For the third consecutive year Bare Hill Pond is basically free of aquatic plant growth limiting swimming and boating activity. An unintended consequence of the deep drawdowns seem to account for this. Most of the extensive water lily growth in the south bay and west side of the pond was frozen on the first two drawdowns and have not reappeared. Increased water opacity noted in late April for the last two years persisted during the summer and has limited milfoil growth. The opacity is believed to be due to freezing of the exposed pond during the drawdown and release of silt upon pond refill. Casual testing with a rake at three- and four-foot depths shows bright green milfoil with rare evidence of growth to the surface. The present persistent water opacity may be related to fine silt draining into the pond caused by continuing heavy rainstorms that have kept the pond filled.
Jeff Harris
Whitney Road
