Now people are loving the pond to death. It receives 700,000 visitors a year, who come to worship Thoreau’s legacy, or just to swim in one of the few freshwater ponds near Boston.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
The Power of a Pond
Friday, May 6, 2011
Is ATV abuse a gateway crime*?
A pedestrian area in Hawksnest State Park, 8/5/10.
What's disturbing about this abuse is that young "recreational outlaws" are at risk of becoming real outlaws.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Events far away threaten ponds on Cape Cod
Last summer, while swimming in Hawksnest Pond, I noticed--shining in the late afternoon sun--a layer of feathery "stuff" floating on the surface.
The next day, I found out there were big fires in Quebec--the smoke and ash had drifted over Cape Cod, turning the skies grayish.
We often hear about "algae blooms" in ponds and estuaries caused by nutrients leaking from septic systems. But did you know--dust and smoke from far away adds to the problem? That's why action to protect our ponds from excess nutrients is so important.
A dust-->algae-->penguin connection
"Stirring Up a Bloom Off Patagonia
Off the coast of Argentina, two strong ocean currents recently stirred up a colorful brew of floating nutrients and microscopic plant life just in time for the Southern Hemisphere's summer solstice
The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer on NASA’s Aqua satellite captured this image of a massive phytoplankton bloom off of the Atlantic coast of Patagonia on Dec. 21, 2010.
Scientists used seven separate spectral bands to highlight the differences in the plankton communities across this swath of ocean."
This bloom of algae helps sustain penguins. The famous Punta Tombo colony of Magellanic Penguins is found on the coast just below the odd peninsula (upper center of photo). With half a million of these birds, it's the largest breeding area for Magellanic Penguins in the world.
Alaska
The North Pacific, west of Alaska, is extremely fertile. That's where the Humpback Whales come to fatten for the summer, and it supports one of the biggest fisheries in the world. This photo (below) of the Alaskan panhandle shows strong winds blowing dust into the ocean, towards the lower left.
On Cape Cod, dust contributes nutrients to our ponds, especially during strong winds of early spring when the ground is bare.
At Hawksnest, that means picking up after your dog, no fires, stopping shore erosion, and packing out all waste.
Quotes and photos thanks to NASA
The next day, I found out there were big fires in Quebec--the smoke and ash had drifted over Cape Cod, turning the skies grayish.
We often hear about "algae blooms" in ponds and estuaries caused by nutrients leaking from septic systems. But did you know--dust and smoke from far away adds to the problem? That's why action to protect our ponds from excess nutrients is so important.
A dust-->algae-->penguin connection
View from space of the massive growth of red, green, and blue single-celled plants, in the currents flowing north.
Growth may be fed by iron in the brown dust cloud, lower left.
In the ocean, iron feeds the algae, like phosphorus does in our ponds.
"Stirring Up a Bloom Off Patagonia
Off the coast of Argentina, two strong ocean currents recently stirred up a colorful brew of floating nutrients and microscopic plant life just in time for the Southern Hemisphere's summer solstice
The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer on NASA’s Aqua satellite captured this image of a massive phytoplankton bloom off of the Atlantic coast of Patagonia on Dec. 21, 2010.
Scientists used seven separate spectral bands to highlight the differences in the plankton communities across this swath of ocean."
This bloom of algae helps sustain penguins. The famous Punta Tombo colony of Magellanic Penguins is found on the coast just below the odd peninsula (upper center of photo). With half a million of these birds, it's the largest breeding area for Magellanic Penguins in the world.
Alaska
The North Pacific, west of Alaska, is extremely fertile. That's where the Humpback Whales come to fatten for the summer, and it supports one of the biggest fisheries in the world. This photo (below) of the Alaskan panhandle shows strong winds blowing dust into the ocean, towards the lower left.
Click to enlarge. NASA photo.
On Cape Cod, dust contributes nutrients to our ponds, especially during strong winds of early spring when the ground is bare.
Clouds of smake and ash from distant forest fires can also deliver phosphorus to the ponds.
NASA photo of fires in Quebec, 2002. Click to enlarge.
While windblown dust may be good for penguins and whales, it's bad for our ponds. It helps create toxic, smelly algae blooms--and ruins recreational values. With so many sources of nutrients, it's important to reduce them where ever possible.At Hawksnest, that means picking up after your dog, no fires, stopping shore erosion, and packing out all waste.
Quotes and photos thanks to NASA
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
The view from above
Cape Cod is visible in the upper left... Africa on the far right.
Water is the source of all life on Earth. Protect it!
Click on photo to enlarge.
Credit: NASA Project GOES, Aug. 30, 2010.
Another amazing photo from space.
Another amazing photo from space.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Coyotes on the Cape
Coyotes have been spreading eastward, appearing on Cape Cod about 25 years ago. Now they are common throughout the country, often living right under the nose of urban residents. For example, wildlife experts estimate there are over 2,000 living in Chicago, even downtown.
Coyotes are common in many parts of the Cape. They are often sighted in nearby Nickerson State Park. Although I haven't heard coyotes "singing" at Hawksnest, no doubt they are already there. If present, coyotes probably keep a low profile because of the large number of dogs visiting Hawksnest.
In March of this year, coyotes attacked dogs several times in the Mill Pond area of Orleans. These attacks may have involved rabid coyotes, since coyotes usually avoid dogs as large as the ones attacked.
But there are other reasons why coyotes attack dogs: It may be for food (in the case of small dogs), or because coyotes see dogs as a threat to their territory or to their young. The possibility of your pet being attacked by a coyote is one reason for keeping your dog on leash at Hawsknest, as required by park rules.
Healthy coyotes are extremely wary of humans--but attacks on humans have occurred in Cape Cod, and recently in a New York suburb. There was a fatal attack last year on a woman in Canada.
Don't worry--attacks on humans are extremely rare. The few that do occur are the inevitable result of large numbers of people and coyotes living close to one another. Your chances of you or your pet being injured by a dog are far greater.
The Coywolf
Now that I've put your mind at rest--here's some unexpected news. The coyotes on Cape Cod (and elsewhere in the Northeast) are actually wolf-coyote hybrids. That explains why coyotes in northeastern states are larger than the coyotes out west, where they originated. The adults on Cape Cod weigh 30-40 pounds.
Jonathan Way and three other wildlife biologists studied coyotes trapped "in and around" Barnstable, and near Boston. Their conclusions about wolf-coyote hybrids are based on studies of DNA from the animals. They think that as the coyotes spread eastward through Canada, they interbred with the Eastern Wolves found there.
Other interesting conclusions from the study
New York Times review article on coyotes
More advice about living with coyotes
Coyotes--Never out of sight, or mind (excellent essay)
Eastern coyote/coywolf web page
The Coyote Wars on Cape Cod (an essay)
Purchase Suburban Howls--a book by Jonathan Way
Animal attack files
Coyotes are common in many parts of the Cape. They are often sighted in nearby Nickerson State Park. Although I haven't heard coyotes "singing" at Hawksnest, no doubt they are already there. If present, coyotes probably keep a low profile because of the large number of dogs visiting Hawksnest.
In March of this year, coyotes attacked dogs several times in the Mill Pond area of Orleans. These attacks may have involved rabid coyotes, since coyotes usually avoid dogs as large as the ones attacked.
But there are other reasons why coyotes attack dogs: It may be for food (in the case of small dogs), or because coyotes see dogs as a threat to their territory or to their young. The possibility of your pet being attacked by a coyote is one reason for keeping your dog on leash at Hawsknest, as required by park rules.
Healthy coyotes are extremely wary of humans--but attacks on humans have occurred in Cape Cod, and recently in a New York suburb. There was a fatal attack last year on a woman in Canada.
Don't worry--attacks on humans are extremely rare. The few that do occur are the inevitable result of large numbers of people and coyotes living close to one another. Your chances of you or your pet being injured by a dog are far greater.
The Coywolf
Now that I've put your mind at rest--here's some unexpected news. The coyotes on Cape Cod (and elsewhere in the Northeast) are actually wolf-coyote hybrids. That explains why coyotes in northeastern states are larger than the coyotes out west, where they originated. The adults on Cape Cod weigh 30-40 pounds.
Jonathan Way and three other wildlife biologists studied coyotes trapped "in and around" Barnstable, and near Boston. Their conclusions about wolf-coyote hybrids are based on studies of DNA from the animals. They think that as the coyotes spread eastward through Canada, they interbred with the Eastern Wolves found there.
Other interesting conclusions from the study
- Although coyotes do interbreed with dogs in the western US, they don't in the Northeastern states.
- "Coyote social groups...are made up of family groups.... Offspring typically remain with their parents anywhere from 6 months to about 2 years of age before dispersing to new areas.... "
- "Typically 3–5 adults live together in a territorial pack...." The advantages of living in packs are better success in hunting large prey (like deer), better defense of the territory, improved survivability of pups, and preventing theft of prey already killed. The packs typically consist of a breeding pair, plus a few related animals.
- These "coywolves" seem to prefer prey more typical of coyotes than wolves. Wolves prey almost entirely on deer, whereas the hybrids eat anything from deer to rabbits to small rodents, not to mention pets, pet food left outside, and garbage.
- They travel long distances (10-15 miles a day), so the coyotes from Orleans could easily visit Hawksnest.
- If you live near woods, don't leave small children or small pets outdoors alone.
- Keep your dog on leash when in the woods.
- Don't leave pet food outdoors; keep garbage cans covered.
- Just use common sense.
New York Times review article on coyotes
More advice about living with coyotes
Coyotes--Never out of sight, or mind (excellent essay)
Eastern coyote/coywolf web page
The Coyote Wars on Cape Cod (an essay)
Purchase Suburban Howls--a book by Jonathan Way
Animal attack files
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Erosion control at the Round Cove Rd parking area
Please pardon our dust!
Temporarily, there may be a little inconvenience. But the work is necessary to keep the pond clean!
Staff from Nickerson State Park, plus a volunteer, have begun restoration work at the Round Cove Rd parking area.
Runoff washes nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen into the pond. At many ponds ringed with cottages, nutrients get into the pond from leaking septic systems. But at Hawksnest where there's only one cottage, erosion from steep slopes all around the pond could become the biggest source.
If enough nutrients accumulate, they can stimulate the growth of toxic and stinking algae. The sudden "blooms" of algae can completely unbalance the pond, resulting in fish kills. Many ponds in Harwich have already been damaged by too many nutrients. Once the nutrients get into the pond, most of them stay forever. The pond becomes permanently damaged.
Phosphorus is insoluble, so it gets into the pond by "hitchhiking" on tiny soil particles. Runoff also washes pet waste, and even human waste from the parking area, into the pond. So without erosion control, the beach area could become contaminated.
The gully above the beach is too big a problem for this year--perhaps next. But please observe the signs here, and keep your dog from running on or digging in the bank.
How silt socks work
In appreciation of the "world-class" status of Hawksnest swimming, the socks were donated thanks to a company in Wisconsin.
No parking near the giant puddle
Once this spot was a beautiful open glen, with ferns and lady slipper orchids. But as the upper parking area eroded, it became a basin, sending more water towards the puddle. The puddle became an unsightly hazard for vehicles, plus a "cesspool" for waste washing from the parking area.
Now the smoothed-over puddle looks solid, but it is very soft under the surface. Vehicles will sink in, ruining the restoration. That's why parking has to be banned here. But you may park in the hollow, on the side of the road AWAY from the pond. There's room for several vehicles there.
Once restored, the hollow will be a lovely spot to rest, after a swim. If you see parking violations here, please report to Harwich Police (508-430-7541).
One trail to beach will be closed
You can help avoid trail closures--he best way is to help with the trails. If your favorite trail starts to show signs of erosion, dig a little ditch to deflect the runoff to the side. Or, build a little log step that deflects the runoff.
The trail to the southeast beach (from the middle of Round Cove Rd) could be an area of future erosion. It's becoming more heavily used, and heads downhill. Please help prevent closure and maintain this trail!
The State's plans for future work
In June, the DCR applied to the Harwich Conservation Commission for a permit to undertake permanent erosion improvements in the Round Cove Rd area. When the Commission voiced concerns about access to the area, and that people in Harwhich didn't have time to voice their opinions, the State withdrew the plan. (The State's plan for the Walker Rd parking area were approved.)
The DCR will resubmit the Round Cove Rd plan for approval, after there's been ample time for public discussion, probably sometime this fall.
However, even if those plans are approved, the work may never take place. That's because this is an election year, and also the State has NO funds for this kind of work. Because the erosion was becoming steadily worse, Friends of Hawksnest persuaded the State to permit the temporary erosion control measures you see in progress. All the work you see has been approved by State officials.
The permanent plans did not include beach access at Round Cove Rd. Whether that was an oversight, or an active plan to limit access, we don't know.
Nevertheless, Friends of Hawksnest supports beach access from Round Cove Rd. We support any legal use of the park.
Some comments we've heard about the work
We've heard numerous words of encouragement.
What do you think? I hope it's not inconvenient.
Anything is better than nothing!
This is really ugly! (referring to the black silt socks)
I know, we think it's ugly too. But if vegetation gets re-established, it's going to look a lot better. The restored puddle already looks a lot better. If it's ugly, do you blame the people repairing the damage, or the folks who made the repairs necessary?
It's been eroding on Cape Cod since the Indians.
Well, yes, there's a lot of erosion along the salt water beaches. The wind, waves, and tides are a powerful force. People are used to seeing eroded banks at the ocean beach. But eroding banks around sheltered ponds used to be very rare. That's why some ponds are so clean. Unlike the ocean, the ponds can't absorb the pollution from erosion.
Erosion is natural--water runs downhill.
True, gravity is natural. If a tree falls on you, that's natural. But it doesn't mean it's desirable. Vegetated shores keep the pond clean. "If the shore is green, the pond is clean." Before settlement, the vegetation everywhere was intact. Losing the shore vegetation is bad management. Erosion and the loss of water quality is a "natural consequence" of a bad management practice.
Every pond I've seen in Cape Cod has erosion. It's natural.
True, most ponds have eroding banks, and most ponds in Cape Cod are damaged. Some are already badly polluted with algae. Hawksnest is one the the last pristine ponds. Let's keep it undamaged, so your grandchildren can swim in pure water, just as you do now.
Temporarily, there may be a little inconvenience. But the work is necessary to keep the pond clean!
Staff from Nickerson State Park, plus a volunteer, have begun restoration work at the Round Cove Rd parking area.
Temporary "silt socks" act like dams, slowing runoff and catching sediment.
Two jobs are underway:
- Stop erosion starting in the parking area, with runoff heading towards the beach.
- Fill in the big puddle, which swallowed two cars last week!
Erosion is a threat to water quality
Runoff washes nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen into the pond. At many ponds ringed with cottages, nutrients get into the pond from leaking septic systems. But at Hawksnest where there's only one cottage, erosion from steep slopes all around the pond could become the biggest source.
If enough nutrients accumulate, they can stimulate the growth of toxic and stinking algae. The sudden "blooms" of algae can completely unbalance the pond, resulting in fish kills. Many ponds in Harwich have already been damaged by too many nutrients. Once the nutrients get into the pond, most of them stay forever. The pond becomes permanently damaged.
Phosphorus is insoluble, so it gets into the pond by "hitchhiking" on tiny soil particles. Runoff also washes pet waste, and even human waste from the parking area, into the pond. So without erosion control, the beach area could become contaminated.
The gully above the beach is too big a problem for this year--perhaps next. But please observe the signs here, and keep your dog from running on or digging in the bank.
How silt socks work
The socks are filled with pure sand. They act as a dam, slowing the runoff and allowing it to sink into the porous soil. If the ground gets to wet for the runoff to sink in, then the socks slow the water, and catch the sediment.
One value of silt socks is that you don't have to disturb the ground or the roots where they are laid.
In appreciation of the "world-class" status of Hawksnest swimming, the socks were donated thanks to a company in Wisconsin.
No parking near the giant puddle
Once this spot was a beautiful open glen, with ferns and lady slipper orchids. But as the upper parking area eroded, it became a basin, sending more water towards the puddle. The puddle became an unsightly hazard for vehicles, plus a "cesspool" for waste washing from the parking area.
Giant puddle, smoothed. Still very soft! Next: leaf litter on top.
Once restored, the hollow will be a lovely spot to rest, after a swim. If you see parking violations here, please report to Harwich Police (508-430-7541).
One trail to beach will be closed
Hawksnest is a fragile resource, because of the steep, easily-erodible banks around most of the pond. From time to time, it may be necessary to close some trails if they become eroded, to allow time for vegetation to recover. We want to maintain access--trail closure is simply a good management tool. If a trail has to be closed, usually it will be only temporary.
As you face the pond from parking, on your LEFT there's a steep trail to the pond (see photo). This needs to be closed for several reasons:
As you face the pond from parking, on your LEFT there's a steep trail to the pond (see photo). This needs to be closed for several reasons:- Safety--the trail is steep, with roots and exposed wires (from a former cabin) ready to trip the unwary. If you fall, exposed cement blocks add to the danger.
- Erosion. This is a long, steep trail. If erosion ever gets a head start, it will be very costly to repair. Once the roots become undermined and broken (as a few are), it's the beginning of runaway erosion.
You can help avoid trail closures--he best way is to help with the trails. If your favorite trail starts to show signs of erosion, dig a little ditch to deflect the runoff to the side. Or, build a little log step that deflects the runoff.
The trail to the southeast beach (from the middle of Round Cove Rd) could be an area of future erosion. It's becoming more heavily used, and heads downhill. Please help prevent closure and maintain this trail!
The State's plans for future work
In June, the DCR applied to the Harwich Conservation Commission for a permit to undertake permanent erosion improvements in the Round Cove Rd area. When the Commission voiced concerns about access to the area, and that people in Harwhich didn't have time to voice their opinions, the State withdrew the plan. (The State's plan for the Walker Rd parking area were approved.)
The DCR will resubmit the Round Cove Rd plan for approval, after there's been ample time for public discussion, probably sometime this fall.
However, even if those plans are approved, the work may never take place. That's because this is an election year, and also the State has NO funds for this kind of work. Because the erosion was becoming steadily worse, Friends of Hawksnest persuaded the State to permit the temporary erosion control measures you see in progress. All the work you see has been approved by State officials.
The permanent plans did not include beach access at Round Cove Rd. Whether that was an oversight, or an active plan to limit access, we don't know.
Nevertheless, Friends of Hawksnest supports beach access from Round Cove Rd. We support any legal use of the park.
Some comments we've heard about the work
We've heard numerous words of encouragement.
What do you think? I hope it's not inconvenient.
Anything is better than nothing!
This is really ugly! (referring to the black silt socks)
I know, we think it's ugly too. But if vegetation gets re-established, it's going to look a lot better. The restored puddle already looks a lot better. If it's ugly, do you blame the people repairing the damage, or the folks who made the repairs necessary?
It's been eroding on Cape Cod since the Indians.
Well, yes, there's a lot of erosion along the salt water beaches. The wind, waves, and tides are a powerful force. People are used to seeing eroded banks at the ocean beach. But eroding banks around sheltered ponds used to be very rare. That's why some ponds are so clean. Unlike the ocean, the ponds can't absorb the pollution from erosion.
Erosion is natural--water runs downhill.
True, gravity is natural. If a tree falls on you, that's natural. But it doesn't mean it's desirable. Vegetated shores keep the pond clean. "If the shore is green, the pond is clean." Before settlement, the vegetation everywhere was intact. Losing the shore vegetation is bad management. Erosion and the loss of water quality is a "natural consequence" of a bad management practice.
Every pond I've seen in Cape Cod has erosion. It's natural.
True, most ponds have eroding banks, and most ponds in Cape Cod are damaged. Some are already badly polluted with algae. Hawksnest is one the the last pristine ponds. Let's keep it undamaged, so your grandchildren can swim in pure water, just as you do now.
Monday, August 2, 2010
New rules passed for Town conservation lands
"In an effort to deter illegal dirt bike use and to stem an increase in the vandalism of hiking trail signs and kiosks on town conservation lands, selectmen approved new regulations that carry fines of $100 to $300." Source.
Visitor rules for conservation lands
"No unauthorized motor vehicles
No camping
No alcoholic beverages
No fires, fireworks, or firearms (except where hunting is permitted)
No littering or dumping
No defacing or removal of signs or structures
No disturbing the natural environment
No unruly or boisterous conduct"
The rules will be enforced by Harwich Police.
Visitor rules for conservation lands
"No unauthorized motor vehicles
No camping
No alcoholic beverages
No fires, fireworks, or firearms (except where hunting is permitted)
No littering or dumping
No defacing or removal of signs or structures
No disturbing the natural environment
No unruly or boisterous conduct"
The rules will be enforced by Harwich Police.
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