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WATERLEVEL UPDATE August 17th : Lake water level 1″ below the flash board The dam was opened a short time earlier in the week to bring Steven’s Pond up. Dam presently closed with rain in the forecast. Work also done on the road – berm replaced and road leveled. Questions? Concerns? Ask them here with the MPF.
With rain here and there through the summer season, the dam caretaker reports that from the end of June to present we have had the water level at 2 inches over full to full. The goal is to maintain that level until mid to late September and then begin the slow drawdown to take us into winter and control the invasive weeds. For the last month, the town has been releasing the minimum flow required for the Mumford River from Stevens Pond. Yesterday morning, the gate at Manchaug was opened 2 inches to supply some extra water for Stevens Pond as their level has dropped from full to 8 to 9 inches below the top board. Forecasts for the end of this week say 1 to 2 inches of rain are possible, that should keep both ponds full or near full.
On this bright, sunny day, what should slowly fly by on the shores of Manchaug Pond but a Luna moth! Actias luna. A pretty spectacular sight as the wingspan is 3 to 4 inches! For more information try these links: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Actias_luna http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Actias-luna
10 year old Jack is ready for a new adventure. He’s a happy, healthy neutered male cat who loves being indoors and out. Weds, at his annual checkup, he received his shots and his vet said he was in perfect health. He’s litter box trained – thank you – but loves the wide open spaces to roam and explore. If you have a home for him, email here.
MPF President David Schmidt signs final documents preserving 100 acres for Manchaug Pond.Treasurer Andrew Mosher at left and attorney James Vevone look on. The signing of final papers by MPF President Dave Schmidt and his report of “done deal!” marks the end of a gallant and incredibly successful and intense effort to preserve 100 acres of Manchaug Pond watershed with 875 ft of shoreline. MPF ownership of the Beaton property has been realized. The current tenants and agricultural use will remain long-term, complimenting the neighborhood’s focus of agriculture, and preserving the current use. No sale, no development, and contrary to reports by the Telegram, no thoughts or plans for a visitor’s center by the MPF – respect to the privacy of our tenants and preservation of the natural state of the property to enhance Manchaug Pond and the watershed is our sole focus. Our deepest gratitude: to the MPF Board of Directors – 20 individuals whose vision, leadership and hard work make Manchaug Pond a better place. to the Sutton Town Administrator and Board of Selectman for giving us their right of first refusal and the chance to try our hand at the conservation of this significant parcel. to the …
LOOK AT THAT! Here it is July 15th and the lake waterlevel is at FULL! Three cheers to our dam caretakers from the staff at the Town of Sutton for their diligent work at the dam! For getting those flashboards in early! For keeping the waterlevel safe during tropical storm Andrea! For maintaining FULL through the season! For checking the dam and controls daily and being on call 24/7! All of us with homes, cottages, and camps around the lake, campers at Manchaug Pond’s many campgrounds, the near 180 children who visit the YMCA each day for day camp, the many recreational boaters who dock here, those that come to the campground for day swimming, the boaters and fishermen who access the waters through the Boat Ramp, those who ride by and love the view, and those that live downstream ALL extend our hearty thanks in appreciation! Bravo!
Do you love our newsletter? Well, the next issue of the MPF’s Splash is slated to hit your mailbox within a month. It is currently in committee with our officers and committees putting together articles, updates and notices of future events with plenty of photos for your information and enjoyment. If you have a photo you would like to share, a story from the days of old, a great cookout recipe, a lake joke, or fishing tip – whatever! send it in to MPFsplash@gmail.com. If you are not on our mailing list, let us know or send a donation large or small to MPF, P.O. Box 154, Manchaug, MA 01526 with your name, address and email address (so you can receive our email notices!) Looking forward to hearing from you!
Monday’s sunset:
The waterlevel is at FULL, right at the top of the flashboards. 1 1/2″ of rain fell with today’s downpours. Dam caretaker’s goal is to maintain FULL through the season – weather permitting. Questions? Concerns? Ask them here with the MPF.
