Preserving the Watershed for Doe and Three Fawns

Good to see you all at yesterday’s Annual Meeting! It looked like standing room only but I did miss a few of you regulars who could not attend…

Reports and updates on our 319 stormwater grant projects, the monitoring and control of invasive weeds and the new Asian Clam infestation, water quality testing, and discussions of how our organization can grow to address current issues and future impacts on the lake and watershed… the MPA may be 42 years old but we remain at the forefront of the issues and activities that relate to Manchaug Pond. More than once we have wiped sweat from our brow in service to this lake and the watershed!

This fawn was all my camera could capture as it walked with the doe and two siblings in Area 3. Look to the far left to get a glimpse of the others entering the woods. It is common to see them grazing in the fields or walking from the wooded area of the Public Access Boat Ramp to a neighboring area. The white spots are still present on the backs of the three fawns. The move of the MPA to expand our present status as an organization to a larger non-profit can work to preserve not only our lake but also our watershed. We can build on past efforts with the Metacomet Land Trust and the Sutton Conservation Commission to protect open space and receive more lands for the Lake Manchaug Greenway and Wildlife Corridor. This larger non-profit will also allow us to accept the private grants we have had to refuse this year because of our current non-profit status and open the door to larger public and private grants to preserve Manchaug. And hopefully as the Secretary of Environmental Affairs states in his certificate for Manchaug Pond, we will be allowed to preserve the size and scope of the waters of this Great Pond.