Pond and Lake Stewardship (PALS)

Mission

Secchi disk used to measure water clarity.

The Pond and Lake Stewardship program’s mission is the establishment of a baseline reference for the trophic health of Mashpee’s six (6) ponds with public access and recreational opportunities. The baseline has been established. Pond trophic states and trends are verified each year by Coalition volunteers supported by laboratory services from the School for Marine Science and Technology, UMass, Dartmouth. The program has been in effect since 2003.

Working with an initial equipment assistance grant from the Community Foundation of Cape Cod and The Grassroots Community Fund, for years MEC was dedicated to providing this public service and appreciated the support of the Grantors, the School for Marine Science and Technology of UMass-Dartmouth, the Cape Cod Commission and the Association to Preserve Cape Cod.  The Mashpee Department of Natural Resources has since assumed this responsibility and is now in charge of this important program.

Program Summary

The program is conducted during the warmer months (May to October) when pond productivity is anticipated to be at its maximum level, with water column measurements (Dissolved Oxygen, Temperature, Transparency) taken once or twice a month and lab analyses annually. More frequent samples may be taken as warranted.  Ponds monitored are Ashumet, Johns, Mashpee, Wakeby, Moody, and Santuit.

Reports and Special Thanks

Past reports compiled by MEC are published elsewhere on this site.  For more recent data, please contact the Mashpee Department of Natural Resources.

The initial success of this program was a result of the efforts of dedicated volunteers, including science students from the Mashpee Middle-High School. MEC is proud to have these community-minded individuals among its membership.