Indian Lake Watershed Association Update 6/29/2018

Spot Treatment on Today (June 29th) Will Temporarily Limit Use
 
The City of Worcester Department of Public Works & Parks will be closing Morgan Park on Friday, June 29th, during the application of the herbicide diquat dibromide (trade name Reward) to a portion of Indian Lake. The area targeted for the application includes approximately 5 acres of water in the cove to the north of the Sears Island Drive causeway.
 
We advise people to discontinue boat use and fishing on this day, and to avoid swimming in the cove so as to not interfere with treatment operations. However, it is still safe to swim at the beaches. The entire lake will be reopening for all activities on Saturday, June 30th.
 
Diquat dibromide treatments are a safe and effective method to control the growth of the invasive aquatic plant Myriophyllum spicatum, also referred to as Eurasian milfoil. The application of this herbicide is a common practice to reduce invasive weed density and poses minimal risk to humans and animals after application is complete. The application is coordinated with the Indian Lake Watershed Association and has been approved by the Worcester Conservation Commission.  


Shore Park Block Party a Huge Success!

Many neighbors enjoyed a wonderful evening at Shore Park Wednesday as a celebration took place to mark the improvements made possible by the YMCA of Central MA, Hanover Insurance Group Foundation, the City of Worcester and Bancroft School.

The event featured music by the Rails, made possible by Park Spirit Inc, sponsored by the YMCA, Saint-Gobain Superabrasives, National Grid and Mill Street Motors. 

A brief slideshow of the evening can be found here:  Shore Park Block Party Slideshow



 


Christina Puleo, Executive Director, YMCA of Central MA Greendale Family Branch and Former District 1 City Councilor Tony Economou, both instrumental in the Shore Park renaissance, get ready for the event.  Tony is also a member of the Indian Lake Watershed Association Board of Directors.













The rain held off while everyone enjoyed a wonderful evening in the Indian Lake District!








Park Spirit will also be holding free concerts at Shore Park on 7/25 and 8/15 !

Beaches to Open July 1st! 
 
Both Shore Park and Clason Beach will be open this summer for 6 weeks beginning in early July 1st. Hours are noon to 7pm. 

A full list of City of Worcester beaches and spray parks can be found here:


Just a reminder: There is no swimming at Morgan Park - this will be strictly enforced this season.
Integrated Waters Planning  - Your Help is Needed
 
The Department of Public Works & Parks (DPW&P) is formalizing their planning process to help chart a path for the future. It's called an Integrated Water Resources Management Plan (Integrated Plan). DPW&P manages our drinking water, wastewater, oversees the care of many lakes and ponds as well as stormwater management. 

Below is a summary of the objective and why public input is a pivotal part of the process. 


The first public meeting was held in May and there will be more to come. 

Residents are encouraged to participate in a survey that can be found at the link below:

Volunteer Cyanobacteria Monitoring Collaborative  in Full Swing
 
Worcester Cyanobacteria Monitoring Collaborative is seeking people to collect and analyze water samples at Indian Lake and back up at other sites as needed.
 
The Worcester Cyanobacteria Monitoring Collaborative (WCMC) is a citizen science program in which volunteers gather water samples using a plankton net once a month at Worcester waterways including Indian Lake, Patch Reservoir, Coes Reservoir, and Lake Quinsigamond. Volunteers then meet to examine the water samples under a microscope for cyanobacteria and microscopic critters.
 
Important data is collected which will help representatives from the City of Worcester Lakes and Ponds Program establish processes for anticipating cyanobacteria blooms.
 
While prior experience is not necessary, interest in water quality is a benefit. The program takes place the last Saturday of each month with the next sample date being Saturday, June 30th. If interested, please contact Jacquelyn Burmeister at [email protected] or Beth Proko at [email protected]  so that a short training can be coordinated on using the plankton net.
Membership Renewals
 
It's membership renewal time and we hope we can count on your continued support! As you know, mailing costs are constantly going up which makes it increasingly challenging as a small non-profit. If you could kindly consider printing the membership form below and sending it in with your dues, it would be a great help.
 
Otherwise, regular renewal letters will come out very soon.
 
Not a member yet? We would be honored to have your support!

 

Membership Form
Monthly Neighborhood Watch
 
The Indian Lake Neighborhood Watch meets the third Tuesday of each month at 6:00pm at the training room at Harr Toyota, 100 Gold Star Boulevard. At every meeting we receive an update on the neighborhood crime statistics from the previous month from Worcester
Police Officer Lisa Carlson. Officer Carlson also shares other updates with the group including trends in crime around the city as well as important tips regarding general safety, home security and how to identify illegal drugs and drug use behaviors.
 
This meeting is also about quality of life issues in the neighborhood such as missing street signs, graffiti, illegal dumpting, pot holes, abandoned vehicles, abandoned houses, etc. The meeting is typically attended by one of the City of Worcester Code Enforcement employees who is also available to answer questions about city ordinances.
 
If you are unable to attend these meetings but would like to share information with the group or ask a question you can email [email protected]  or Officer Carlson directly at [email protected] .
 
The next neighborhood meeting is Tuesday, July 17th at 6pm.


Website: www.ilwa.org

Indian Lake Watershed Association, Inc.
PO Box 60244, Worcester, MA 01606

  
STAY CONNECTED: