Newton Tab Op-Ed (May 7, 2011) from Janice Bourque, Crystal Lake Conservancy
As many residents of Newton are aware, the utilization of Crystal Lake has increased greatly over the years, intensifying existing pressures on this urban park. Some of those pressures include increased use of the bath house in spite of its deteriorating condition, expanded use of the lake for swimming, the presence of dogs swimming in the lake, demand for fishing, the encroachment of invasive plants and animals on the natural habitat, and algae blooms and vegetative changes caused by runoff from storm drains in the topographical watershed. Because Crystal Lake is a kettle pond and not spring fed, its only sources of new water are rain and runoff.
Designated as a “Great Pond,” Crystal Lake is owned by the state, and all residents of the state are entitled to have access to it for public recreation. Crystal Lake is one of only two outdoor public swimming areas in a city of 80,000. Over 1000 children are part of the summer swim program. It is the only place other than the Charles River that is open to non-motorized public boating and one of a handful of places available for public fishing (with annual stocking).
In 2009, a group of residents formed the Crystal Lake Conservancy (CLC) as a nonprofit 501c3 organization, established for the purposes of preserving and protecting Crystal Lake for the benefit of the public by promoting and preserving the unique natural beauty and recreational enjoyment of the Lake.
We realized that assessing and potentially improving the condition of the water was the most critical issue, and we initiated a yearlong study of the lake that includes water monitoring, water testing and a watershed survey and educational program. Thanks to work by environmental scientists and our faithful volunteers last summer, the Crystal Lake Conservancy obtained initial data on algae blooms, depth visibility and temperature changes that could indicate some potential problems.
Our goal is to cover five principal areas: environment, education, programs and activities, long-range planning, and fundraising.
Environment: The Crystal Lake Conservancy intends to provide an environmental assessment of the Lake and we are in need of volunteers to help us collect more data this summer. We have engaged Larry Beals, Beals Associates, a consultant, and spoke with Frederick Civian, the Storm Water Coordinator for the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection as well as various experts at the MA DEP and City of Newton in our effort to create a plan of analysis and education.
1.Watershed Survey:
We will be conducting a ground survey of the Crystal Lake Watershed to assess potential water quality effects from storm-water systems, run off, impervious surfaces and land uses. The survey will be taken on foot through the Crystal Lake neighborhood.
2.Water Testing/Monitoring Program:
The CLC is continuing its Water Testing/Monitoring program. Temperature and visibility readings along with bacterial, chemical and metal sample water tests will be conducted at various sites on Crystal Lake.
Education: An important element to the success of the Conservancy’s mission will be to provide educational resources to homeowners within the watershed as well as key departments in the City of Newton. We are building community awareness via our website, newsletters, and informational brochures concerning the lake. We hope to identify and promote environmentally sustainable uses for Crystal Lake and surrounding public lands.
Programs and Activities: The Crystal Lake Conservancy will collaborate with the City of Newton and other community-based volunteer efforts focused on Crystal Lake.
Long-Range Planning: The Crystal Lake Conservancy will focus on developing a long-range plan for physical, natural and aesthetic improvements and maintenance of Crystal Lake as a natural citywide resource.
Fundraising: The Crystal Lake Conservancy will engage in fundraising activities for the purpose of assisting the City of Newton in funding the construction of an improved Crystal Lake bath house and related site landscaping. The goal is to raise a combination of public and private funds to replace the current dilapidated bathhouse and to improve the accessibility of the neighboring park and parking lot utilizing the Crystal Lake Task Force Report as a guide.
Crystal Lake is a true jewel for our community. It is our belief that people throughout the entire Newton community will want to join with us as long term stewards of Crystal Lake. We invite and look forward to new members and volunteers to help with our mission.
To learn more about our organization, please visit our website at www.CrystalLakeConservancy.org.
Janice Bourque
Co-President
Crystal Lake Conservancy
Designated as a “Great Pond,” Crystal Lake is owned by the state, and all residents of the state are entitled to have access to it for public recreation. Crystal Lake is one of only two outdoor public swimming areas in a city of 80,000. Over 1000 children are part of the summer swim program. It is the only place other than the Charles River that is open to non-motorized public boating and one of a handful of places available for public fishing (with annual stocking).
In 2009, a group of residents formed the Crystal Lake Conservancy (CLC) as a nonprofit 501c3 organization, established for the purposes of preserving and protecting Crystal Lake for the benefit of the public by promoting and preserving the unique natural beauty and recreational enjoyment of the Lake.
We realized that assessing and potentially improving the condition of the water was the most critical issue, and we initiated a yearlong study of the lake that includes water monitoring, water testing and a watershed survey and educational program. Thanks to work by environmental scientists and our faithful volunteers last summer, the Crystal Lake Conservancy obtained initial data on algae blooms, depth visibility and temperature changes that could indicate some potential problems.
Our goal is to cover five principal areas: environment, education, programs and activities, long-range planning, and fundraising.
Environment: The Crystal Lake Conservancy intends to provide an environmental assessment of the Lake and we are in need of volunteers to help us collect more data this summer. We have engaged Larry Beals, Beals Associates, a consultant, and spoke with Frederick Civian, the Storm Water Coordinator for the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection as well as various experts at the MA DEP and City of Newton in our effort to create a plan of analysis and education.
1.Watershed Survey:
We will be conducting a ground survey of the Crystal Lake Watershed to assess potential water quality effects from storm-water systems, run off, impervious surfaces and land uses. The survey will be taken on foot through the Crystal Lake neighborhood.
2.Water Testing/Monitoring Program:
The CLC is continuing its Water Testing/Monitoring program. Temperature and visibility readings along with bacterial, chemical and metal sample water tests will be conducted at various sites on Crystal Lake.
Education: An important element to the success of the Conservancy’s mission will be to provide educational resources to homeowners within the watershed as well as key departments in the City of Newton. We are building community awareness via our website, newsletters, and informational brochures concerning the lake. We hope to identify and promote environmentally sustainable uses for Crystal Lake and surrounding public lands.
Programs and Activities: The Crystal Lake Conservancy will collaborate with the City of Newton and other community-based volunteer efforts focused on Crystal Lake.
Long-Range Planning: The Crystal Lake Conservancy will focus on developing a long-range plan for physical, natural and aesthetic improvements and maintenance of Crystal Lake as a natural citywide resource.
Fundraising: The Crystal Lake Conservancy will engage in fundraising activities for the purpose of assisting the City of Newton in funding the construction of an improved Crystal Lake bath house and related site landscaping. The goal is to raise a combination of public and private funds to replace the current dilapidated bathhouse and to improve the accessibility of the neighboring park and parking lot utilizing the Crystal Lake Task Force Report as a guide.
Crystal Lake is a true jewel for our community. It is our belief that people throughout the entire Newton community will want to join with us as long term stewards of Crystal Lake. We invite and look forward to new members and volunteers to help with our mission.
To learn more about our organization, please visit our website at www.CrystalLakeConservancy.org.
Janice Bourque
Co-President
Crystal Lake Conservancy