturday - I would guess in anticipation of this snowstorm. So far we have 8 1/2 inches of snow here on Manchaug Pond. You can see by the weekend photo that the flow is coming from the low level gate. The water level is still lower than the spillway and the flashboards/stoplogs are not yet in.


To contact the MPA:
email us at infoMPA@charter.net
or write to us at MPA, P.O.Box 154, Manchaug, MA 01526

Douglas Conservation Commission Mtg. - "What is the deal..."

Hello all!

Yesterday's commenter asks -

Anonymous said...

What is the deal with the MPA appearing before the Douglas Con. Con. on Monday Night?


If you monitor the Town of Douglas' website, checking out their meeting agendas, you'll notice that yes indeed the MPA is on the agenda for tomorrow Conservation Commission meeting.

"Why?" you ask. Well, I will be able to tell you more tomorrow. You see, the Commission sent a letter inviting the MPA to the meeting to "discuss conservation issues and guidelines pertaining to Manchaug Pond."

More to come...

VOTE FOR WATERS FARM!

Just a reminder that the voting ends this Thursday February 26th at 5 PM. Click on the header for the link to the website

Keep voting!

A Look at the Shore Today

A Look at some of Manchaug Pond's shoreline today...

from Manchaug Road near "The Big Rock,"



and from the Public Boat Ramp









Rocky isn't it!


Don't forget to vote! Waters Farm!

Con Comm Meeting Postponed

The hearing originally scheduled for Feb. 18th is rescheduled for March 4th because the NOI has to be advertised. We will post the time when that is announced.

Don't forget Waters Farm - KEEP VOTING!!!

Waters Farm State Quarter - Vote!!!

There is a wonderful opportunity for Waters Farm to be featured on the next 50 States Quarters Program. Govenor Patrick is asking everyone to vote on who will be featured on the Massachusetts quarter in 2010 - the link to this heading will get you there. Scroll down to the bottom for Worcester County you can vote for Waters Farm AND you can vote as many times as you like up until February 26, 2009. I can't think of a better place representing New England history than Sutton's Waters Farm. In those immortal words of Al Capone...
"Vote early....and often!"
(and for Waters Farm)

Ending Non-Point Pollution and Report Card

(File Photo from January 8, 2009, 7:55 p.m.)

Yesterday, an MPA subcommittee of our 319 Stormwater Grant met with CEI, our environmental engineering company, to finalized an educational plan targeting specific non-point pollution sources in the Manchaug Pond watershed. Our 319 Grant has been tooted as innovative, effective and cutting-edge by other groups from the Blackstone River Coalition to the Metacomet Land Trust.

Today, the Blackstone River Coalition will release Manchaug Pond's report card results for last year along with other sites along the Blackstone and its tributaries at this morning's Volunteer Water Qualtiy Monitoring Summit and Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast. In past years, our report card results show nutrients and other "nasty things" coming in to Manchaug at the inlet testing site. Special thanks to Tammy, the Blackstone River Coalition volunteer for her dedication and efforts to monitoring and testing Manchaug Pond.

Our 319 Grant looks to reduce nutrient loading thereby improving water quality here on Manchaug Pond, in the Mumford, and beyond to the Blackstone.

http://www.zaptheblackstone.org/whatwedoing/water_quality/wqm.shtml

Dam Caretaker Bring ing Water Level Up.

The dam low level gate has been closed down a bit to start letting the level come up.

These photos were taken on Weds. the 11th. This is the flow between Manchaug and Steven's Pond this week. We have good snow cover to make for lots of run off to bring us up. With the rain and snow melt we are getting more coming in. Now we just have to convince the dam owner to be a good neighbor and go back to historical levels!


I checked a few early blog posts from 2006: no hurricanes, dry weather, Fuddy doing a rain dance to get water in the lake. Different concerns than what is being discussed at Con Com meetings.


Interesting reading.

Con Comm Meeting on Sutton Cable

For those Sutton residents that were not able to make the Con Comm meeting on the 4th, it is now being televised on the local cable access, Charter Channel 11. The meeting will be on tonight at 6 PM however the Manchaug Pond portion starts at 7 PM since it began an hour past the beginning of the meeting.

Where are we?

On February 4th, the dam owner presented a newly revised operation and maintenance plan for Manchaug Pond to the Sutton Conservation Commission. The dam owner stresses their primary goal is "to maintain the safety and stability of the dam." The plans bear their engineer's stamp and will be submitted or have been submitted to the state Office of Dam Safety for approval. The Sutton Conservation Commission is involved through the Wetlands Protection Act to ensure that proposals do not adversely impact the Pond ecosystem.

(I hope that captures the essence of the situation in a simple forthright manner without diminishing the weight of the matter or the responsibilities of the parties involved.)

So... What is the role of the Manchaug Pond Association?

Education. Advocacy. Stewardship.

We need to bring Manchaug Pond to the face of decision makers at all levels. The lake is our backyard, we know it best. We see the impacts. We need to communicate... to replace the "conceptual, desktop evaluation" with facts, actual data from Manchaug Pond.

So what can you do? Join us. If you are not a member of the MPA and would like to be on our mailing list email the MPA at infoMPA@charter.net.

The next meeting of the Sutton Conservation Commission is February 18th.

Stay tuned.

The Manchaug Pond Association... founded in 1967 "to promote the welfare and correct use of Manchaug Pond and the contiguous area."

Heading out on the ice.

This was last Saturday's photo, but I can tell you my first look out the window this morning saw 3 fishermen each pulling a sled of fishing gear from the boat ramp to the main part of the lake to join the fishermen, 4 wheelers and others already out there. The sky is blue, sun is shining, no wind and a temp at 3 F.

"Have they already decided?"

1 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am sick after reading that Interface wants to draw down the water level by so much!

How was this proposal received by the Sutton Conservation Commission? Did anyone get a feel for how they might decide, or have they already decided? Please tell me that this isn't a done deal!
February 05, 2009 8:36 PM

Post a Comment

Dear Reader,
The hearing was continued. No decisions have been made. Conservation Commission members were very concerned with the new proposal having raised many questions and issues relating to the lake, the ecology around the lake, the flow and downstream habitat, weather models used, the duties of the caretaker, and the Emergency Action Plan. The Commission stated they contacted the state Riverways Program, Office of Dam Safety, Congress of Lakes and Ponds, state Fisheries and Wildlife, the authors of the Mumford River Low Flow Study and other specialists to secure their expert testimony. Under the Wetlands Protection Act, the chairman also stated that the dam owner was required to fund the hiring of an independent environmental engineering firm for the ConCom.

This is not over. The MPA and its members will continue to work hard educating those involved about Manchaug Pond. Stay with us!

Dam Owner Submits New Rule Curve and Operating Plan for Manchaug Pond

The Manchaug Pond dam owner submitted new documents last night at the Sutton Conservation Commission hearing which included a new rule curve and operating & maintenance plan as well as a preliminary impact evaluation. 7 engineers, 1 attorney and the Manchaug and Whitin Reservoir dams caretaker represented the dam owner.
(file photo)

Their proposal includes:

- Cut peak waterlevel by 3 to 4 feet to 515.9 ft water surface elevation.

- No flashboards will be used to retain waterlevel at any time.

- Reduce lake size by 55 acres from 350 acres to 295 acres.

- Establish a riparian buffer around the lake on newly exposed land owned by MRC/Interface to "provide substantial habitats for local flora and fauna."

- Reduce fall drawdown from 6ft to 3ft.

- Disconnect of stream habitats to protect resident native coldwater fish species such as brook trout from being "exposed to piscivorous, non-indigenous, warmwater fish species as largemouth bass in the impoundment."



With the mill closed, relocated and up for sale, the dam is no longer needed in the manufacture of cloth, to provide hydro power, or for the mill's wastewater plant. MRC expressed it now looks to limit liability by ensuring public safety through adoption of new operation methods siting 2001 Office of Dam Safety guidelines. Our sister lake, Whitin Reservoir, was not mentioned as having a similar need or issue.

Sutton residents can view the 2 1/2 hour proceedings on the local cable channel. MPA President Dave Schmidt speaks for Manchaug Pond at the end of the hearing.

For minutes of previous hearing dates visit:
http://www.suttonma.org/Pages/SuttonMA_ConMin/

Meeting tonight on waterlevel and dam

Just a reminder that the dam owner will be making a presentation tonight before the Sutton Conservation Commission at the Sutton Town Hall concerning the operation of the Manchaug Pond dam. 8:00 p.m. 2nd floor.

Sutton Con Comm Hearing

The dam owner's reschedule date from the previous delayed dates for their O&M plan review is now scheduled for this Wednesday February 4th at 8 PM at the Sutton Town Hall. We will post any changes or additional delay date.

Back on the web...

Today, was a trip to Best Buy. While there, I just had to take these photos:



Creative parking!



Got to love it! "To boldly go where no Jeep has gone before." the bumper sticker says. Not my vehicle, but I do understand the Jeep thing as 3 out of 4 of our children own/owned Jeeps.

Anyway... So why the trip? I've had internet/cable trouble for a couple months now. Spotty coverage/no coverage. Fios isn't available this end of town. I bought a new MacBook. Still trouble. So if it wasn't the computer, what was it? Well, we have also lost power numerous times and perhaps the cable, I thought, due to blown fuses on Irma Jones Rd, down pine tree on Torrey Rd, ice storms, a power line snapping on Manchaug Road - seemed like every week there was some act of nature - perhaps that is why no cable... but than yesterday in the sunshine, no internet once again. No internet all day...

So, after unplugging the wireless, and plugging the laptop directly into the modem - nothing.

So today off to buy a new modem. We're on the world wide web and back to blogging! So you should be hearing from me more often!

Here's a photo of creative parking on Manchaug Pond:

Warm enough to snowmobile! ?

-10 degrees right now with no wind. My furnace is working harder than usual. Most of us would say that is cold. .... BUT! not everyone! Did I hear a snowmobile at 6:50 a.m. out on the lake?

Stay warm!

Educate Yourself on Lake Issues! January 24th

For 22 years the MPA has had representatives at the annual January educational meeting of the Massachusetts Congress of Lake and Pond Associations (COLAP). Last year for the first time, our 1st Vice President exhibited the MPA sharing information from our 319 stormwater grant. Today MPA President Dave Schmidt invites all of you interested in lake issues to join us! This year promises great workshops for the friends of Manchaug Pond - that's all you lake property owners, watershed residents, campers, sportmen and town officials alike. Workshops include dam and flow issues, weed and lake management, and beaver and geese control not to mention addressing stormwater. Looking at the speakers list, we find those familiar with Manchaug Pond - Rep. Jennifer Callahan who announced our 319 Stormwater Grant to Sutton Board of Selectman; Lee Lyman who has conducted two weed surveys of our lake; and Donna Williams who spoke at our Spring Social just last year.

Check out the agenda below, click the link to get you to the registration form, register before January 20 to save $, and we'll see you there!


MA COLAP 22nd Annual Lake and Pond Management Workshop

Student Center, Worcester State College
Saturday, January 24, 2009
8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
(Snow Date: Sunday, January 25)
[Call 508-429-5085 for message]



8:00: Registration and Continental Breakfast (Included in fee)

8:30-10:15: Plenary Session

Featured Speakers

Senator Stephen Brewer (invited) : Legislative Issues
Representative Jennifer Callahan (invited)

Keynote Address: Mass DCR Commissioner Richard Sullivan

NALMS Update: Ken Wagner, Past President, Ph.D., CLM, AECOM

Mass Lakes and Ponds Update:
Anne Monnelly, Acting Director Office Water Res., DCR

Business Meeting/Election of Officers

Stormwater, Dams, Wildlife & Lake/Pond Partners
Peter Coffin, Blackstone River Coalition and Donna Williams, Mass Audubon and BRC President --
—How Lake and Pond Groups can Participate in Local Stormwater Planning Efforts

BEAVER ISSUES— A Panel of Experts Seeks Your Input

Herb Bergquist, President (CRWM)
Chris Dwyer,US Fish & Wildlife Service
Malcom Speicher, Spencer, Beaver Manager
Laura Hajduk, Mass DFW Furbearer Wildlife Biologist

10:15 - 10:30: Break and Exhibit Time

10:30 - 11:30: CONCURRENT WORKSHOP SESSIONS
A,B,C,D,E (Choose 1 of A,B,C,D or Choose E)
Sessions are repeated in the next hour, Except E is a 2-hr session

A. DAMS AND STREAMFLOW ISSUES—
Managing Dam Releases for Natural Streamflow
- Joanna Carey, Mass DFG Riverways Prog Specialist and
The GEIR and Permitting Changes Necessary to Facilitate Better Instream Flow Management in Lake Projects
- Ken Wagner, CLM, WRM, AECOM Global Environment

B. For new people LAKE & POND RESTORATION TECHNIQUES— With EMPHASIS ON INTEGRATED LAKE MANAGEMENT-
- Lee Lyman, President, Lycott Environmental

C. BEAVER ISSUES, Continued
A Panel of Experts Provides Answers and Seeks Your Input:
- Herb Bergquist, President Cm for Responsible Wildlife Mgt.
- Chris Dwyer, USFWildlife Service
- Malcom Speicher, Experienced Beaver Manager
- Laura Hajduk, Mass DFG Furbearer Wildlife Biologist

D. HAND-PULLING Experiences (7 years)—Milfoil, Curly Leaf Pondweed, Phragmites, Purple Loostrife
—Mercedes Gallagher, Center Pond, Yokum Pond, and Greenwater Pond in Becket, MA

E. Using the GEIR and DEP Guidance Documents for Lake & Pond Management Permitting (2 hours)
A mock ConCom Meeting dealing with common/future Lake Projects for New Folks
–Anne Monnelly, DCR, OWR, and Mark Stinson, DEP.

11:30 - 11:45: Break

11:45 - 12:45: Repeated CONCURRENT SESSIONS A,B,C,D
Choose one of the above OR Continue in Session E

12:45--1:45 LUNCH BREAK, EXHIBITS & NETWORKING

1:45--2:45 CONCURRENT SESSIONS F,G,H,J,K,L (Choose One)

F. Lake and Pond Groups and STORMWATER MANAGEMENT, Continued How L & P Groups can Participate in Stormwater Planning Efforts
- Peter Coffin, Blackstone River Coalition

Stormwater Management Plan (EPA Phase 2) facilitation in Leicester
- Ruth Kaminski, Leicester local committee facilitator

G. How to Plan for your LAKE MANAGEMENT PLAN-- from QAPP to Implementation
- Bob Hartzel,,GeoSyntec Consultants

H. Lake Management Results:
CANADA GOOSE MANAGEMENT in Hopedale Pond
- Darrell Oakley, Senior Ecologist, ESS Group

Stormwater BMPs and LID System Performance on Pollution Removal Efficiency and Infiltration (Recharge)
- Jerry Schoen, Mass Stormwater TEP Manager

J. FROM THE ROOTS UP! Growing the Ultimate GREEN LAWN Without Fertilizer And the SKY DOWN! to Pinpoint and Fix Leaking Septic Systems, with A Range of Solutions and Funding Methods
- Jackson Madnick, PearlsPremium.com, COLAP BOD

K. 1. How to Perform the RIGHT AQUATIC PLANT SURVEY for Your Lake or Pond
- Keith Gazaille, ACT (Aquatic Control Technology)
2. Harvard Bare Hill POND DEEP DRAWDOWN AND PUMPING
- Bruce Leicher, Bare Hill Pond Watershed Mgt Committee

L. Dam Repair Issues:
Dam and Spillway Repairs, Sunset Pond— Design, Permitting & Construction
- Christopher Haker, PE, Tighe & Bond

Is there Light or Water at the End of this Tunnel? Repairs to a Low-Level Outlet Control Structure at a Bucolic Wedding Site
- Nils Wiburg, Fuss & O’Neill

2:45--3:00 Raffle and END

Session Topics are subject to change.

Attention: CONSULTANTS and LAKE GROUPS with DISPLAY MATERIALS (EXHIBITS) such as posters, brochures, dioramas, signs, etc.. You are welcome to set up a display. For particulars, and to reserve a display spot, please call Carol Hildreth (508)429-5085.

Display your Wares and Successes!

This Morning

Great Day for the Lake

6:30 a.m. the ice fishermen were seen walking from the State Public Access Ramp onto the lake with their buckets and sleds. We knew they would be here as soon as the ice was thick enough! I hear too that many enjoyed the lake today as snowmobilers, skaters and others came out before the storm and cold weather sets in.

Anyone care to send in a photo of today's fun or an official report on the thickness of the ice? Our readers are asking! I hear it is more than 4 inches...

ICE!

Manchaug Pond is freezing - ice at every shore! With only freezing temperatures in the forecast, I am sure we will soon see the boat ramp loaded with ice fisherman, hear the hum of 4wheelers and snowmobiles and see the tracks of cross country skiis and ice skates. Whatever the waterlevel wasn't for you this summer, it will soon be everything to those who love the lake in the winter. Get out the hot chocolate!







http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/recreation/ice_safety.htm






Also, as soon as I get the official report from last night's Sutton Conservation Commission, I'll let you know.

Now that the holidays are winding down and the internet connection here seems to be working, I can get back to blogging Manchaug Pond and MPA.

Manchaug Pond on Tonight's Con. Com. Agenda

Manchaug Pond is on the agenda for tonight's Sutton Conservation Commission meeting at 8:30 p.m. We have been told that a representative from Manchaug Reservoir Corp will be attending to request another continuation and explain why it is necessary.

Con. Comm. Hearing Postponed

The dam owner has requested yet another postponement for the January 7th meeting and it will be rescheduled for February 4th.

Manchaug Pond's Waterlevel

Yesterday, while the ice storm did not hit the lake, the rainfall is bringing in volumes of water primarily runoff from the watershed. The lake level has been maintained at a much higher level than usual this fall so it will be something to watch.

The following photos, also taken yesterday, show water coming in from the watershed at two locations: Lackey Road and Aldrich Pond. The flow also brought out the Town's Highway Department staff to clear ditches on Manchaug Road.

October, November, and now December POSTPONED!

BELIEVE IT OR NOT! it is official.... The continuation of the Sutton Conservation Commission Public Hearing to consider the changes proposed by the Manchaug Pond dam ownerHAS BEEN POSTPONED to JANUARY!

... so much for the dam owner and the town working to get the waterlevel down to its lowest level before December 1 as recommended by the MASS Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. December 1 in order to protect "Amphibians, reptiles and other aquatic organisms (who) need to be able to move to deeper water before ice formation and substrate freezing. etc." So much for my spring peepers and others who were eliminated from the cove behind my home last year because of the new waterlevel. So much for 15 years of good, state-of-the-art, cost-free control of invasive exotic aquatic weed species as recommended by Lycott Environmental.

Can't blog now.... while others ponder, the MPA is busy.

Dam/Waterlevel Mtg POSPONED to Dec. 3rd

The Sutton Conservation Commission public hearing to consider the changes proposed by Manchaug Pond dam owner HAS BEEN POSTPONED from Wednesday, November 19th to WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3RD!

Stay tuned....

Date Changed Again - Con Comm/Dam Owner Hearing

Notice to our members that the dam owner has requested another continuance to November 19th for the Sutton Conservation Commission meeting. The time will be posted when the schedule is set.

November 1st Sunset

UPDATE - Sutton Con. Comm / Dam Owner Hearing

A notice to our members that the hearing that was originally to take place on October 15th has been rescheduled for Wednesday November 5th at 8:05 PM at the Sutton Town Hall.

Fall Foliage on Manchaug Pond. A Glorious Display!

Our President provided these photos of the fall foliage.

Remembering a Dear Friend of Manchaug Pond

It was with great sadness that the MPA learned today of the passing of Fuddy Colonero, our dam caretaker. Pictured here (center) at an MPA Annual Meeting a few years ago, there was no one more dedicated to his work than Fuddy. As an employee of the Guilford mill in Douglas, his charge was the waterlevels and dams of the Manchaug and Whitin Reservoirs.



Many of us knew Fuddy very well, seeing him each morning just after 7 a.m. checking the Manchaug Pond dam and waterlevel. He would also call the MPA often giving us details to pass on to the residents around the "reservoi" as to what he and "Mother Nature" were planning - telling me specifically how many inches we were open, what the weather forecast was, how many inches we were up or down, and how we compared to Whitins or to years past. One day he even came to my door with a gift of his delicious homemade Italian cookies. He was a friend to us and to the lake he served.

He would also be sure to tell you that the weather channel was on at his house 24/7. He knew our lake, he knew the dam, and he worked with our organization to address our concerns and issues. He watched the lowest property on the lake to keep it from flooding but yet kept the water as high as he could to keep us all happy. Yes, sometimes things wouldn't work quite right and "Mother Nature" wouldn't cooperate with him by providing enough snow cover or rainfall - but Fuddy had the data and knew the ins and outs of it all and would tell you about it. He worked with the association to fine tune the timing and extent of the draw down to impact the aquatic weeds and he attended Annual Meetings and a committee meeting here and there to explain the priorities of the mill and its use of our water. His commitment to Manchaug Pond was above reproach. He wore his MPA hat and sweatshirt well.

Fuddy has been greatly missed here on Manchaug Pond! and will continue to be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

http://www.legacy.com/telegram/Obituaries.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=119213636

Fall Lake Clean Up

Litter and Coffee Cups and Trash, on my!

It took a while to find a coffee cup that did not incriminate one store over another. The Fall 2008 Lake Clean up will be this Saturday October 25th and Sunday October 26th from 9-12. We will meet at the boat ramp and trash bags will be issued. With each cleaning event there has been a decrease in the amount of trash that is hauled away which is GREAT news. Your efforts go a long way in keeping the lake clean and beautiful!

Here is a picture of some choice pieces found at our prior clean up...... I did not know there were elephants in Sutton but we found one.

Working on the Dam

Anonymous said...

went by the lake today 10/17/08 and they were working on the dam!!
October 17, 2008 2:59 PM

Thanks for posting! Yes, I understand from conversations this summer that the dam owner had hired R. H. White to conduct the annual routine maintenance on the dam. I suspect this is the work currently being done.

Let me report that on July 27th of this year, the MPA President expressed concern to the dam owner that the routine annual maintenance and repairs had not been addressed last year nor this year. On August 4th the dam owner informed the MPA that money had been allocated to have trees and brush cut as well as routine patch work in the wall and outlet and minor repairs to the sleeve of the culvert. This is good news as we do not want the dam to fall into disrepair.

Thanks again for your input!

Notice-Sutton Conservation Comm. Meeting

The dam owner has requested a postponement of the October 15th meeting to November 5th. The time has not been determined as of yet but will be posted when it is set.

Here is some fall foliage for our readers that are not here to see the spectacular show we have this year!

Sutton Con Comm Meeting

The dam owner has requested a postponement of the Notice of Intent continuance meeting with the Sutton Con Comm to November 5th. I will let everyone know when they post the time. Please let interested people in your area know of this.


5-Nov-2008 Wednesday CONTINUATION OF SUTTON CONSERVATION COMMISION PUBLIC HEARING for Notice of Intent filed by Manchaug Reservoir Corp. to lower waterlevel of Manchaug Pond. Location: Sutton Town Hall, Uxbridge Road, Sutton. Meeting starts at 7:00 P.M. with agenda posted 5 days prior. All interested persons are encouraged to attend. Written testimony and concerns about the impact to Manchaug Pond wetlands, coves, and wildlife, etc. can be submitted anytime to the Sutton Conservation Commission, Sutton Town Hall, Uxbridge Road, Sutton, MA 01590.

Waters Farm Days

As with sunsets, you can never have take too many pictures of Manchaug Pond. This was taken Saturday morning before the Waters Farm Fall Festival opened. During both days it was amazing the number of comments about what a beautiful lake this is and how much of a treasure Waters Farm and the lake must be to the town. We are very fortunate. The people involved with the Waters Farm Preservation do an outstanding job of putting this event together. The Waters Farm Days is run entirely by volunteers who average over 20,000 hours each year to ensure the success of the farm and the Waters Farm Festival. Their hard work makes this event such a success. There is something for everyone with shingle making demonstrations, tractor pulls, house tours, blacksmithing, sugaring demonstrations and pony rides just to name a few. I am hard pressed to say what my favorite was but I did have the absolutely BEST apple crisp I have ever eaten...can't wait for next year!

Save the dates - October 3rd and 4th 2009 will be the 30th annual Waters Farm Days Festival.

MPA at Waters Farm Days - Octber 4th and 5th

This year the Manchaug Pond Association will be exhibiting at the WATERS FARM 29th Annual Fall Farm Days & Festival Saturday, October 4th and Sunday, October 5th 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day.

The MPA educational exhibit will assist you the homeowner as to the best practices you can employ around your home and landscape to protect our water resources. We all live in a watershed whether it be the watershed of Manchaug Pond, the Blackstone River or another great water resource. The exhibit will be staffed by a member of our Board of Directors and provides many handouts for you to take home.

Stop by while you are visiting the farm!


(click the link/post title for more information on the Farm Days!)

Check out these photos taken in 2006.
http://manchaugpondassociation.blogspot.com/2006/09/today-at-waters-farm-days.html

Did you know that Dorothea Waters Moran served as secretary of the Manchaug Pond Association?

319 Grant Progress, Thank You Town of Douglas!

I know this picture is not too exciting at first but it is a very special "hole in the ground".

We are very fortunate to be living in a state that supports lakes and ponds through grants like the 319 NPS (non point source pollution) grant that the MPA received last spring. There are several aspects to the grant such as educational outreach programs as well as structural modifications around Manchaug Pond that are designed to filter "first flush" nutrients that enter the lake when there is a rain storm and feed the weeds that are in the lake. These nutrients come from fertilizers, lawn herbicides, animal waste, automobile tires, and general pollution.

Our grant has seven sites that are scheduled to be worked on this fall. I was thrilled to come back after working out of town to see that the two Douglas sites have been completed which are located on Holt Road between Manchaug Campground and King's Campground.

A very BIG thank you to the town of Douglas for completing the work so quickly!

I took a ride to check them out Saturday afternoon during the rain storm and they are working perfectly. The photo above is Site #6 which has a gabion and purge pool. This site will annually filter 265 lbs of total suspended solids (TSS) per year as well as Phosphorous and Nitrogen. Site #7 down the road will eliminate 975 lbs of suspended solids per year. Combined these sites will eliminate a total of 1,240 lbs. of TSS, 1.42 lbs of Phosphorous and 7.5 lbs of Nitrogen per year.

It gets better. When completed, the 5 sites that are in Sutton will eliminate 5,361 total suspended solids, 9.24 lbs phosphorus, and 35.62 lbs. of Nitrogen from directly entering Manchaug Pond. The seven sites sites will filter over 3 TONS of pollution annually....those will be very impressive "holes in the ground".

Fall Drawdown to Begin

Yesterday, our dam owner called the MPA President to inform all of you that the fall drawdown of the water level has begun. The gates have been opened to bring the water down to the fall rule curve level. Hurricane Hanna earlier this month did bring the level up above their curve, and yes I know, perhaps the highest our water has been this summer. But it is time to bring it back down.

Don't panic! I know many of us have been longing for higher water all summer -especially those of us down the channel, in the coves and on the shallower Sutton side - but let's remember it is the end of the season. The water has to be brought down before November. Brought down before the critters overwinter in mud, before the lake begins to freeze, and brought down for the weed control.

Here's a little outline/summary of the timing of lake-level drawdown for weed control from the Lycott Enviromental's fact sheet. The drawdown reduces the number of weeds by leaving them exposed and/or freezing them. Those resistant to freezing can actually be pulled from the sediment when the ice layer is raised as the the water level is quickly brought up. This method was recommended to the MPA back in 1990 and again in 2003 by Lee Lyman of Lycott for us here on Manchaug:

~ Gradually begin the drawdown mid-September to early October taking the level "down at a rate of approximately one-to-two inches per day" to "allow certain aquatic organisms such as fresh water mussels, crayfish, turtles and amphibians to migrate to deeper portions of the water body to over-winter."

~ The lowered water level should be maintained during November and December until there is a prolonged period (5-7 days) of temperatures below 15 degrees F.”

~ Refilling should begin in “early January regardless of the weather conditions.” This eliminates concerns of unsafe ice in March and ensures successful refill as “the water body should not be in a lowered condition during the spring and/or early summer, as terrestrial plants will flourish on the exposed sediment...”

MPA has worked with the dam caretaker since 1990 to fine tune the fall/winter drawdown so as to control the weeds without having to use herbicides. Yes, some years it didn't happen or the weather wasn't with us but on the whole it has been a cost free, effective method for Manchaug Pond. We are hoping the new rule curve effort will include the weed control program in its scope.

Thank you to the dam owner for the courtesy call. Much appreciated!

The Big Guy!

Titled "The Big Guy", this photo was emailed to me this week. I had to share it with you!

THe lobster is not native to Manchaug Pond nor was he found here but the diver is! It was also reported that the lobster was released as he was too big to take home!

Dam Owner Calls MPA to Report Change in Water level

Today the MPA President received a call from the dam owner.

The reason we're open? My guess would be Hanna, Ike and the other potential storms of the Hurricane Season which give the dam owner a legitimate reason to open things up. Even though we still haven't reached our summer high for waterlevel yet. Also the previous caretaker would have given the MPA a courtesy call notify us of the opening- reason and how much - so we could "let the people around the lake know." We had a friendly working relationship with him, it would be nice if that continued with the two new caretakers. Perhaps the dam owner's spokesman will call next week with an update.

Public Hearing Continued to Oct 15

Last night the Sutton Conservation Commission once again took up the subject of dam owner's proposed new lower water level. I'll give you more details later today.... but for now...

The public still has an opportunity to submit comments and concerns as to the impact of this low water level on the wetlands, wildlife, etc to the Commission....

and we hope to see you Oct 15th at 7:00, Sutton Town Hall for the next meeting.

This is a 2006 file photo of the cove at the Old Holbrook Campground. Try fishing at that campsite! Looks more like a bog than a lake!

Tonight: 9:15 at Sutton Con. Com Mtg

Manchaug Pond is on the agenda for 9:15... the time was just confirmed by our 1st VP at the Town Hall... and they have a quorum.

See you there.

Should I mention that I submitted the requested documentation proving we have fanwort -a 2003 Aquatic Weed Survey conducted by Lycott Environmental as well as information on lake level drawdown, timing of when to lower and when to raise as well as other info.

Con Com Mtg Tomorrow Night

The continuation of the Sutton Conservation Commission's review of the new water level for Manchaug Pond proposed by the dam owner is slated for this Wednesday, September 17th in the Sutton Town Hall.



As of yesterday the secretary reported that this item is scheduled for 9:15 p.m. on the agenda. But stay tuned, I'll report here if there is a change... rumor has it that due to the large turnout and the time needed to consider the topic, the Con Com may postpone to a separate Wed. where it would be a stand alone issue at that meeting.

Will keep you posted.

Here's a photo of the Old Holbrook Place campground in 2006 when the dam owner took the water down to make repairs. You can see that Manchaug Pond, especially on the Sutton side, is very shallow. Taking the water level down 3-4 feet can leave quite a few docks stranded, coves dry and the water yards away from the shore.

Looking at this makes it very easy to understand why timing with a drawdown is SO important - why the fish kill, why boats hit rocks, how docks became useless, why wildlife was lost in the coves, and why neighboring wetlands dried this summer, etc., etc.

Water is flowing...

Yes the water is flowing and yes the blog has been too quiet.

And you asked what's new?

Today, Monday is a beautiful, cool sunny day on Manchaug Pond in the mid 60s.

Yesterday was just as beautiful with a breeze.

Saturday into Sunday early morning, Manchaug Pond received a total of 5 inches of rainfall from the remnant of hurricane Hanna. Water is running downstream from Manchaug Pond out the low-level gate and under the flashboards.

Friday, two "men in boots" were at the dam opening things up - the lowlevel gate was opened a good amount letting white water flow and the sandbags were removed from the spillway flashboards
so water could flow beneath them (remember the little stone situated under the bottom flashboard allowing water to run out the spillway even with the flashboards in...)
The reason we're open? My guess would be Hanna, Ike and the other potential storms ofHurricane Season which give the dam owner a legitimate reason to open things up. Even though we still haven't reached our summer high for waterlevel yet. Also the previous caretaker would have given the MPA a courtesy call notify us of the opening- reason and how much - so we could "let the people around the lake know." We had a friendly working relationship with him, it would be nice if that continued with the two new caretakers. Perhaps the dam owner's spokesman will call next week with an update.

Thursday. What was notable about Thursday? Well, noon was the deadline for the dam owner to get back to the Sutton Conservation Commission about the peer/third party review of their Operations and Management Plan for Manchaug Pond. The Con Comm had asked an environemental engineering company, Fuss & O'Neil, to do the review at a cost of $12,000 to be paid by the dam owner.

Weds. night the dam owner went before the Sutton Conservation Commission with a request/Notice of Intent to take a new "cautious position" in controlling the water level of Manchaug Pond at the recommendation of their engineer who is concerned about old Dam Safety Regulations. Specifically, the plan looks to follow a 1930 rule curve which the dam owner nor the previous owner followed. If the dam owner has its way, this will result in the water kept lower throughout the spring, summer and fall seasons with a lower peak finally reached June 1 and sloping right back down.

The way it was presented they didn't want to take it down to the low 1930 rule curve and agreed it was cautious and the recommendation came as a surprise to them - a real catch-22 situation- but they do have to answer to the Office of Dam Safety and operate on the side of caution and limit risk and liability.

Sooo Manchaug Pond forget your fishkills, dry coves and wetlands, recreational boating, useless docks, etc...

Information was presented by the dam owner, but sad to say their spokesperson had Manchaug mixed up with our sister pond, Whitin Reservoir. We understand that Manchaug's flashboard measure 3.5 feet not 2.7, Manchaug is tied hydrologically to Whitin Reservoir but it was Whitins which overflows into Manchaug, and their are 2,000 + dams in the state not 5,000 and if you look at the dam safety reports you'll see historically higher water levels than the reworked graphs the NOI (Notice of Intent) show. Also we understand that the gauge downstream reports the combined flow from Manchaug and Whitins... anyway... the meeting was a bit confusing not to mention you could hear the meeting in the next room better than the speaker in the Selectman's Room... the meeting was

continued to September 17th.

Join the Public Hearing for the Manchaug Pond Waterlevel!

3-Sep-2008 Wednesday 7:00PM

PUBLIC HEARING ~ WETLANDS PROTECTION ACT
Sutton Conservation Commission
Sutton Town Hall, 4 Uxbridge Road, Sutton.

Come stand with the Manchaug Pond Association in support of the lake by attending this important meeting. Of concern is the dam owner’s new plan to further lower the water level. We have already experienced negative impacts to our lake with the drying of coves, wetland and channel areas; major fish kills involving all species; decline or loss of spring peepers/amphibian populations; excessive weed growth; public safety hazards from exposed rocks; loss of revenue to town and area businesses with drop in visitors to the State Public Access Boat Ramp and campgrounds.

See what it is all about!

Caught in an Artic Votex

Where have I been?! July 28th was my last blog entry here, snuck in the one on August 2nd and now another dated August 14th! The blog has been in a big void especially with everything going on. The weatherman says we have been in an arctic vortex.... sure!



http://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/vis/a010000/a010000/a010005/index.html

http://nsidc.org/arcticmet/patterns/arctic_oscillation.html
http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA03448

Sure! I can definitely relate to that! Look at the photo of a whole lane of artic vortexes! But with all this exceptionally rainy season, the dam owner's representative reported the lake had come up only 11 inches by July 30. Two months later with plenty of help from nature, the dam owner missed by a few feet their new "Full" date goal of June 1st.

The weather has been swirling around us bring in storm after storm. But so has life and the issues the MPA is facing on behalf of Manchaug Pond. We are the busiest we have been in years! Save Wednesday evening, September 3rd on your calendar for Manchaug Pond.

Stay tuned and the next post will give you a major update!

Going back to read the comments...

Hello readers! Lets go back and read the three comments posted after the last blog entry just to catch us up with life!

Blogger leslie said...

I am a seasonal resident on Lake Manchug, after reading this article I didn't see anything that said the water level would not be an issue again next year. Is there something that the seasonal residents can do to ensure this does not happen again. Can the company that has rights to the dam leave it open again next year.

July 30, 2008 8:20 AM

Anonymous Anonymous said...

I would have asked the governor if he would commit to fast track legislation to have the Office of Dam Safety take ownership and control of the Manchaug Pond Dam. The Office of Dam Safety currently controls 341 dams throughout the state, Manchaug Pond should also be one of them.

Manchaug Pond is a Great Pond and should have enough water in it to be enjoyed by the Commonwealth(read all about it in Chapter 91, The Massachusetts Public Waterfront Act of 1866). From the website www.mass.gov/dep/water/resources/about01.htm "Through Chapter 91, the Commonwealth seeks to preserve and protect the rights of the public and to guarantee that private uses of tidelands and waterways serve a proper public purpose."

Elinor

July 30, 2008 8:55 AM

Anonymous Anonymous said...

I guess the question I would ask is plain and simple is how do we not have this promblem next year! The sad thing is that I am only a camper on the pond and we save 12 months out of the year to be there. The main reason we are there is for the joy of the water with our boat which has been sitting on its trailer. But if there is no water then there is no reason for most of us campers to be there a lot of us will be leaving the area!!

August 01, 2008 7:22 PM

more to come...