Dear LMPA Members,
We hope you are enjoying your summer on the lake. We had great participation in our first “Light up the Night” event on the 3rd of July as well as the annual Boat Parade. Congratulations to the Sweeney’s for winning the best boat for the second year in a row. This could be the start of a dynasty!
If you have spent anytime in the north basin you surely have noticed the extensive weed growth, particularly the large leaf pond weed which is growing to the surface. As we discussed at the LMPA Annual Meeting, the weed problem was somewhat expected given our inability to proceed with the extended drawdown of the lake last winter. We want to remind everyone that the monitoring and management of weeds in Lake Maspenock are under the jurisdiction of the Town of Hopkinton, specifically the Department of Public Works (DPW) who also manage our dam. For several years, the DPW has been advised on weed status by a citizens advisory committee in which several lake residents and LMPA members/officers participate. The advisory group created an operating plan approved by the Town of Hopkinton, for weed monitoring and management. A copy of this can be found on the LMPA Website (go to the Town Advisory Tab on the home page).
The DPW, Town Advisory Committee and LMPA continue to work together to ensure we can resume the extended drawdowns. As we have previously communicated, there is one homeowner on the lake that has expressed concern about impact to their water supply which prohibits us from the doing the deeper drawdown per the agreement with the Conservation Commission. We are working to resolve this issue.
Although the operating plan includes several options for weed management, the extended drawdown is the preferred method. Due to timing, other options will not be pursued for treatment this summer.
Many of you have asked who you can contact at the Town of Hopkinton to express your concerns or preference for a specific treatment approach for the weeds. The best contacts are:
- John Westerling, Director of Hopkinton Department of Public Works Email: jwesterling@hopkintonma.gov
- Norman Khumalo, Town Manager
Email: nkhumalo@hopkintonma.gov - Lake Maspenock Weed Management & Control Advisory Group
Email: maspenockchair@hopkintonma.gov
For the remainder of the season, please be careful boating in the north basin as we have had reports of issues with clogged water intakes and propellers. If you have a boat with a propeller we suggest putting your engine in reverse regularly which many times will clear any weeds that may be wrapped around the prop. Clean and clear your water intakes regularly after boating through the weeds. Please also be careful swimming in the areas affected by the weeds such that you do not risk entanglement.
This is a frustrating situation for all of us who enjoy our lake and we are working diligently to be in an improved situation for the next summer season.
Regards,
The Officers and Board Members of the Lake Maspenock Preservation Association