Lake Management GroupPresentation

to the

Shareholders

Why the Formation of the Lake Why the Formation of the Lake Management Group (LMG)?Management Group (LMG)?

The future of many of Massachusetts’ lakes is at stake. Aquatic nuisance species, pollution, shoreline and watershed development and storm water issues threaten the health of our lakes.

Hickory Hills remains one of the healthiest lakes in the Commonwealth, due in large part to our continued commitment to lake management.

It is critical that citizens become involved and take an active role in improving the health of their lakes and protecting this valuable resource.

The Need for Lake ManagementThe Need for Lake Management

Biological surveys of the lake have been conducted Biological surveys of the lake have been conducted periodically since 1993. periodically since 1993.

Water quality testing is conducted weekly during the Water quality testing is conducted weekly during the summer months.summer months.

A harvester is used for aquatic vegetation A harvester is used for aquatic vegetation management on the main lakemanagement on the main lake

Chemical treatments have been applied to Little Chemical treatments have been applied to Little HickoryHickory

Dedicated volunteers manage/remove loosestrife and Dedicated volunteers manage/remove loosestrife and other nuisance vegetationother nuisance vegetation

The Board of Directors have taken a proactive approach to The Board of Directors have taken a proactive approach to responsible lake management, and along with many dedicated responsible lake management, and along with many dedicated volunteers have long been successfully managing the lake volunteers have long been successfully managing the lake environment.environment.

Every Lake has a LifecycleEvery Lake has a Lifecycle As a lake matures, leaves, weeds, and other As a lake matures, leaves, weeds, and other

organic matter decay and settle to the organic matter decay and settle to the bottom, creating a fertile environment for bottom, creating a fertile environment for more plants to take root and grow, die and more plants to take root and grow, die and decay…decay…

Over time, the bed of the lake rises enough to Over time, the bed of the lake rises enough to support marsh species, creating wetlandssupport marsh species, creating wetlands

Wetlands fill in to become grasslands and Wetlands fill in to become grasslands and meadowsmeadows

Grasslands become forestsGrasslands become forests

Some factors can speed up the Some factors can speed up the “Aging” Process“Aging” Process

Storm waters wash fertilizers, silt and Storm waters wash fertilizers, silt and debris into the lakedebris into the lake

Upstream human and animal activity can Upstream human and animal activity can erode the watershed and bring even more erode the watershed and bring even more silt and debris into the lakesilt and debris into the lake

Equipment and boats that have been in Equipment and boats that have been in other waters can carry invasive weeds, other waters can carry invasive weeds, mussels and algaemussels and algae

In January of 2009, recognizing that a In January of 2009, recognizing that a focused, comprehensive effort would serve focused, comprehensive effort would serve the lake well, the Board approved formation the lake well, the Board approved formation of a Lake Management Group.of a Lake Management Group.

The group was chartered to evaluate all The group was chartered to evaluate all aspects of our lake environment and to aspects of our lake environment and to identify issues that may now or in future identify issues that may now or in future affect the natural health of the lake. This affect the natural health of the lake. This group consists of dedicated lake residents group consists of dedicated lake residents from various areas of Hickory Hills. from various areas of Hickory Hills.

HHL LMG’s MandateHHL LMG’s Mandate

Evaluate the quality of the lake ecosystem Evaluate the quality of the lake ecosystem and identify potential issuesand identify potential issues

Research options to address issues Research options to address issues Recommend best courses of action to the Recommend best courses of action to the

BoardBoard Provide timely, in-depth information Provide timely, in-depth information

Issues Identified to Date Issues Identified to Date

Silting/ SedimentationSilting/ Sedimentation

Aquatic VegetationAquatic Vegetation

Storm WaterStorm Water

ErosionErosion

Specific areas of noteSpecific areas of note

Silting/sedimentation Island Silting/sedimentation Island Road/Mulpus Inlet CoveRoad/Mulpus Inlet Cove

Inlet Flow MonitoringInlet Flow Monitoring

Recent buildup of sediment and debrisRecent buildup of sediment and debris

Aquatic VegetationManagement

Main Lake SurveyMain Lake Survey

B-Watershield

Pa-Largeleaf pondweed

Pe-Ribbon-leaf pondweed

Pn-Floating-leaf pondweed

Pr-Robbins pondweed

P-Mermaid Weed

Ny-White Waterlily

U-Bladderwort

V-tapegrass

S-Submersed Arrowhead

B-Watershield

Pa-Largeleaf pondweed (Gray area – 40-60% Cover)

Pe-Ribbon-leaf pondweed

T-Cattails

P-Common Reed

Little Hickory SurveyLittle Hickory Survey

BladderwortRecently an increase in the amount of Bladderwort has been noted.

Bladderwort is not new to the lake; has been noted in previous survey reports and identified as a dominant species

Over 200 species of bladderwort, 13 in Massachusetts – species currently in lake are native

varies in abundance from year to year based on numerous environmental factors such as water clarity, water temperature, water level and other climatic patterns and conditions

Density this year not necessarily indicative of density next year

Bladderwort propagates from year to year primarily by dropping Winter Buds. It can also spread by tubers or fragments and by seed, although these are not the primary means of reproduction.

LMG and Board of Directors will continue to monitor. Mitigation measures will be explored and implemented as necessary.

Storm WaterStorm Water Subcommittee is investigating potential Subcommittee is investigating potential

storm water issuesstorm water issues 41 storm water structures in Hickory Hills, 41 storm water structures in Hickory Hills,

23 identified as potential issues23 identified as potential issues

Storm Water Structures HH AreaStorm Water Structures HH Area

Erosion & SedimentationErosion & Sedimentation

Existing Management TechniquesExisting Management Techniques to be Continued to be Continued

Planned ManagementPlanned Management Water Quality TestingWater Quality Testing Vegetation Survey every 2 yearsVegetation Survey every 2 years

HarvestingHarvesting Aquatic Management Main Lake & Little Aquatic Management Main Lake & Little

HickoryHickory

Management TechniquesManagement Techniques for Further Exploration for Further Exploration

Hydro rakingHydro raking

Erosion Control MeasuresErosion Control Measures

Benthic BarriersBenthic Barriers

Storm water Management Storm water Management

Hydro RakingHydro Raking Mechanical raking (Hydro-Raking) is a widely Mechanical raking (Hydro-Raking) is a widely

used and effective technique for area selective used and effective technique for area selective removal of nuisance, rooted vegetation. removal of nuisance, rooted vegetation.

In some situations the Hydro-Rake is also used In some situations the Hydro-Rake is also used to clear accumulations of unconsolidated bottom to clear accumulations of unconsolidated bottom debris (i.e. decaying leaves, peat, muck). debris (i.e. decaying leaves, peat, muck).

The Hydro-Rake can best be described as a The Hydro-Rake can best be described as a floating barge upon which is mounted a backhoe floating barge upon which is mounted a backhoe with several different size and functioning rake with several different size and functioning rake attachments. attachments.

If approved by the Board of Directors, the Hydro Rake would be utilized at various locations on the main lake and perhaps at Little Hickory.

The possibility of allowing individual homeowners to contract with the vendor for individual beach clean up is being explored.

Hydro Raking AdvantagesHydro Raking Advantages

Operating range in water depths of <1 feet to 12 Operating range in water depths of <1 feet to 12 feet feet

Removes plants and roots systems Removes plants and roots systems One Hydro-Raking typically provides seasonal to One Hydro-Raking typically provides seasonal to

1-3 years or longer of nuisance plant control 1-3 years or longer of nuisance plant control Clearing of selective areas including beaches, Clearing of selective areas including beaches,

boating/fishing lanes, etc. boating/fishing lanes, etc. No chemical introduction or water use No chemical introduction or water use

restrictions restrictions Minimal disturbance to shoreline landscapes Minimal disturbance to shoreline landscapes

Erosion Control TechniquesErosion Control Techniques Rip Rap & StonesRip Rap & Stones Silt SacksSilt Sacks Vegetative CoverVegetative Cover

Silt Sack Section ViewSilt Sack Section View

Benthic BarriersBenthic Barriers

Benthic barriers, also known as benthic mats or bottom screens, are mats that are installed on the bottom of a lake to inhibit the growth of invasive aquatic plants.

Barriers consist of dark, light blocking fabric that is held at the bottom of the lake by weights. The The benthic screen limits light to the bottom of the benthic screen limits light to the bottom of the lake, thus helping to preclude the growth of lake, thus helping to preclude the growth of aquatic vegetation. aquatic vegetation.

Before PicturesBefore Pictures

Lake HollandBelchertown, MATaken October 8, 2007

After PicturesAfter Pictures

Storm WaterStorm Water“One of the greatest threats to the quality of

water in our lakes and ponds and the health of the aquatic environment is storm water pollution.”

“Storm water can carry a variety of contaminants

that may degrade the receiving waterbody

including: nutrients, sediments, bacteria, metals,

toxic substances, trash, and warmer water with

low dissolved oxygen.”

Massachusetts Lake and Pond Guide

Over the next several months, the Over the next several months, the Storm Water Sub-Committee will:Storm Water Sub-Committee will:

Investigate storm water issues and Investigate storm water issues and structures in the Hickory Hills areastructures in the Hickory Hills area

Identify possible problemsIdentify possible problems Research possible mitigation Research possible mitigation

techniquestechniques Make recommendations to the LMG Make recommendations to the LMG

& the Board of Directors& the Board of Directors

Hickory Hills is one of the few Hickory Hills is one of the few remaining water bodies in remaining water bodies in

Massachusetts that does not Massachusetts that does not have invasive species. have invasive species.

Through diligence, preventive Through diligence, preventive management and education we management and education we

can keep it that way!can keep it that way!

LMG Budget ProposalLMG Budget Proposal

The LMG has suggested a budget of an The LMG has suggested a budget of an average of $12,000/yr over the next five average of $12,000/yr over the next five years. years.

These funds, contingent upon the These funds, contingent upon the approval of the Board of Directors, will be approval of the Board of Directors, will be utilized for numerous lake management utilized for numerous lake management activities.activities.

Valuable Information/Lessons Valuable Information/Lessons from other Lakes in the from other Lakes in the

CommonwealthCommonwealth

Morses Pond, Wellesley Morses Pond, Wellesley

A shallow man made lake that covers approximately 105 acres, mostly in the Town of Wellesley with a small portion in the Town of Natick. Since at least the early 1970s the pond has exhibited symptoms of over fertilization including recurrent algal blooms, reduced transparency, and dense aquatic vegetation growths that have impaired recreational water uses and important aesthetic and wildlife habitat functions. The 2005 Comprehensive Management Plan for Morses Pond recommended a budget of $2.3 million to be expended over a five year period.

Fawn Lake, Bedford, MAFawn Lake, Bedford, MA

Fawn Lake is a 12-acre, man-made recreational lake experiencing deteriorating water quality and decreased recreation use caused by nuisance aquatic vegetation. The management technique chosen was a combination of hydro raking and chemical treatment at a cost of $100,000 for 8 acres. It should be noted that both treatments will likely need to be repeated periodically.

Poontosuc Lake, Pittsfield, MAPoontosuc Lake, Pittsfield, MA Poontosuc Lake is a 480 acre great pond.

Principally, the lake’s problems are heavy infestations of exotic weeds, most notably Curly-leaved Pondweed and Eurasian Water Milfoil and high concentrations of pollutant loading from storm water runoff. . Many treatment alternatives are being Many treatment alternatives are being evaluated including (but not limited to) evaluated including (but not limited to) herbicide treatment, hand pulling, herbicide treatment, hand pulling, harvesting, benthic barriers & draw down.harvesting, benthic barriers & draw down. The cost of herbicide treatment alone is The cost of herbicide treatment alone is over $46,000.over $46,000.

Potential threats in Potential threats in MassachusettsMassachusetts

Zebra MusselsZebra Mussels The mussels can attach themselves to all

types of living and nonliving surfaces

Once present in a water body, almost impossible to eradicate

Mussels choke out other animals and vegetation

Boats that have been in infested waters must be thoroughly disinfected by:

• Draining, flushing, cleaning & drying the boat

• Clean with bleach and high pressure water

• Boat must dry for at least one week in dry weather and up to 30 days in cool wet weather

Recently found in Laurel Lake in Massachusetts

Invasive Aquatic PlantsInvasive Aquatic Plants

Water ChestnutFanwort

Eurasian Milfoil

There are numerous invasive aquatic plants currently in Massachusetts, preventing them from entering the lake is critical!

Purple LoosestrifePurple LoosestrifeAlthough beautiful, this invasive plant can take over a wetland and choke out natural vegetation.

Thanks to the “Loosestrife Vigilantes” many infestations of Loosestrife have been removed by hand pulling.

You can help! Contact the LMG or the office for Information on removing loosestrife from your shoreline.

Public EducationPublic Education Public education and outreach is critical to the Public education and outreach is critical to the

success of any Lake Management Plan. success of any Lake Management Plan.

The LMG will continue to publish valuable information The LMG will continue to publish valuable information in the Waves, distribute literature and hold fun and in the Waves, distribute literature and hold fun and educational events. educational events.

Weed Classes provided by the Department of Weed Classes provided by the Department of Conservation and Recreation will continue to be Conservation and Recreation will continue to be offered.offered.

Visit the Hickory Hills website for more information on Visit the Hickory Hills website for more information on the LMG’s research. the LMG’s research. www.Hickoryhillslake.com

We encourage your active participation!We encourage your active participation!

Lake Management MembersMario AndellaPhyllis AndellaEmily ArulpragasamJega ArulpragasamMelvin (Tom) BertramPaula BertramJack BieryJeannette BieryDana DudleySuzanna DudleyPeggy GormanCharlie KimballPaul LawnJim LeBlancBetty MacDonaldDave MacDonald

Fred MalcombLinda MalcombCharles MartinecJoanne MartinecMike NaultBob NovacekStephanie NovacekDiane NowdTommy NowdKathy OliverMario PattacchiolaJean PearsonRon PearsonBernadette ProginEileen RamsdenKerry Sullivan

Interested in Joining? Contact Betty MacDonald: davebettymacdonald@comcast.net * 978 582-7474

QUESTIONSQUESTIONS