Bank/Trail Erosion; progressively worse!

[LindaB]

Not certain what section to place this post or images in, so here goes; (see attached images below), however I am shocked at the level of bank & trail erosion and after 10 years living on the pond, have NEVER witnessed this level of degradation.

To that end, does anyone know who or what groups "should" be concerned about this & possibly offer an even part-time solution short of a major restoration effort?

Folks, this is not a cyclic, "oh the pond will cure itself over time" problem. These are real, very evident issues that require more than an occasional meeting of several concerned citizens every 6 months.

The sheer increase in foot traffic over the last year alone coupled to arbitrary & unenforced signage simply complicates this dire situation.

Ask anyone entering the pond from the myriad of vegetation-less, adhoc trails whether they realize there's no dogs, or swimming, or whether they realize that they are contributing- to which the replies are "didn't know that"……

Here are a few shots from the Stone Root side. Click on the individual thumb nail to open a larger image - thanks for listening.
Additional images from alternate sites coming...

[Fred Lindgren]

Linda -
The groups concerned include:
White Pond Advisory Committee. Contact person Fred Lindgren (me) Fred.Lindgren@fmr.com. We have been aware of erosion and are working with the NRC on ropes and rangers. We can talk before our next meeting (July 31).

Natural Resources Commission. Contact person Delia Kaye dkaye@concordma.gov. She manages the group that sets up the ropes and barriers on Town Land, and her group hires the Rangers (they start July 2 this year) who patrol the area. She is also responsible for the signs at the entrances.

Old Pickard Trust II. Contact person ???. They own the land where your pictures are taken.

Also, the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail Advisory Committee (Contact person Tom Terry) has been informed of the threat of much more erosion if a rail trail goes through. It wouldn't hurt to keep reminding them.

Fred Lindgren
Chair
White Pond Advisory Committee

[LindaB]

Originally Posted by Fred Lindgren

Linda -
The groups concerned include:
White Pond Advisory Committee. Contact person Fred Lindgren (me) Fred.Lindgren@fmr.com. We have been aware of erosion and are working with the NRC on ropes and rangers. We can talk before our next meeting (July 31).

Natural Resources Commission. Contact person Delia Kaye dkaye@concordma.gov. She manages the group that sets up the ropes and barriers on Town Land, and her group hires the Rangers (they start July 2 this year) who patrol the area. She is also responsible for the signs at the entrances.

Old Pickard Trust II. Contact person ???. They own the land where your pictures are taken.

Also, the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail Advisory Committee (Contact person Tom Terry) has been informed of the threat of much more erosion if a rail trail goes through. It wouldn't hurt to keep reminding them.

Fred Lindgren
Chair
White Pond Advisory Committee

Thanks for the input Fred;

My fear however & as evidenced through years of the same ritualistic "non actions", is that - & let's face it, we're all busy, that it's going to take a catastrophic event to get people (those on the pond, myself included who generally choose "non" action) to aspire to an "effort".

To date & having attended numerous WPAC & Rail Trail meetings over the years, "grass roots" efforts have largely been ineffective. To that end, how many signs & ropes (all great intentions) are quickly thereafter, rendered disabled?

We collectively need to proactively get a sustained "effort" underway & leverage the "town", a town who's allocated tremendous financial input for "paved trails", yet zero towards protection of this amazing resource! Making this situation aware to Tom & company of the bfrt effort would likely have a "fox guarding the hen house effect" - judging by their level of intention/ involvement....

Again, thanks for listening & for your input.

If there are others in this community who would like to share ideas, let's hear them!

[OPFT2]

LindaB -
The pictures you show from the Old Pickard Farms Trust II (OPFT2) land is the result of decades of erosion as well as the recent increase in traffic by people and dogs. We are very concerned about the erosion and are planning a bank stabilization project which unfortunately has been delayed by circumstances beyond our control. We have already received a generous gift from the Concord Garden Club to assist in the project. It will be a continuation of the work that the Natural Resources Commission began last fall on Town land.

Of course, a project of this magnitude cannot be done by a couple of people. Because it is private land, town resources cannot be used. Yes, signs and ropes don't work - besides dogs can't read and others prefer to ignore or just tear them down. Any information on grant money available from the state or federal government would be appreciated.

And ultimately we will probably need some strong backs and willing spirits to help. Hope we can count on you.

In the meantime we have been actively involved in the political process for over 15 months to minimize the impact that a rail trail would have on our land, on the Pond and all the plants and animals who call the rail corridor their home.

[vics]

Originally Posted by OPFT2

LindaB -
The pictures you show from the Old Pickard Farms Trust II land is the result of decades of erosion as well as the recent increase in traffic by people and dogs. We are very concerned about the erosion and are planning a bank stabilization project which unfortunately has been delayed by circumstances beyond our control. We have already received a generous gift from the Concord Garden Club to assist in the project. It will be a continuation of the work that the Natural Resources Commission began last fall on Town land.

Of course, a project of this magnitude cannot be done by a couple of people. Because it is private land, town resources cannot be used. Yes, signs and ropes don't work - besides dogs can't read and others prefer to ignore or just tear them down. Any information on grant moneys available from the state or federal government would be appreciated.

Any ultimately we will probably need some strong backs and willing spirits to help. Hope we can count on you.

In the meantime we have been actively involved in the political process for over 15 months to minimize the impact that a rail trail would have on our land, on the Pond and all the plants and animals who call the rail corridor their home.

Count me in when needing able bodies to assist - I'm on White ave & can round up a few other more than concerned volunteers.
Please make contact, suggest a date & agenda.

Agreed, dogs can't read, however, people can () and as prescribed by local articles, yet completely unenforced, it is illegal for them to be in the water.

[Joan]

reply to LindaB re Bank/Trail Erosion
from joan

your pics showing erosion of the Pickard Trust land are the best I've seen. Do I have your permission to send them on to Dan Latham? Dan is one of those preparing a video showing the natural beauty of the BFRT as it winds through specific wetlands areas - and also cautions against the increasing threat to the health of White Pond from erosion caused by foot traffic from the rail bed down to the water.

[CWA]

As a water resource expert (former manager for the EPA Water Enforcement Office), I understand the value and importance of natural capital/resources. I am also a firm advocate for sustainable solutions. Therefore, I find these pictures of significant soil erosion associated with the White Pond property extremely disturbing! Uncontrolled and continual erosion (sedimentation) can accelerate the anaerobic process as well as contribute to the eutrophication of this water body. This basically will cause the death of White Pond, both from an ecological and recreational perspective.

From the posted notes, there appears to be multiple problems here, but they are (and should be) all connected to the health of White Pond. They are all watershed and water quality issues. I think a holistic protection program is necessary in order to be sustainable and assure the longevity of this natural resource. (Quite frankly, posting signs are not even band-aid solutions -- it is clearly an insult to its worthiness and of how much White Pond has given in terms of supporting natural habitat and the pleasure of the residents.)

I would be happy to help in your cause. In the meantime, I'll check with my colleagues (federal, state, and local people) to gather more information and to see who should/would be concern about this problem. Hopefully, I can offer some concrete advice in my next posting.

[LindaB]

Originally Posted by Joan

reply to LindaB re Bank/Trail Erosion
from joan

your pics showing erosion of the Pickard Trust land are the best I've seen. Do I have your permission to send them on to Dan Latham? Dan is one of those preparing a video showing the natural beauty of the BFRT as it winds through specific wetlands areas - and also cautions against the increasing threat to the health of White Pond from erosion caused by foot traffic from the rail bed down to the water.

Hi Joan - Yes of course, please use pictures as you wish!