I want to express my support for the Bare Hill Pond Watershed Management Committee’s policies in managing the pond. In response to residents’ earlier questions and comments, data presented at their Aug. 10 Zoom meeting demonstrated that they are diligent and responsive in improving pond quality for a broad range of uses by Harvard residents. The drawdown policy seems to me a moderate, carefully considered control measure which has been generally successful. The procedure is supported by historical data, comparison with nearby lakes and ponds, and consultation from experts.
I strongly oppose the use of herbicides, which some residents’ comments have suggested for further weed control. Herbicides may have harmful side effects which are unknown or downplayed by manufacturers and regulatory agencies. In particular, I worry about:
• Accidental chemical spread to unintended areas
•Persistent chemical residue in water, sediment, and food chain
•Unanticipated harm to some species of aquatic animals and/or plants
• Consequent imbalances in pond ecology, resulting in undesirable overpopulation of competitor or prey species
•Human health effects which may not be known until years or decades after use.
I am inclined to trust the pond committee’s judgment.
Slides and video from the Aug. 10 Zoom meeting are available from the Bare Hill Pond Watershed Management Committee’s web page (https://www.harvard-ma.gov/196/Bare-Hill-Pond-Watershed-Management-Comm).
George Snyder
Cameron Road
