Fresh Pond responds with measured clarity over 6 feet

On Sunday, with “Secchi disk” measuring tool in hand, citizen’s statewide lake assessment volunteer Andrew Eklund canoed out to the deepest part of the lake to give us precise readings on the visible improvement in clarity since the harvest/cleanup at the start of this month.

At 1.9 meters (which equals over 6’ 3”) of clarity, Fresh Pond is responding beaturifully and vigourously with rapid regrowth taking up the nutrients that can otherwise feed harmful algae blooms.

We see fresh new lily pads again filling in and ringing the pond, providing breeding areas for fish. In a few more weeks they will bloom with attractive yellow flowers and be ready for August’s follow up harvest.

By the numbers, our measured clarity on June 8th and 22nd was only .9 meters. On July 6th, after the first two days of harvesting on the 1st and 2nd, clarity had increase to 1.5 meters, and today we are about to hit the 2 meter mark. A total of over 1 ton of lily pad leaves and stems were removed before they decayed, letting in light and triggering the regrowth.

Of course this has no impact on the cold dark bottom waters 45 feet down, which accumulate problems over decades. This fall, we’ll begin slowly and carefully cleaning the pond bottom. It will take a sustained effort, so we’ll keep you posted. Mats in the stagnant south coves will also regrow and be easier to remove in August, so recreationally, stick to open, clear water!