Biological Indicators of Watershed Health: HEX HATCH 2010

As the rain comes down the Mayflies (Hexagenia) are hatching! Flying in large numbers just above the water causing fish to jump and the swallows to dive! Last year it happened June 10th, with our 1st Vice President blogging it here and her neighbor reporting it as the largest hatch he had seen in his 75 years on the lake. She wrote:“One of the best indicators of the health of a lake are the bugs that call it home. Last night there was a significant Hex hatch (Hexagenia a.k.a. Mayfly) and this morning I counted over 120 that were resting on the screens and doors of my house. According to my neighbor Harry, this is the largest hatch he has seen during his 75 years on the lake. These Mayflies are a great indicator that our lake is healthy. Mayflies are loved by Trout as well as the local Robin who has been plucking them off the deck.” Click in the title for a link to the EPA Bioindicators information.

Have you looked out your window lately? Moose in Sutton!

Can you believe it?!  This moose was caught on camera in Sutton just about 2 weeks ago on the south side of Central Turnpike! Mass Wildlife says when you see a moose to stay a respectful distance away and enjoy the sight of this magnificent animal! I’d like to add to that advice: Don’t approach BUT get the camera, zoom it, take the photo and then be sure to email it to me so I can put it on the blog!! Click here for more info from  MassWildlife’s Living with Moose This moose sighting so close to home brings to mind the importance of open space as wildlife corridors. A past president of the MPA worked with the Metacomet Land Trust to begin the Lake Manchaug Greenway and Wildlife Corridor, an effort which seeks to establish a wildlife corridor just south of the area this moose was found which links the Douglas State Forest with the Sutton State Forest and Purgatory Chasm. Here’s a look at the Metacomet map below of Sutton’s protected lands – Manchaug Pond is on the lower left side straddling the Douglas and Sutton line.  A huge thank you to the photographers who captured the moose …

Did you see us in the Telegram today?! C4 Outdoors

“A very special boat raffle is being held to benefit the preservation of Manchaug Pond, a favorite fishery of many local bass anglers….”  Mark Blazis, Outdoors columnist, Worcester Telegram June 8, 2010. A HUGE thanks to Mr. Blazis for his kind words today promoting our first fundraiser for the Manchaug Pond Foundation.  It is truly an honor to be included in his column with the many educational pieces about Massachusetts wildlife and the anecdotes of the many people who work and enjoy the woods and waters of our communities.

Thoughts on the Raffle – with ONLY 10 TICKETS AVAILABLE !

Here’s a heads up for all you faithful readers:  there are ONLY 10 RAFFLE TICKETS LEFT – yes, only 10! – so if you’ve been meaning to email me about getting a ticket you had better do it right now!   When the list of supporters/participants is posted – and your name or company is not listed – don’t say you didn’t have a chance! So here we go – email: ManchaugPondSecretary@gmail.com   or    infoMPA@charter.net or call George at 774-280-2328. If you are in the area, we’ll deliver your tickets.   If you are not,  just let me know and we’ll hold your ticket. You can put your check, made payable to “Manchaug Pond Association”, in the mail to MPA, P.O. Box 154, Manchaug, MA  01526.  I’ll send you your free chicken barbecue ticket and your raffle ticket! We have received some wonderful responses and support!  Here’s a few comments:  “This isn’t about winning a boat, its about supporting the lake.”“My husband and I enjoy going to Manchaug Pond and would like to purchaseraffle tickets and attend the barbeque.” “I need a ticket this time around so I’ll be on the list for next year!” “Only 100 sold – I like those …

Water Quality? Here’s results for the entire Blackstone River system

Check out Manchaug Pond on the Blackstone River Coalition’s water quality map.  Be sure to check out different years and times of year, the inlet and outlet. http://zaptheblackstone.org/interactive_map/index.php Manchaug Pond is the headwaters of the Mumford River which is a tributary of the Blackstone River. JUNE IS NATIONAL RIVERS MONTH!

Boating Basic Course in SUTTON Held!

The end of last month a Boating Basic Course was offered by the Environmental Police and held at the Sutton Fire Department’s Station #2 down on Manchaug Rd in Manchaug. (the village not to be confused with the pond) 4 nights, 2 1/2 each night, 52 attendees – both adults and children. The result:  all passed the 50 question exam held the last night and all came out with a increase knowledge of the rules and regulations of our waterways  and of boating safety. A certificate is received by all securing a 70 or above which allows children to drive a motorized boat and 16 and 17 year olds to operate a jetski.  It is a great program with laughs shared as Environmental Police instructors tell their stories of law enforcement on the Connecticut and Charles Rivers, at Quabbin and on other inland lakes and along the coast – Check out the link for the next class:  http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dle/dlecours.htm or adults can try the online course:http://www.boat-ed.com/ma/index.htm Under 18 must receive classroom instruction and take the proctored exam.  This is required for all 16 and 17 year olds wanting to drive a jetski/personal watercraft. May 22 – 28   Safe Boating Week!   Be …