Thursday, January 23, 2014

Today's Millbury-Sutton Chronicle Article on MPF

Manchaug Pond Foundation announces water improvement plans

 


MPF Photo/R. L. Charpentier
MPF Photo/R. L. Charpentier
The Manchaug Pond Foundation (MPF) is going “full speed ahead with their next major initiative”, according to a press release from the organization which will be to complete a “s.319 Nonpoint Source Pollution Grant recently awarded to the nonprofit group by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.”

MPF completed a similar grant in 2011, which is designed to help improve the quality of water entering the pond. The MPF said they will work with Comprehensive Environmental Inc. (CEI), a Massachusetts based environmental engineering firm who will design the stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs), and the Town of Sutton “who will construct it with their generous in-kind commitment” according to the press release.

A real estate acquisition to preserve the 100-acre Beaton Farm Property was completed after they were given a right of first refusal after a group from the College of the Holy Cross last year presented plans to purchase the parcel and build a retreat center on the property.

The MPF release also said they would be working with Whittier Farms on “a number of agricultural related improvements. With over 500 acres of farmland within the Manchaug Pond watershed, the Whittier Family has committed many hours of volunteer labor to help make some unique watershed improvements for educational outreach including modifications to several areas which will include the addition of a dedicated rain garden area at the Milk Store and restoration of vegetated areas around ponds feeding into Manchaug Pond.”

The MPF will “simultaneously be working on a major education effort. Coordinating with local educators and stakeholders, the MPF will work to develop a comprehensive resource of materials for teachers, parents and children that may include web resources, study kits, and portable literature displays.”

MPF said it is also looking for people who may be interested in helping with this grant. Those who are can contact Marty Jo Henry at ManchaugPond319@gmail.com.

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