Manchaug Boat Ramp on Town Agenda
An agreement concerning the Manchaug Pond state boat ramp has been worked out between MassWildlife and the town of Sutton. January 17, 2012 the Sutton Board of Selectman reviewed and approved the details as follows: Fee structure of $6 for in state and $12 for out of state users. (no change) User fees collected 24/7 (new- expands from seasonal weekends to daily, year round) Lockbox/honor system for collection (new) Police patrols, with fines for non-payment. Discussion noted the fees as another revenue source for not only the maintainance of the ramp and quality of the lake but for the maintenance of the dam. “No dam, no need for the ramp.” The Manchaug Pond Foundation is continuing to work closely with the town on this new arrangement.
Why Did the Turkey Cross the Road?
Why did the turkeys cross Manchaug Road? ….. to get to the Y basketball courts at Camp Blanchard!
Ice Forming
Ice is seriously forming on Manchaug Pond as seen from Area 1 off Manchaug Road at the big rock. Many are dreaming of ice fishing, hockey, snowmobiling, snowshoe, crosscountry skiing, 4 wheeling and more…
The big picture – Mass Bass Federation Conservation Director Speaks Out
Of interest is the following editorial appearing in the Worcester Telegram written by a friend of Manchaug Pond, Eric Kaplan the Conservation Director of the Mass Bass Federation: Tuesday, January 10, 2012 AS I SEE IT A win for the environment By Erik Kaplan The problem is serious. More than 500 power plants in the U.S. belch 48 tons of mercury pollution each year. During the recent holiday season, most Americans were busy making their lists and checking them twice, and weren’t paying attention to whether Congress was being naughty or nice. Fortunately, President Obama and the Environmental Protection Agency gave us a big dose of holiday cheer — new limits on mercury and other toxic air pollutants that spew out of coal and oil-fired power plants. Some in Congress are still preparing to deliver the proverbial “lump of coal” not just to our stockings, but to our lungs, to our airways and, most frighteningly, to our children’s brains, by blocking clean air safeguards against harmful air pollution from mercury and other pollutants. But the Obama administration’s action will make it a bit harder for polluters and their allies to threaten our health. The problem is serious. More than 500 power …
Sacred Sunday
Ring-necked Ducks visiting Manchaug Pond on New Year’s Eve
Ringed-neck Pheasant on Manchaug Pond
You never know what, or who, you will see when you look our your window here in the watershed of Manchaug Pond! Today, walking casually down the road, was a new bird this writer had yet to see this close to the lake: a ringed-neck pheasant! He walked down the road, across a neighbors lawn, along the shore to the water’s edge, stood on a rock to look around, and then flew across the channel over to the other side. Here’s a close up: Did you know their feathers are used in fly tying!
Winner of Patriots Raffle Has A “Very Good Time”
Our recent fundraiser, the Patriots Ticket Raffle, not only brought in needed funds for our effort to preserve our water level, but also great excitement for those buying and selling tickets as well as the winner and his guests! 4 tickets were presented to the holder of winning ticket # 200 (the last ticket printed!) Thank you to all who participated and to the Patriots for winning this game!
The Ones Who Made it out Alive!
Here’s a photo of a few wild turkeys from a flock of about 40 who ventured up the driveway of a Manchaug Pond home in the Douglas woods a couple days after Thanksgiving. Thank you to the vegetarian photographer for sending this in!
Manchaug Pond Dam Subject of Grant for Hydropower Study
Sutton Town Administrator Jim Smith reports the town has been awarded the Green Communities’ Grant in the amount of $140,000. Included in the list of items earmarked to benefit from these monies is a feasibility study looking at hydropower at the Manchaug Pond and Stevens dams. The grant was part of the administrator and selectman’s decision and push to align the town’s goals with the Green Community initiative. Selectman Geraghty stated the grant was very substantial for a town the size of Sutton. Past photo of the Manchaug Pond dam with flow from the low level gate. Past photo of Stevens Pond dam.
Thankful on Manchaug Pond
Turkeys visiting the Old Holbrook Place campground a few years ago. Manchaug Pond from Waters Road – October 2008 Manchaug Pond shoreline – Oct 25, 2008 The covered bridge photo from Sutton Falls Family Camping