Lake Cochituate State Park Vegetation Survey Results June 2006 July 24, 2006 Morse Institute Public Library Natick MA Photo: M. Gildesgame ©
Dec 16, 2015
Lake Cochituate State ParkVegetation Survey ResultsJune 2006
July 24, 2006Morse Institute Public LibraryNatick MA
Photo: M. Gildesgame©
Lake Cochituate State Park Vegetation Surveys:
Introduction
• Goal of surveys was to update the status of the aquatic plant community in Lake Cochituate
• Surveys by ENSR International and GeoSyntec in three ponds of Lake Cochituate and Fisk[e] Pond during June 2006; follow up surveys in August 2006
• Results are draft, subject to final quality assurance review
• The 168 survey points used are the same as 2003 survey in Lake Cochituate
• Fisk Pond had 20 survey points (new)
Lake Cochituate State Park Vegetation Surveys:
Key Findings
• Overall plant coverage and density was similar to 2005 survey
• Eurasian milfoil found in all ponds except Fisk Pond; mostly low density except for South Pond and a few areas in Middle Pond
• Variable milfoil dense in Fisk Pond, a few plants in South Pond
• Curly leaf pondweed found in Middle and South Ponds• Water chestnut dense in Fisk pond, a few plants in
South Pond
Lake Cochituate State Park Vegetation Surveys:
Next Steps North PondNorth Pond
1.2 acres E. Milfoil (vs 0.6 in 2005)
No other invasives found
• Buoy off all areas with E. milfoil to prevent spread
• Hand pull existing infestations & monitor
• Investigate new netting/ ”maze” system to allow boat passage and reduce fragment inflow from Middle Pond
Lake Cochituate State Park Vegetation Surveys:
Next Steps Middle PondMiddle Pond 19 acres E. milfoil5 acres Curly-leaf pondweed
• Mats at swim beach and boat ramp area
• Weevil pilot in high density areas (50 to 75% cover)- final location determined by consultant
• SolarBees, location to be determined in consultation with University and Solarbee– University to carry out study
looking at if and how they affect invasives
– Pre-installation monitoring through late Sept
– Pond circulators installation late Sept/early Oct for 1 yr.
Lake Cochituate State Park Vegetation Surveys:
Next Steps South PondSouth Pond
44 acres E. Milfoil 3.9 acres curly-leaf pondweed1.4 acres variable milfoila few water chestnuts
• Prevent establishment of water chestnut with twice monthly survey/removal w. chestnut
• Possible SolarBee near Pegan Cove (proposed)
• Possible weevil pilot if not in Middle Pond
Lake Cochituate State Park Vegetation Surveys:
Next Steps Fisk PondFisk Pond
35 acres variable milfoil 30 acres water chestnut
• Obtain dam inspection & report
• Consider nets in tunnel to South Pond, post warning signs
• Long term- harvesting program for water chestnut
Lake Cochituate State Park Vegetation Surveys:
SPENDING PLAN
Management Action FY07 Acres Managed
NORTH PONDClose off infested coves to boat traffic, handpull/mat $11,000 1.2New barrier/net system (costs unverified) $5,000
MIDDLE PONDBenthic matting for beach and ramp areas $20,000 0.5Solar Bee pond circulator unit 1, study $50,000 up to 10 acres per
site??
SOUTH PONDWater Chestnut monitoring and removal (once/month for 3 month season, May-July)
$2,000
Solar Bee pond circulator unit 2, study (costs above)Weevil pilot project in dense patches $20,000 1
FISK POND
Tunnel net installation and monitoring no cost FY07Dam Report (to be completed by Office of Dam Safety) no cost
TOTALS $108,000 +/-23 acres