Like so many other lakes in New England, Massapoag has been under attack by invasive weed species for years. In 2018, with the support of our surrounding communities, we utilized a chemical treatment weed eradication program aimed at our most prolific problem species - variable milfoil, Eurasian milfoil, and fanwort. Future treatments may be required and we must continue to monitor the effectiveness of our efforts and the health of our lake.
Please help us by observing the following precautions:
It is the mission of the Massapoag Lake Management/ Pond Preservation Volunteers to monitor the health of the lake and educate people who use it. If you see something, say something. If you would like to learn more about identification of invasive weeds or be part of our weed watcher program, please let us know at lakemassapoagrodandgun@gmail.com.
About Your Boat
Has your boat/canoe/kayak/watercraft been used in another body of water? Did you clean it prior to bringing it to our launch?
302 CMR 18.03 (2) mandates the following:
No person shall, except as otherwise authorized by the Department, place or cause to be placed in or upon Inland Waters any Vessel, Boat Transporter, Truck-Trailer Boat Transporter or any other equipment used in conjunction with them that has any plants or animals growing thereon or attached thereto unless such Vessel, Boat Transporter Truck-Trailer Boat Transporter or any other equipment used in conjunction with them has been cleaned or decontaminated to remove the plants or animals in accordance with the requirements of 302 CMR 18.04.
Preventing the spread of invasive plants and animals by boaters is a priority in Massachusetts. Launching a contaminated boat is against the law and failure to comply with this regulation is punishable by fines or imprisonment. Please do your part to keep Massapoag - and all the other lakes you enjoy - clean and beautiful!
For more information, you can contact Massachusetts Lakes and Ponds Program at (617) 626-1250 or www.mass.gov/lakesandponds.
Please help us by observing the following precautions:
- Do not dump anything - leaves, grass clippings, lake weed rakings, pet waste, (de)construction debris, etc. - into the lake.
- Ensure all boat/motor/trailers are weed-free before launching.
- Avoid nutrient pollution (nitrogen and phosphorus). Do not over-water your lawn or apply lawn and garden fertilizer close to the lake: doing so exacerbates the weed and algae bloom problem.
It is the mission of the Massapoag Lake Management/ Pond Preservation Volunteers to monitor the health of the lake and educate people who use it. If you see something, say something. If you would like to learn more about identification of invasive weeds or be part of our weed watcher program, please let us know at lakemassapoagrodandgun@gmail.com.
About Your Boat
Has your boat/canoe/kayak/watercraft been used in another body of water? Did you clean it prior to bringing it to our launch?
302 CMR 18.03 (2) mandates the following:
No person shall, except as otherwise authorized by the Department, place or cause to be placed in or upon Inland Waters any Vessel, Boat Transporter, Truck-Trailer Boat Transporter or any other equipment used in conjunction with them that has any plants or animals growing thereon or attached thereto unless such Vessel, Boat Transporter Truck-Trailer Boat Transporter or any other equipment used in conjunction with them has been cleaned or decontaminated to remove the plants or animals in accordance with the requirements of 302 CMR 18.04.
Preventing the spread of invasive plants and animals by boaters is a priority in Massachusetts. Launching a contaminated boat is against the law and failure to comply with this regulation is punishable by fines or imprisonment. Please do your part to keep Massapoag - and all the other lakes you enjoy - clean and beautiful!
For more information, you can contact Massachusetts Lakes and Ponds Program at (617) 626-1250 or www.mass.gov/lakesandponds.
About Water Chestnuts (the nightmare weed)
Want to know why we want to keep water chestnuts out of our lake? Check out this video and look at what has happened to nearby Flint’s Pond:
https://vtfishandwildlife.com/learn-more/landowner-resources/liep-invasive-species-program/aquatic-invasive-plants/water-chestnut
http://www.lowellsun.com/todaysheadlines/ci_29192047/boatload-plans-pond-need
Thank you for being proactive in our efforts to keep Massapoag a wonderful resource for ourselves and generations to come!
Want to know why we want to keep water chestnuts out of our lake? Check out this video and look at what has happened to nearby Flint’s Pond:
https://vtfishandwildlife.com/learn-more/landowner-resources/liep-invasive-species-program/aquatic-invasive-plants/water-chestnut
http://www.lowellsun.com/todaysheadlines/ci_29192047/boatload-plans-pond-need
Thank you for being proactive in our efforts to keep Massapoag a wonderful resource for ourselves and generations to come!