ATTENTION SUTTON VOTERS! Vote YES and Protect Manchaug Pond Watershed
“Special Election Nov. 24 to protect Whittier Farms The Town of Sutton is holding a special election on Tuesday November 24th, 2009 from 7am-8pm to consider a debt exclusion of $280,000, for the purpose of becoming a co-holder, with the State of Massachusetts, of an Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) on 314 acres of land currently owned by Whittier Farms Inc. The APR program is a voluntary program that offers an alternative to owners of farmland who choose to see the property protected rather than sell it for development. The APR program offers to pay farmland owners the difference between the “fair market value” and the “agricultural value” of their property in exchange for a permanent deed restriction that prevents the land from ever being developed for anything other than a farm purpose. The Whittiers are seeking the APR for 378 acres of land: 314 acres off Town Farm Road and Douglas Road in Sutton and 64 acres in Oxford. The State Department of Agriculture has determined that the Town’s share to co-hold the APR is 10% of the State’s acquisition price. The special election on Tuesday November 24th, 2009 is for the voters to consider the debt exclusion of $280,000. …
Walkingstick – the Insect
This unusual insect was captured by our Area 1 photographer during last week’s warmer weather. Resembling a twig or stick, as they are 2 – 3+ inches long, they easily blend into the landscape – but are easily spotted on the house window. The field guide tells us that all walkingsticks, including our Northern Diapheromera femorata, live in the deciduous woods and forests feeding on the foliage of trees and shrubs especially oaks and hazelnuts. Interesting is their “amazing ability to regenerate lost legs.” “Females drop eggs singly. Eggs overwinter among ground litter and hatch in spring, when nymphs push open domelike ends of the eggs. Nymphs crawl up woody vegetation at night to reach edible foliage.” Further it notes that their stick-like appearance camouflages them from birds seeking food during the day. And “when many femails are dropping eggs, the sound is like the pitter-patter of light rain.”
Drawdown Continues. Patching the Road.
The dam owner continues to take Manchaug Pond’s waterlevel down. And some patch work is seen on the road.
More of Yesterday’s Sunset – Red Skies at Night!
These photos in from Area 1 taken from on the northern end of the lake. Thanks to the photographer who sent them in! and the last
Blueberry Island
And here is another shot of Blueberry Island. Watching the fog form tonight with the fantastic sunset was a great November treat with the temp. staying around 60 degrees!
Fog and a Sunset of Red
With temperatures close to 60 F, a fog has settled on the lake as the sun sets. Geese can be heard honking in the distance, but a look it their direction is clouded by fog and grey skies – the opposite of what we see here.
More Photos of the Bald Eagle on Manchaug Pond
Here’s our adult bald eagle sitting in a tree in King’s Family Campground last week. Many thanks to the MPA member who sent them in! Beautiful!
State Decides to Limit Boat Ramp Parking
The state Office of Fishing and Boating Access has set limitations to parking in state public access boat ramps. Here are the numbers for our Manchaug Pond: Total Trailer Spaces: 28 Maximum July 1 through August 31: 14 Maximum September 1 through June 30: 22 View today from the ramp looking north to the lake and south to Holt Road. http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/pab/fba_parking.htm
Dam Owner Removes Trees Growing Into Manchaug Dam
BEFORE: AFTER: