Waterlevel Stablizes at 3 '' Over Full

Here's an update on the water level for those of you who can't just look out the window!

As of yesterday we are 3 inches over full but the height of the water on Manchaug Pond had leveled off, with no change reported in a 24 hour period.

Last Saturday morning while the sun was shining and before the rains came, the low flow gate was opened to the max. It remained open as the rains came down bringing 5 inches or more to the area. The significant run-off from a saturated soil of the watershed accounts for heavy water running into the lake and the considerable increase in the level. With the lake on a steady rise and an over full level, flooding was the concern. - some homeowners already reporting damage to docks and sunk boats. Weds morning a board was taken out of the spillway to further arrest the rising waters. Thursday morning's reading showed success with no increase in the water level.

Driving around the lake earlier in the week, on Manchaug Road in Sutton and on Oak Street, Douglas, I could see how the storm drain grant will not only benefit the lake but also the roadways where large puddles form and streams of water slow traffic and make for ice conditions in cooler temperatures.

Blue skys, warmer temperatures, and no rain are in sight for the weekend. Last evening I watched an eagle circle and glide high above the treetops over Torrey Road for quite a while and then head across the lake toward Area 8. Seems this magestic bird was also enjoying the spring sunshine.

Bald Eagle Preliminary Count

MassWildlifeNEWS
Released January 29, 2007
BALD EAGLE PRELIMINARY COUNT FIGURES

"Preliminary eagle count reports from a concentrated surveying effort on January 5, 2007, by MassWildlife staff and volunteer observers resulted in 49 American Bald Eagles and 1 Golden Eagle. This event was part of a two week nationwide Midwinter Bald Eagle Survey conducted annually in January. Sightings from observers and other interested citizens are still coming into the office. These reports will be compiled and analyzed at a later date.

A tally of eagle sightings by area from the January 5th survey are as follows: 21 --Quabbin Reservoir (16 adults, 5 immature); 11 -- CT River (adults); 2 -- Westfield River (adults); 1 -- Sandisfield (adult); 1 -- Blandford (adult); 2-- Wachusett Reservoir (adults); 3 -- Merrimack River (adults); 6 -- Lakeville/Middleboro area (4 adults, 2 immature); 2 -- Watuppa Pond, Fall River (adults); 1 -- Westport River, Westport (adult); 1 -- Great Herring Pond, Plymouth (adult). The Golden eagle and two new eagle nests were seen at the Quabbin Reservoir. As of 2006, there were at least 25 known nesting territories in the state with successful fledging of 16 eaglets.

Eagle restoration efforts have been funded over the years from a number of sources; funding has come from the former Bank of Boston, and hunting and fishing license fees (Massachusetts' Inland Fish & Game Fund), the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Fund, as well as support from National Grid, federal aid from the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Massachusetts Audubon Society. Citizens who wish to contribute to other protection and restoration efforts for important rare wildlife and their habitat can donate directly to the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Fund or contribute on the "endangered wildlife conservation" line on your Massachusetts income tax form with all such contributions being deposited into the Fund. To those who have donated over the years: Thank You! For those who haven't, please join us in supporting this important wildlife conservation effort."

http://www.masslive.com/weblogs/print.ssf?/mtlogs/mass_therepublican/archives/print222338.html



http://www.firstlightpower.com/eagles/default.asp

Water Over the Causeway

The waterlevel is up! The two inches plus of rain and the inch of snow
cover has the water level up so that the causeway wall is under water
and the Big Rock at the other end of the lake as of yesterday only had
about 6 inches showing. The water is roaring out of the Manchaug dam but
the dam at Sutton Falls is also roaring. The water coming in, rain, snow melt and runoff from the watershed is bringing us ever closer to full! (Remember Lycott Environmental told us our lake was fed by runoff from the watershed not spring fed.)

Also the spring newsletter is in the making. If you would like to submit an
article, historical piece, question to the Skipper or an editorial, children's piece,
classified advertisement or announcement - all are welcome! I did have two individuals ask if their name could be left off their submission. Fine by me, but please be sure to credit original authors, or references for historical pieces, and quotes.

Why the Grant for a Non-point Source Pollution Project?

Many may think the lake is in great shape but those who have enjoyed it's waters for 20, 30 or more years tell a different story. "You could see the bottom clearly!" and less weeds!

Today's Telegram and Gazette ran an article about new EPA regulations and the Route 20 sewage treatment plant. "Environmental officials have attributed low oxygen levels in the bay (Narragansett Bay in Rhodes Island) to the Blackstone River, and in part to the wastewater treatment facility and to companies that border the river," the article reports. There is some debate whether or not the treatment plant is really to blame. The concern is the "release of nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients which increase algae and other plant life that, when the die, reduce oxygen in the water."

What does this have to do with Manchaug Pond, you ask? Well, let me quote a description from our grant project: "The Pond (Manchaug) is 303d listed impaired by organic enrichment, low dissolved oxygen, and noxious aquatic plants and exotic species. Manchaug Pond directly feeds the Mumford River, which leads to the Blackstone River, both rivers are also 303d waterbodies." Now clearly the Route 20 facility has nothing to do with us, but our lake is suffering similar problems and feeds both the Blackstone and the Bay. The grant project directly targets the primary causes of water quality problems in the pond. The first component of the project identifies seven prioritized sites, 5 in Sutton and 2 in Douglas, where roadway runoff will be controlled and filtered. This will reduce nutrients, sediments and erosion.

Three other components of the project will use education as a means of reducing and or eliminating other nonpoint pollution stemming from homeowner practices and horsekeeping activies.

A spokesman for the EPA was quoted in the Telegram as saying of the Blackstone and the Bay, "It's a less healthy ecosystem. It's not able to sustain the eco-life and fish and water systems that you would want to see."

The MPA continues to fulfill its mission statement: "To promote the welfare and correct use of Manchaug Pond and the contiguous area."

A Boat Ramp in the News

Manchaug Pond Public Boat Ramp Winter 2007


Today I found an interesting article in the Worcester Telegram which
tells of an effort to build a boat launch at South Meadow Pond in
Clinton. What I found interesting is that the state Office of Fishing
and Boating is supporting a small ramp which allows "only boats that
can be brought in on top of cars, such as canoes and kayaks."
Fishermen, the neighboring property owner and the Town - Selectman,
Department Heads and a subcommittee - support a larger ramp which
would allow the parking of cars with trailers. Mr. Jack Sheppard,
Director of the state Department of Fish and Game, which encompasses the
fishing and boating access office, believes "the pond size, wetland
considerations and financial factors dictate that a car-top access is
most appropriate for this location."

The Manchaug Pond boat ramp is also a ramp under the jurisdiction of the Department of Fish and Game, presently managed by the Town of Sutton. Previously it was managed by the DEM. Overuse, illegal parking of the Torrey Road and neighbors' property, dumping on Blueberry Island are among the reasons the MPA asked for town management which include a gate, port-o-let and a gatekeeper on weekends during the season.


For more info:
This site offers maps of state ponds by town and then if you click the site you get a topographical view.
http://maps.massgis.state.ma.us/PAB/viewer.htm

For a list of all the Public Access Boat Ramps visit this site of the Dept.
of Fish and Game. Click the numbers to the far right for their list of
fish prevalent at each pond.
http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/pab/pab_facilities.htm

Eagle Spotted in Area 7

Just received a call that the eagle was sighted twice this afternoon in Area 7. I sure would love a photo if someone can get the camera out fast enough!

Check my past post on eagles for the link to the eagle cam to see adults nesting, laying their eggs, hatching and raising their young.

Keep your head up!
:-)

Spring Blooms, Snow Melt and Higher Water

Spring is here! The ice and snow are history and my daughter looking forward to her first swim! Here the snowdrops are blooming in the yard once again having made their first appearance in January.


With a good snow cover in the watershed and the lake covered in ice, the high temperature and strong winds caused a tremendous melt which brought the lake up quick. I haven't heard how much the lake went up but the gate had been opened 12" and then closed down to 8" and then this week to 6". This retain more of the melt and bringing us closer to the level Interface considers as "full". What usually isn't in the equation this time of the year is the ice. This month the lake was totally covered with ice! Damage looks to have hit only a few docks and the channel markers. The markers are bent back toward the south as the ice flow was thick and strong. The camera battery is charging so I'll get you a photo later.

A nearby dock took on a wacky Z shape as the ice flow pressed on. It was amazing as the front legs of the dock was only in a couple inches of water before the wind started breaking up the ice and never was damaged in past years. Splintering the front sectionin half and pushing the legs down, it is a sight. A dock across the lake has the crooked leg syndrome, otherwise I haven't heard of any other damage. The rock of the channel blocked the ice flow preventing damage in the area beyond and then most of the coves offered protection.

Wind + Ice = Damage

Let me tell you, check your dock and anything else you may have in or a few feet away from the lake! If you don't live on the lake, it is worth taking a ride down. My neighbor was kind enough to give us a heads up! The flag is out straight as the wind is incredible! It is blowing across the lake toward the channel and has broken up the ice and sent it crashing into the shore bringing anything in its path with it!

Morning Photos and the Nonpoint Source Pollution Grant Project

Today my kitchen window thermometer has reached a high of 71 degrees. And yes, it is in the sun. :) Here's a few photos taken this morning.

Also, I am pleased to report that the Manchaug Pond Association Proposal for the s.319 Nonpoint Source Competitive Grants Program for the "Manchaug Pond NPS Improvement Project" is a go! Our start up meeting with the project managers - CEI's civil engineer (he made the presentation at the MPA annual meeting 2 years ago) and environmental engineer - has been scheduled for April. The paperwork process is complete: forms submitted, letters for affirmative action and to establish the MPA as a vendor have been sent, project scope and sequence approved, and the contracts signed. Total cost of the project is $219,370 with the U.S. EPA funding 58.9% with $129,250 and the MPA and towns of Douglas and Sutton matching with 41.1% with $90,120 worth of services. Specifically the EPA pays for the engineers, the designs of the bioretention and leaching catch basins, vegetated swales, and plunge pools construction materials, educational material, and supplies. The matching contribution is the use of the towns highway department's construction equipment and the salaries of the highway super, foreman, operator and staff and the volunteer time of MPA.

Eagles Go Home to Nest

A lake neighbor shared her story of watching the eagles this winter as they perched on this tree in front of her home. An adult and immature eagles where regularly seen over a few months this winter.



If you missed the eagles on Manchaug Pond or would like to see more, check out these websites! The first has great photos of both adults and young, perched and in flight. The second and third site are eagle cams - a movie camera pointed at the eagles' nest which will take you through the nesting, egg laying and hatching and the raising of the young eaglets.

http://www.eagletmomsters.com/prints.html

To watch eagles nesting in Massachusetts, check out this site.
http://www.firstlightpower.com/eagles/default.asp

Or in Washington State, this site.
http://wdfw.wa.gov/wildwatch/eaglecam/index.html

Explore those sites for links, movies, eagle sounds and more. And check in daily!

Readership Skyrockets! Membership Increases!

MPA is on the right course. The readership for the blog has skyrocketed! And MPA membership continues to increase! This demonstrates the 40 year old association knows the concerns of the lake and the people who use it and is proactively moving forward.

Our blog counter shows the numbers for this month already significantly higher than totals for February. We're talking daily numbers from 11 to 45 times higher than the numbers from the beginning of last month! The counter keeps track of new and returning visitors as well as their view of different pages as well as specific days and subject searches! For instance someone did a search looking for info on "Manchaug Indians", another on the District. As for the numbers, clearly the day after the Sutton Selectman's meeting at the Senior Center stands out and builds more from there. I guess press is good - even if you are missquoted, portrayed as the bad guy, or are billed as having a single issue.

and the MPA mailbox was smiling with checks when I checked it Friday - unsolicited donations and new and old members renewing their committment for 2007. This was an unexpected surprise to me as the treasurer and I had not sent out dues requests yet - people used the membership form in the newsletter. That mail brought us a couple new members on the Sutton side and a substantial donation from an associate member, also from Sutton. A few Douglas members, 40 plus years on the lake, also voiced their support with a check. A dear senior member also sent her check in a lovely card with a lighthouse.

The MPA President reminds me we must actively work to protect and enhance the quality of Manchaug Pond. The job of the 20 MPA elected officers and area representatives is to feel the concerns of the entire membership, bring it to the board meetings, do the research and present the experts with the facts and experience who can enable all of us to make the right decisions. He further states we have to follow the mandate of the majority of the people: we have received 2 unanimous votes at crowded meetings of over 100 attending, a third meeting held in December had only two individuals (one in the proposed district boundary, one not) who spoke against.

Base your continued support on facts and on the welfare of Manchaug Pond. This is not a Sutton issue or a Douglas issue, it is a Manchaug Pond issue.

We asked for the Towns' blessings before we proceed, to inform them and to have their recognition that this is important enough for lawful consideration. We urge the Board of Selectman to see the benefits to the quality of Manchaug Pond, the benefits to the shoreline property owners and deeded waterrights, and the benefit to the many users through the Public Boat Ramp, campgrounds, Waters Farm, YMCA camp and community who enjoy both the view and the waters.

The first meeting of the District will hold a FORMAL VOTE to continue or dissolve. Staff will attend training for municipal districts. The District will follow municipal rules mandated by the Act passed by the legislature and signed by the Governor, and District Bylaws for quorum, membership, and ensure that every property owner in the District receives notifion and has an opportunity to vote either in person or by proxy, and that only ONE vote per household be allowed. Others living in the watershed, campers, tenants and adult children, cousins, siblings will not have a vote but will be encouraged to participate as a "Friend of Manchaug Pond."

Let's do it right. Based on fact not fiction and fear.

Basic Town Services Give Life Lines

Thursday I thanked the Sutton Fire Department for the safety ladders by the dam, thinking of a boy who had fallen through the ice near Swenson's Island many years ago and not realizing that Thursday night the Douglas Police and ambulance service would assist one of our youngest lake residents.

Deepest appreciation to the Douglas Police Department and ambulance service for their quick response to the call and for finding their way through those dark and winding remote roads in record time. I am told a number of cruisers responded, blocking traffic to allow passage of the ambulance.

Also worthy of our gratitude is the Douglas Highway Department for the plowing and sanding of these private ways and for the decision makers who realize that safety of all our citizens uppermost - even during a budget crunch.

Here's the quote for the day: "Sometimes we must do more than our best, we must do what is required." Winston Churchall

Lake Still Thawing

March 22nd and we still have a lot of ice and snow covering the lake. They'll be no swimming in March this year! Funny how some years the lake is frozen in November, others not at all, and this year we didn't see ice until January.

Thanks to the Sutton Fire Department for the safety equipment.

Snow Melt to Bring up Waterlevel

For our property owners in other states, let me tell you it is 57 degrees, sunshine, blue skies and no wind. Beautiful day! Fuddy the caretaker of the dam was happy with this snow cover as he explains that this will melt and give us water to fill the lake for the spring level. Fuddy thinks we are in good shape. :)

Caretaker Opens Gate

This photo was emailed in and titled "Waiting for Spring!"

The Interface Dam Caretaker opened the gate agood 12 inches to take care of this snowstorm and the tremendous amount of runoff expected.

Our lawyer did say that with all the "what if" of the future, the ONE THING WE CAN BE CERTAIN OF IS THAT GUILFORD IS GOING AWAY!

I knew he was right, but I never thought I would hear that news yesterday.

Those opposed to the District say that the state regulates the water level for Manchaug and that no dam owner could drain it down. Maybe to an extreme, but every year I see it different. Reality is that there is about a 9 foot spread. NINE FEET! up or down, whatever is seen fit and still within the state range!


Our Dam Caretaker is a wonder! He does a tremendous job! Thank God the caretaker is dedicated, and concerned about keeping us happy and will spend the time needed to fine tune the lake level on a daily basis. Thank God over the years Guilford was concerned about the residents on Manchaug Pond. NO state official tells Interface to open the dam, the caretaker watches the Weather Channel, sees a storm coming up the coast or whereever and opens the gate days ahead. The state does require the flow for the sewerage treatment plant at the mill and for the town of Douglas which is maintained but most times the reports show the flow is THREE TIMES what is required by the state.


How about flooding? MY neighbors first floor has been flooded when the lake was high a few years back. My sister-in-laws whole septic system, yard for that matter has been under water in the spring. Property damage, pollution...

How about our weed control -no cost, no chemical, lake-level drawdown? We accomplished that by developing our relationship with the dam owner and the caretaker over the years to fine tune when he takes the water down in the fall, how much and when he brings it up late winter.

Thursday's Selectman meeting I noticed that the great majority of those who spoke against the Districtlive high and dry on Manchaug Rd, Torry Rd, or in the watershed not even on the lake or with waterrights and most didn't have a dock in the water, nevermind a boat or have been seen swimming in recent years.

My husband's 28 ft pontoon boat is on mud right now. We wait for Fuddy to bring up the waterlevel in the spring to "put" our boat in the water. Then when the water is up, we watch that it doesn't get too high as we have had many springs were the part of the dock is under water. A good lake wind and high water can put that boat on the dock! Try to move a 28 ft boat on a windy day! Or see how much fun that boat is in a dry spring or when the open gate keeps us dry or low.

Whining? No, just facts. Just honest, realistic concern. If you support the District or are concerned about the future of our dam, and the waterlevel, speak to the Sutton Board of Selectman at their meeting tomorrow at 7 at the town hall or any first or third Tuesday or call the Town Administrator and talk about it.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Today is St. Patrick's day and here's a bit of Irish blessings for you. If any of our members of Irish ancestry wishes to submit a few more words of wisdom - please do! And

yes I know... I have already been asked what this has to do with Manchaug Pond as first it was the Native Peoples and then it was the Swedish who settled most of the shores of Manchaug Pond not the Irish! Well, today's Manchaug Pond is a blend of many nationalities, backgrounds and experience. And St. Patrick wasn't Irish either!

May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life's passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!

View of Manchaug Pond from Area 8, Summer 2006

Wishing you always...
Walls for the wind,
A roof for the rain
And tea beside the fire.
Laughter to cheer you,
Those you love near you,
And all that your heart may desire.
Stairs leading to a home in Area 7

May neighbours respect you,
Trouble neglect you,
The angels protect you,
And heaven accept you.


Fall asters on the earth embankment, Manchaug Pond Dam 2006


Bless those minding cattle,
And those minding sheep,
And those fishing the sea
While the rest of us sleep.

Water's Farm Days 2006


And remember, Murphy was an Irishman:

Murphy's Law
Nothing is as easy as it looks.
Everything takes longer than you expect.
And if anything can go wrong,
It will, at the worst possible moment.Area 1, 2 fall 2006

And one for Saint Patrick whose feast day it is:

Legend of Saint Patrick
Good St. Patrick travelled far, to teach God's Holy Word
And when he came to Erin's sod, a wondrous thing occurred
He plucked a shamrock from the earth and held it in His hand
To symbolise the Trinity that all might understand
The first leaf for the Father
And the second for the Son
The third leaf for the Holy Spirit
All three of them in one.
Manchaug Pond 2006


If God sends you down a stony path,
may he give you strong shoes.
View of Manchaug Pond from ramp at Public Boat Ramp 2006

May your day be touched
by a bit of Irish luck,
brightened by a song in your heart,
and warmed by the smiles
of the people you love.
Some Neighbors of Area 5 & 6

May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at you back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
May the rain fall saft upon your fields.
And, until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Public Boat Ramp, fall 2006

Have a restful day!

Sutton Selectman's Meeting Last Night

Click the title of this blog entry to read what the Telegram reporter got out of last night's meeting.

After hearing Sutton Selectmen last night, one, or I should say two, things stay uppermost in my mind:

1. we need a district to give ALL PROPERTY OWNERS a voice! whether you love or hate the MPA, whether you're a Douglas or a Sutton resident, whether you're a registered voter or not, whether you're a business or individual, whether you have been on the lake 106 years or 1 year, whether you formed the association or never heard of it, whether you swim or otherwise use the lake you live on or not. A District would give you the vote by ballot or proxy and the facts- you'd decide. Whether you want a Dam or not. Whether you want chemical weed control or not. What action or non action you want on any other subject.
(see MPA's Proposed Objective #1 for the District: "Provide a strong, single voice for the over 120 current property owners abutting Manchaug Pond who reside in 32 communities in 7 states.")

2. we need to remember our common goal is the welfare of Manchaug Pond! There was no vision in that discussion last night. Actually there was more accusations than facts or discussion. No direction, or planning for the future.

Here's a beautiful photo of Manchaug Pond from Water's Farm in Sutton.

Yesterday's Questions: My Taxes and the District

Yesterday's questions came from a caller and neighbor in Area 3 I haven't talked to since the summer. (Winter hibernation!)

She asked:

Q: If I chooses to support the Manchaug Pond Watershed District, where will my tax money go? The town general fund? Will I get a separate bill? How much will I have to pay?

A: All tax money assessed for the District will go to the District. You will be billed by the town on your property tax bill (quarterly in Douglas and semi-annually in Sutton) with the amount for the District appearing as a separate line item. The amount you are taxed will depend on two things: first, the budget you and other members vote on at the District's Annual Meeting the year before and secondly, the assessed value of your property which is determined by the Town. This makes for a proportionally fair assessment.

The MPA has proposed a first year budget of $8,000 based on the expenses of other Massachusetts watershed districts and state requirements for municipalities. This would include a bond for the treasurer, audit, mailing costs for the annual meeting warrant, and a stabilization fund, and perhaps but may not be needed, attorney fees and town fees reimbursing the tax collector's office for services in the collection of your money. Given the average home is valued at $350,000. you are looking at an $82. tax for the year spread out in 2 or 4 payments depending on your town. The town would then cut the District a check for the amount collected.

Q. I was told the District would be required to hire a full time engineer and a full time caretaker for the dam. Is that true?

A. No, there will be no paid employees of the District. The day to day functions of the District will be carried out by the District Clerk (elected yearly), the Treasurer (elected yearly), and a Management Committee of three individuals (elected, staggered three year terms): all are volunteers and all elected and property owners in the District.

Currently, the dam's ownership is still with Interface Fabrics Group. The Manchaug Pond Watershed District is being modeled after successful, experienced Massachusetts' Districts formed in the 1990's, who have helped us develop/project a realistic budget. These Districts do own and control their dam and use the volunteer staff for daily monitoring and adjusting of the water level and many of the maintenance needs such as mowing, brush cutting, etc of the dam. With Manchaug Pond's dam, every other year the services of an engineering firm would need to be contracted for the state required dam safety inspections - this is not a full time position.

Sutton Calls Meeting on the District

A MPA member called the MPA President today from Florida for an update an lake events as he hasn't gotten his Massachusetts mail in awhile. So if you haven't gotten your mail from the Town, or the MPA newsletter, here's the latest meeting announcement!




The Sutton Board of Selectman has called a public meeting "with the abutters of the Pond to hear your support and concerns." The Meeting will be held this
Thursday, March 15, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. at the Sutton Senior Center on Hough Road in South Sutton. (Off of Whitins Road ) The Board of Selectman explained in their letter, "We have heard many discussions by the association about the benefits of forming such a district, but as a Board we feel that we have yet to actually hear from the Sutton residents..."

The MPA encourages all to attend, both Douglas and Sutton property owners on Manchaug Pond, with waterrights and, if you like, those who rent or have other interests. You do not have to be a registered voter or a Sutton resident to attend and voice your opinion.

If you cannot attend the meeting Thursday, the Board ask that you contact them in writing: Selectman Chairman, Sutton Town Hall, 4 Uxbridge Road, Sutton, MA 01590,
Or participate in the Public Comment Period during the Board's regularly scheduled meetings at 7 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of every month,
Or email Selectman Clerk for the Board at Fattman4sutton@gmail.com

See you there!

Flashboards Going In

The Interface employee and caretaker of the Manchaug Pond dam, gave the MPA a call this morning to update all of you on today's activities with the dam.



He reports that he has to open the gate a bit to take the water down so he can get the flashboards back in. Once the boards are in, he will begin filling the lake for its summer level.

This photo was taken June 10, 2006.