Photos show the basics of erosion control at Hawksnest

Stormwater carries mud, waste, and nutrients to lakes.  It can get this bad (photo from Madison, WI)

Once in the lakes, nutrients feed the growth of toxic algae.

The debris washed in isn't just some leaves.  At Hawksnest with no port-a-potties and parties of up to 25 people, the waste can get nasty.

Erosion and stormwater are one of the largest sources of nutrients to ponds on Cape Cod.   Stormwater runoff causes the erosion, and also caries nutrient-rich debris to the pond--dog waste, human waste, soil, leaves, and garbage.

Nutrients in turn cause toxic algae blooms, and the growth of aquatic weeds that reduce the quality of swimming and other uses.  Once nutrients get into the lake, they are extremely difficult to eliminate.  The pond is degraded forever.  Alum treatment can improve the lake, but it's expensive and has to be repeated periodically.

Erosion around ponds isn't recognized as a problem, because such erosion is normal for the seacoast.  Most people are familiar with ocean beaches, but the ponds are less visited.  So people think erosion around ponds is normal.  In fact, they probably enjoy the enlarged beaches caused by erosion and trampling of shore vegetation.  But the enlarged beach eventually degrades water quality--the very reason they came to the beach.

Why erosion control is needed at Hawksnest

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Erosion and stormwater are one of the largest sources of nutrients to ponds on Cape Cod.   Stormwater runoff causes the erosion, and also caries nutrient-rich debris to the pond--dog waste, human waste, soil, leaves, and garbage.

Nutrients in turn cause toxic algae blooms, and the growth of aquatic weeds that reduce the quality of swimming and other uses.  Once nutrients get into the lake, they are extremely difficult to eliminate.  The pond is degraded forever.  Alum treatment can improve the lake, but it's expensive and has to be repeated periodically.

Erosion around ponds isn't recognized as a problem, because such erosion is normal for the seacoast.  Most people are familiar with ocean beaches, but the ponds are less visited.  So people think erosion around ponds is normal.  In fact, they probably enjoy the enlarged beaches caused by erosion and trampling of shore vegetation.  But the enlarged beach eventually degrades water quality--the very reason they came to the beach.

Previous erosion control projects at Hawksnest

Our approach

• Use local materials--like logs and mulch.
• Hand tools rather than heavy equipment--less expensive, less disturbance.
• Mulch all surfaces--looks more natural, prevents erosion, promotes plant growth.
• Watch where the rain goes--work with the rain, not against it.
• Explain what we're doing.
• Be responsive to legitimate needs of users--we're trying to repair rather than close paths to the pond.
• Volunteers must coordinate so they don't work against each othe.r
• All projects are approved by Nickerson State Park's superintendent.
• We strongly discourage improvement of roads into Hawksnest.  Poor roads are the best conservation tool--they limit visitation and other damage to the park.  But we may make some repairs to roads, only to prevent harmful runoff from roads to the pond.

Plan of erosion control projects at Hawksest, near Round Cove Rd parking.

Severe erosion at Cliff Pond--one cause of the algae blooms

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At 90 feet, Cliff Pond is the deepest pond on Cape Cod. It's located in Nickerson State Park, and is a popular for swimming and boating.

But starting a 1998, toxic algae blooms there became a problem, resulting in the death of at least two dogs* that had been swimming in the pond.

Closures of the pond to swimming have increased in recent years.  Last year, park officials closed the pond for a total of 99 days.  This summer, the pond was closed from June 25 to July 9.

The reason was high levels of blue-green algae.

The microscopic plant is present all the time,** but the timing of "blooms," when it multiplies out of control, is unpredictable.  Not all blooms result in dangerous toxins.  How the weather leads to a toxic bloom isn't well understood.  Experts expect more and more blooms as the climate warms.

Cape Cod from space

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Seen from space, the Cape is incredibly small, fragile, and delicate.  It's unique on the planet--and in the universe.

The Cape is a lacework of blue ponds, etched on sand...

Ponds around the world--Indiana

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Coastal plain ponds are a rare and endangered ecosystem.  Although most are found along the Atlantic coast north of New York City, Indiana claims a few.  They are located SE of Chicago--one could say on the coastal plain of Lake Michigan.

They are found in Jasper-Pulaski State Park, famous as a place to view Sandhill Cranes during migration (below).

"Although a popular destination for hunters, anglers, and Sandhill Crane enthusiasts, few are aware of the global significance of Inland Coastal Plain ponds and marshes at Jasper-Pulaski. These ephemerally wet, shallow basins are host to an impressive array of unusual flora.

Ponds around the world--New York State

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Coastal plain ponds...

...are a unique and rare ecosystem found from New Jersey north along the Atlantic coast.  They include the amazing ponds of Cape Cod.  Some people consider seepage ponds in Midwestern states--formed along the glacial margin like those on the Cape-to be close relatives.

A pond in New York State (Long Pond, Sag Harbor), by Steven Young