April 2020

Dear Friends and Smart Protectors of Lake Attitash

The clear water we now enjoy in Lake Attitash is the result of a major grant award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Massachusetts Department of Environment Protection. This grant’s purpose is to mitigate the significant health hazards of blue-green algae or cyanobacteria blooms that used to plague our lake.

In March 2019 our first alum treatment was completed. We will be seeing a second treatment this spring. The excess nutrients that have accumulated over the decades in the sediment of our lake feed the cyanobacteria. The alum treatment settles as a ‘blanket’ on the sediment, sealing in the nutrients so they do not enter the water column and feed the cyanobacteria. The deepest layers of sediment are in the deepest areas of the lake and contain the highest levels of excess nutrients. This supplemental alum treatment will provide an additional layer of protection in the deepest section of the lake.

This one day treatment is expected to take place in May 2020.

What can residents who live in Lake Attitash Watershed do to prolong the benefits of this grant? Our responsibility is to limit the flow of nutrients and pollutants from entering our lake.

This is our watershed:

 What is a watershed?

A watershed is an area that drains into a common waterway, such as a stream, lake, estuary, wetland or even the ocean. Watersheds provide our drinking water, habitat for wildlife and the streams and lakes that we use for fishing, boating and swimming.

Why is it so important to manage storm water within our watershed?

Large impervious surfaces such as roofs, driveways and parking areas prevent rain from being absorbed into the earth. As this water passes over these impervious surfaces it picks up sediment loaded with nutrients from fertilizer; bacteria from animal poop; and pathogens and chemical pollutants on the way to the storm drain. Any water that enters a storm drain, or flows from your property to a nearby stream or to the lake is “untreated,” which means that the polluted sediment is not filtered out by the earth or allowed to settle out like it might if it were directed into a raingarden or retention basin. There are many local storm drains that empty untreated runoff directly into Lake Attitash.

 

What can we do to reduce water use, and help rain water seep into the ground rather than run off into a storm drain or directly into the lake? 4 great ideas!

1. Rain Barrels

Rain barrels collect rainwater from your roof gutters. This water can be used for gardening. A rain barrel can save an average of 1300 gallons of water during peak summer months.

Amesbury no longer has a rain barrel program but a quick search on the internet will give you many good local options. They are affordable and now come in many different models to fit your aesthetic needs.

2. Rain Gardens

A rain garden is simply a shallow depression in your yard that is planted with native wetland plants, wildflowers, shrubs or grasses. Correctly placed across an area where storm water flows it absorbs the runoff, takes up the nutrients and filters the water. Check out the Lake Attitash Association website for information and contact the LAA for assistance.

3. Buffer Gardens

Buffer gardens are planted on the water’s edge and serve as a living filter because they capture many of the pollutants that flow through them. Their root systems hold the soil in place, prevent erosion and provide a beautiful addition to your view.

4. Porous Surfaces

When planning or renovating a patio, walkway or driveway, use porous materials like pervious pavers, gravel, sand, or stones when you can. Avoid black top if possible.

If we reduce the amount of unfiltered water running off into Lake Attitash using these 4 methods we will be protecting our lake.

One more thing…..a reminder about dog poop!

The LAA has been getting many complaints about unleashed dogs at the State boat ramp area! It is tempting to just let your dog out without a leash to do its business in this open grassy area but it is illegal, creates a health risk, adds harmful bacteria and nutrients to our lake that can promote algal blooms and is very inconsiderate.

Common courtesy calls for us all to protect walkers by cleaning up after our dogs. It is more than mere courtesy, it is a matter of public health and environmental protection. According to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services pet waste can cause nasty infections in humans, such as Giardiasis (which can cause diarrhea, cramping, fatigue, and weight loss) and Toxocariasis (which can cause vision loss, rash, fever, or cough, and is a particular threat to children exposed to parasite eggs in sand and soil).

And it’s not just the droppings that are a problem. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection warns that dog waste left on lawns, roads, parking lots, beaches, and other surfaces is washed into streams, lakes and ultimately the sea. The solution? Always pick up your dog’s waste and properly dispose of it by flushing it, burying it, or trashing it.

Most department and pet stores sell pet waste bag dispensers and refills at a low cost. Please consider using one of these which can conveniently clip right onto your pet’s leash and provide you with a bag to clean up pet waste wherever you are!                                               

 This project has been partially funded with Federal Funds from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection under an s. 319 competitive grant.

In the spring of last year alum was applied around the lake at depths of 11.5’ or more.  At depths less than this, it was determined that boat traffic would disturb the sediment and disrupt the effect of the treatment.  Approximately 195 acres of this 365 acre lake was treated. Previous testing showed that the primary source of the nutrients that feed the cyanobacteria is in the sediment. Phosphorus has accumulated there for decades. Research also showed that the deepest levels of sediment are in the deepest parts of the lake.  Fortunately enough funds were provided for in the Dept. of Environmental Protection grant to allow for an additional treatment to be provided this spring in the deeper acreage of the lake that wasn’t treated originally.  Of course it still needs everyone to be good lake neighbors and keep phosphorus out of the lake.  Please click on the “Protect Your Lake” button on the home page to see what you can do.  Thank you.

During the past year the water in Lake Attitash was amazingly clear and free from invasive weeds.  It was as good as folks have seen in many years.  The good news is that a permit has been issued to once again manage those nasty invasive weeds.  This is primarily targeted to manage Curly Pond Weed and two forms of Milfoil.  Water Chestnuts are also kept under control by volunteers hand pulling them in Back River when ever they are found.  The Lake Association has a hearty group of weed watchers who scour the lake for any suspect plants and report their findings so action can be taken.  Please click on the “Weed Watchers” button on the home page to see more, and give them a big thanks when you see them out on the lake. 

The Lake Attitash Association has access to a series of old articles and pictures about Lake Attitash.  From time to time these will be sent out to our email list for folks on, around or interested in the lake to enjoy.  It’s nice to be able to actually see some of the history of the lake and maybe even read about or see old friends and family members.  We hope you will enjoy them all.

Lake Attitash Scrapbook

In the spring of 2019, the treatment of Lake Attitash with Alum to keep the major Cyanobacteria / Blue Green Algae blooms at bay was completed.  It was a great summer with no harmful algal blooms   The lake water was clearer than it has been in many years.  A big thank you to the Town of Merrimac, City of Amesbury, the Mass Department of Environmental Protection and those many residents and friends who donated funds to make this happen.  It’s now time to make sure that we keep the nutrient levels in the lake down.  Your help is needed to follow the good practices that can be found in the “Protect Your Lake” in this LAA website.  Everything you do, no matter how big or small has an impact on the lake. Thank you.

Saturday, September 1st

Grand Illumination Boat Parade

Meet at State Board Ramp in Merrimac at 6:30
Rain Date: Sunday, September 2nd

Dress your boat and house with lights and decorations… or come as you are!!!
Sponsored by the Lake Attitash Association 

The Lake Attitash Association will be holding its 2019 Annual Meeting on Thursday, August 15^th from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at the Merrimac Public Library.  The Library is located at 34 West Main Street (Rt.110) in Merrimac, MA.Members and non-members are welcome.  The meeting will include social time, presentations and discussion.

The agenda includes:

• The $600,000 Alum Treatment Grant – What’s Next
• Keeping It Clean – Weed Management

Excellent new T-shirts, Pennants, Fleeces & Hats will be available for you to purchase.  You can also renew your membership which helps the association carry out its activities.  Cash, checks and credit cards accepted and appreciated.There will be an opportunity to talk to other people from around the lake who are also interested in maintaining Lake Attitash as a valuable resource and place for enjoyment by all.

Lake Attitash is blessed with many mature and beautiful trees around its shores.

Have you ever wondered why the Conservation Commissions works so hard to protect trees and other vegetation near our lake?

Why do we need to protect them? Why should we plant more trees?

Trees, shrubs and plants play an incredible role in reducing storm water and removing or filtering nutrients and pollutants that would otherwise end up in our lake.

• Trees provide shade
• Trees reduce air pollution
• Their roots hold the soil preventing soil erosion
• Trees act like enormous sponges. They absorb large amounts of storm water before it can run off into the lake
• And, best of all, they absorb excess nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) and contaminants (metals, pesticides, solvents, oils) from the soil before they reach the water.

(Remember, phosphorus is public enemy #1 for Lake Attitash. Excess nutrients feed algae and create the hazardous algae blooms our alum treatment is designed to suppress.)

Fun facts:

According to an article published by Penn State Extension in August of 2015, a “single mature oak tree can consume over 40,000 gallons of water in a year.”

And, from the same Penn State article, “a mature evergreen can intercept more than 4,000 gallons per year. “

Please protect and plant trees!

This project has been partially funded with Federal Funds from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection under an s. 319 competitive grant.

Participant Relaunch

We are looking for additional participants to be included in this project.

Great Summer join-in program.

The Lake Attitash Association is creating a new educational project group open to any interested party of any age including family/neighborhood groups. 

Project Statement

The project is to develop free standing trailhead type signs to be located at about 4 or 6 locations around Lake Attitash. At this time, the standard inclusion in each sign will be the Powwow River Watershed map, “You are here” notations, and a special statement/graphic/photo of the location of the sign.

The group will work on developing and executing the items below:

• Construction materials for signs
• Weatherproof materials
• Graphic designs
• Photographs
• Colors and accents
• Locations (permissions required)
• Sign type
• Completion timeline
• Sourcing of materials
• Any other item(s) required for completion of this project

If you have interest in knowing more about this project and/or in joining(s) this educational project group, please email yvonnebednarz@hotmail.com.  Please state your best meeting time(s), phone number and lake neighborhood location.

Please forward this email to any parties who may have an interest but are not on the Lake Attitash Association email group list.

Yvonne Bednarz, Project Manager, Boat Ramp Neighborhood

Dear Friends of Lake Attitash:

Now that the alum treatment is done, we must continue to think of ways we can do more to protect our beautiful lake.

Having a “natural” shoreline with native plants and stones is probably the best thing you can do. The Conservation Commissions strongly discourage walls, preferring more natural slopes filled with stone and native plants. There are good reasons for this.

Shoreline plants function to filter storm water runoff, capture pollutants before they reach the lake, and provide wildlife habitat for turtles and birds and prevent soil erosion.   

Storm water run-off is the single largest contributor to water quality degradation in Massachusetts.  It contains fertilizer, pet poop, pesticides, sand, soil, salt, oil and antifreeze.    

Shoreline plants…even just a few ….will help keep Lake Attitash clean.

Our lake management company, Solitude Lake Management, wrote the following in a recent newsletter:   

“Maintaining dense beneficial vegetation around your lake or pond is extremely important for improving water quality, preventing erosion and controlling nuisance geese. Establishing buffer zones takes minimal effort and requires little maintenance. In the long run, it will also reduce the likelihood of excessive lake algae and other water quality issues that come from nutrient loading, thereby reducing the need for constant herbicide treatments, and lowering your long-term costs associated with managing your waterbody.

You will also benefit from proper buffer management by attracting insects, like dragonflies, that feed on mosquito larvae, thus helping to control mosquito populations in and around your lake. In addition, flowering native plants and beautiful sedge grasses can be a very pleasing sight that will undoubtedly increase the value of your property.”
 

So… let’s do something good for the lake!

When thinking about adding native plants along our shore line we all want to protect our access to the lake, our view and we want plants that are easy to maintain.  Here are seven low-growing native perennial plants that have been recommended by Solitude Lake Management Company for planting either in shallow water or on the water’s edge.

7 Recommended Vegetation Species to Plant along your waterfront

Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata)

Pickerelweed is a swallow freshwater aquatic plant that grows three to four feet tall, but typically you only see one to two feet since about half of the plant is underground. This low growing perennial plant is ideal when low borders or water views are the goal. It has creeping underwater rhizomes with heart-shaped leaves and violet-blue spikes extending about the water. Its beautiful flowers attract bees and butterflies, as well as dragonflies, which consume mosquito larvae. Pickerelweed blooms from June through November and provides good cover for birds, fish and amphibians.

Blueflag Iris (Iris versicolor)

This clumping plant has several violet-blue flowers with yellow-based sepals that emerge on sturdy stalks among tall sword-like leaves. Their height is anywhere from 2 to 3 feet and they flower from May to August. They grow in swamps, marshes, and on wet shores and are often found in standing water. They have limited wildlife value, so they are resistant to being eaten by waterfowl and other animals.

Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

Another plant that not only looks pretty, but attracts butterflies and even hummingbirds with its nectar supply is the cardinal flower. This plant has many brilliant red, tubular flowers in an elongated cluster on an erect stalk. It grows from 2 to 5 feet in damp sites, especially along streams, and flowers from July to October. It grows in damp sites, especially along streams.

Native sedges and rushes

There are many grass-like aquatic sedges and rushes such as bulrush and soft rush. Sedges have triangular stems and grow in shallow water, while rushes have cylindrical stems and grow in clumps. These plants can be expected to spread, but are not aggressive. Their shallow spreading surface roots hold shoreline soil and reduce erosion. You will find that they only need controlling once per year or less. You will also probably find that these plants will reduce problems with more aggressive and invasive aquatic plants. Rushes and sedges are great habitat for wading birds and your shoreline will look more natural and attractive, too. 

Arrowhead or Duck Potato (Sagittaria latifolia)

Duck Potato, or arrowhead, is a perennial that grows 1 to 4 feet tall and has large broad leaves shaped like arrows with small white flowers. It grows in wet sites or shallow water along lake and stream margins, marshes and swamps. The plant has strong roots and can survive through wide variations of the water level and displays an affinity for high levels of phosphates and hard waters. The underground tuber (duck potato) is preferred by at least 15 species of ducks, including canvasbacks, but many times the tubers are buried too deep for them to reach.

Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

This plant has slender leaves and deep pink flowers clustered at the top of a tall, branching stem. It grows to be 2 to 6 feet high with flowers from June to August. Milkweed grows in swamps, thickets and along wet shorelines and the flowers attract and provide food for butterflies, especially monarchs.

Rhododendron Groenlandicum

It is a low shrub growing to 20 in tall with evergreen leaves. The leaves are wrinkled on top, densely hairy white to red-brown underneath, and have a leathery texture, curling at the edges. The tiny white flowers grow in part shade, sun; wetlands, lake and stream shores. The flower clusters are very fragrant and sticky.

You can buy these plants from most large garden centers. Lake Street Garden Center in Salem carries all but the sedge grasses. There are many more beneficial native plants besides the ones recommended here. Just beware of certain undesirable or invasive plants such as cattails, phragmites, purple loosestrife, alligatorweed and smartweed as many of these have an explosive ability to spread and require extensive effort to manage.

Conservation Commission information:

For Merrimac Residents: The Merrimac Conservation Commission has no issue with residents planting native plants around the lake shore or in shallow water provided they are indeed native plants and no mulch or other material is placed around the plants.

For Amesbury residents: The Amesbury Conservation Commission offers a list of suggested plants on their website.  For details please visit https://www.amesburyma.gov/sites/amesburyma/files/pages/suggested_list_of_plants.pdf.

In addition, based on state and local wetlands laws, any proposed projects that involve regulated activities within 100 feet of Lake Attitash are subject to the wetlands permitting process.  Examples of regulated activities include work that would alter grading or work on the lakeshore bank including stabilization.  Section 3.0 of the Amesbury Wetlands Regulations provides a detailed inventory of what constitutes a regulated activity.  The permitting process is intended to ensure that any activities within proximity to the lake do not result in an adverse impact on the lake.   Please refer to the regulations if you are in doubt.  The regulations are available on the Amesbury Conservation Commission website at https://www.amesburyma.gov/sites/amesburyma/files/file/file/amesbury_wetland_regulations_as_voted_june_20_2012.pdf.

This project has been partially funded with Federal Funds from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection under an s. 319 competitive grant.