our history

Since its creation, the RPA has conducted a volunteer water quality monitoring program to regularly take test samples for analysis of the lake and its four tributaries, from June through September.  It also raises funds for the monitoring and control of invasive, exotic aquatic vegetation through draw-down and aquatic herbicide treatments.  The RPA creates displays, postings, pamphlets and newspaper articles to provide public information and education about the Pond and related environmental issues.  The RPA has engaged local school children in a bumper sticker contest and watershed education.  Public education is an ongoing process, as are all the RPA activities to improve the water quality of Richmond Pond. 

Clean Water - The RPA has also been working to identify and mitigate impact from storm water runoff that causes erosion, sedimentation and lake pollution.  In 2002, the Town of Richmond was awarded a matching grant under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act of 1987, in the form of federal funds administered in Massachusetts by the Department of Environmental Protection and awarded to towns to control non-point sources of water pollution.  The RPA worked in cooperation with the Town of Richmond for the 60/40 match, providing volunteer manpower to do much of the necessary work planting trees, bushes, monitoring the installation of drop inlets (catch basins), providing rip-rap to storm water erosion channels, monitoring the construction of detention basins, and working with engineers who designed the structures.  The grant was issued to the town.  No funds were received or expended by the Richmond Pond Association.

Sewers replace septic tanks - As part of this effort, a sewer system was also installed, serving all of the cottages and camps around the Richmond side of the lake (those in Pittsfield were already served by sewers).  The septic systems, some of which had been leaching into the lake, were all de-commissioned as hookups to the sewer system were completed in 2006 and 2007.  The water quality of the pond, as documented by the RPA’s water monitoring, improved substantially. 

Communication - The RPA provides a forum for interaction between the major stakeholders at the Pond and allows a coordinated response for environmental issues facing the pond.  Its focus on public education also helps bring about the goal of permanently protecting and preserving our beautiful Richmond Pond.  As part of that effort, the RPA regularly updates this website, and periodically updates its brochure, which is available at the Richmond Town Hall, the boat launch ramp kiosk, Bartlett’s Orchard and in response to requests.

Developed, implemented and evaluated a multi-faceted all-pond goose management plan to address E-coli contamination and related public health concerns from the resident Canada goose population explosion. The goose herd-chasing by trained border collies appears to have been at least partially successful, as the resident goose population on the pond was reduced by about 50% from 2018. Planning for a somewhat scaled back goose management strategy is in progress for 2020.

Oriented Richmond’s new town administrator to Richmond Pond, its assets and its challenges.

Continued the vendor’s management of invasive weeds with Town financial support. While the annual treatment occurred later than usual, the post-treatment assessment indicated that it was successful. A possible separate treatment for native tapegrass was studied, but a decision was made to “let it be.”

Sponsored 3rd annual all-town picnic, hosted at Camp Russell with pontoon boat rides; 100 attended.

Assisted with facilitation of community dialogue about noise impacts from the Balderdash Cellars Winery fall harvest concert series and other outdoor events.

Ongoing:

· Conducted tributary monitoring, continued review of the dam maintenance program, and financially supported the 3rd year of the water level monitoring project. The Town funded and managed the public boat ramp monitors, who educated the public about invasives, especially zebra mussels; the Town also staffed the Town Beach.

· Updated the RPA website and Facebook page, submitted monthly pond updates for the Richmond Record, and participated in regional and state pond management seminars.

· Distributed the annual “Developments at Richmond Pond” funding solicitation newsletter; also received a substantial contribution from Balderdash fall harvest concert series parking proceeds.

· Enhanced engagement of Richmond Shores Association leaders with the Richmond Pond Association.

Emerging projects:

· A Richmond Pond history project (a picture book) is under development, with a target publication date in late spring 2021.

· Created a canal restoration fund, initiated planning for a canal restoration strategy, and started work on the development of a cyanobacteria bloom prevention/management plan in collaboration with other Berkshire lakes and ponds. 

Respectfully submitted,

Ken Kelly, President

Susan Benner, Vice President

Carl Foote, Treasurer

Doreen Donovan, Secretary

Richmond Pond Association marks another successful year in the preservation and protection of Richmond Pond. We are very appreciative to the Richmond Town Administrator, the Richmond Conservation Commission, the Pittsfield Open Space and Natural Resources Program Manager, and our numerous volunteers and donors without whom we would be less able to maintain this natural treasure. All are cordially invited to join our public meetings, to like our Facebook page, and to subscribe to updates on our website, www.richmondpondassociation.org.

A great highlight of 2018 for us was the relocation of the paddle portion of the Josh Billings RunAground to Richmond Pond due to a toxic algal bloom at Stockbridge Bowl, therefore raising its profile among local paddlers and triathletes. Members of the race committee were very pleased with our work and hope to use Richmond Pond as a backup venue for that leg of the race if ever needed in the future.

Among our priority achievements:

• Weed treatment: Richmond Pond was treated twice in the summer for invasive plants: Eurasian milfoil, curly-leaf pondweed, and spiny naiad. We are now considering future treatment for tapegrass, a native species, which is overgrowing in some areas.
• Boat ramp monitoring: A team of four boat ramp monitors worked over the summer to inspect boats and educate the public about the risks of invasive species, particularly of zebra mussels.
  
• State of the canal: Study continues on how best to ameliorate the problem of weed overgrowth and siltation in the canal. We continue to monitor water levels and quality there.
  
• Water monitoring: We continue sampling to ensure that the water flowing from Richmond Pond to the Housatonic River is clean.
  
• Dam maintenance: Work has been ongoing throughout the year on the pond’s dam on Lakeside Christian Camp property. We continue to work with Lakeside to keep the dam structurally sound.
  
• Annual picnic: The Richmond Pond Association held its second annual all-town picnic at Camp Russell. It was well attended and was an excellent way to showcase our work to Richmond residents.
  

Among our future plans:

• ​​Goose management: A flock of about 150 Canada geese took up residence at Richmond Pond this summer and made their way onto many properties on the lakefront. Considering that their droppings contribute to E. coli contamination in the pond, we are meeting over the winter to consider an all-pond goose management plan.
  
• Science education: We continue our collaborations with the Massachusetts Audubon Society and Richmond Consolidated School faculty about the use of Richmond Pond for science education of our local pupils.
  
• Priority projects: We shall continue our focus on weed management, canal restoration, water quality monitoring, and public access for recreational purposes. We likewise shall share our experiences with our state legislators and with other municipalities and lake and pond associations so as to promote lake and pond health throughout the Commonwealth.
  

Respectfully submitted,

               Ken Kelly, President
               Susan Benner, Vice President
               Carl Foote, Treasurer
               Matthew Palardy, Secretary