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

Lake Cochituate State Park Vegetation Surveys:

Questions?