A CHRONOLOGY OF THE 2006 POND MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

Robinhood Lake - continued:

No Eurasian watermilfoil has been found in Robinhood Lake. Naiad growth was treated and plant density and distribution did again appear to be slightly reduced. A couple more years of spot-treatments will be required before the seed bank is exhausted.

On the phragmites front - all the lakes will be inspected again in Spring 2007.

SUMMARY AND 2007 RECOMMENDATIONS

The ongoing pond management program is providing successful control of non-native and invasive aquatic weed growth in the Sherwood Forest Ponds.

We have not seen any Eurasian watermilfoil growth in Robinhood Lake since the last treatment in 1999. Remember to keep an eye out for strange boaters that can bring in milfoil on their props from other locations.

Lancelot Pond was spot-treated for milfoil in 2003. New growth of milfoil has been managed through an effective hand-pulling effort undertaken by Bill Osborn. The only area that milfoil was observed during our 10/19/06 inspection was in the shallow, northern end of the pond. Plants were widely scattered and should be manageable through hand-pulling in the spring and early summer of 2007.

Aside from the non-native plant populations, the overall condition of the Sherwood Forest ponds appears to be quite favorable. They all support habitat for fish and wildlife. They also appear to have good water clarity and water quality. That's refreshing, isn't it.

Other related activities:

Weekly beach area testing over the past two seasons has once again showed excellent quality reports. We're now approved for testing every 2 weeks vs. weekly - with a nice savings in our annual expense.

Our Propagators license was continued to allow license-free fishing under "catch and release" regulations - (please observe and spread the word that larger breeding fish are again in reduced supply.)

The issuance of mandated Boat Registrations should go a long way toward reducing the influx of nuisance prolific weeds which can arrive by way of motors and hulls in our waters from Lakes outside the Forest (We have to wonder why Lancelot continues to be plagued with milfoil - are there to may "outsiders" using this lake?) Everyone should help us monitor boat traffic on our Lakes - No Registration/No Boating!

Can we depend on you to have "MONEY IN THE BANK" to commit to annual survey work and treatments?

Some may think that our battle is won and over. Problem is, it is a battle and the war on weeds goes on. We cannot predict the re-growth or arrival of prolific plants like milfoil and Naiad or the return of algae. And as of late, we cannot predict the treasury dollars required to manage the lake waters in the future.

Everyone (spread the word, please) has to realize there will always be new fronts to attack and new debts to incur. (As an example, $5,000 is required annually for pre and post season reporting in compliance with our "Order of Conditions" with DEP and the Conservation Commission.)

SOLO is a stand alone entity - not funded by SFNA. A separate treasury is maintained as it has since its beginning 18 years ago. And $150 is a pretty cheap price to help keep our waters pristine and the envy of the Berkshires!

Thank you in advance ($150 waterfront - $100 off water) and a fresh new SOLO sticker will be on its way to you. Be assured we'll do everything we can to serve the needs of all of you within the Forest.

Best regards,