Wonder of Winter!
Stepping on the ice for the first time this year, the 2 year old exclaimed, “Mommy! Where did the lake go!”
This Saturday – MACOLAP Lake & Pond Management Workshop
Join us! At least 4 representatives from Manchaug Pond will be at the Mass Congress of Lake and Pond Association Conference this Saturday, January 23, 2010 from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm at Worcester State College. 10 different workshops to choose from ranging in topics from Diver Assisted Suction Harvesting to Lake Law to Community Preservation Act Funds to Eurasian Watermilfoil… not to mention some old favorites – 319 grants, rain gardens, lake-level drawdown and tree removal on dams. $25 pre-registration with lunch included. Check the website to do so. http://www.macolap.org/
Ice Auger at 7:19. All Is Well
The USGS has an realtime updated map of recent earthquake activity. Check for yourself: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/ A July 1980 Manchaug Pond Dam MA.00955 Phase I Inspection Report of the National Dam Inspection Program of the Department of The Army New England Division, Corps of Engineers states: “The dam is located in Seismic Zone 2 and in accordance with recommended Phase I guidelines does not warrant seismic analysis.”
Warmer Weather
Yesterday’s morning temperature was in the low single numbers, today we have warmer weather!
Don! Was that you on your new snowmobile!?
Don, is that you on your new snowmobile!? Black or green? or is that you on the yellow one!
No Limo on Manchaug Pond – Telegram Reports
There is no limo parked on Manchaug Pond.Photo of Quaboag Pond by T&G Staff Tom Rettig Head deeper into the local newspaper, the Worcester Telegram, for an article on our “cherished pond and dam” (yes you got that right! Manchaug is a cherished pond!), which recaps the situation arrived at by our dam owner this past summer and fall: the development of an “unofficial agreement” with another local potential buyer for the dam, the state’s suggestion for an ownership transfer with an endowment, the refusal of an offer made in good-faith by a Manchaug Pond non-profit, cooperation by the town for development of a hydroelectric power bylaw, and the dam owner’s continuance of the breaching process.
As Snow Falls, Keep Heads Up Friday for Intensive Eagle Count
In reporting the two eagles sightings earlier this week, MassWillife Information and Education Biologist Marion Larson has invited all of us to join Friday’s statewide sruvey effort. “Perhaps you (or nearby neighbors) can keep an “eagle eye” out for a bird on Friday as part of our concentrated eagle count. Just call in the sighting (or email here) to our office–508-835-3607. We appreciate your enthusiasm for eagles! Marion” Further noted on their website: http://environment.blog.state.ma.us/blog/On January 8, 2010, agency biologists and many other cooperators will take part in a statewide effort to survey of the coast and major rivers, lakes, and reservoirs for eagles. We even expect a helicopter, generously provided by National Grid, to help count eagles in the Quabbin Reservoir and along the length of the Connecticut River. I’ll probably be posted at the Enfield Lookout at Quabbin Reservoir in Belchertown to answer questions and watch for eagles….Last year, volunteers and state wildlife staff spotted a record number of 80 eagles (with 26 eagles spotted at the Quabbin Reservoir) during a one day survey in January. Photo taken this summer on Manchaug Pond.
Heads up! An Adult Bald Eagle Just Flew By!
2 for the eagle survey count here on Manchaug Pond! This time an adult, last time a juvenile. As I sat at the kitchen table minutes ado, I saw the big bird gliding directly toward me – huge wingspan was the give away it was a big bird. With the camera in front of me, I thought I could catch a picture as it flew by the window… white head and tail clearly visible … but that delay from the time you press the button until the shutter moves left us with this I can’t see it among the branches. :(( It was close so it should be easy to spot. Next time, perhaps. I’ll email MassWildlife education biologist Marion Larson with this sighting!http://environment.blog.state.ma.us/ By any chance did anyone capture that sunrise this morning – pink and blue stripes?
