Back to Basics
The Mission of the Environmental Committee is mirrored in the Goals of the
Big Alum Lake Association:
* maintaining a healthy lake eco-system through regular lake/watershed
testing and monitoring
* educating residents about lake ecology and threats to water quality
* promoting public safety and safeguarding the pond's wildlife and
environment
* encouraging a sense of community for lake residents
* maintaining and operating the dam and controling the water level
of Big Alum Lake
Starwort |
The initial cost to the Association for the 2009 Spring/Summer contract
with Lycott Environmental was $4,850.00. In a survey conducted on June
26, 2009, Lycott found on much of the eastern and northern shorelines a moderate
growth of Starwort (non-invasive). If left untreated this weed can
become invasive. Lycott says that the Starwort could have been introduced
by ducks or geese, but the weather may have influenced the growth as well. |
| Lycott also found a greater than usual growth of clouds of Filamentous
algae. Lee Lyman proposes that the shoreline beginning at the launch
ramp and continuing along the whole eastern shoreline and north cove area
into the northwest cove be treated for both Starwort and Filamentous algae.
This is a considerably larger area than we have treated in the past.
Due to this increase in treatment area, the Spring/Summer 2009 contract
will be $6,500.00, an increase of $1,650.00. this figure also includes
treatments, pre and post treatment surveys, year-end report and management
plan for 2010. With approval from the membership, these areas are scheduled
to be addressed on July 14. |
Filamentous
algae |
On June 8th at the Sturbridge Annual Town Meeting it was voted to create
the Sturbridge Lakes Advisory Committee (SLAC). This committee will
be made up of two representatives from each of the five Lake Associations
(Big Alum, Cedar Lake, South Pond, Walker Pond, and Leadmine Pond), one
representative from Brimfield Dam, one from the Board of Selectmen, and one
from the Conservation Commission. This advisory committee will be focusing
on such issues as the quality of the lakes, area watershed, and lake safety.
Below are a few links to valuable information on how lake residents can become
educated about preserving the water quality of Big Alum now and for gererations
to come!
1) Sturbridge Conservation Commission - Town Website -
http://www.town.sturbridge.ma.us
2) Vegetated Phosphorus Buffer Strips, What Are They And Why Do We Need Them?
-
http://www.pwd.org/pdf/water_resources/05_vphosb.pdf
3) Attention Boaters! Stop the Spread of Invasive Species! -
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/waterSupply/lakepond/downloads/boatingBrochure.pdf
4) Department of Conservation and Recreation - Lakes and Ponds Program -
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/waterSupply/lakepond/publications.htm
5) Massachusetts Buffer Manual -
http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/reg/MABufferManalMADEP.pdf
Tammy Chase, Big Alum Environmental Chairperson
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