Friends of Hawksnest State Park

Join Irwin Schorr for a walk in Hawksnest

2012-02-10T13:32:00.000-06:00

Saturday, February 25th, 10:00 a.m.

Join veteran walk leader Irwin Schorr as he interprets the six ponds area.

Directions: From Route 6, Exit 11, go west on Spruce Rd. Park on the shoulder of Spruce Rd. near the intersection with Hawksnest Rd. (not marked).

Thanks to Harwich Conservation Trust

Snapping turtles at Hawksnest

2011-10-19T22:36:00.003-05:00

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Since my childhood in the 1950s, I've seen snapping turtles at Hawksnest, usually close to Black Pond. Years might go between sightings, but they were definitely there, and some were BIG.

Common snapping turtle crossing a road.

Last August, while walking along the isthmus between Black and Hawksnest ponds, I spotted some mysterious tracks--three inches across, and with enormous claw marks.

I took photos, and decided to figure out what animal was responsible.

It wasn't long before I began to suspect the River Otter. Large males can have tracks that big, and river otters do probably live in the ponds of Hawksnest State Park. They occur all over Nickerson State Park nearby. But they avoid daylight during the summer, and would be wary of the many dogs at the pond. So they will be hard to spot.

I sent my photos to two wildlife experts: Scott Craven and David Brown. Craven suspected either snapper or otter--but he thought the tail drag was too heavy for an otter, which seldom leaves tail marks. Brown was positive it was a common snapping turtle Chelydra serpentina, and said the holes in the sand were also caused by the turtle. Mystery solved!

Large snapping turtle tracks, coming out of Hawksnest and crossing the isthmus towards Black Pond.

Notice the heavy tail mark. The foot prints are roundish, with deep claw marks around the edge. You don't see marks from the shell, because snappers walk with the shell off the ground.

Excavations, probably by the snapper, as she looked for a place to lay. Photo of female laying.

These holes were likely made by a female snapper digging with her front feet as she looks for a place to dig her nest. If the nest had been finished and covered, you wouldn't be able to find it. If it had been plundered by a raccoon, you would see eggshells scattered about.

It's likely the snapper found this wet spot unsuitable for a nest, since the water was only a few inches down. Pond turtles require dry, sandy places for their nests, and there aren't many places available at Hawksnest--with so many woods around. Another attempted hole nearby suggested this was one frustrated turtle, looking urgently for a place to lay her eggs!

Females may travel long distances over land, looking for a place to lay. This makes them vulnerable to being run over.

Common snapping turtle, from Wikipedia commons.

Snappers can grow up to 80 pounds and live for 30 years in the wild or 50 in captivity. They look like ancient reptiles--and indeed they are. They are little changed in form from well before the time of the dinosaurs.

But snappers have survived into the modern world because being cold blooded has its advantages. With a very slow metabolism, snappers can hold their breath for a half hour or more. They are often ambush predators, waiting motionless below the surface for a fish or frog to happen by. Then, the long neck strikes with lightning speed, and the surprised prey is eaten with a few gulps.

Snappers may bury themselves under the mud in shallow water, waiting for something edible to happen by. When they need to breathe, they simply raise their long neck to the surface.

Young snappers eat insects, worms, leeches, crayfish, small fish, or dead animals. Adult turtles eat larger prey including frogs, toads, snakes, turtles, small mammals, and even ducklings. Both eat plants as well, for a third of their diet.

Being rather fierce--and protected by scales and strong jaws--snappers don't require as much protection from their shell. They look like they have badly outgrown their shells--seeming to bulge out of them.

Snappers won't attack swimmers, but if you pick them up, they have very long necks that can take a serious bite--even remove your finger.

Don't confuse the common snapper with the alligator snapping turtle Macrochelys temminckii, found in southern states. The record for an alligator snapper was over 260 pounds. These turtles look much more fierce and primitive than the common snapper. Their most distinctive feature is a worm-like red lure on the bottom of their mouth. They open their jaws wide to display the lure, and wait....

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Find out more about snappers

Popular snapping turtle website

Wikipedia articles on common snappers and alligator snappers.

Turtles in Massachusetts. Snappers are found all over the state, and are not endangered.

More about Purple Bladderwort in Black Pond

2011-10-18T01:11:00.001-05:00

The round shape, upper right, is the bladder. Drawing source:Britton and Brown, 1913.

The carnivorous plant in the previous story is probably Eastern Purple Bladerwort Utricularia purpurea. It's found throughout eastern North America.

"Purple Bladderwort is a free-floating carnivorous aquatic plant. The name Utricularia is from the Latin 'utriculus' meaning 'a little bag' in reference to the tiny bladder sacs found in the whorls of submersed leaves."

"The bladders have a trap door which opens to suck in tiny aquatic animals. Until recently this carnivory was viewed as a typical predator-prey interaction with the plants benefiting from nutrients derived from the trapped organisms. Recent research has shown the bladders support living communities of microrganisms and that Bladderwort plants derive more benefit from the by-products of this living community than from carnivory. " From Margo Holt.

The bladderwort flower rises above the surface, buoyed by the clusters of submerged leaves.

It's a floating plant, without any roots.

Two rare species of bladderworts have been found in Harwich:

Resupinate Bladderwort, purple flower, last seen in 1919, and
Subulate Bladderwort, yellow flower, last seen in 2002.

List of Rare species in Harwich.

Carnivorous plants--Bladderwort in Black Pond

2011-10-06T22:05:00.012-05:00

by Rex Merrill

You don't know what lurks below the surface unless you look.

One of the joys of living near a pond is being able to get out on the water for a paddle on a sunny summer day. I often make a quick circuit in a canoe or kayak just inside the zone of submerged aquatic vegetation.

Bladderwort is found in shallow water along the shore of Black Pond, near the isthmus.

Sometimes I'm frustrated by having to paddle through thick beds of invasive European water-millfoil, but other times I slow down to take a look at the variety of life just beneath my boat. On such a paddle I ran across the bladderwort, a fascinating plant that eats aquatic invertebrates.

The bladderwort is easy to miss. Its highly branched shoots float just beneath the water surface and may be mistaken for the finely divided leaves of the water-milfoil that often grown nearby.

When bladderwort blooms, it sends a stalk 4-12 inches above the water with several purple flowers which are over half an inch wide and reminiscent of snapdragons.

Once you find the plant and pull it above the water's surface, you should see the small bladders (each about a sixteenth of an inch in diameter) that give the bladderwort its name.

Lurking under Black Pond... The round leaves are water lilies. The feathery leaves are bladderwort. The small, dark, beanlike structures are the bladders. Click photo to enlarge.

Bugs beware

The bladders are hair-triggered traps that catch aquatic invertebrates such as mosquito larvae and water fleas. The trap is set by pumping water out of a bladder and closing a trap door. The trap is sprung when an unwitting invertebrate trips the trigger hairs that surround the door.

When the trigger hairs are tripped, the door snaps open so that water and invertebrates are sucked into the bladder. I've actually heard the traps snap open.

Once the prey is caught, it suffers a prolonged death as it is dissolved by digestive enzymes produced by glands inside the traps.

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Rex is a professor at the University of Wisconsin--Baraboo, and a Board Member of Friends of Lake Wingra. This article first appeared in the newsletter for Friends of Lake Wingra.

A few minor changes have been made to adapt the article to Cape Cod. For example, there are several species--Rex was writing about the common bladderwort (Utricularia vulgaris), with yellow flowers. The one in Black Pond is apparently a closely related species with purple flowers. It was blooming on July 17, 2011.

2011-09-28T00:50:00.002-05:00

Massachusetts Forest and Park Friends Network Annual Conference, October 22, 2011

9:30AM - 2:00PM
Worcester, MA

The Keynote Speaker will be DCR Commissioner Edward M. Lambert. The theme is Common Goals Strong Partnerships.

Afternoon Guest Speaker Robert T. Leverett, President, Friends of Mohawk Trail State Forest -Improving the Quality of our State Parks on a Shoestring Budget.

Friends Network members are invited to share their group's work on behalf of state parks. You may submit photos of volunteers in action for inclusion in a slide show presentation. All attending will have space to display materials.

The Conference is open to the public. Participants will be asked to pay $3.00 to help cover morning coffee, guest lunches, and materials.

Click here for more information on detailed location, meals, parking, & registration.

This is a really good group! This meeting will energize you--you'll find out there are lots of other folks who care about our parks.

Ponds on Cape Cod with toxic algae, 2009-2011

2011-08-30T17:29:00.007-05:00

Blue-green algae creates "toxic algae blooms." They have been known to kill dogs and people. While only a few people have been sickened by algae blooms in the US, about 50 people were killed in Brazil from drinking water tainted with algae.

In 1998, four dogs were poisoned--two of them died--from drinking water at Cliff Pond in Nickerson State Park. One of the dogs that died belonged to Jeff Hook--and he thinks the four dogs are just the tip of the iceberg. A few years later, he had a second dog die at Cliff Pond.

In an email Jeff wrote: "I lost two dogs after they were poisoned by algae at Nickerson State Park, and haven't been back there since. I am concered about the same problem occuring at Hawksnest Pond--tho I do not see or smell a problem so far. The blue-green algae at Nickerson was so intense it killed my 50-pound dogs in less than ten minutes. And I mean killed them dead. That was 1996 and the park officials didn't even know what blue-green algae was. Nor did the vets I went to. Nowadays people seem more knowledgable about it."

Toxic algae blooms are caused by complex factors--but all starts when too many nutrients get into a pond. The nutrients are like loading the gun. The exact trigger is unknown--it might be warm weather and/or other factors.

Hinkleys Pond

In 2009, Hinkleys Pond in Harwich had its water sampled during routine water quality measurements. Everyone was surprised when technicians notified the town that the pond's water had five times the acceptable level of blue-green algae. The pond was immediately closed. More.

Hawksnest Pond

Hawksnest, to my knowledge, has never had an algae bloom of any kind. That's because Hawksnest has the best water quality of any pond in Harwich, based on many years of data from the Town's volunteer sampling program.

Cleaning up after dogs, keeping vegetation intact along the shore, and preventing erosion, will keep the pond in tip-top condition.

The map below shows ponds where there have recently been blue-green algae advisories.

View Cape Cod ponds with blue-green algae advisories in a larger map

To see all the ponds, zoom out (click the minus sign, upper left).You can get the pond name and year of data by moving your cursor over the pond and clicking.

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Data is from the MA Dept. of Public Health, for 2009, 2010, and 2011.

Work party to prepare Hawksnest for storm--Sat. morn

2011-08-25T18:40:00.001-05:00

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Urgent work party Saturday morning.

Erosion control enhancements.

Call Lisa Thompson to coordinate

617-869-7426

Most erosion happens during the biggest storms. When a storm hits, enormous erosion damage can occur. The big gully to the beach at Round Cove Rd. happened during such a storm.

The approaching hurricane could bring torrential rains.

It's essential that diversion channels be strengthened before the storm hits.

It would also be very helpful if, during the rain, people who live near Hawksnest clean debris out of the diversion channels, so they don't stop working, and repair any berms or dams.

It would be best to park your car outside, before you get to the big puddles on Round Cove Rd.

Use caution, and don't go while trees are blowing down. But the odds are, the winds won't be that bad--just lots of rain.

Round Cove Rd parking area. Click to enlarge.

Places that need strengthing, or watching during the storm.

Top priority: Steep trail to pond

In middle of trail, create several barriers/dams, and then dig ditches above dams to divert runoff to the east side (right as you face the pond).
Make sure silt the sock at the top isn't overtopped.
Strengthen diversion ditches above silt socks, in parking area, to divert water away from top of trail (and instead send it down the other trail to the right, facing pond).
Enlarge the berm near the bottom of the closed trail over the hill (see diagram). That will reduce the amount of water flowing towards the pond via the steep trail.
Clean up any ashes before the rain begins.

Second priority: Bells Landing on Walker Rd.side

The importance of this spot is that a great deal of debris and nutrients wash down the road towards the pond. The debris will add nutrients to the pond.

Clean up any ashes before the rain begins.
Strengthen the berm and ditch above it, so runoff coming down road flows away from pond.
During storm, clean sediment from diversion ditch, and reair berm if necessary.

Big gully to beach at Round Cove Rd

At top of gully, make sure ditch above silt sock is clear, so runoff flows away from pond
Place 5 deltalok bags (J. Wittmann has) in middle of gulley temporarily, to slow water.
Is it possible to place a tarp, boards, or other protection over the eroding bank and roots, so the remainingsoil isn't washed away by the rain??

Lowest point in Round Cove Rd as it approaches parking

Strengthen berm on pond side
Clean out and deepen drainage ditch away from pond at lowest point, at parking lower spot.
Check/clean drainage during storm.
There are some other diversion ditches closer to the upper parking. Clean these out also.

Closed trail over hill

There are several silt socks along this trail. Clean out/deepen the drainage ditches just above these silt socks (especially at the one silt sock on the far side of the hill).

Right-hand trail (facing pond) to beach from upper parking, Round Cove Rd

The silt socks here aren't stopping the water. If you are there during the storm, perhaps you can figure out a way to divert some of the water to the side. This is lowest priority, because I can't think of an easy solution. It's probably best deal with this by preventing the water from starting down this route.

Previous erosion control projects at Hawksnest

2011-08-25T17:06:00.004-05:00

Our approach

Use local materials--like logs and mulch.
Hand tools rather than heavy equipment--less expensive, less disturbance.
Mulch all surfaces--looks more natural, prevents erosion, promotes plant growth.
Watch where the rain goes--work with the rain, not against it.
Explain what we're doing.
Be responsive to legitimate needs of users--we're trying to repair rather than close paths to the pond.
Volunteers must coordinate so they don't work against each othe.r
All projects are approved by Nickerson State Park's superintendent.
We strongly discourage improvement of roads into Hawksnest. Poor roads are the best conservation tool--they limit visitation and other damage to the park. But we may make some repairs to roads, only to prevent harmful runoff from roads to the pond.

Plan of erosion control projects at Hawksest, near Round Cove Rd parking.

Repair of the giant puddle

Former beautiful hollow, home of orchids, before repair.

In 1970, this spot was a beautiful, semi-open grove of pine trees. There were scattered clumps of grass, low blueberry bushes, and orchids. Gradually, cars began to park in the glen closer to the pond.  By about 2007, 4X vehicles began to drive down the footpath from the upper parking, completing a loop.

With vehicles using the steep footpath, it began to erode, channeling runoff from the parking area toward the pond. In the lowest spot of the grove, a giant puddled formed from runoff that came from Round Cove Rd and the upper parking area. When full, the puddle was within about a foot (in height) of overflowing to the pond.

The puddle was filthy with dog and human feces washed from the parking area. SUVs splashed through the puddle for fun, going round and round the loop. Last summer, two vehicles became mired in the puddle and had to be towed out.

The State drew up an expensive plan for fixing the whole area, but the Harwich Conservation Commission blocked the plan because it would restrict vehicle access. There was much talk of bringing in a backhoe and loads of gravel to fill the puddle, but nothing materialized.

I decided action was better than talk. Larry from Nickerson State Park felled two dead trees, and dragged them with a truck to block access by vehicles. I spent two days shoveling dirt--that had splashed out--back into the crater. Then I raked it all smooth, and mulched it over with leaf litter taken from the woods. I planted some native plants, and finished with a pathway, bordered by small logs.

Not counting Larry, the whole job required no more than a shovel, a rake, a tarp for carrying mulch, and about $30 for ropes and signs. It shows that money and heavy equipment isn't needed for most restoration jobs.

Results: I was successful in diverting runoff from Round Cove Rd.  A small puddle still forms, but without vehicle traffic, it's not getting any bigger, and there's no longer danger it will break through and pollute the pond.

Future work: Ropes and signs marking the restored area were removed by vandals. Although there's no vehicular traffic, bikes, ATVs, horses, and romping dogs are still crossing the restored area. Unless traffic can be reduced, plants won't grow here, and it can't be fully restored.   Scampering dogs are especially hard on the plants.

Immediately after restoration and mulchjing,
Aug. 2010.

Former 'Giant Puddle," after severe rainstorm in July, 2011.

This could be an ideal spot for picnicking, sunbathing, or resting after a swim. It deserves full restoration to its original beauty.

Silt socks at Round Cove Rd, upper parking

Silt socks are tubes made of plastic fabric. When filled with sand or mulch, and tied at the ends, they make a sausage-shaped dam that slows or diverts runoff.

Larry from Nickerson State Park brought a load of sand, and spent a day helping me fill the socks. Because socks longer than 6 feet are too heavy to carry, we had to fill them in place.

See the diagram for their locations (pink). The trails near the silt socks were heavily mulched.

Results: One silt sock was dragged a mile away by a vehicle, apparently for a joke. A few others were moved, and one broke open.

During the heaviest rain of the year, I happened to be on-site. Where socks had been used to deflect runoff, they worked pretty well. But on trails from the parking to the pond, they were easily overtopped by the floods. Nevertheless, they probably slowed the flood and reduced the erosion.

During the storm, I saw that the upper parking area--a basin--creates so much runoff, that the resulting floods can't be prevented from causing more erosion downhill towards the pond.

Future work: Eventually, the upper parking will have to be closed, in favor of the lower parking area (to the S of the road). The upper parking area could become a picnic area, once vegetation is restored.

Most of the mulch was washed away--the trails will have to be re-mulched. Most people agree they don't look very nice, so socks are a temporary solution.

I'm proposing that we replace the socks with logs, held in place with rebar stakes. With soil filled behind the logs, we'll have a series of steps on pathways to the pond.

The steep trail to the pond

Runoff from parking was prevented from reaching the trail by a silt sock at the top, and the trail was mulched.

The mulch has washed away. The trail still channels enough runoff so it's still at risk. Fixing this is our highest priority--see future projects.

The gulley to the beach

A silt sock at the top successfully diverts runoff from the parking area.

From time totime, I place ropes, signs, or branches at the top, to keep people off the top of the bank. But these barriers don't last long.

Dogs are the biggest problem here, digging into the bank. If the sides of this gulley aren't protected, the trees will be undermined and blow down. Fixing this area is the second highest priority--see future projects.

Gully to the beach,showing (left) where dogs have been digging.

Closure of trail over Sunset Hill

The trail was blocked with logs. Silt socks were placed to divert water off the trail, helped by diversion ditches. Finally, the portion near the parking area was mulched.

Trail over the hill (upper left) as it comes into the parking area.

Vandals removed all the logs, ropes, and signs (three times). They hid some of the silt socks in the woods. Nevertheless, I redid most of the work.

Results: With the relatively small amount of runoff on this trail, mulch will do most of the protective work.

Future work: Nothing will work unless we can keep heavy traffic--horses and ATVs--off this trail. They scatter the mulch and trample any recovering plants. It's essential to get this erosion under control before the gully gets too deep. Once that happens, there's no way to deflect the runoff from a deep channel.

Diversion of runoff from Round Cove Rd

Most of the runoff to the Giant Puddle was coming from Round Cove Rd, either from the parking area, or from the hill to the east. Diversion ditches were dug, and the low point of the road was graded (by hand) to slope away from the pond.

Round Cove Rd at low point, looking toward Rte. 137.

Note berm to left on pond side, & drainage ditch to right.

Most important was creating a berm on the pond side, to keep water from flowing toward the puddle. Besides a berm, we placed a silt sock under a log, creating a dam.

Results: All this was very successful, as seen during the big rain.

Future work: The berm and the ditches have to maintained frequently. Accumulating sediment has to be periodically removed from the south side of the road, so it won't block escape of runoff away from the pond. Barriers to vehicle traffic and no parking signs (towards the pond) have to be maintained.

Diversion of runoff at Bell's landing

This is the spur from Nathan Walker Rd, providing access to the W side of the pond. I call it Bell's landing, after the Boston couple who sold their land to the State. They had a cabin here.

The road to the beach has become a deep channel for runoff, which flows directly into the pond. Fires are sometimes built in the channel, so ashes wash to the pond. Ashes are rich in phosphorus, which can cause toxic algae blooms.

The State developed expensive plans for restoring and developing this area. Plans called for four parking areas, and diversion of runoff to a large (constructed) rain garden, in a low spot away from the pond. The Harwich Conservation Commission approved the plan, but the State is broke.

A berm (levee) was built to deflect runoff towards the planned location of the rain garden. Looking uphill from pond. Road enters from right.

Results: But when the big storm came, the berm was breached, and a great deal of organic matter and litter was washed into the pond. There was a lot of floating debris on the W side of the pond, and the water remained cloudy for days.

Future work: I rebuilt the berm, but it needs to be enlarged and maintained. Vehicles scatter the mound, and the diversion channel towards the "rain garden" away from the pond gets clogged.If you can walk in, that's better, because vehicles destroy the berm.
Maintaining and improving this diversion is our third priority. Simple but frequent work. Bring a garden rake with your swim suit.

Urgent Action Needed--by all Friends of Hawksnest

2011-08-23T04:18:00.007-05:00

Hawksnest could be logged !

Friday 8/26 is the last day

to tell the State what you think about this bad idea.

Savoy State Ex-Forest.

The State is revising its classification of various public lands. They are being labeled as Reserves, Parkland, or Woodland.

Reserves will have the highest level of protection, while Woodlands will have the lowest. In fact, Woodlands are to be managed for logging.

Hawksnest has been designated as Woodland, so it could be logged.

The State has been aggressively logging in other State Parks. At one park, where a family gave land to the State as at Hawksnest, the donors found their gift had been logged! The scrubby trees at Hawksnest are unlikely to be cut for timber.... but keeping this low designation will just encourage more neglect of Hawksnest. Low status might encourage other kinds of abuse besides logging.

We believe the best designation for Hawksnest is "Reserve." This would essentially keep Hawksnest as it is, and manage it for biodiversity. Under the "Parkland" designation, Hawksnest could be managed like Nickerson State Park, with campgrounds, large paved parking lots, and developed beaches.

Please request a change in designation for Hawksnest from Woodland to Reserve--the deadline for comment is August 26.

Email your comments here: designation.comments@state.ma.us

Or, you here's a "Quick Comment" website, where they help you compose a letter.

Some reasons Hawksnest deserves "Reserve" designation:

Hawksnest has two endangered species (two species of damselflies)
Hawksnest shoreline is home to the Plymouth gentian, a plant of Special Concern.
Hawksnest is habitat for the box turtle, a species of Special Concern.
Hawksnest has the best water quality of any pond in Harwich. Management for logging doesn't recognize the pond's central value to the park.
Hawksnest has historic value--old homesites, and historic old roads like Halls Path.
As a successor to Walden Pond, Hawksnest has spiritual values that would only be recognized under "Reserve" listing.
Hawksnest is a "drinking water supply area" for the Town of Harwich.

Find out more at these links
Land designation process
Selection Criteria and Management Guidelines (see p.7 for definitions of "Woodland," etc.
Friends Network page on the issue (scroll down to Alerts)

Protecting fragile vegetation at Hawksnest

2011-08-22T00:50:00.007-05:00

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The soil's surface... is the living skin of the earth.

When vegetation is destroyed, erosion creates a wound--as dangerous to the ecosystem as a festering sore. In the resulting scars, invasive plants and animals can become established.

Healthy soil stores nutrients for plants--but with erosion, phosphorus escapes, creating imbalances in waterways downstream.

If erosion is allowed to continue unchecked, the resulting gullies will be very expensive to repair. At Walden Pond State Reservation near Boston, erosion that went unchecked for decades cost over a million dollars to repair.

Looking down a steep, eroding bluff towards Little Cliff Pond.

Nickerson State Park has beautiful ponds with steep banks. But there are several ponds there with serious erosion on their bluffs. One of the ponds became so unbalanced from nutrients in 1998 that two dogs died within ten minutes of entering the water. The cause--a toxic algae bloom, resulting from too many nutrients washing into the water.

A fragile park

Vegetation in Hawksnest State is fragile, because the soil is thin, underlain by loose sand. There are steep bluffs overlooking the water to the west and north of the pond.

Shore vegetation is especially fragile, because it has become adapted to a sheltered environment. Along the edge of small ponds, there's little wave action or movement of winter ice. Interior ponds are different from the ocean shore, where storms and currents normally cause much erosion. Coastal plants and animals have become adapted to change.

The fragility of Cape soils was revealed in historic times. In portions of the Provincetown and Eastham, the sandy soil became destabilized from overgrazing or farming--resulting in barren plains or even roving dunes.*

In desert, alpine, or arctic landscapes, erosion can take a very long time to heal.

But on Cape Cod, erosion can heal relatively quickly after disturbance stops, because of the gentle slopes, mild climate, and humid air. At many locations in and around Hawksnest, you can see the scars of old roads or borrow pits, now healed over.

While Cape landscapes can mend when disturbance stops, ponds can't heal so easily. Once excess nutrients reach the pond, most of the nutrients stay forever.

Shorelines are especially vulnerable, because they attract people to a narrow strip. And shorelines are also more prone to erosion because of steep slopes, wet soil, or wave action.

When shorelines erode, there's noting to prevent the soil from going directly into the lake or stream, where it contributes to overfertilization.

Most shores of lakes and streams in the US are severely degraded--taking a toll on water quality. But at Hawksnest Pond, the shore and its ring of protective vegetation is remarkably intact. Not a drop of water gets into the pond unless it seeps through the sand, or through the filtering ring of plants.

The intact shoreline is one of the reasons Hawksnest has the best water quality of any pond in Harwich.

Hawksnest is remarkably well-reserved because it was private property until 1970, then was protected by terrible roads. If we can keep the shorline intact, it could be an example for the whole country. Almost everywhere else, people have forgotten what a natural shoreline can be.

Boardwalks for Hawksnest

Recognizing the damage that can occur, many parks have built boardwalks over paths where the traffic is too heavy, or the vegetation is too fragile.

Boardwalks like these are needed at Hawksnest. When water levels are high, there's no beach, so swimmers trample shoreline plants.

If we built a few boardwalks down to the beach, we'd have easier access, a more beautiful shoreline, and cleaner water for all time.

It's time to recognize what a gem we have in Hawksnest, and do something to protect it from careless abuse.

Cape Cod National Seashore, at Provincetown.

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Slide show: Boardwalks around the world
Slide show: Loving Walden Pond to death
* Barren landscapes described by Thoreau in Cape Cod.

Trail over "Sunset Hill" closed for erosion control

2011-08-21T15:36:00.005-05:00

..
Rising to a breath-taking altitude of 79 feet, "Sunset Hill" is one of the highest places in Hawksnest State Park. A trail over the top didn't exist when the park was established, but it soon became a favorite route of equestrians and off-road vehicles.

The trail is useful, because it links Round Cove Rd. with Nathan Walker Rd. But to provide that link, it doesn't have to go over the hilltop.

Recently, Friends of Hawksnest secured permission from the State to detour the trail away from the top of the hill. One of the equestrians was consulted, and agreed to use the new route.

Erosion control required the change

Since the park began around 1970, the upper parking area has gradually eroded. As much as six feet of soil has eroded, transforming the parking area into two little basins. One channels stormwater towards the pond; the other towards incoming Round Cove Rd.

View from the end of Round Cove Road, across the upper parking area, towards the trail.

Recently, the trail over Sunset Hill has started to erode. It now feeds stormwater into one of the basins. Without action, the parking area and the end of the road will become unusable--not to mention pollution of the pond.

The trail is especially steep as it descends away from Round Cove Rd, NW towards Black Pond. This portion is eroding as well.

Tools of good management

When erosion starts from overuse, the best tool is to protect vegetation by closing the area--especially if there are no funds for other measures. Sometimes, a temporary closure of a few years is enough for vegetation to recover.

Another concept of good management is to reduce conflict between different user groups. If there's conflict, it can be resolved in favor of the most appropriate use for that site.

The trail over the hill creates several kinds of conflict. First of all, trail damage indicates ATVs come over too fast. This isn't a good idea on a blind hilltop, and it isn't safe for a trail entering a parking area. Likewise, it's not a good idea to route horses through a parking area.

Erosion can pollute the pond. So use of this trail harms the interests of swimmers.

Finally, there's a lovely grassy clearing at the top of the hill. It's great for quiet relaxation, yet still close to the parking area. It doesn't make sense to route through traffic of horses or hikers past this fragile spot.

The new route...

...is designed to cross the hill at an angle. That way, stormwater won't follow the trail for a long way.

If you are headed for Nathan Walker Rd., simply turn left from Round Cove R. at the lowest point in the road, before you approach the upper parking area.

If you are coming from Nathan Walker Rd, take a sharp right just before you would have gone up the steep hill. The new route is the quickest way to the beach at Hawksnest.

Twice, illegal ATV riders have removed logs blocking the old trail. You can help protect Hawksnest by replacing the logs if they are removed again.

Please respect the ropes or branches blocking the old trail!

They are designed to maximize enjoyment for everyone, and to preserve the area for your grandchildren.

Drug use at Hawksnest

2011-08-11T13:15:00.012-05:00

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The New York Times reports growing drug use on Cape Cod. Recent events show drug users are causing litter and fire damage at Hawksnest.

If drug use at Hawksnest isn't stopped, it may lead to break-ins in houses surrounding the park. Report any campfires you see to the police. Campfires are illegal in the park and lead to water pollution.

Hash pipe found in campfire at Hawksnest--the "jackknife" they were looking for.

Police Called to Round Cove Rd parking

Late in the evening of July 12, a volunteer patrol noticed a fire in the Round Cove Rd parking area. Police were called, arrived, and chased two vehicles from the park.

As soon as the police had left, one of the same vehicles returned. The driver said he was looking for his lost cell phone. Actually, as we later learned, he was looking for his drug stash, tossed in the woods when the police had arrived.

He left, but soon the other vehicle returned, and began to rekindle the fire. The police were called again. This time two police vehicles arrived--they spent much time searching the nearby woods.

The next day, Friends of Hawksnest volunteers were cleaning up the campfire debris. During this time, two different vehicles arrived, looking for lost "belongings" in the area around the campfire. One man said he was looking for his "lost jackknife."

All people involved were young men (early 20s?), driving relatively expensive vehicles.

By way of "payback" for reporting the illegal campfires, a group of five young men arrived--they dismantled erosion control work on a nearby trail. After Friends of Hawksnest left, they dumped the bags of trash that had been gathered (for later pickup) around the parking area.

Fire Dept called to Walker Rd. parking

On the Fourth of July weekend, residents on Walker Rd smelled smoke around 2:00 am. By 8:00 am, someone called the Fire Department. When the firemen arrived to put out a large bonfire, the youths around the fire said they didn't start it--they just found it.

When Friends of Hawksnest arrived to clean up the mess, they found flattened cardboard boxes scattered about--which had probably been used for sleeping. The bonfire had been huge. Whole downed trees had been dragged onto the fire. Melted glass and other trash were mixed with the ashes. Groceries,empty bottles, and cans had been tossed nearby.

Bonfire site in gully leading to the pond--already partly cleaned up. Note cardboard used for sleeping.

What suggests that drugs were involved was the sheer scale of the fire, and the extreme disorder. Ordinary campers don't sleep on cardboard boxes.

The problem with campfires

Later, I spoke to a fire control officer for the DCR. He said that downed wood is accumulating in the area, adding significantly to the danger of wildfires.

A large piles of ashes remained, in the middle of a gully that channels runoff from the access road, down a steep hill and into the pond.

Ashes are rich in phosphorus, which can seriously damage the pond's water quality.

It's lucky that Friends of Hawksnest cleaned up the bonfire debris--because a few days later, a torrential downpour sent a flood of runoff through the parking area. Even with the cleanup, swimming on this side of the pond was noticeably polluted with forest debris.

Underwater photo two days after rainstorm. Soil and forest debris clouds the water.

In the natural state, forest debris and soil would never reach the pond through surface runoff. Hawksnest has the best water quality of any pond in Harwich. Erosion and fires in the parking areas must be controlled, if we are to preserve this gem for future generations.

Coyote sighted at Hawksnest

2011-08-09T00:34:00.014-05:00

Alert but not afraid.

On July 12 at about sundown, I saw a coyote along the east border of Hawksnest, near Seth Whitfield Rd. See lower right of photo.

Although I've spent a great deal of time in Hawksnest, I've never seen a coyote or a deer in the park before, although both are common.

Why is it so difficult to see wildlife at Hawksnest? Possibly it's because dogs are allowed to run free. Wherever dogs are common, wildlife makes itself scarce. That's once reason why it's the law to keep your dogs on leash in a state park.

Another reason to keep dogs on leash: Coyotes sometimes attack dogs--even large ones--if they feel their den is threatened. Rabid coyotes are also a threat to your pet.

The best way for residents near Hawksnest to avoid problems: Make sure there's no food available. Keep lids on your garbage cans, and keep pet food out of reach indoors. Keep your cat indoors.

Links to articles about coyotes on Cape Cod

Summary of info on Cape Cod coyotes

Rabid coyote bites woman 2005
Previous article on this blog, with more links

View Coyote sighting in a larger map

Hiking around Hawksnest and Black ponds

2011-08-08T22:14:00.022-05:00

The cove--or the "hawks head"-- from Walker Rd near the cemetery.

There's some lovely hiking at Hawksnest. You can hike most of the way around the park, although at some distance from the ponds, on Nathan Walker Rd, combined with Seth Whitfield Rd (Hawksnest Rd). These historic roads, looking much as they did 50 or 100 years ago, are one of the assets of the park.

There's a particularly charming loop that goes around both Hawksnest and Black ponds. To avoid some very rough driving, you can park on Seth Whitfield Road near the "four corners," or closer to Queen Ann Rd.

View Hawksnest State Park Trails in a larger map

All trails are open to hikers and horses--with the exception that horses are not allowed on the beach. All trails and rustic roads are closed to ATVs and motorized dirt bikes.

As you head west along the fire road, you'll notice on the map a jog in the route towards Round Cove Rd, then back. This jog includes some of the loveliest woods in the park.

See Oliver Pond too

There is a trail from Seth Whitfield Rd along the north side of Oliver Pond, and then up to Spruce Rd. One fork of this trail leads to a landing at the east end of the pond (photo below).

However, I haven't found a trail along the south side of Oliver Pond.

South side of Oliver Pond (on left)--no trail here.

To complete the loop around the south side of Oliver, you either have to bushwhack along the top of the south bluff, or else head south from the east end of Oliver Pond towards Round Cove Rd. However--caution--reaching Round Cove Rd probably involves crossing private property.

View from south bluff above Oliver Pond. No trail here!

The isthmus between Black and Hawksnest ponds

Black Pond is completely choked with plants.

It's overfertilized, or "eutrophic."

There is a faint trail heading from the west end of Round Cove Rd towards the isthmus. Formerly, this was a road to the ruined cabin at the edge of the isthmus. A trail does cross the isthmus, but it's usually very wet, and crosses private property. It's used by duck hunters in the fall. This trail links up with the beach access road to Hawksnest Pond from Nathan Walker Rd.

Besides being private property, it's best to stay off the isthmus, because when water levels are low, Plymouth Gentian grows there. It's a rare plant, easily trampled.

Cautions

One truly exceptional quality of Hawksnest is the near-perfect preservation of the shore vegetation. This protects water quality, and can serve as a conservation example for the rest of the USA. Everywhere, lake shores are a magnet for people, and mostly destroyed. People have forgotten the importance of intact shore plants in protecting our waters.

So please, don't approach the shores where there are steep slopes--especially west of the Round Cove parking area, and on the north side of the pond. These areas could quickly become eroded.

The former trail over the top of a hill, from the upper Round Cove Rd towards Walker Rd, has been closed for erosion control. It was feeding runoff into the parking area, eroding the parking lot, and threatening the pond with filth from the parking area.

A new bypass trail has been cut, leading from the lower parking area on Round Cove Rd towards Walker Rd.

Link to information on Head of the Bay Cemetery.
Slideshow of walk along north side of Hawksnest and Oliver ponds.

Important hearing on East Harwich development--August 9

2011-08-04T19:12:00.002-05:00

Please attend the meeting to let the Planning Board know you support a balanced, comprehensive smart growth package for East Harwich that provides opportunities for economic development, housing AND natural resource protection that will benefit the entire town of Harwich and the region.

The proposed East Harwich Village Center and Natural Resource Protection District zoning package will be discussed.

Planning Board Meeting

Discussion of the East Harwich Village Center / Natural Resource Protection District Proposal

Tuesday, August 9th at 6:30 p.m.

Town Hall (732 Main St.), Griffin Room (2nd floor)

The East Harwich Village Center Collaborative developed the East Harwich plan after more than five years of study and public input. The East Harwich proposal calls for a vibrant mixed use village center in the current commercial district, balanced by natural resource protection zoning in the surrounding undeveloped regions.

Located in this surrounding region are the Pleasant Bay watershed, much of the town's drinking water supply and several sensitive freshwater ponds. Protection of these vital natural resources is critically important to the town of Harwich.

Click here to read a summary of the East Harwich plan posted on the website of the Association to Preserve Cape Cod, a member of the East Harwich Village Center Collaborative.

Please forward this email to all of your Harwich friends and neighbors. It is important for the Planning Board to know that Harwich citizens support a balanced package of desirable economic growth and protection of Harwich's sensitive natural resources. Thank you.

Thanks to Harwich Conservation Trust.

Big rainstorm pollutes NW side of Hawksnest Pond

2011-07-10T18:57:00.013-05:00

On Friday, morning, heavy rain pummelled Harwich while I was showing Selectman Larry Ballantine around. It was the most intense storm in over a year, and we both were soaked to the skin. But the pond took the worst beating.

Selectman Larry Ballantine enjoys a drenching at Hawksnest.
The black material under his feet includes campfire ashes and forest debris.

For several years, I've been warning of the threat of erosion at Hawksnest, and trying to fix the problems at the two landings. But on Friday, Larry and I had a chance to see the problem "live."

Because ponds in Cape Cod are fed by pure groundwater seeping through the sand, most have exceptional water quality, compared to the rest of the country. And Hawksnest has the best water quality of any pond in Harwich. The pond is pristine because there are no houses with septic systems nearby, and because the shoreline is nearly 100% intact--totally vegetated. This intact ring of natural vegetation at Hawknest is truly extraordinary--it could be an example for the whole nation.

Because of the protective shore vegetation, not a drop of water gets into Hawksnest unless if falls on the surface or seeps through miles of sand. Unless bare areas like roads or parking lots feed stormwater to the pond through gullies.

Over the past decades, parking areas near Hawksnest have expanded. They have become eroding basins, growing larger each year, feeding gullies that run to the pond. When it rains, these three gullies can carry tons of debris, animal waste, and soil to the pond. Because this waste contains nutrients (fertilizer), it can and will eventually create toxic algae blooms in the pond.

Last summer, I restored a "monster puddle" at the Round Cover area that had become a cesspool of waste. It was within 8 inches (elevation) of breaking through to the pond. I also laid "silt socks" to slow runoff, and divert it away from the pond (and the puddle).

Most of this work was successful, so when the storm came Friday, only a little debris went into the Pond from the Round Cove parking.

"Delta" at the bottom of gully near Round Cove Parking. Most of the runoff was diverted from this gully. Nevertheless, the pond bottom near the beach still has a thin layer of muddy sediment.

Closeup underwater view of bottom, near the above photo. A thin layer of dark sediment is visible--it washed in with the small amount of runoff here.

But on the Walker Road side, things were different. I had created a low berm of sand, to direct runoff coming down the road away from the pond. But so much runoff came down the road that it breached my dam, and went straight into the pond.

As I swam around the pond on Saturday (half a day after the rain ended), I encountered a lot of floating debris just west of the entrance to the cove. By the time I reached the landing at the Walker Rd side, the water was quite muddy, stirred up by eight people swimming. I have never before seen this amount of dirt in the water. It was spread all along the western side of the pond.

Underwater view at Walker Landing. Much more debris was washed in here. When swimmers enter, they stir up this sediment, making the water muddy.

The water here still smelled OK, because the debris was simply dirty sand, pine needles, and other forest debris. But this kind of debris contains a lot of nutrients. Bacteria in the pond will break it down into real fertilizer, which eventually will stimulate an algae bloom. When this happens, the pond becomes unbalanced, and will be much less appealing for swimmers and fishermen. Ponds which contain too many nutrients do eventually start to stink.

To see the future of Hawksnest if we don't control the erosion and nutrients, just look at neighboring Black Pond. Yesterday, Irwin Schorr told me there used to be a turkey farm next to Black Pond, on the west near Walker Rd. Turkey waste is great fertilizer--probably the biggest reason that Black Pond is a mess today. How many times have you taken a dip in Black Pond?

By Sunday, a day and a half after the rain ended, the pond off Walker landing was still black on the bottom with debris. But on the Round Cove side, the thin layer of find black sediment had dispersed.

At the landing east of Round Cove parking, at the end of a long path, there was no runoff from the storm at all. There is no erosion in this area, and the intact vegetation completely protected the pond. There was no debris in the pond at all, and the sand on the bottom was almost pure white (below).

Hawksnest Pond, if it remains protected, is of great value as a natural laboratory. It can show the rest of the country how best to manage lakes and ponds. After the storm, the contrasts in water quality between the protected shores and the eroding shores at Hawksnest were stark.

The lessons are clear: The pond--and it's protective ring of plants--is very fragile. Protect the shore vegetation and prevent erosion, and your grandchildren can enjoy the pond you love, just as you do today.
But neglect shore protection--and you'll have two Black Ponds to swim in.

Yes, erosion is "natural," in the sense that water responds to gravity, and flows downhill. But erosion around Cape Cod ponds almost never occurred before settlement, and it isn't desirable. Hurricanes and tornadoes are "natural" too.

The ponds on Cape Cod are called coastal plain ponds. They are a rare and endangered resource. They are an environment protected from extremes of wind and waves (and the erosion they cause).

In contrast, the ocean coasts normally experience much erosion--but the vast ocean is capable of dealing with the debris and nutrients that wash in.

So if you want to have campfires or do wheelies in the parking lots at Hawksnest, take your fun to the ocean beach, which isn't so fragile.

Illegal ATV use at Hawksnest continues

2011-07-08T21:14:00.016-05:00

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Off-road vehicle use is illegal everywhere in Harwich, including Hawksnest State Park.

Off-road at Hawksnest State Park, July 7.

On May 5, Harwich Police Chief Mason announced at a meeting on ATVs, attended by only a few citizens. He announced that Harwich Police would not use the two ATVs they possessed to patrol. He cited lack of funds as the reason. Selectman Larry Ballantine attended, and said he would look for funds.

Evidently funds were found--for by June, the police were patrolling trails in Harwich on a red ATV. Residents near Hawksnest said they had seen only a few patrols, and at times of day not favored by the outlaw drivers.

Last summer, DCR officials approved closure of a portion of the trail connecting the Round Cove Rd with Walker Rd. The trail was closed because it goes straight up and down a steep hill, making it prone to erosion. Barriers to traffic, signs, and silt socks were installed. A bypass trail was built. But in early May, someone removed all the work on the closed trail, and ATV use of the trail resumed.

On July 8, an ATV made two passes in a big loop through Hawksnest State Park. The driver was picking up young teens at Hawksnest Camp, and giving them joyrides through the park. When confronted, the driver fled over the closed trail to Walker Rd.

Off-road at Hawksnest State Park, July 7.

The illegal activity was linked to two residences...

The driver fled to this residence on Nathan Walker Rd, with 7/002 on the electrical station. You can see the ATV tracks turning into the drive.

Tracks of the same ATV entering/exiting Hawksnest Camp on 7/8/11. Evidently, the rider was picking up passengers at the Camp, then taking them on rides around the trails of Hawksnest. He made at least two whole circuits around the park.

A group of 5 or more young teenagers were visiting Hawksnest Camp on July 8. On July 12, I found cartons for 108 cans of beer discarded in the woods, off Seth Whitfield Rd near the camp. Neighbors to the park report that someone is regularly dumping loads like this in the area.

View Houses associated with illegal ATV use at Hawksnest in a larger map

The Power of a Pond

2011-07-05T14:37:00.012-05:00

Henry David Thoreau wrote Walden during his two-year stay in a tiny shack on the shores of the pond. It became a best-seller when his literary friends promoted it after his untimely death. As Thoreau gained a worldwide following for his environmental philosophy, the pond itself became a celebrity.

Now people are loving the pond to death. It receives 700,000 visitors a year, who come to worship Thoreau’s legacy, or just to swim in one of the few freshwater ponds near Boston.

Walden Pond today.

Due to neglect by authorities, along with heavy use, the shores of the pond became severely eroded. Erosion degraded the pond experience, made of mockery of Thoreau’s environmental philosophy, and harmed water quality.

A few years ago, State officials decided to renovate the shores with “bioengineering”--using sophisticated planting techniques to rebuild and the shoreline with living vegetation. Access to the shoreline from a trail around the pond was also strictly controlled with a waist-high wire fence and patrol by rangers. The restoration effort took years, costing millions of dollars.

Walden Pond continues to inspire people today, just as it did Thoreau. Despite the heavy visitation, one can still find quiet nooks to relax or touch the same vein of insight into nature that moved Thoreau.

Walden was the first pond to become an international celebrity. To a person who cares about Hawksnest Pond, Walden offers many lessons.

Ponds can make a splash in the world

The first is that a simple pond, backed by an idea and people who care, can make a difference in the world. With his writings, Thoreau did the hard work to breathe meaning into Walden. But the meaning of Hawksnest Pond to the world is still being shaped.

Perhaps it will never be more than just a secret, quiet place to swim for local residents. Or, maybe Hawksnest could be the birthplace of a new movement of local people--who create “communities of caring” around unique neighborhood resources. When people work together for something they care about, relationships and friendships are strengthened. The whole community—not just the pond, becomes a better place.

The opposite is also true. When you neglect and mistreat something like Hawksnest, you are setting an example for children. You are saying to them: “We’re using it up as fast as we can. We don’t care about your future at the pond.” You are saying to kids: “Freedom to toss bottles is more important than responsibility to safeguard a community park.” So if you tossed a bottle at Hawksnest, don’t expect your children to do their homework. You have already set an example with your actions that their future isn’t important.

Protect shorlines

The second lesson is that the shorelines of ponds are fragile. The shore of Hawksnest is even more fragile than Walden’s, because here the slopes are steeper and more sandy. Walden demonstrates that if erosion is allowed to proceed, it can be extremely costly to fix. At Hawksnest, a sandy spillway is about to form where a trail to the pond is becoming eroded.* Simply closing that trail now, or shoring it up, could save hundreds of thousands of dollars—the future cost of fixing runaway erosion.

Neglect means loss

The third lesson from Walden is that it takes some planning and effort to protect a pond. In today’s crowded world, you can’t continue to neglect a resource like Hawksnest, and expect it to be there for your children.

At Walden, there’s a large infrastructure and workforce to protect the pond. There are parking lots for hundreds of cars (filled to capacity the day I visited). There are gift shops and garages and rest rooms. There is even a stable for mounted rangers.

Meanwhile at Hawksnest, there isn’t even a port-a-potty—people just relieve themselves in the parking lot. The next storm washes the waste down the road towards the pond.

More than just a pond

A fourth lesson is that a pond is far more than just a place to swim or to party. Hawksnest protects and replenishes the drinking water of Harwich. The State makes yearly payments to Harwich (typically tens of thousands of dollars) to care for the area. A pond offers relaxation, exercise for health, a place to meet neighbors, and quiet inspiration. Many local tradesmen come to the pond after work to cool off and decompress.

Hawksnest State Park is an educational resource for schools. It encloses parts of three ponds, each at a different stage in progression from the “youth” to “old age” of ponds.

But as an open wound on the landscape, access points at Hawksnest provide a different education—a place

where boys 12-year-old boys learn to become outlaws on ATVs, where other children learn that there don’t have to be any rules--that the “environment” is just a place where you dump your garbage for free.

Large dogs run off-leash, scaring other visitors and digging into the vegetation that protects fragile banks by the beach.

A coin with two sides

If Thoreau were to return from the dead for a week, no doubt he’d revisit Walden Pond. But I don’t think he’d stay there long. Thoreau was familiar with Cape Cod. Quite likely, he’d come to Hawksnest Pond, where we have the best water quality in Harwich, and probably in all of Cape Cod.

Today, Hawksnest retains the qualities that Thoreau immortalized in his writings—even better than the original Walden Pond. Seven hundred thousand people go to Walden for what we have right here in Harwich.

Our duty is clear: Keep the secret, AND protect the fragile pond. Yes, protecting the pond might be a little inconvenient at times.

All things of great value—your home, your children, your love—are coins with two sides. Responsibility is on the other side of the coin. So it is with a simple pond.

# # #

* Erosion: I’m talking about the west trail—the steep trail—that descends direct from the Round Cove Rd parking area. The lower portion is very steep, protected by many tree roots. When these roots become undermined and break, runaway erosion will begin and proceed swiftly. Filth from the parking area and dirty soil will spill into the pond. Eroding soil carries nutrients to the pond, which will promote the growth of toxic algae. We can stop it now with the cost of rope and a sign, or later at the cost of a hundred thousand dollars. If visitors insist on having a second pond trail, then we must reinforce it with wooden steps over the roots. Will you be part of the solution?

Important Meeting on E. Harwich growth, June 7

2011-06-06T21:48:00.001-05:00

On Tuesday, June 7th at 6:30pm, the East Harwich Village Center Collaborative will give a presentation to the Harwich Planning Board about a proposed smart growth plan for East Harwich.

The presentation will take place at 6:30pm in the Harwich Public Safety Facility at #175 and #183 Rt. 124 (also known as #175 and #183 Sisson Road).

The plan is the culmination of several years of intensive study and considerable community input regarding the future of the East Harwich commercial district and the region surrounding it.

Thanks to Harwich Conservation Trust

Is ATV abuse a gateway crime*?

2011-05-06T13:50:00.011-05:00

A pedestrian area in Hawksnest State Park, 8/5/10.

Use of unlicenced ATVs and dirt bikes is illegal everywhere in Harwich (except on your own property). This abuse is mostly done by teens, with the tacit approval of their parents.

What's disturbing about this abuse is that young "recreational outlaws" are at risk of becoming real outlaws.

It's not good for the community when young people make sport of breaking the law, while their parents buy the equipment. And breaking the law has become a "sport"-- because people on ATVs often flee, making a mockery of law enforcement.

Stolen ATV leads to arrest

Here's an example of the link between ATV abuse and other crime.

In March, it came to light that two Harwich 18-year-olds, Thomas Walker and Stephen Jannell, had together stolen an ATV from Eastham. Apparently, the two had a falling out, when Jannell took the stolen ATV for his own use, hiding it from Walker.

Walker then called the Harwich Police, who went to 602 Queen Anne Rd, where they heard from Walker that "his" ATV had bveen stolen by Jannell. The ATV was found hidden behind a vacant home on Oak St--both Walker and Jannell were charged with receiving stolen property.

So--what's the link to ATV abuse? It seems likely that Walker and Jannell stole the vehicle, not to resell it, but to USE it. 602 Queen Anne Rd is close to an area where ATV abuse is common--the DeLuzze sand pit. From there, a network of hidden trails lead all over Harwich. Using these trails, thieves have access to your back yard, from which they can make a quick escape. Source

Several years ago, Harwich Police bought several ATVs with a grant. But at a March 5, 2011 meeting about ATV abuse held at police headquarters, Chief Mason declined to patrol these trails. He said that the people complaining about ATV abuse would have to provide funds for any such patrols.

He did say that Harwich Police would prosecute, provided that witnesses would be willing to testify.

# # #

What Chief Mason said about ATV abuse in 2008.

* The term "gateway crime" is often used to describe marijuana use. It's said that smoking marijuana is the first step leading toward other drug abuse. In this case, the link is supposed to work via the habit or addiction of smoking.

In the case of ATV abuse, the "gateway" could be through the disrespect of law that results. Parents approve of the ATV use, and it's illegal.... So other lawbreaking can't be that bad. When you drive your ATV and never get caught, you can probably get away with a little theft... or maybe printing up a few bogus bills with your computer.

Guided tour of Hawksnest coming

2011-03-28T09:43:00.004-05:00

Saturday, May 14th, 10:00 am

Walk in the Hawksnest Woods with Commentary

Veteran walk leader Irwin Schorr interprets the six ponds area

Directions: From Route 6, Exit 11, go west on Spruce Rd. Park on the shoulder of Spruce Rd. near the intersection with Hawksnest Rd. (not marked).

Schedule for all spring walks by Harwich Conservation Trust.

Hawksnest Road, also known as Seth Whitfield County Rd.

It's one of the last old-time country roads on the Cape. Used as a shortcut, it is being destroyed by too much fast traffic.

Events far away threaten ponds on Cape Cod

2011-02-16T15:50:00.010-06:00

Last summer, while swimming in Hawksnest Pond, I noticed--shining in the late afternoon sun--a layer of feathery "stuff" floating on the surface.

The next day, I found out there were big fires in Quebec--the smoke and ash had drifted over Cape Cod, turning the skies grayish.

We often hear about "algae blooms" in ponds and estuaries caused by nutrients leaking from septic systems. But did you know--dust and smoke from far away adds to the problem? That's why action to protect our ponds from excess nutrients is so important.

A dust-->algae-->penguin connection

View from space of the massive growth of red, green, and blue single-celled plants, in the currents flowing north.

Growth may be fed by iron in the brown dust cloud, lower left.

In the ocean, iron feeds the algae, like phosphorus does in our ponds.

"Stirring Up a Bloom Off Patagonia

Off the coast of Argentina, two strong ocean currents recently stirred up a colorful brew of floating nutrients and microscopic plant life just in time for the Southern Hemisphere's summer solstice

The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer on NASA’s Aqua satellite captured this image of a massive phytoplankton bloom off of the Atlantic coast of Patagonia on Dec. 21, 2010.

Scientists used seven separate spectral bands to highlight the differences in the plankton communities across this swath of ocean."

This bloom of algae helps sustain penguins. The famous Punta Tombo colony of Magellanic Penguins is found on the coast just below the odd peninsula (upper center of photo). With half a million of these birds, it's the largest breeding area for Magellanic Penguins in the world.

Alaska

The North Pacific, west of Alaska, is extremely fertile. That's where the Humpback Whales come to fatten for the summer, and it supports one of the biggest fisheries in the world. This photo (below) of the Alaskan panhandle shows strong winds blowing dust into the ocean, towards the lower left.

Click to enlarge. NASA photo.

On Cape Cod, dust contributes nutrients to our ponds, especially during strong winds of early spring when the ground is bare.

Clouds of smake and ash from distant forest fires can also deliver phosphorus to the ponds.

NASA photo of fires in Quebec, 2002. Click to enlarge.

While windblown dust may be good for penguins and whales, it's bad for our ponds. It helps create toxic, smelly algae blooms--and ruins recreational values. With so many sources of nutrients, it's important to reduce them where ever possible.

At Hawksnest, that means picking up after your dog, no fires, stopping shore erosion, and packing out all waste.

Quotes and photos thanks to NASA

The view from above

2010-12-01T03:13:00.006-06:00

Cape Cod is visible in the upper left... Africa on the far right.

Water is the source of all life on Earth. Protect it!

Click on photo to enlarge.

Credit: NASA Project GOES, Aug. 30, 2010.
Another amazing photo from space.

Coyotes on the Cape

2010-09-28T01:41:00.014-05:00

Coyotes have been spreading eastward, appearing on Cape Cod about 25 years ago. Now they are common throughout the country, often living right under the nose of urban residents. For example, wildlife experts estimate there are over 2,000 living in Chicago, even downtown.

Coyotes are common in many parts of the Cape. They are often sighted in nearby Nickerson State Park. Although I haven't heard coyotes "singing" at Hawksnest, no doubt they are already there. If present, coyotes probably keep a low profile because of the large number of dogs visiting Hawksnest.

In March of this year, coyotes attacked dogs several times in the Mill Pond area of Orleans. These attacks may have involved rabid coyotes, since coyotes usually avoid dogs as large as the ones attacked.

But there are other reasons why coyotes attack dogs: It may be for food (in the case of small dogs), or because coyotes see dogs as a threat to their territory or to their young. The possibility of your pet being attacked by a coyote is one reason for keeping your dog on leash at Hawsknest, as required by park rules.

Healthy coyotes are extremely wary of humans--but attacks on humans have occurred in Cape Cod, and recently in a New York suburb. There was a fatal attack last year on a woman in Canada.

Don't worry--attacks on humans are extremely rare. The few that do occur are the inevitable result of large numbers of people and coyotes living close to one another. Your chances of you or your pet being injured by a dog are far greater.

The Coywolf

Now that I've put your mind at rest--here's some unexpected news. The coyotes on Cape Cod (and elsewhere in the Northeast) are actually wolf-coyote hybrids. That explains why coyotes in northeastern states are larger than the coyotes out west, where they originated. The adults on Cape Cod weigh 30-40 pounds.

Jonathan Way and three other wildlife biologists studied coyotes trapped "in and around" Barnstable, and near Boston. Their conclusions about wolf-coyote hybrids are based on studies of DNA from the animals. They think that as the coyotes spread eastward through Canada, they interbred with the Eastern Wolves found there.

Other interesting conclusions from the study

Although coyotes do interbreed with dogs in the western US, they don't in the Northeastern states.
"Coyote social groups...are made up of family groups.... Offspring typically remain with their parents anywhere from 6 months to about 2 years of age before dispersing to new areas.... "
"Typically 3–5 adults live together in a territorial pack...." The advantages of living in packs are better success in hunting large prey (like deer), better defense of the territory, improved survivability of pups, and preventing theft of prey already killed. The packs typically consist of a breeding pair, plus a few related animals.
These "coywolves" seem to prefer prey more typical of coyotes than wolves. Wolves prey almost entirely on deer, whereas the hybrids eat anything from deer to rabbits to small rodents, not to mention pets, pet food left outside, and garbage.
They travel long distances (10-15 miles a day), so the coyotes from Orleans could easily visit Hawksnest.

Precautions

If you live near woods, don't leave small children or small pets outdoors alone.
Keep your dog on leash when in the woods.
Don't leave pet food outdoors; keep garbage cans covered.
Just use common sense.

More links

New York Times review article on coyotes
More advice about living with coyotes
Coyotes--Never out of sight, or mind (excellent essay)
Eastern coyote/coywolf web page
The Coyote Wars on Cape Cod (an essay)
Purchase Suburban Howls--a book by Jonathan Way
Animal attack files

A Walk in the Hawksnest Woods with commentary

2010-09-14T14:29:00.002-05:00

Saturday, September 25, 10:00 am:

A Walk in the Hawksnest Woods with commentary.
Join veteran walk leader Irwin Schorr as he interprets the six ponds area.

This is one of the free, Guided Fall Walks, organized by the Harwich Conservation Trust.

Directions

From Route 6, Exit 11, go west on Spruce Rd.
Park on the shoulder of Spruce Rd. near the intersection with Hawksnest Rd. (not marked).

Map

Erosion control at the Round Cove Rd parking area

2010-08-07T12:53:00.009-05:00

Please pardon our dust!

Temporarily, there may be a little inconvenience. But the work is necessary to keep the pond clean!

Staff from Nickerson State Park, plus a volunteer, have begun restoration work at the Round Cove Rd parking area.

Temporary "silt socks" act like dams, slowing runoff and catching sediment.

Two jobs are underway:

Stop erosion starting in the parking area, with runoff heading towards the beach.
Fill in the big puddle, which swallowed two cars last week!

Erosion is a threat to water quality

Runoff washes nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen into the pond. At many ponds ringed with cottages, nutrients get into the pond from leaking septic systems. But at Hawksnest where there's only one cottage, erosion from steep slopes all around the pond could become the biggest source.

If enough nutrients accumulate, they can stimulate the growth of toxic and stinking algae. The sudden "blooms" of algae can completely unbalance the pond, resulting in fish kills. Many ponds in Harwich have already been damaged by too many nutrients. Once the nutrients get into the pond, most of them stay forever. The pond becomes permanently damaged.

Phosphorus is insoluble, so it gets into the pond by "hitchhiking" on tiny soil particles. Runoff also washes pet waste, and even human waste from the parking area, into the pond. So without erosion control, the beach area could become contaminated.

The gully above the beach is too big a problem for this year--perhaps next. But please observe the signs here, and keep your dog from running on or digging in the bank.

How silt socks work

The socks are filled with pure sand. They act as a dam, slowing the runoff and allowing it to sink into the porous soil. If the ground gets to wet for the runoff to sink in, then the socks slow the water, and catch the sediment.

One value of silt socks is that you don't have to disturb the ground or the roots where they are laid.

In appreciation of the "world-class" status of Hawksnest swimming, the socks were donated thanks to a company in Wisconsin.

No parking near the giant puddle

Once this spot was a beautiful open glen, with ferns and lady slipper orchids. But as the upper parking area eroded, it became a basin, sending more water towards the puddle. The puddle became an unsightly hazard for vehicles, plus a "cesspool" for waste washing from the parking area.

Giant puddle, smoothed. Still very soft! Next: leaf litter on top.

Now the smoothed-over puddle looks solid, but it is very soft under the surface. Vehicles will sink in, ruining the restoration. That's why parking has to be banned here. But you may park in the hollow, on the side of the road AWAY from the pond. There's room for several vehicles there.

Once restored, the hollow will be a lovely spot to rest, after a swim. If you see parking violations here, please report to Harwich Police (508-430-7541).

One trail to beach will be closed

Hawksnest is a fragile resource, because of the steep, easily-erodible banks around most of the pond. From time to time, it may be necessary to close some trails if they become eroded, to allow time for vegetation to recover. We want to maintain access--trail closure is simply a good management tool. If a trail has to be closed, usually it will be only temporary.

As you face the pond from parking, on your LEFT there's a steep trail to the pond (see photo). This needs to be closed for several reasons:

Safety--the trail is steep, with roots and exposed wires (from a former cabin) ready to trip the unwary. If you fall, exposed cement blocks add to the danger.
Erosion. This is a long, steep trail. If erosion ever gets a head start, it will be very costly to repair. Once the roots become undermined and broken (as a few are), it's the beginning of runaway erosion.

The horse trail that heads west from the upper parking area may be redirected. That's because it is starting to erode, and contributes stormwater to the big puddle. This trail won't be closed--just a slight change in route.

You can help avoid trail closures--he best way is to help with the trails. If your favorite trail starts to show signs of erosion, dig a little ditch to deflect the runoff to the side. Or, build a little log step that deflects the runoff.

The trail to the southeast beach (from the middle of Round Cove Rd) could be an area of future erosion. It's becoming more heavily used, and heads downhill. Please help prevent closure and maintain this trail!

The State's plans for future work

In June, the DCR applied to the Harwich Conservation Commission for a permit to undertake permanent erosion improvements in the Round Cove Rd area. When the Commission voiced concerns about access to the area, and that people in Harwhich didn't have time to voice their opinions, the State withdrew the plan. (The State's plan for the Walker Rd parking area were approved.)

The DCR will resubmit the Round Cove Rd plan for approval, after there's been ample time for public discussion, probably sometime this fall.

However, even if those plans are approved, the work may never take place. That's because this is an election year, and also the State has NO funds for this kind of work. Because the erosion was becoming steadily worse, Friends of Hawksnest persuaded the State to permit the temporary erosion control measures you see in progress. All the work you see has been approved by State officials.

The permanent plans did not include beach access at Round Cove Rd. Whether that was an oversight, or an active plan to limit access, we don't know.

Nevertheless, Friends of Hawksnest supports beach access from Round Cove Rd. We support any legal use of the park.

Some comments we've heard about the work

We've heard numerous words of encouragement.

What do you think? I hope it's not inconvenient.
Anything is better than nothing!

This is really ugly! (referring to the black silt socks)
I know, we think it's ugly too. But if vegetation gets re-established, it's going to look a lot better. The restored puddle already looks a lot better. If it's ugly, do you blame the people repairing the damage, or the folks who made the repairs necessary?

It's been eroding on Cape Cod since the Indians.
Well, yes, there's a lot of erosion along the salt water beaches. The wind, waves, and tides are a powerful force. People are used to seeing eroded banks at the ocean beach. But eroding banks around sheltered ponds used to be very rare. That's why some ponds are so clean. Unlike the ocean, the ponds can't absorb the pollution from erosion.

Erosion is natural--water runs downhill.
True, gravity is natural. If a tree falls on you, that's natural. But it doesn't mean it's desirable. Vegetated shores keep the pond clean. "If the shore is green, the pond is clean." Before settlement, the vegetation everywhere was intact. Losing the shore vegetation is bad management. Erosion and the loss of water quality is a "natural consequence" of a bad management practice.

Every pond I've seen in Cape Cod has erosion. It's natural.
True, most ponds have eroding banks, and most ponds in Cape Cod are damaged. Some are already badly polluted with algae. Hawksnest is one the the last pristine ponds. Let's keep it undamaged, so your grandchildren can swim in pure water, just as you do now.

New rules passed for Town conservation lands

2010-08-02T14:53:00.001-05:00

"In an effort to deter illegal dirt bike use and to stem an increase in the vandalism of hiking trail signs and kiosks on town conservation lands, selectmen approved new regulations that carry fines of $100 to $300." Source.

Visitor rules for conservation lands
"No unauthorized motor vehicles
No camping
No alcoholic beverages
No fires, fireworks, or firearms (except where hunting is permitted)
No littering or dumping
No defacing or removal of signs or structures
No disturbing the natural environment
No unruly or boisterous conduct"

The rules will be enforced by Harwich Police.

A rare plant community grows along the shore of Hawksnest Pond

2010-07-06T00:33:00.027-05:00

The Plymouth gentian found at Hawksnest and Black ponds, is a species of Special Concern.

Hawksnest Pond was formed when the retreating glacier left behind a huge block of ice, half-buried in the sand. When the ice melted, it left a large depression called a kettle pond, or a coastal plain pond. A coastal plain pond is one of the rarest wetland types in North America.

The plants growing along the sandy shore of Hawksnest Pond together make up the Coastal Plain Pondshore Community. We'll call it the Pondshore Community for short. It's composed of a mixture of herbaceous and grass-like plants, growing between the shallow water and the shrubs that surround the pond.

They grow in soil ranging from patches of sand, sandy or muddy peat, to cobbles.

The pondshores in the Six Ponds District of Harwich are considered an "imperiled plant community" by the State. Not only is this plant community home to several rare species, but it also helps safeguard the pristine water quality of Hawksnest.

A constantly changing environment

The Pondshore Community occurs in those ponds with no surface inlet or outlet, and with a gradual slope to the shore. The community develops best in small ponds or bays of larger ponds--places that avoid the wave and ice damage typical of large ponds.

The ponds are windows into the groundwater, which moves easily through the sand surrounding the ponds. As a result, the water level rises and falls with the water table through the seasons, which in most years leaves exposed shores expanding throughout the summer.

Many of the plant species are able to start growth from seed, perennial basal leaves, or roots while inundated with water in the spring. They grow in the increasingly dry, nutrient poor soils as the season progresses. Other plants may germinate only when exposed.

Hawksnest during high water, usually early in the year.
Flooding keeps shrubs back, enabling Plymouth gentian to compete.

In wet years, when the water level does not recede as far as in dry years, the plants may grow vegetatively while submerged, with little flowering, or may not grow or germinate at all.

Not only do the water levels change through the year, but between years as well. Only one year in about 5 may be dry enough for the community to develop fully. The lowering of water levels during the growing season is probably the single most important factor in providing suitable habitat for the plants of the Pondshore Community.

Hawksnest during drought, 1993. Because the plants require low water to reproduce, they are most vulnerable to foot traffic at this time.

The waters of coastal plain ponds tend to be nutrient poor and acidic. The plants of the Pondshore Community are particularly adapted to the nutrient poor conditions--so they are able to compete with plants from other communities that require more nutrients.

The periodic flooding of the shore also helps to keep out shrubs and upland plants, and the periodic drying keeps out aquatic plants.

Characteristics of the community

The Pondshore Community contains a number of plants which seldom occur elsewhere. Some may be locally abundant, mixed in with more common marsh emergents such as rushes, sedges, Boneset and Purple Gerardia.

The plants of the community appear to form zones between the water and the shrubs around the pond. The driest zone, inundated only in the highest water, may have New England boneset* or Maryland meadow-beauty, both considered rare in Massachusetts. The higher shoreline is home to Thread-leaved sundew (common on these ponds but uncommon elsewhere), and Spatulate-leaved sundew. The mid to upper level is home to redroot (a species of special concern) found in the Six Ponds District.

Threats and Management

Pondshore Communities have several threats caused by human disturbance. The community requires natural fluctuation of the water levels along the shore. Artificially maintained high water levels reduce the area of shore available for the Pondshore Community. Most of the plants of the community can withstand high water for a few years, which happens naturally, but most need to be out of water to reproduce.

Human use of the pondshores, including walking, offroad vehicles, and beach building, restricts plant growth. Experiments have shown that a few walking trips can create a trail where no plants grow. In areas of heavy use, the plants of the Pondshore Community can easily be eliminated.

Nutrient enrichment from septic systems poses a serious long-term threat to the natural balance** of ponds. This can change the character of the ponds, allowing algae and pondweeds not native to the ponds to grow and reduce the habitat available to the plants of the Pondshore Community.

Excessive drawdown from pumping at town wells reduces natural fluctuations and allows woody species to advance down the shores.

Gallery of members of the community

The carnivorous spatulate-leaved sundew, by Debbie Barnegat. Not rare, but uncommon.

Maryland meadow beauty, by Ken Clark. Shown on maps in Brewster. Last seen in Harwich in 1918--I don't know if it has been seen at Hawksnest.

# # #

* New England boneset (Eupatorim novae-angliae) appears to be a hybrid of two other plants, but can persist in an area without both parent species present, so is though to be a distinct species. Not known to have occurred at Hawksnest.

** The upset in natural balance of ponds from too many nutrients, causing fast "aging" of the pond and blooms of toxic algae, is called "eutrophication."

This article is quoted and condensed from a fact sheet.
You can find a list of rare species for Harwich here.

Let's keep this debate productive

2010-06-29T12:21:00.004-05:00

I had a good, ~~productive~~ frank discussion with one the the residents near Hawksnest who opposes my recent actions to enforce the rules of the park.

During that discussion, I learned I've been the target of some unpleasant rumors. I've been called a "pervert" because some of my photos included women in bathing suits! Quick, rush to your computer and delete all photos of women in bathing suits, lest you, too be accused of the same.

I'm a profession photographer. I use my camera to document problems at Hawksnest, because some people deny there are problems, and others--like State Officials--wouldn't be aware of the probem without photos.

Sometimes I put people in the rear of a photo, to give it scale. Since I've been criticised for being too negative in this blog, I try to show people enjoying the place. Swimming is one of the main enjoyments. Oops--some of the people enjoying the place happen to be women or children.

If you would like your photo removed from the blog, just let me know.

Why I'm a stickler for the rules (for now)

Believe it or not, I was once busted for driving an ORV in a park. I was 17. I've never been a stickler for the rules. I used to joke a lot about rangers being such sticklers, and now I am one (sort of). Life is strange.

The reason I''m now focusing on the rules is that things have gotten so far out of hand. It's hard to imagine doing anything to stop the erosion or stop other problems like litter, without enforcing rules already on the books. If you sat down with me and looked at the problems, I think you might find it pretty hard to come up with another course of action.

I want people to enjoy the park. I want people to have access, provided it's not damaging the pond. But if the abuses that are causing harm to the pond don't decline, then we may have to limit access to certain eroding areas, or close one entrance to vehicles, to reduce the traffic (so the erosion can heal).

So don't distort my position, or paint me as a monster. I think we all want to save the pond. There may be a number of different ways to do that, so lets have an honest discussion about that. Not about whether some one's a pervert. Those are the tactics we all hate to see used by politicians, during an election.

OK, I've been offending a few people by my "in your face" activities. But I've been forced to be brash because of bureaucratic indifference, and lack of responsibility by people visiting Hawksnest. When everybody is pointing the finger at some other official or other person, the only way to cut through this BS is to do something bold.

I believe we all want the same thing: to enjoy Hawksnest now (responsibly), and to keep it safe for our grand kids.

We can ALL be winners, if we work together for the good of the pond, and take responsibility.

An open letter to the Harwich Police Dept

2010-06-27T15:26:00.010-05:00

An open letter from the Friends of Hawksnest to Chief William Mason, Harwich Police Dept.

Dear Chief Mason and other Harwich officials,

The Friends of Hawksnest are respectfully requesting the Town of Harwich to devote a higher priority to ending unlawful behavior at Hawksnest State Park.

This behavior includes

• Off road vehicle use—causes erosion

• Parties with alcohol—leads to broken bottles, litter, noise, and danger of injury
• Groups of people present after the 8:00 pm closing time—leads to other abuses
• Litter and human waste—danger to public health and the pond
• Illegal fires—phosphorus in the ashes will lead to toxic algae growth
• Illegal camping—leads to other abuse

We believe that controlling illegal behavior at the Round Cove Rd parking area is the key to conserving the pristine water quality, and to improving the recreational experience for all at Hawksnest. Even the State's plans to restore eroded areas can't succeed without more enforcement at Hawksnest.

Among the various enforcement agencies, we believe Harwich Police are best positioned and equipped to respond, so they should be part of any solution. We believe that the acceptance of about $130,000 a year in State funds, because of Hawksnest, enables and obligates the town to help protect Hawksnest for the next generation of Harwich residents.

The Friends of Hawksnest volunteer to help with citizen patrols and public education. Would a two-week campaign of increased patrols, coupled with press releases, help?

We ask the Town Government to work actively with other enforcement agencies, coordinate closely with them, and to coordinate closely with Friends of Hawksnest and Harwich Conservation Trust.

If working together, we can't significantly reduce the abuse, the State may feel compelled to close the to Round Cover Rd entrance to public vehicles. After all, their top mandate is to protect the resource for future generations of Harwich residents.

While we recognize that resources are scarce, we do believe that improvements can be made through careful cooperation and coordination with all parties.

We thank you for your help with patrols so far this year.

Sincerely,
David Thompson, for Friends of Hawksnest

Examples of some illegal behaviors we've observed since 6/17/10

Click on photos to enlarge

Alcohol parties; parties after 8:00 closing. Find out here why parties are bad for the pond.

Human waste in parking area, in a watershed protection zone.

This drains to a puddle, which many vehicles splash through.

The ashes from illegal fires will fertilize the pond, creating blooms of toxic algae..

Why floating parties aren’t good for Hawksnest

2010-06-27T14:29:00.011-05:00

Floating parties—when people bring water toys, join them together, and drift out into the pond—are popular at Hawksnest State Park.

They look like lots of fun, in the late afternoon sun.

Twelve people on rafts with beer.

With no rest room, that’s a lot of urine in the pond...
It acts as a nutrient that stimulates toxic algae growth.

But floating parties aren’t good for the pond
• Lots of urine in the water will stimulate algae growth (no restrooms at the park)
• Lots of litter and cans on the bottom
• Erosion from many vehicles in the parking lot
• Party people leave intoxicated, a danger to other drivers

Alcohol is prohibited in all State Parks--period. But when reading the regulations online, I was puzzled why inflatable beach toys are prohibited in the parks.

When I went swimming with my mask and snorkel the day after the party, I found out why: There were dozens of empty beer cans lying on the bottom of the pond.

This time, there wasn’t any litter left over. That’s because the Environmental Police came to the party.

Because of thoughtless behavior like this, the Round Cover entrance to Hawksnest may be closed to public vehicles. It’s the only way to protect the resource.

Protect the pond for the next generation to enjoy.

Party parking at Round Cove Rd causes erosion.

Protecting land around Hawksnest

2010-06-26T22:06:00.004-05:00

Land around Hawksnest State Park:

pink=State ownership

green=Town conservation

light green=Harwich Conservation Trust

brown=unknown owner

blue=Harwich water (not well protected)

gray photo=private ownership

Hawksnest is an incomplete state park...

There are two parcels on the shore of Hawksnest Pond still in private hands, and undeveloped land on the borders of the park is gradually being developed. There are tentative plans for a golf course on undeveloped land to the SE of the park.

There are numerous reasons to protect land around Hawksnest--including habitat for wildlife, protection of several endangered species of damselfly, protection of the groundwater that feeds the pond from comtamination for septic systems, and finally protection of the Harwich water supply. Hawksnest is within the area that feeds water to town wells.

Here are ways you can help protect Hawksnest park, from the Harwich website:

1.Land donation: Landowners can obtain tax incentives in exchange for donating land to wellfield or wellhead protection use.

2.Conservation restriction: Property remains in private hands, but owner agrees not to develop all or part of it in order to protect water quality. Cape towns will lower property taxes on the land under restriction. Also useful for income tax deductions and estate planning.

3.Charitable sale: Seller agrees to take less money than the appraised market price for the land in exchange for tax deductions.

4.Reserved life estate: An owner continues to live on the property, while conveying the title to a water purveyor or other conservation entity. Income tax deductions accrue to owner, depending on how much longer they can be expected to enjoy use of the property.

5.Current use assessment: An owner of five acres or more enrolls each year with town, promising to keep the land in its natural or cultivated condition, rather than develop it. Property taxes are reduced significantly and the town acquires the right to buy the property if sold for other uses.

Friends of Hawksnest encourage crackdown on ORVs

2010-06-26T11:13:00.015-05:00

On June 25, an ORV and a motorbike driven by two kids were spotted on Round Cove Rd and Spruce Rd. Harwich Police were called, but arrived a few minutes too late to catch the kids. They returned again the following evening, and this time, one of them drove down the gully to the beach .

That evening, Friends of Hawksnest tracked the ORV to the house it came from. We used enlarged photos of the tires (taken when they were seen in Hawksnest), matched the photos to tracks, and then followed the tracks to their house.

The next day, Harwich Police visited the boys, and found the ORVs in the garage. They won't be returning to Hawksnest again. Then we talked to one of the boys and his father, and had a frank exchange of views. Because of the honest discussion, we have removed the photo of the two boys riding their ORVs in Hawksnest.

While neighbors say ORV abuse at Hawksnest has declined, there are still signs of recent ORV use on some trails. ORVs began the erosion of the large gully by the beach that the State is hoping to restore. The contract for fixing erosion at both parking lots is going to cost several hundred thousand dollars--so damage caused by ORVs, when allowed to fester, can cost serious bucks.

Any off-road vehicles (ORVs) at Hawknest are illegal. "ORV use is permitted only on designated ORV trails within the forest management. Designated ORV trails will be marked with trailhead signage and/or orange or yellow trail blazes. All other state parks, reservations and forests are closed to ORV use at all times." Source

On exploring further, we found that Hawksnest is surrounded by an extensive network of ORV trails. There is one running east along the south side of the Mid Cape Highway. Riders have cut holes in the fence bordering Rte 6, allowing them to access Hawksnest, gravel pits, and other areas. There are access points to this network from the Queen Ann Rd, Rte 137, and Rte 39. These trails connect with two large sand pits in the area.

Since the Town of Harwich gets about $130,000 a year in payments from the State because of Hawksnest, we think the Town should be involved in helping stop illegal behavior there.

What you can do to help

If you visit Hawksnest, carry your cell phone and camera. Get a photo of the rider, then make a call to the Harwich Police508-430-7541 (then dial 0 to get a dispatcher).
Help us put up NO ORV signs.
Sign our petition.
The will soon be a meeting of Harwich officials to decide how to respond to this and similar issues. Attend the meeting. We'll publish details when we find out more.
Write a letter to the editor, your Selectman or Chief William Mason wmason@town.harwich.ma.us .

Neighbors and Friends of Hawksnest can make a difference, if we work consistently and together.

Our goals

Harwich Police, State Police, Environmenal Police, and Nickerson State Park rangers can all respond. For years, each enforcement group has been saying the other agency is responsible. Now Harwich Police have accepted some responsibility for responding to complaints. But Sgt. Kevin Considine explains they are stretched very thin--and that we may not be satisfied with their response times.

What we are asking for is better coordination. Can these various agencies divide up the times? Can Harwich respond on weekends, for example, and Nickerson staff on weekdays? If one agency cannot respond, will they call another to fill the gap? Can Friends make official patrols less necessary by mounting their own patrols? All involved need to talk.

It's DCR official policy to "cooperate with law enforcement agencies" in combating ORV abuse.

Finally, Friends of Hawksnest needs to know if an agency has responded. This is not to "harrass" the Harwich police or any other responder--it's simply to keep our people motivated, and to help us know how we can best be of help. There's nothing more demoralizing to a helpful citizen than making a call, then never knowing if that call made a difference, or if anyone responded.

Friends of Hawksnest begin "Citizen Patrol"

2010-06-24T11:38:00.011-05:00

Recently Friends of Hawksnest visited Sgt. Consadine of the Harwich Police, to discuss problems at the Round Cove Rd parking area.

Consadine was cordial--he said that the Department couldn't patrol frequently, because the dreadful condition of Round Cove Rd had damaged patrol cars in the past. But he said the Department would respond to calls reporting a problem from residents.

Both the town and State are thin on resources. Nevertheless, we feel that the Town Police should be the one to respond to complaints of abuse, because they are properly equipped, and have cruisers in the area. The Town is compensated by the DCR for loss of tax revenues caused by the park, so it's fitting and proper that the Town contribute something to the park.

The staff of Nickerson State Park should respond to other kinds of complaints, such as cleanup of illegal fires or dumping. Friends of Hawksnest can do its part by patrolling, and keeping the area picked up.

To report a problem, call the Harwich Police non-emergency number: 508-430-7541, then dial 0. A dispatcher will relay your report to an available officer. If the road has puddles, only the SUV vehicle may respond.

Last weekend, Friends of Hawksnest mounted a patrol for three nights (6/18-20), checking the Round Cove Rd parking area after closing time (8:00 pm). All was quiet the first two nights (the mosquitoes helped), but on Sunday night, and illegal camper was discovered. The police were summoned, and responded in 14 minutes.Thank you, Harwich!

Update: On Friday, 6/25, a large beach party with alcohol was spotted at closing time, plust two ATVs, so the Environmental Police were summoned. We don't know if they responded.

Why patrols are important

Everyone wishes Hawksnest could be the "town swimming hole," with no regulations or patrols--where people could enjoy the swimming and "just do their thing."

That's the way it has been for the last 30 years. But unfortunately, things have steadily gone downhill at the two parking areas. In the 1990s, ATVs going to the beach (during drought years) broke down the bank, causing the ugly gully that now threatens the pond with pollution. Irresponsible use at Round Cove Rd parking has led to erosion, illegal fires, cutting of trees to expand parking, litter, broken glass--and now, much human waste strewn about.

Finally, the State has plans to restore the erosion at both parking area. But these plans won't be successful if the abuse continues. The plantings will surely be ripped up by vehicles and ATVs.

So to preserve Hawksnest for future generations, it's essential to regain "control" of the parking areas. In talking about it, I've encountered statements like "kids will be kids," or "the vandals will have their way, no matter what you do."

I don't agree. If people care enough, and if they're willing to give a little of that caring back to the Pond, then they can make a difference.

If we can get enough people involved, the best approach is a patrol of two people, who rely on the power of persuasion to get party-goers to leave. If that fails, then call the police. Persuasion and education will gain more friends for the park in the long run.

For now, I'd recommend enforcing:

Park closing time 8:00 pm
No alcohol--leads to all kinds of abuse
No camping--leads to fires, litter, human waste
No fires--ashes lead to growth of algae in pond
Pack out what you carry in
No vehicles off-road

Round Cove Rd may be paved

2010-06-24T11:20:00.000-05:00

Round Cove Rd may be paved, from Rte 137 southwest to the furthest house, said Lincoln Hooper, Director of the Dept. of Public Works. About 14 residents along the unpaved road recently petitioned the Department, asking that it be paved. Four residents were not in favor of paving.

Director Hooper supports paving, because he says the current dirt road requires constant maintenance. Paving will save the town maintenance funds in the long run, although the payback time would be quite long.

Hooper says the paving isn't going to happen soon. The road is narrow, and pipes buried beneath the road are going to complicate the process, Hooper said.

Implications for Hawksnest State Park

Paving will increase the convenience of access to the Round Cove Rd parking area in Hawksnest State Park. This in turn makes completion of the State's erosion control and restoration plan for Hawksnest Pond all the more urgent.

Since the DCR's plan calls for closing of public vehicle access from Round Cove Rd, yet grading to improve police and fire access, overall access to the pond for police (from paving of the outer portion, plus grading of the inner portion) will be greatly improved. This should lead to a decrease in the litter and illegal parties that have defaced the parking area at Hawksnest Pond. The litter and parties are one of the main complaints of residents around the park.

Likewise, paving of Round Cove Rd may increase use of Seth Whitfield County Way (Hawksnest Rd), so that road should be protected as a Scenic and Historic Byway.

Advantages of the DCR plan to limit access to vehicles from Round Cove Rd

2010-06-19T16:02:00.006-05:00

Update--July 3: At first I fully supported the DCR plan for the Round Cove Rd. parking areas. That plan called for repairing the erosion above the beach, plus closing the road at the four corners to public vehicles (pedestrian access would still be encouraged).

The reason for my support was that I didn't see how the erosion could be stopped (this season, before the big restoration could begin) without reducing the number of people entering from Round Cove Rd.

However, on talking to some families at Hawksnest, I realized that cutting off vehicular access would be a hardship for families with children, and others coming for a quick swim.

So I came up with a simple plan for stopping the erosion now--a stopgap until the big State plan can be implemented. If this plan is successful--if people stay off the restored areas--then Round Cove Rd. can remain open this summer.

The DCR plan for Round Cove Rd was recently withdrawn, in response to concerns from the Harwich Conservation Commission that

not enough time had been given for public comment, and
complete closure of Round Cove Rd by woody debris was undesirable.*

I'm sure the plan will be resubmitted in the future, after some modifications. I believe the plan needs addition of footsteps or a boardwalk, to allow continued public access to the beach, without causing erosion.

The plan called for a gate near the four corners, improvement of the road by grading, and provision for informal parking just outside the gate. Pedestrian access will be encouraged.

Here's why I support the current plan to limit vehicular access

Closing Round Cove Rd to public vehicles will help control the illegal parties there. People coming for a quiet swim can still enter and enjoy the stroll. People carrying 24-packs will prefer to go elsewhere. The parties are a source of much trash and annoyance to neighbors of the park.
The current parking at Round Cove road is part of the problem. The current parking areas are eroding into a basin that channels runoff toward the pond. Erosion is a serious threat to the pond and cannot be controlled without closing, then planting, the current parking areas.
If vehicular access by the public is maintained, then a new parking area will have to be constructed, with cutting of trees and more disturbance near the pond.
If vehicular access is maintained, it will be difficult to keep vehicles off the restored areas, and the restorations may be ruined.
The SE area of the pond (Round Cove parking) is more sensitive to disturbance. To the west and north of the parking are steep bluffs. If these ever become eroded, that will be very damaging to the pond, and restoration will be extremely difficult. So access to the pond from Walker Rd is really safer for the pond, and will save money in the long run.
Access from Walker Rd is really more convenient now, and will be still more convenient when that area is restored. It's more convenient because there's more pavement on the way. People use the terrible Round Cove Rd only from long habit.
When Round Cove Rd is blocked to vehicle traffic, it will be safer and quieter for horses and pedestrians.
If Round Cove Rd is kept as is, access by police and emergency vehicles will continue to be difficult. If the DCR plan is implemented, access for official vehicles--and public safety--will be improved.
The outer portion of Round Cove Rd may soon be paved. When that happens, all the current problems will only be magnified. So change at Round Cove Rd is inevitable. It can be controlled, beneficial change with the DCR plan--or it can be uncontrolled, destructive change.

# # #

* This news story was unclear, helping to create the misimpression that access at the four corners would be blocked by woody debris, thus blocking even official vehicles. In fact, the woody barrier would block access only to the big muddy puddle and newly created, renegade parking next to the pond.

How Round Cove Rd came to be the main access

2010-06-19T14:22:00.003-05:00

Plan for closure of Round Cove Rd--the real facts

The current DCR plan for restoring erosion at Hawksnest called for closing Round Cove Rd to public vehicular traffic. The closure would occur close to the corner with Seth Whitfield Rd (Hawksnest Rd), with provision for informal parking there.

Note that the plan does NOT call for closure to police, park, or emergency vehicles. Public vehicles would be stopped by a gate, but the road itself would actually be improved with grading, increasing access to police and emergency vehicles. With the planned grading, police patrols could be increased, helping to control abuse at the Round Cove Rd parking area.

The DCR plan does call for stopping access to the new, lower parking area at Round Cove Rd. Access would be stopped by piling woody debris there. The newspaper erroneously reported that this barrier would be created at the four corners, stopping ALL traffic. Nope. Access to official vehicles will actually be improved.

The current plan for restoration at Round Cove parking has been withdrawn by DCR, to give the public more time to comment, and possibly to revise the plan. I support the current plan, with minor modifications. One of my reasons is that the improved access planned from Walker and Spruce Roads will actually be more convenient.

History of access to Hawksnest

When Hawksnest became a state park in the late 1970's, access from Round Cove Rd was actually quite good. You could drive up to 50 mph on the road. For this reason, plus the fact that it was a continuation of a larger road on the other side of SR 137, more people went to the pond via Round Cove Rd.

Sometime early in the Park's history, access via Round Cove Road at the four corners was blocked by a chain. This lasted for some years. So the plan to limit access here isn't new.

In contrast, access via Walker Rd was known to few. When the Mid Cape Highway was constructed, Spruce Rd was built as a frontage Rd. It served no one except a few cabins on Walker Rd. It was truly the road to nowhere. So as Round Cove Rd deteriorated, people kept coming that way. They just followed old habits. Today, access via Spruce Road is really more convenient and safe for vehicles. When the planned improvements are made there, access will be still more convenient.

So, I feel that people who object to the closing of Round Cove Rd (from the four corners) to public vehicles are following habit. They will still have rapid access from Spruce Rd. There is more paving along this route, and Walker Rd, although dirt, is in good shape.

Some folks say their kids like to walk to the pond via Round Cove Road. When the road becomes closed to vehicles from the four corners, it will be SAFER for kids to walk. Parents can still give kids a lift to the four corners.

# # #

This news story was unclear, helping to create the misimpression that access at the four corners would be blocked by woody debris, thus blocking even official vehicles. In fact, the woody barrier would block access only to the big muddy puddle and newly created, renegade parking next to the pond.

Hawksnest State Park now a danger to public health

2010-06-18T09:03:00.002-05:00

On June 17, I checked the Round Cove Rd parking area for the first time this year. This is the area that DCR had proposed to close to vehicles, so that soil erosion threatening the pond with pollution could be repaired.

As usual, I found much litter, including two illegal fire pits, plus an abandoned microwave oven.

Human waste

What was new this time was a large amount of human waste, unburied in the parking area. There were 2-3 locations used more than once in the actual parking area--with unburied human feces--plus at least three other areas probably used once. One of these was closer to the pond. Dog waste was also found.

Human waste and litter at the Round Cove Rd parking area.

On June 16, the Town of Falmouth closed their public water supply because fecal coliform was detected in the tap water. While Falmouth's public water comes in part from a pond, the soil in Cape Cod is very porous, and even Harwich's wells could be threatened, if the unsanitary behavior found at Hawksnest is allowed to occur elsewhere. Links to more photos.

Erosion

Erosion had become worse, especially along the road formed last year by 4X vehicles, which established a second informal parking area closer to the pond. The upper parking area is becoming a basin, channeling runoff towards the pond.

However, this runoff could be redirected away from the pond with a solution as simple as a single sediment sock (a roll of environmental fabric filled with sand).

State withdraws plan for Round Cove Rd at Hawksnest

2010-06-14T10:33:00.006-05:00

The Conservation Commission of Harwich was going to consider the restoration plan for Hawksnest State Park next Tuesday, June 15. But the State has withdrawn (without prejudice) the part of the plan for Round Cove Rd. Apparently, they want to provide more opportunity for input by the public. When there has been sufficient public input, the Round Cove Rd plan may be modified and resubmitted to the Conservation Commission for approval.

The Commission was going to discuss the part of the plan for Round Cove Road, at the SE corner of the pond. The portion of the plan for restoring erosion on the SW corner, near Walker Rd, was approved at the last meeting. That portion of the plan involved creating a 5-car parking area, plus rain gardens to prevent polluted runoff from reaching the lake.

The remaining plans (that have been withdrawn) call for restoration of serious erosion at the Round Cove Rd parking area, plus closing that entrance to vehicular traffic. Pedestrians will still be able to access that area with its trails and swimming beach.

Problems at the Round Cove Rd parking area are what triggered the restoration plans. The bare, eroding parking area was collecting runoff and shooting it towards the pond--creating an ugly gully leading to the beach, plus a huge, muddy puddle that threatened to break through to the pond.

It's going to be difficult to restore this area while it continues to see heavy use. Another reason behind the plan to close the area to vehicles is the unsuitability of this area to heavy visitation. Bluffs and banks on this side are highly vulnerable to erosion, as shown by the present gully. In contrast, the other parking area near Walker Rd is not close to a bluff.

Another issue to consider is maintenance of the road to the Round Cove Rd parking area. If vehicles continue to use that entrance with its terrible road, then pressure for improving the road will increase, with the added expense. Increased visitation there will only compound the erosion problems.

Out-of-control parties at the Round Cove Rd parking area have always been a concern. They create a lot of litter and pollution from illegal fires. These parties are illegal, because the park closes at 8:00 pm, fires are illegal, and alcohol is prohibited. The parties should be easier to control at the Walker Rd parking area, because police will have easier access to that entrance. Moreover, the ParkWatch program has been strengthened.

Once the plans are finalized and the current damage is restored, the next priority is to develop plans to protect the shoreline vegetation. It's this vegetation that ensures the pristine water quality at Hawksnest.

* * *

I'm David Thompson. My family sold property to the State for the park, and persuaded other landowners to join in the effort to create Hawksnest State Park. I'll be in Cape Cod from roughly June 15-July 1. I'd like to talk to you, to hear your concerns about Hawksnest. Please call my cell, 608-692-5467 to set up a time when we can meet. You can also try my email: davidthompson20@aol.com, though I may not access it every day.

I'd also like to set up a few guided tours of the park, and maybe some nature walks. Call, or visit this blog to find out more. And how about a picnic for "Friends of Hawksnest"? If there's enough interest, the picnic's on!

Support open space--attend Harwich Town Meeting

2010-04-24T13:29:00.002-05:00

Please attend the Harwich Annual Town Meeting on Monday, May 3, 2010.

Vote "YES" to purchase approximately 38 acres. Protect town drinking water and wildlife habitat next to 235 acres of open space.

The Town Real Estate and Open Space Committee will update voters on funding the project at Town Meeting.

More information.

ParkWatch

2010-03-29T12:51:00.001-05:00

Friends Network facilitators were able to meet Governor Deval Patrick at their recent conference. They handed the Governor a ParkWatch brochure, and told him that friends groups across the state would like to have ParkWatch signs in every forest and park. ParkWatch is a statewide program designed to protect public open space by giving visitors a number to call to report suspicious or illegal activity.
The ParkWatch number is now operational, and a Ranger is available 24 hours/7days a week to take your calls. The Ranger on duty will forward your report to the appropriate agency; one or more of the following: MA DCR staff, Environmental Police, State Police, Municipal Police, or a Ranger. Wherever you are in the state, one number is all you need to remember: 1-866-PK-WATCH.

A vision for Hawksnest State Park (draft)

2010-03-08T13:56:00.011-06:00

Hawksnest has survived so far due to very light visitation. But changes are underway that could increase visitation, disrupting the delicate balance at Hawksnest.

The Harwich Trails Committee is considering a parking lot just off Spruce Road (on Town land), plus publicising trails in the area.
DCR is undertaking restoration work at the Round Cove Rd. parking area.
Hawksnest Road (south end) is being paved, with houses to follow.

The only way to minimize harm is to develop a vision and a plan for the future of Hawksnest.

We don't want to undertake "improvements" that would be inconsistent with a thoughtful future for Hawksnest. Otherwise, the damage is done--the horse has fled the barn.

Overall goals

1. Quiet recreation in an undisturbed, natural setting. (Not another crowded Nickerson SP with lots of development.)

2. Preservation of wildlife and wildlife habitat, natural views, and cultural heritage.

3. Preservation of the pristine water quality and the ring around the shore of undisturbed vegetation that filters the water.

4. Future development of a site near Hawksnest and Black Ponds for teaching local school children and the public about water quality and the groundwater resource.

Important milestones toward these goals

1. Establishment of kiosks to encourage wise and lawful use.

2. Beach use and access only on south shore of Hawksnest Pond. The sandy bluffs on the north side are very vulnerable to erosion, so pond access must be carefully controlled here.

3. Development of a plan for shore access points and trails, with appropriate uses for each trail.

4. Development of a long-range plan for vehicle access and parking areas, keeping in mind the visitation capacity of the park without damage from overuse (in the absence of patrol).

5. Placement of port-a-potties in parking or heavy use areas, to prevent eutrophication of the pond.

6. Work with local teachers to incorporate visits to Hawksnest into environmental education plans.

7. Writing of a handbook about the history, cultural values, and natural values of Hawksnest park. If people don't know what's there, they won't work to save it.

8. Change the official designation of the north portion of Hawksnest Rd. (Seth Whitfield County Road) from a "county road" to a scenic way, rustic road or "ancient way." Since it bisects the park, this road--if ever enlarged or paved-- represents one of the greatest threats to the park. With the south portion being paved, it's only a matter of time....

9. Adding area to the park before all empty land around it is developed.

Will Hawksnest restoration be a success?

2010-03-08T12:25:00.000-06:00

I haven't been able to reach Jim Straub to find out what the plans are for restoration at Hawksnest. Unable to comment on the plans, I decided to post criteria that would help DCR and Friends of Hawksnest decide whether the plans and the work are a success.

1. Does the work address the most serious issues of erosion, runoff into the lake, and uncontrolled parking at both parking areas?*

2. Does the work provide the utmost protection for water quality, now and in the future? To protect water quality, runoff and erosion must be prevented, and the ring of vegetation around the shore must be kept completely intact.

3. Is the work consistent with the character of Hawksnest--enjoyment of quiet recreation, nature, and cultural history, in an undisturbed natural setting? (This means avoiding construction with non-native materials, such as gravel or concrete.)

4. Does the work create an impression that people care about Hawksnest, and help to control abuse?

I'd like to explain why this last point--the "appearance of care"--is important. Hawksnest has been unsupervised and abused since the park was established in the 1970s. The only thing preventing destruction of this fragile resource has been the light visitation--around 50 a day in the summer--because few have known about it, and because Round Cove Road is so rough. Another thing that has protected Hawksnest is the absence of a sandy beach during times of high water. We appreciate that neighbors over the years have picked up the trash, while Nickerson personnel have picked up a few loads of rubbish that were dumped, and police have made occasional patrols.

Now, with plans of the Harwich Trails Committee to promote trails in the area, and possibly a new parking area off Spruce Road, visitation is likely to increase. This could upset the fragile balance, and things could rapidly deteriorate. In the worst case, I can imagine swimmers heading for the north shore of Hawksnest from the new parking area on that side, alowing people to bypass Round Cove Road. Seeking access to the beach, they climb down the steep, sandly bluffs--in a single season turning them into big funnels of sand onto the beach. This creates a larger beach, even during times of high water, so more visitors come. At this point, the water quality has been ruined, and the ugly scars will be nearly impossible to restore, with people continuing to climb on the sand.

It seems unlikely there will ever be much enforcement or frequent maintenance at Hawksnest--so we have to rely on a careful balance of restricted access, pickup of litter by volunteers, public education (kiosks), and creating an "atmosphere of care."

Studies have shown that people are more likely to litter, if litter is already present. Facilities create an atmospere that visitors respond to. If the facilities are poorly designed or maintained, and if they are ugly, then people will assume that no one cares--that anything goes. So signs, parking design, boardwalks, and kiosks need to be neat and aesthetic.

I know the State is strapped for funds. I'm not talking about gold-plated handles on the port-a-potty. But I do believe if they put a little more into careful design and aesthetics, then it will pay back in terms of less abuse, littler, and vandalism. If the State needs to save funds, then save by not improving (or not maintaining) Round Cove Road, or by closing the Walker Road parking lot.

Some DCR personnel have expressed the view that they don't want to install a kiosk, because it would only be vandalized. Well--make it sturdy, and replace it if necessary. You can't enforce rules or appropriate trail use, if rules aren't posted. You can't encourage wise use, if you don't provide guidance. A kiosk is essential.

* * *

* At Round Cove Rd. parking area, the most serious erosion is runoff from the parking area, the gully above the beach, and runoff from the road, which threatenes to break through into the pond from the "giant puddle."

I would appreciate hearing your comments. Send me an email, or post comments below.

Restoration work in planning stage for parking areas at Hawksnest

2010-03-05T11:16:00.001-06:00

The following has been revised, based on a phone conversation 3/10 with JS.

I've been informed by Jim Straub, Lakes and Ponds Manager for DCR, they are working on a plan to restore the Round Cove Road parking area, and possibly the Walker Rd. Parking area. As part of the process, they will request all the necessary permits. The plans should be ready early- to mid-May.

However, there is no money in the budget for the work--but at least it will be ready to go, should funds become available sometime in the future. I'll provide more details as soon as I learn of them.

Committee forming for recommendations on enforcement of Off Highway Vehicles

2010-03-03T12:15:00.002-06:00

Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) have been a serious problem at Hawksnest in the past. They still are causing serious erosion by driving too close to the beach from the Round Cove Road parking area. The following is reprinted from Friends Network.

OHV parked just above the beach at Hawksnest.

"Some of you are part of the OHV community and recognize that illegal use is damaging to your image as a user group and understand the negative impact of that. Others are people who have had unfortunate encounters and feel intimidated and threatened by riders. Still others are concerned about the negative impacts to the environment caused by illegal use. People in both camps are disappointed by the inability of government officials to address our concerns.

The Friends Network is forming an ad-hoc committee to produce recommendations for a comprehensive OHV enforcement plan that contains a strong citizen component. Our goal is to submit the recommendations to the DCR Stewardship Council as a guide to establishing a workable plan that can be used using the current regulations as well as work under new laws that may be passed in the future.

This meeting will be focused on one issue. Enforcement. We do not intend to revisit the comprehensive work of the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) OHV Enforcement Working Group. Once the bill using their work is passed we expect that a committee will be established for ongoing discussions between the OHV Community and others. Our intention is to review a plan developed by members of the Friends Network and to ask for your suggestions and input.

We believe this committee should include representatives of off-highway vehicle, snowmobile, mountain biking, hiking, equestrian, birding, and environmental organization’s interests. Additionally, we’re asking support from state agencies charged with development and enforcement of OHV regulations, including DCR officials, MA Environmental Police, State and local police, Bureau of Ranger Services, DCR staff where riding is legal, DCR staff where riding is illegal.

We won’t be starting from scratch. Over the past 3 years, Friends Network Facilitators have collected data and suggestions on OHV management from law enforcement officials and people on both sides of the OHV issue, and we have researched what works in other states and countries. Now we’re asking you—as stakeholders—to work with us to complete recommendations that are fair, workable and make sense.

We anticipate not more than three meetings to refine a workable document to present to the DCR Stewardship Council. If the Stewardship Council accepts the recommendations, we will offer to work with DCR to implement the citizen participation elements of the plan.

To keep the discussion manageable we will be selecting representatives of all views. If you are able to come to a meeting on the date below please let us know. We will advise you if you are selected to participate. For those not included in the actual meeting we will continue to keep you abreast of the discussion and welcome any suggestions you send.

OHV Recommendations Committee Meeting
Saturday, March 27, 10 - 2 p.m.
Richard Sugden Library Community Room
8 Pleasant Street
Spencer, MA
http://www.spencerpubliclibrary.org/

Please apply by sending a statement of interest to friend@networkingfriends.net

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Draft Agenda – subject to participant input
Welcome, clarification of purpose, rules of engagement
Roundtable introductions and a statement of personal interest in the OHV issue
Information sharing - informal presentations are encouraged, limit 10 - 15 min. each. (Please sign up in advance. Tell us what technical support is needed)
Identify areas of agreement, disagreement and areas needing more work
Assign work to complete OHV management recommendations
Plan next meeting
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
General Topics
· Evaluation of enforcement tools and how they can used effectively
· Better communication between state agencies and the public
· Public engagement programs, such as Park Watch
· Support for the Citizens Advisory Committee in the legislative bill
· Increased public education and communication regarding the current laws
· Citizen cooperation on the development of an OHV handbook "

Find more information on the Friends Network OHV Initiative here.

A New Vision For Forests? You Decide.

2010-02-17T21:44:00.000-06:00

Whether you are an environmentalist or a logger, you need to know how the Forest Futures Visioning Process (FFVP) Recommendations will affect public forests in Massachusetts.

The FFVP Technical Steering Committee (TSC) will complete recommendations for forest management soon, but you can submit comments until Monday, February 22 to MODRDCRFFVP@umb.edu.

We suggest comparing the TSC recommendations to the Wildlands and Woodlands Vision, created by Harvard Forest scientists.

To learn more, click here.

Powerful new tool for concerned citizens

2010-01-06T16:15:00.011-06:00

A few days ago, I was out skiing on a golf course near my home, when an amazing sight caught my eye--coke machines, all lit up. There were two of them out there, lonely and deserted, but still ready for action. It's the second year I've noticed the machines turned on during the winter. As we struggle to grapple with global warming, such waste boggles the mind.

I wondered who I could report this problem to, but quickly became discouraged as I imagined working my way through robot telephone menus, then finally speaking with a bored employee who thought I was nuts.

Then I read about a new tool to resolve this and similar problems:

"See Click Fix"

SeeClickFix.com is "a local advocacy Web site that lets users write about issues to encourage communication between residents and local government. SeeClickFix users post a complaint about problems that occur within a set of boundaries on a Google Map, like graffiti at a bus stop or potholes on a busy street, and the site communicates the problem to the appropriate government agency and marks the problem on the map.

Users can comment on the issue or label it resolved. Government agencies can post on the site to respond to residents, and journalists can use the site to communicate with readers and see which issues are most pressing to people.

Ben Berkowitz, the chief executive of SeeClickFix, said the tool went beyond government: 'Anyone can be held accountable: a business, nonprofit, even a private citizen.'" Read more.

Fixing environmental problems

While the above example mentions problems like potholes in streets, we can use the site for environmental problems like the following:

Waste--parking lots that keep lights on all day
Identifying good spots for public rain gardens
Erosion in parks
Construction sites not complying with erosion laws
Chemical leaks and spills
Places where litter accumulates
Illegal dumping

Here's an example of how citizens in New Haven fought the reckless use of ATVs on city streets.

It's a great new tool for citizens---it has enormous potential--but if no one picks up the tool, no work gets done.

So sign up on SeeClickFix.com, and start solving problems in your neighborhood!

How top start using "SeeClickFix"

You do not need an account on SeeClickFix--but you can easily start one if you already have a Facebook account. The site does have Pro accounts for businesses that require a fee, but citizens do not have to pay a membership fee.

Citizens start here.
Under "citizens get started," type in your city, neighborhood, or zip. Experiment with the map or lists of neighborhoods till you find the area you want to work within. I'd recommend your city, since the site is new.
Check out to see what problems your neighbors have reported. But probably there won't be any, since SeeClickFix is new.
Next, report your first problem. Click on the tab "report an issue."
Indicate where your issue is. You can type in an address, or you can use the map to drag the symbol over the right location. Use the arrows to move the map till it covers your area. When done, click "go to step 2."
State the problem. First enter something short and clear in the "summary" blank. This will be the name of your problem, so make it short, clear, and descriptive. If more details are needed, you can add them in the space below.
Next, it's highly recommended to add a photo.
Add you e-mail address in the blank. It will not be shared with the public.
When you are done entering, click on "report your issue."
Now, wait for a bit while your photo and report are uploaded. Next, you will see some suggestions above for what to do next. For example, you can email your report to your facebook friends, or you can even print a ready-made flier to slip under your neighbor's door.

Next, make some attempts to solve the issue yourself, and post what you are doing on the comments below the posting of your problem. You need to set an example that this system works, and that problems get fixed.

Think of SeeClickFix as a public bulletin board where problems are aired and people work together to solve them.

Season's Greetings!

2009-12-20T22:23:00.000-06:00

Obituary--Pogo Possum run over by off highway vehicle at Hawksnest

2009-12-08T20:27:00.013-06:00

Pogo Possum, a cartoon personality and one of the last surviving members of the “Okefenokee Eleven,” died December 5. Mr. Possum brought blue-eyed cheer and soft satire to millions of Americans during the dark years of the Cold War and the McCarthy Era. He was 66--an exceptionally advanced age for a marsupial. He died the victim of an apparent hit-and-run accident on Hawksnest Road.

In a bizarre turn of events, a hiker spotted his flattened body in the middle of the possum crossing, and took a cell phone photo, running off to summon the Harwich animal body detail. But when they arrived, the remains had disappeared, leaving only a furry grease spot on the road. After several days of deliberation, the Cartoon Coroner pronounced him “out of print.” The SPCA is conducting an investigation.

Accident scene--the cell phone photo

Possum began work in the cartoon industry in 1943, soon growing into the rounder, baby-faced contours of Disney characters. He was famous for introducing political and social satire into comics. But satire led to his phone being tapped by the FBI, and some officials wondered whether the whimsical banter of Pogo and his friends was a code produced by Russian spies. More

Pogo and his gang of Okefenokee misfits portrayed an ideal southern society, without species divisions.

His increasing popularity led to an unsuccessful bid for the presidency in 1952. His campaign slogan, “I go Pogo,” became an expression of protest. Perhaps the most famous quotation attributed to Mr. Possum is: “We have met the enemy and he is us.”

Possum’s longtime friend, Churchy LaFemme said: “That quote says it all… about why our ponds are in trouble.”

Churchy LaFemme was last seen headed south.

"This park ain't safe for critters, because of the OHVs."

In his later years, controversy swirled around his name, while partisans all but forgot the old marsupial himself. Legally, it’s Possum, but the National Association of Taxonomists long championed Opossum, while the Society of English Teachers campaigned for ‘Possum ( the apostrophe to signify the missing “O”). Meanwhile, the Irish claimed it was O’Possum. Next, proponents of Intelligent Design argued that, since opossums hadn’t changed in 60 million years, that meant evolution was dead.

Possum was close to his father, Walt Kelly, and after Kelly’s death in 1973, Pogo entered decline. Possum moved to New Orleans, where locals failed to appreciated his gentle wit.

With the destruction from Hurricane Katrina, Possum became a refugee, eventually moving to Hawksnest State Park, where he established residence in hollow tree #190.

Home at Hawksnest

Bucky Badger, who came summers from Wisconsin, is one of the few who knew Possum during his last years in Cape Cod. The two used to visit the Chatham Bars Inn after closing time, drinking leftover beer from discarded cups. Badger said, “He wasn’t very talkative… he’d just lean back against that wall, there, and look up at the sky. Kind of sad. He used to be even more famous… than I am. And now, he’s just a... varmint."

Some say Possum moved here with high hopes of starting a casino. According to Badger, Possum said: “We marsupials aren’t bound by any treaties. We’re the Original Americans--we’ve been here 12 million years, and I think that gives us some rights.” Possum thought there was enough traffic on Rte. 137 to support a small casino in a hollow tree. Badger said, "It's ironic that the same traffic he dreamed about for the casino--that traffic’s what done him in.”

In recent weeks, neighbors say Possum was despondent over plans by State Legislators to cut DCR funding even more. And Possum was also grieving for some distant relatives who perished when the State illegally cut the Zimmer Tract, land given the Mass. DCR to safeguard. Churchy said: “I think he just lost heart. Probably just stepped in front of a that vehicle, if you know what I mean."

Despondent over cutting of the Zimmer Tract by DCR

Possum leaves no known survivors, although he is rumored to have many half siblings from his father’s days in the Disney Studios and Dell Comics. His stepmother Selby Kelly died in 2005, after several attempts to revive Possum’s following.

Neighbors of Hawksnest regret not knowing about the illustrious old marsupial living in their midst. They have pledged to remember Possum by joining Friends of Hawksnest State Park.

Park neighbor Liz McBride said, “Posthumously, he‘s still the Protest Possum. People are going to rally to protest neglect of the park by the State." The funeral date is to be announced. Thousands are expected.

Tiptoeing over the trash at the Round Cove Rd. parking area. Ouch.

All drawings except Bucky copyright by Walt Kelly, used here under "fair use" provision of law. Photos copyright by David Thompson

A tale of two lakes

2009-12-03T11:15:00.010-06:00

Lake Mendota, with Wisconsin state capitol in rear

Madison, the capital of Wisconsin, is famous for its lakes. But while they look great on post cards, the reality is not so nice. Recently, Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources has been trying to revise the shoreland zoning rules--with much controversy. Business groups are howling that property owners are going to lose their property rights.

L. Mendota: shoreland development, and muddy runoff from a storm

We should start a "Sister Lakes" organization, because the two lakes have a lot to teach one another. Lake Mendota has slipped a long way down that road towards senility (eutrophication), while Hawksnest is still young and pristine. So Hawksnest can teach people in Wisconsin what pure water is like, and how to get there.

Hawksnest is so pure you can see right to the bottom from a canoe. When I was a kid living on its shore, I could drink the water as I swam. And yet it was warm enough for comfortable swimming. You'd come back from a swim cleaner than you went in (now a radical idea in Wisconsin). The bottom is sandy, not mucky--there are no weeds to tangle your legs.

That's why I'm a crusader for water quality. I've experienced pure water, and I can't forget what it's like.

Shore vegetation and sandy soil filter water going into Hawksnest

And what does Lake Mendota have to teach Hawksnest?

Sadly, it's a warning. People who visit Hawksnest are oblivious to its rare value, take it for granted, and are hell-bent on abusing till it becomes just like Lake Mendota.

If Hawksnest could give some sisterly advice to Mendota, she would say: "Look at my shore. Everywhere it's clothed in vegetation. Not a drop of rainwater gets into my body--unless if falls on my face, or flows through the ground, or flows through my "skin" of shoreland plants. I need my shoreland zone. Puncture that, and I'll start to die."

A pond starting to die? Off-highway vehicle abuse at Hawksnest.

Click here for more about water problems of Lake Mendota and Madison, WI.

All-terrain vehicles--a danger for kids

2009-11-24T10:21:00.006-06:00

Illegal ATV at Myles Standish State Forest

"In the $5 billion market for A.T.V.’s, the skyrocketing growth of Chinese imports is becoming the latest challenge for the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which is starting a global campaign to improve the safety of a product that kills more people — about 900 a year — than any of the 15,000 other products the commission regulates."

"On average, the commission reports, more than 100 children are killed each year in A.T.V. accidents, and 40,000 more are sent to the emergency room."

“'A.T.V.’s have been killing and maiming for years,' said Sue Rabe, who helped found Concerned Families for ATV Safety, after her 10-year-old son was killed when the A.T.V. he was driving rolled over and fell on him." See the whole article at the New York Times, 11/23/09.

Off road vehicles are illegal at Hawksnest State Park and have caused serious damage. Report any off-road use by dirt bikes, ATVs, or regular vehicles to ParkWatch: 866-759-2824.

At Myles Standish State Forest, the ATVs have been showing up in groups of 30 or 40. To prevent that from happening at Hawksnest, we have to show that there's ZERO tolerance for ATVs here.

"State Betrays Family's Trust, Cuts Down Trees"

2009-11-21T17:30:00.001-06:00

"One family's trust has been betrayed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the state agency in charge of protecting forests and parks, Team 5 Investigates reported Friday."

See the full story here about how the natural values of the "Hel, Arl, Jo & Ray Zimmer Tract" of forest were destroyed by the Massachusetts DCR. When the forest was given to the state by the Zimnmer family, they never intended that the trees would be cut.

This story will air on TV again next Monday between 5:30 and 6:00 pm. on WCBV, Channel 5, Boston.

I'll elaborate on this story in the next few days.

New development near Hawksnest?

2009-11-19T11:52:00.000-06:00

I have been notified of planning for a new shopping mall and housing development, off Rte. 137 near Hawksnest. If you can refer me to information on this, please let me know. In turn, I'll keep readers informed here.

Conservation voters show muscle, Article 12 defeated

2009-11-10T11:24:00.003-06:00

Article 12 was voted down at a recent Harwich town meeting, showing the muscle of conservation voters. Thlanks for turning out! More

Of ponds and puddles

2009-10-29T13:11:00.013-05:00

Hawksnest State Park has some very nasty puddles. There's the Godzilla Puddle just above the beach at Hawksnest Pond. If that puddle rises only a foot more, it will break through to the pond. When this happens, muddy runoff from the parking lot, and from Round Cove Road will be able to run into the pond. Goodbye crystalline waters.

"Godzilla Puddle" at Hawksnest, with abusing off-road vehicle. Why does the puddle last?

The Mystery
Cape Cod has very sandy soil, thanks to the glaciers. Standing water quickly sinks into the porous sand... right? So the puddles should disappear shortly after a rain. But that's not the case at Hawksnest, where puddles in the road, along with Godzilla Puddle, persist for weeks. Why doesn't the water sink in? It's a mystery!

Solving this mystery could reveal some fascinating things about the lives of ponds.

Clue #1
In the spring and early summer, pines of the Cape release vast quantities of pollen. It settles on the ponds, and is blown by the wind, where it collects on the beach. Sometimes you can find up to an inch of beautiful golden pollen on the shore. As a child digging in the sand, sometimes I would find a layer of golden pollen burried an inch or two deep under the sand.

Pollen scum on a puddle--beautiful and complex

What does pollen have to do with puddles? Pollen falls on Round Cove Road. Long stretches of road collect pollen and concentrate it in puddles. Pollen is microscopic--it clogs the pores between the grains of sand. So the pollen (and other organic debris) acts like clay, lining the puddles, and making the bottom watertight. That's why Hawksnest puddles last forever.

OK, hold on, I'm getting to the pond connection.

Clue #2
There's a curious thing about Hawksnest Pond. Hawksnest is deep, and unlike the mucky ponds on either side, has few pond lilies or other aquatic plants. The bottom is sandy, not mucky. But one spot on Hawksnest has a mucky bottom with lots of aquatic vegetation--that's the cove--the beak of the hawk that gave Hawksnest its name.

The tip of the cove in Hawksnest Pond (green, lower left) is the only mucky part of the pond. source

This part of Hawksnest has lots of decayed organic matter. But how did that muck get to the cove, and only to the cove? There are no streams to wash organic stuff into the pond.

"Elementary, my dear Watson"
My guess is that the muck in the cove came from pollen and leaves and anything else that could be blown there. The cove is on the NE side of the pond, just the place where the prevailing SW winds would blow floating organic matter.

Getting back to Godzilla Puddle
There's a lot of pollen and other muck in that puddle. If it finally breaks through to the lake, all that muck is is headed for the pond. Goodbye water quality. Pollen is natural, but it does contribute to the eutrophication (fertilizing) of the pond, as we see in the cove. When Godzilla Puddle breaks through, Hawksnest Pond will receive a lot more pollen and other debris, every time it rains.

This little mystery illustrates how Hawksnest State Park, with its three different ponds, could be an ideal laboratory for children from surrounding schools. Children love puddles... and ponds.

Children playing in a puddle covered with pollen. Better than TV.

What you can do

Write Jon Peterson and ask him to fix this puddle, and to post signs delimiting parking ASAP, before the puddle breaks through! It's more than a puddle--we're talking about an eroding road and eroding parking lot, all of which are about to drain into the pond.

Jon Peterson

Supervisor, Nickerson State Park

3488 Main St., Rte. 6A

Brewster, MA 02631-1521

508-896-3491

A cry for help...Godzilla Puddle says: "Help me, before I kill a pond!"

Threatened Hawksnest Pond is just behind the puddle.

Help Friends of Hawksnest Stop Illegal Off-Highway Vehicle Use

2009-10-29T12:03:00.005-05:00

Hawksnest State Park (HSP) trails are closed to all motor vehicles except those used for management by Conservation (DCR) employees. There should be signs posted at all roads leading into the forest, and at trailheads informing the public that Hawksnest trails are closed to motorized vehicles--but at present there are only about two signs.

Off-highway vehicles (OHV) are also banned from Hawksnest Road (if they are unlicensed) because it is a county road. Driving on the beach is illegal and especially damaging because it destroys rare plants and the vegetation essential to maintaining water quality.

Despite this, OHVs regularly enter the forest from the public roads and abutting properties. They have damaged trails intended for use by hikers, equestrians and mountain bike riders, created nuisance noise, and endangered other users. Reckless OHV riders have destroyed Plymouth gentian and caused serious erosion of a path to the beach.

Parking outside established areas, close to the beach, is one form of illegal OHV use. Signs are needed to indicate where parking is legal.

You can help by reporting information that will be logged and used to gather evidence for identification and prosecution of OHV operators and for guiding official efforts.

Please report the following information to Harwich Police by phone, or e-mail davidthomson20@aol.com, or call the toll-free 24-hour of the Environmental Police Dispatch Center at 1-800-632-8075:

The time, date and approximate location of the sighting as precisely as you can describe it;
The number and type of OHV’s along with any descriptions of machines and operators;
Direction of travel of the machines when sighted;
Any other information or ideas you have which may be useful in determining where the OHV’s came from or went to;
The identities of the operators, if known. Take photos!

Please do not confront violators. We want to stress that it is the job of the DCR Rangers, Environmental Police and other law enforcement officers to confront violators.

Thank you for your help.
Friends of Hawksnest State Park

Are new trails a priority at Hawksnest?

2009-10-29T01:54:00.012-05:00

Recently I learned about plans for a trail around Oliver Pond in Hawksnest State Park. I understand that this plan died when residents on Round Cove Road objected. They said there were already nice places to walk, such as the lovely and rustic Hawksnest Road.

Oliver Pond-- The south shore in on the left

Trails exist along the north sides of both Hawksnest and Oliver Ponds. One can easily circumnavigate Hawksnest Pond if you use the trail, plus Hawksnest Road and Round Cove Road. But there's one problem with this route--it requires a trespass on private property when you cross the isthmus between Black and Hawksnest Ponds. And this isthmus, home of the Plymouth gentian, is very sensitive ecologically. Perhaps that's why instead a trail was proposed along the south side of Oliver Pond--so you could walk all around at least one of the ponds.

But the question remains and will come up again--is there any need for new trails? Perhaps the question should be rephrased: "Are new trails a priority now?"

Given the serious problems at Hawksnest that I've listed elsewhere, I don't think trail construction is a priority now. We need to get the existing system of trails marked and under control, which means:

Eliminating ORVs
Designating which are for horses and which are foot travel only
Limiting beach access (maybe closing some trails) when water levels are low, to protect the shoreline

While ORV abuse is still a problem, building more trails just creates more places to abuse. And key to any discussion of trails is: "How can we protect the fragile shoreline vegetation?" This is essential to protecting water quality.

For example, the long trail that now leads from Round Cove Road to the beach, starting about midway between the four corners and the parking lot, should probably be closed. There are several reasons:

This trail heads straight downhill--overuse will surely lead to a gully forming that will channel runoff into the pond.
More use of this area will also lead to out-of-control parking. People who use the beach there will park there.
When water levels are low, having several trails to the beach invites horses and ORVs to go along the beach from this trail to the other--a route that damages the shoreline.

This trail, from Round Cove Rd to the shore of Hawksnest, should be closed to protect the shoreline. Note the ORV or bicycle track leading to it.

When the time comes to build more trails, we should be very thoughtful about any that would provide access to the beach, the most fragile part of Hawksnest.

Here's another priority I would rate higher than building new trails--saving Hawksnest Road from development. The rustic Hawksnest Road (Seth Whitfield Rd) is designated as a county road. Hence at any time it could be widened or paved--and it goes right through the heart of the park. Already the south end is being widened. We can always create new trails in Hawksnest Park some time in the future. But once Hawksnest Road is ruined, a great and historic place for walking is destroyed.

Hawksnest Road, great for hiking, is threatened.

And, what about promoting Hawksnest trails in a regional trail guide? That's like offering a drink to an alcoholic. First get the existing trails and visitation under control. Then you can promote them.

Which future for Hawksnest?

2009-10-27T11:54:00.016-05:00

Will we see this sign, sometime in the future, at Hawksnest Pond?

............................................................................

Public Health Notice
Due to a toxic algae bloom

Documented by the University of Massachusetts

Individuals and animals

Should not wade or swim or otherwise use Hawksnest Pond

until further notice

Harwich Health Department

............................................................................

You'd think ponds on Nantucket would be safe, with the island so far out in the ocean. But no. Look what's happening to Hummock Pond...

Photo, thanks to permission from The Nantucket Independent

Read more about how septic system runoff is harming Hummock Pond. We can prevent this from happening at Hawksnest, if we act together now.

At Long Pond, in 2007 they were proposing alum treatment to stop the algae blooms and fish kills. The treatment was to cost $420,000--yet they didn't even have a management plan for how to prevent the nutrients from accumulating again. Just think what we could do with $420,000 spent on prevention of the problem, instead of closing the barn door after the horse has escaped.

At Hawksnest, let's spend a little now on prevention, before the problem occurs.

I'm involved at Hawksnest, because I've seen where we could be headed. I now live in southern Wisconsin, where most of our lakes and ponds are sick, like the ones in the aerial photos below:

Runoff after a storm dumps sediment and nutrients into Lake Mendota. This is now starting to happen on a small scale at Hawksnest Pond.

The nutrients from storm runoff and from septic systems lead to algae blooms. Once this happens, most nutrients stay put. The lake cannot be cured. This disease of lakes is called "eutrophication."

Some of our small ponds get this bad, covered with duckweed.

So, Harwich, which kind of pond do you prefer?

The three examples above...? or, Hawksnest as it still is...

Get involved now. Send your name & contact information to DavidThompson20@aol.com. I'll let you know how you can help.

Group to protect Hawksnest State Park meets with state officials

2009-10-26T01:18:00.001-05:00

For Immediate Release

On October 13, a representative from the newly formed “Friends of Hawksnest State Park” met with State officials to inspect damage to the park. The park includes three undeveloped ponds, and is located in East Harwich. Hawksnest is administered by personnel at Nickerson State Park, but other than a few signs and infrequent pickup of illegal dumpings, the park has been neglected.

The officials viewed serious erosion at the Round Cove Road parking area, where most people enter the park. A large gulley has formed, channeling runoff from the road and parking lot into the pond. Ashes from illegal campfires, and waste from humans, dogs, and horses threatens to pollute the pristine pond, known for its clear waters. Hoof prints were observed on the beach, close to where the rare Plymouth gentian sometimes blooms.

Neighbors to Hawksnest frequently complain about illegal ORV use in the park, and alcohol parties on the beach, leaving litter strewn about. Thompson said, “This time, litter was the worst I’ve ever seen it. Visitors were even dumping old car parts.”

Friends of Hawksnest State Park (FHSP) was started in September by David Thompson. He became involved, because his parents were founders of the park. Since the 1950s, the family had a summer cottage at Hawksnest. In the 1970s, they sold their land to the state, and persuaded the Bell family to add their lands to the new park as well.

According to Thompson, “Ever since the park was formed, I’ve been returning. It’s been sad to see the park go downhill, without any attention from the state. When I saw the gully from the parking area to the beach, I knew someone had to take action, before the pond was polluted. With “Friends of Hawksnest,” we can work together to stop the abuse and get some attention from the state.”

People can join the friends group by contacting Thompson at Davidthompson20@aol.com, to add their names to the group, or to volunteer. The group as a website: www.friendsofhawksnest.blogspot.com.

State officials present at the meeting with Thompson were: Brian Shanahan, SE Regional Director of Parks; Don Matinzi, SE District Manager; and Jon Peterson, Supervisor of Nickerson State Park. Ryan Mann of the Harwich Conservation Trust was also present.

Brian Shanahan was concerned about the erosion, and pledged to fix it soon. He said they would work to find a contractor who could restore and revegetate the eroded areas between the parking area and the beach. They would add stairs so people can get to the beach without further damage to vegetation.

Thompson told the group about his vision for the park: “Pristine ponds like this one are a rare treasure. In southern Wisconsin where I live, all the lakes have been seriously polluted by runoff from farms and towns. That could happen here, unless we protect the vegetation around the shore, and stop the erosion.”

“If we can save this pond, someday it could be a place for school children to learn about the groundwater that all Cape Codders depend on. Here at Hawksnest, there are three ponds side by side, each showing a different stage in the life cycle of ponds. It could be an ideal laboratory for school kids. It’s centrally located, and close to Route 6.” From 1990-1995, Thompson was in charge of school programs at the International Crane Foundation.

The first priority at Hawksnest, according to Thompson, is to protect the ring of vegetation around the pond. “Not a drop gets into this pond, unless it flows through the sandy ground or ring of plants around the shore. That’s why it’s so pure. We also have to keep nutrients from getting into the pond. Nitrogen and phosphorus from ashes or animal waste can stimulate the growth of algae, leading to algae blooms, like those at nearby Long Pond. Every pound of animal waste stimulates about 20 pounds of stinking algae. Once in, the fertilizer never leaves the pond, so we have to be very careful.”

The Friends of Hawksnest group has a list of priority concerns:

Control of parking, which is causing the erosion.
Repair and revegetation of eroded areas.
Tasteful signs to indicate which trails are approved for horses, delimit parking areas, and indicate closed areas.
The shore line between the two parking areas should be closed, because the shore is used by horses, ORVs, and hikers to link two trails. This route threatens the rare Plymouth gentian, and causes trespassing on private land.
Control of ORV use, which is illegal everywhere at Hawksnest.
Enforcement of closing hours (8 pm in summer) and illegal alcohol use.

Visitors can call 1-866-PK-WATCH to report abuse 24/7.

For more information, contact:
David Thompson, Acting Coordinator
536 Gately Terrace, Madison, WI 53711
608-233-9589; cell: 608-692-5467
DavidThompson20@aol.com;
http://www.friendsofhawksnest.blogspot.com/

Photos are available--you can view them on flickr:

Problems: http://www.flickr.com/photos/35544042@N06/sets/72157621754374798/
Problems w/ low water:http://www.flickr.com/photos/35544042@N06/sets/72157621688877201/
Walks along various loops:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/35544042@N06/sets/72157621780352900/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/35544042@N06/sets/72157621780793178/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/35544042@N06/sets/72157621656188833/

History at Hawksnest State Park

2009-10-21T15:15:00.003-05:00

While Hawksnest is mostly forest and ponds, there are many signs of former human activity Here's an initial attempt to list some of the area's historical assets.

Duck Hunting

Duck-hunting camps date back to the late 1800s and early in the 1900s. Hawksnest Camp, established in 1925, is still occupied. At least three other camps existed: one on the isthmus between Black and Hawksnest ponds (now a ruin), one at the Round Cove Rd. parking area (now removed, Thompson family), and one at the Walker Rd. parking area (now removed, Bell family).

Above: Ruins of a duck hunting camp on the isthmus

Hawksnest Camp, established 1925--the only cabin on the pond

When the Thompsons came to Hawksnest in the early 1950s, the camp at the end of Round Cove Road was a one-room cabin with a field stone fireplace, perhaps with a kitchen and bathroom. It was owned by the Boy Scouts. There were old calendars showing ducks in a primitive style, by Pope. The Thompsons added running water, a sleeping porch, a deck, landscaping, and later, built a guest house (where the concrete platform remains). The Thompsons founded Hawksnest State Park. There were no other houses on the entire length of Round Cove Road, west of 137.

The Bells were an old couple from Boston. In the 1950s, Hawksnest was very secluded. The Bells had a vegetable garden near their cabin, and Mr. Bell, a tall, slightly stooped old man with white hair and a bushy white mustache, used to do his gardening in his underwear--or less. So you had to loudly announce your presence if you went calling on the Bells.

After the Thompson and Bell lands were sold to the State, their two beautiful cabins were allowed to fall down, whereupon the State removed the remains. When the Bell cabin remains were carried away, staff found a curious home-made insulation within the walls--sea weed stuffed into "pillows" of brown paper. It was probably made locally, and I presume used the seaweed with the little air bubbles.

A famous folk-artist
A.E.Crowell is the most famous carver of decoys and decorative bird statues in America. Two of his carvings sold for over a million dollars. Mr. Crowell's workshop was on Orleans Rd. in East Harwich, and in 2008 was slated for a move to Sandwich, where it was going to be restored for $4 million. Apparently there was little interest in the old workshop in Harwich.

Crowell began making decoys for duck hunters, then managed a hunting camp--but as his talent began to shine, he made a living of carving and carved more works of pure art. His bird carvings are so life-like you could mistake them for a live bird, and are found in many top museums. More on Crowell.

Agriculture
The Walker Farm is located on the north side of Walker Road, looking down across an old field onto Walker Pond. When I was a boy in the 1950s, the building was still standing though in shambles, and the field was still open.

The fields of the Walker Farm have nearly returned to nature

Elsewhere around the park, there are numerous signs of old activity in the woods, which must have been fields at one time. The old deeds refer to ditches and stone walls as property boundaries. Oliver Pond shows the most signs of activity: there are old diggings on the north side, an old road coming down to the pond on the east side, and roads and ditches on the south side bluff.

Old road to E end of Oliver Pond

Furrow on uplands S of Oliver Pond--an old boundary or path?

There is an old cranberry bog near the Walker Road parking area.

At the NE corner of SR 39-137, there was a small farm operated by Mr. Nickerson in the 1950s. He grew vegetables and corn. The fields came nearly to the south side of Round Cove Rd.

Old Roads

Seth Whitfield County Road (Hawksnest Rd.) runs mostly north-south, and bisects the northern portion of the park. I'm told it goes back hundreds of years, and it's connection between Long Pond and Queen Ann road (also very old) also suggests an early origin. The road still looks just as it did 50 years ago, and ought to be preserved in this same rustic condition. However, it was recently widened at the southern end, showing its vulnerability.

Seth Whitfield County Road is rustic but endangered

When the park began, except for Round Cove Road (and it's former extension to the isthmus cabin), Seth Whitfield Road, and Walker Road, there were no roads or trails in the park. I believe that the several trails that now ring the ponds or go down to the ponds, were cut by equestrians after the park was established. (Excepting, of course, for the two short trails that led from the two parking lots to the beach.)

Cemeteries
The Head of the Bay Cemetery is just across Walker Rd. from the NW end of the park--indicating there were probably farms in the area. See the list of names on gravestones here.

Head of the Bay Cemetery in Eash Harwich, at the edge of Hawksnest State Park

Off-Road Vehicles at Hawksnest

2009-10-20T14:02:00.000-05:00

"Illegal off-road vehicle activity is damaging sensitive lands, including wetlands and rare species habitats, all across the state,” said E. Heidi Ricci, senior policy analyst at the Massachusetts Audubon Society and a member of DCR's working group on the problem.

Rare spotted turtle killed by ORV (source)

Off road vehicles (ORVs) have been a serious problem at Hawksnest for many years:

ORVs started the gully at the Round Cove Rd. parking lot
Lack of limits to the parking area allow 4x4 vehicles to drive nearly to the beach, worsening the erosion.
ORVs have enlarged and damaged some of the trails
When the pond level drops, ORVs ride around the pond on the beach, threatening the Plymouth gentian flowers. Water levels are now nearly low enough to allow this.
Concerns about conflict with equestrians led to posting of "no motorized vehicle" signs on horse trails

At Hawksnest, vehicles drive off-road to the beach, causing serious erosion.

Report ORV's!
ORVs are not allowed at Hawksnest State Park. And especially, they ae not allowed on the beach. Click here for regulations. Call 1-866-PK-WATCH (866-759-2824). DCR Rangers answer the hotline 24/7. The dispatcher will contact the appropriate agency AND keep a record of every call, which will help in enforcement planning. Next, call Harwich Police, to increase their awareness.

Watch for a pattern that might assist the police. Where are they coming from? Do they appear at the same time of day?

The "Friends Network" has a campaign against ORVs. Click here to f ind out more.

Support the bill regulating ORVs
On Jan. 14, 2009, Representative Smizik submitted a bill, House No. 3330, that increases fines and enforcement of regulations. This bill is based on the recommendations of a DCR study group, and we believe it has the best chance of passing.

The "Friends Network"

2009-10-20T13:37:00.001-05:00

As the Friends of Hawksnest State Park starts up, we have some important support from the "Friends Network." Here's some info from their website:

"Massachusetts Forest and Park Friends Network is an independent grassroots organization of volunteer "friends groups" working together to better protect and enhance Massachusetts’ state forests and urban parks. The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) oversees 259 properties in Massachusetts. Currently only about 34 friends groups serve particular forests and parks. Our goal is to see a strong friends group in every forest and park in the Commonwealth. "

"If you do not belong to a friends group, consider joining one or starting one. We are here to help! If you do belong to a friends group, please join us. We need your expertise to help guide new friends groups. If you are a friend to a non DCR property, you can still join as a "Friend of the Friends Network".
Click here for more information about the Friends Network or a membership form.

Status Report--Hawksnest Oct. 2009

2009-10-19T00:09:00.000-05:00

On Oct. 13, I visited Hawknest with staff from Mass. DCR. In brief, here's what we found:

Litter was the worst I have ever seen it, including two mufflers from cars.
Erosion in the Round Cove Rd. parking area is worse compared to July. Especially, erosion along the trail down to the beach (caused by vehicles) is worse.
A new residential development is underway on the park border at the south end of Seth Whitfield Rd. The road has been substantially widened.
The level of Hawksnest Pond has dropped substantially, and the beach is beginning to emerge. Horse footprints are visible on the beach in the area where Plymouth gentian has grown. If the drop continues a bit more, then ATVs and horses will be able to ride around the pond.

The officials present were dismayed by what they saw, and promised improvement. More on my next post.

Traffic safety and Hawksnest

2009-10-16T00:44:00.001-05:00

This summer, I watched as revelers at Hawksnest dragged a drunken comrade to their car. They tossed a beer can out the window as they drove away. Probably they were headed for the 39-137 intersection.

"The intersection of Route 39 and Route 137 in East Harwich is a high accident location showing 24 crashes in the years 1998 through 2000. The town took steps in 2000 to improve safety at this intersection including intersection widening, turning lanes,and signal improvements which are now complete." Reference

The State Conservation Rangers clearly have jurisdiction, but there are only two for the whole Cape. State Police...?? Nickerson State Park is understaffed, at some distance, and their unarmed rangers don't have arrest powers. That leaves Harwich Police. They'd have plenty of moral authority at Hawksnest. For my dollar, Harwich police are responsible for policing parties at Hawksnest.

If Harwich is concerned about safety at the intersection, why aren't they policing Hawksnest, where alcohol consumption is illegal, and the park closes at 8:00 pm in the summer? At present, the Round Cove Rd parking area is a lawless zone.

The Box Turtle and Hawksnest

2009-10-15T20:14:00.001-05:00

The Eastern box turtle is listed as a "species of special concern" in Massachusetts. This means that it's illegal to "take" the turtle. "Taking" includes a variety of actions that might interfere with the welfare of the species.

Recently, a 15-acre development in Sandwich was blocked until a plan could be worked out to safeguard the turtle. By reserving 70% of the development's area as turtle habitat, plus planning for extreme protections for the turtles during construction, the development was able to secure a permit to go ahead. More. Still more

Hawksnest State Park and surrounding undeveloped lands seem like ideal habitat for the turtle--although it is not officially designated at turtle habitat. Except for Route 6, there are few highways nearby. However, habitat fragmentation and danger from vehicles remain major threats to the species.

The new development on Hawksnest (Seth Whitfield) Road threatens the turtle from construction activities, from habitat fragmentation, and from the increased road traffic that will result.

Hawksnest is an incomplete state park. Not only has it been sadly neglected in maintenance, but it needs more land added to become a viable conservation unit. There are two portions of the shoreline of Hawksnest Pond that are still not within park boundaries.

Hawksnest and the lands surrounding it are valued by the community--it was identified as a "Heritage Landscape" in a community meeting, and was designated a District of Critical Planning Concern (The Six Ponds District). The undeveloped, private lands around Hawksnest serve as a sort of buffer zone, and they also represent the last opportunity to add new land to the park. That's why it's sad that the new development on Hawksnest road is underway--its a sign that opportunities to complete Hawksnest Park are closing.

The new development also points out the danger from Seth Whitfield Road. The north half of Hawksnest State Park is habitat for several endangered species. Although the road bisects the north portion of the park, the road is outside the control of park management. At any time, the county could decide to pave the road for the convenience of a few local residents. Then the road would fragment Hawksnest habitat, and become a "killing zone" for box turtles and other wildlife.

So, let's add more lands to Hawksnest while there's still time, and work to remove the northern portion of Seth Whitfield Rd. from the county system.

Local legal tools that may apply here

District of Critical Planning Concern
Wetland Protection By-law
Area of Critical Environmental Concern
Corridor Protection Overlay

This reference (p.5) indicates that Harwich needs to set aside more scenic roadways.

New Development on Hawksnest Road

2009-10-13T23:23:00.003-05:00

Today I visited Hawksnest, and noticed a new development along Hawksnest Road (the old name is Seth Whitfield Rd).

The road has been widened substantially.

The widening has led to an increase in through traffic. Encouraged by the "improvement," some vehicles are now driving at high speed. I've even seen a truck the size of a moving van headed north on the narrow part of the road. Vehicles now use the route as a shortcut to bypass the heavy traffic at the junction of 137 and 39.

Increased traffic is a threat to wildlife. This road bisects the park, providing a path for invasive plants or other problem species like cowbirds, which parisitize the nests of forest birds.

It's also a threat to turtles. This certainly must be Eastern box turtle habitat, and that fact stopped a large development on Meeting House Rd. in Sandwich.

The Harwich Trails Committee has considered establishing some new trails at Hawksnest. What about preserving the trails we already have? Seth Whitfield Rd, along with Nathan Walker Rd, are ideal for strolling and jogging. Portions of these historic roads still look the way they did 50 or 100 years ago.

If traffic continues to increase, there will be pressure for the town to maintain the road, at taxpayer expense. Better for wildlife, recreation, and taxpayers to leave it nearly impassible to vehicles.

The rest of Seth Whitfield Road should be designated as a historic landmark, to be left as it is--narrow and rustic

Looking north. Hawksnest State Park is on the left. You can see the rustic Seth Whitfield County Rd. in it's former condition.

Click here for more information on the box turtle

Volunteer "rangers" needed at Hawksnest

2009-10-12T21:15:00.000-05:00

There’s a vacuum of stewardship in the park... waiting to be filled. Already neighbors are picking up litter and trying to stop other abuses at Hawksnest. So why don’t we just get a bit more organized?

You can work with the ParkWatch program. "Park Watch is enlisting the eyes and ears of park visitors to report illegal or suspicious activity, vandalism, hazardous conditions, illegal dumping, maintenance needs, or violations of park rules and regulations. ParkWatch encourages law enforcement agencies to work together, participate in ParkWatch events, share information, and support volunteer's efforts." So it's clear that your volunteer help will have official support.

In working with ParkWatch, we have three tools:

Digital camera: If you get a photo of someone abusing the park, I’ll post it on this blog. See the Gallery of Abusers in the right sidebar.And, if there's a visible license plate, ParkWatch may send them a letter.

A cell phone can be used to alert Park Watch (866-PK-WATCH or 911 if emergency), and to help the "ranger" feel safe.

GPS and Google Maps: If there's a hazard, dump site, erosion, or a rare plant--something that needs an exact location, you can place it precisely on a Google Map and forward that to Park Watch or another concerned state agency. I'll have more on this later.

I don’t have any illusions that police are going to rush out and arrest anyone at the Round Cove parking lot for cussing. But people who party at Hawksnest leave intoxicated, and they can and will be arrested on the highway if we alert the police. Maybe it won’t happen right away, but it is a point of leverage for improving the park.

I’ve heard that off-road vehicle abuse has dropped, due to involvement of citizens. Again, get their photo, and try to find out where they are coming from. Look for a transport vehicle with a license plate. Call Park Watch. With your involvement, we CAN stop this abuse. Vehicles cause serious erosion and are a real danger to hikers and equestrians.

Volunteer Rangers
The next step, beyond participating in ParkWatch, is to be a "volunteer ranger." Right now, there's no official program--just go to it! And use common sense.

In the old days, small towns were largely free from crime because everyone knew each other, and because people noticed what you did. At Hawksnest, the simple presence of “rangers” will go a long way toward stopping abuse.

It may sound corny, but rangers should wear a uniform. Just a khaki or green shirt, and a baseball hat (maybe one of the Harwich Conservation Trust ones). Coordinate with neighbors so there’s someone there almost every afternoon.

Know the rules of the park (see below on this blog), and always be polite. Most people simply don’t know they are harming the park, or that anyone cares. “Did you know parking isn’t allowed close to the beach? That’s because it cause erosion, and that pollutes the water. I’m with the volunteer group that looks after the park.”

My tactful friend Liz says it's important not to back people into a corner--for example, accusing them of doing something, or asking that they stop doing something. When you do, they get defensive--they try to defend what they are doing, and that leads to an argument. Instead, just inform them of the issues or rules, and trust them to choose the right thing. If they don't, you can always take their photo a bit later from a discrete distance.

The ranger's role is more to inform and educate than to command or to embarrass anyone. The fact that you are there and being helpful will do 95% of the job.

Want to stop the alcohol parties?

Alcohol is illegal at Hawksnest, and the park closes at 8 pm. With some enforcement, these two rules would go a long ways toward stopping parties. If parties haven't stopped, neighbors simply haven't complained often enough or loudly enough!

No one cares about someone quietly drinking a beer after work, then carrying out the can. But parties cause much litter and damage in the park, not to mention endangering other drivers outside the park. Controlling parties should be our top priority, along with erosion control. We'll consult with ParkWatch about the best way to control them. In the meantime, quietly call ParkWatch 866-PK-WATCH when you see one.

It's urgent that we find someone living nearby who can serve as a lead volunteer ranger. This person can receive additional training from the ParkWatch program. If you want to volunteer, or know someone who might, please let me know!!

The shoreline--a fragile filter

2009-10-11T10:26:00.000-05:00

Imagine that you are brewing a nice cup of coffee, using fresh grounds heaped in a paper filter. Normally, the water flows through, and the grounds stay back, so you have a clear, tasty cup of java. Now imagine that when you pour the water in, the filter breaks! Your cup is filled with bitter grounds, the brew is cloudy, and your morning treat is ruined.

We're faced with the same issue at Hawksnest. The thin veil of vegetation around the lake, and the sand below, is our filter. Normally, no water gets into the lake without flowing through the vegetation and sand.

The lakeshore is especially important. Whereever the shore is undisturbed by man, thick vegetation grows right to the water, holding back and filtering any runoff from a heavy storm. This is why Hawksnest is so incredibly clear--a pond where you could see right to the bottom, 30 feet down. Coastal plain ponds like Hawksnest are actually quite rare--despite the fact that we take them for granted on Cape Cod.

When people, horses, or vehicles trample the bank, the filter is broken, and soon our pond will be ruined, just like the java.

Severe erosion on path to beach from Round Cove Rd parking area

Protecting this fragile filter all around the lake is probably the most important management goal for the entire park. It's essential if the unique quality of the pond is to be preserved. Yet the shoreline vegetation has been neglected, until erosion has finally reached the point where serious, lasting damage is about to occur. Protecting the shore at Hawksnest is all the more important, because the shores of most other ponds have been severely damaged.

The shore of a pond like Hawksnest is the only place where the Plymouth gentian grows, a plant of special interest, which property owners (the State included!) are required by law to manage for. Common sense management requires keeping people, horses and vehicles off the beach where the gentian grows.

No, I'm not saying "no swimming." For the gentian, just post signs limiting access to certain areas.

Where serious erosion of the "fragile membrane" is occurring at the Round Cove parking lot, control of erosion and restoration are urgently required. In the long run, the only way to prevent further damage to the pond's shore is to build a boardwalk where many people tread down to the beach .

Because of the humid air and mild climate, the land will heal itself in only a few years, if given the opportunity.

Boardwalk, National Seashore, Provincetown. Our boardwalk might use wire mesh, to allow vegetation to grow underneath.

Volunteer research needed at Hawksnest

2009-10-11T10:14:00.000-05:00

If you know the answer to any of these questions, or want to work on the answer, please let me know.

Are painted turtles declining? When I was a kid swimming at Hawksnest, at any one time you could see the little black heads of 4 or more painted turtles floating in the water around Hawksnest. On my last visit, I didn’t see any, though I swam around the entire pond. On my previous visit several years ago, I saw only one. Although they are primarily aquatic, the turtles do migrate from pond to pond across land, where they are often squashed by vehicles. Moreover, Route 6 to the north is a complete barrier to migration. Are the turtles really in decline?

Does Plymouth gentian still grow near the isthmus? See the earlier article on this plant of special interest.

Do any rare orchids or other threatened plants occur at Hawksnest?
Which way does the groundwater flow at Hawksnest? Is the pond near the divide between N and S flow? If so, that might protect the pond from pollution of groundwater. If a large residential area with septic systems is upstream, that might threaten water quality at Hawksnest.

Have Ospreys nested at Hawksnest in recent years? They are often seen on the NE bluff.

Does flow of surface water between Black Pond and Hawksnest Pond present any problems? Boaters or pedestrians have established a shallow channel on the isthmus between the two ponds. When the wind blows, the water flows from Black Pond into Hawksnest. Is this harmful, or a benefit to Hawksnest water quality and wildlife? It might be harmful, since Black Pond has lower water quality (it’s “eutrophic”).
Do box turtles occur in the woods at Hawksnest? Is Hawksnest and the undeveloped land to the east officially recognized as Eastern box turtle habitat? Have environmental impact studies been done to justify the new development there, and the widening of Seth Whitfield Road?

How did Hawksnest get it's name? When you look at a map of the pond, it looks surprisingly like a hawk on a nest. The main part of the pond is the round nest, the cove is the head, and the little cove on the cove is the beak. But is there any historical suport for this conjecture?
Duck hunting at Hawksnest. There’s a long tradition of duck hunting at Hawksnest, and we support it. What is the history? Who owned the old hunting camps? How and where is it practiced today? Ducking hunting figures in the career of the renowned East Harwich bird carver, A.E.Crowell.
Protection for Seth Whitfield Rd. Also known as Hawksnest Rd, it runs along the western boundary of the park. Because it has county road status, it is beyond the jurisdiction of the park. Can the northern portion of the road be removed from county status? Or can it be designated as some kind of historic or rustic road, so it can be left narrow and rustic as it is now? Otherwise, it will be eventually paved and... turtles watch out!

"Nature Abhors a Vacuum"

2009-10-10T10:22:00.000-05:00

It’s an old phrase I learned in science class, but it really applies to Hawksnest. There’s a “vacuum” of responsibility--or stewardship--at the Pond. And that’s bad for nature.

Harwich police say they don’t have jurisdiction at the park because it’s state land. It's true--Nickerson State Park has nominal responsibility for Hawksnest, but they are understaffed and “don’t have two nickels to rub together.” So don’t expect to see them anytime soon. State enforcement rangers (enforce fishing licenses, etc.) do have jurisdiction, but there are only two for the whole of Cape Cod. A lot a neighbors care about Hawksnest, but most are too busy to take the lead.

I care about Hawksnest because my parents helped found the park. We summered for many years in a house by the Round Cove Rd. parking lot. And it makes me sad to see the uncontrolled abuse, with erosion channeling muddy water and dog feces into the pond. Because I’ve seen it over many years, I know the pond we love is headed for trouble, unless someone takes responsibility.

What kind of trouble? Imagine a hundred people on the beach at Hawksnest...

Beach at Nickerson State Park

Imagine a big paved parking lot, filled with cars. Imagine the wooded banks everywhere trampled, vegetation gone, sandy banks caving onto the beach.

Trampled hillside, National Seashore at Provincetown

Imagine ugly weeds tangling your body as you swim through smelly water that looks like pea-soup.

Here we are, like Scrooge with the Ghost of Hawksnest Future. We can drift towards the big beach with the big parking lot, or we can create a better future for Hawksnest. It could become an example of pristine water quality for the whole country—in a time when most people have forgotten what clean water is.

In America, there are few things as powerful as a vocal, aroused neighbors. The State and the local police will listen, if we have a cause and a common voice. So let’s get started. Grab those cameras and cell phones. Let’s fill the vacuum with something better. Yes, we can!

Rules, Regulations & Kiosks

2009-10-10T10:18:00.000-05:00

Visitors are urged to promptly report violations to 1-866-PK-WATCH. Program the number into your cell phone. Follow up by taking a photo of the car or abuser, and license plate.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A summary of rules follows, or... Read the complete rules here.

Pack it in... pack it out (which means zero litter and no dumping)
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in all MA State Parks
Parking only in designated areas
No vehicles off the road or parking areas
Keep pets leashed (10 foot leash maximum) at all times. Note that there may be areas posted off-limits to pets. Help us maintain a clean, healthy environment. Always clean up after your pet. Properly dispose of pet waste.
No fires--anywhere (especially not on the beach)
No cutting of trees, branches, downed wood, or any vegetation. And please leave pine needles in place on the ground (prevents erosion)
No glass containers on the beach
No soap within 100 feet of pond
Respect closed areas/areas under restoration
Horses not allowed on beach (danger to Plymouth gentian), and are allowed only on designated trails.
No camping at Hawksnest
Hikers must keep to designated trails
State Parks, Hawksnest included, close at 8 pm, 5/1-8/31; on other dates, 1/2 hour after sunset.

The Need for Kiosks

MA State Parks already have rules. Rules require kiosks, parking signs, and designated trails. Most people in FHSP want as little development as possible, but there is no avoiding the kiosk. Of course, we expect these will be done as tastefully and inobtrusively as possible.

The 64-thousand dollar question is: "Will the kiosks and signs be destroyed by vandals?" Hawksnest has been a "anything goes" zone for so long that the kiosks may indeed "disappear." The answer to this concern is--at the outset, let's just make them inexpensively. If they last, then more permanent ones can be installed. We have to expect a slow transition to law and order in Dodge City.

Volunteer is needed to construct simple kiosks

All that's needed is something to hold a four sheets of paper, protected from the rain.
One kiosk for each of the two parking lots
Mount them in front of beach access point, on a tree (without damaging tree)
Check them regularly, and replace sheets or kiosk if missing
Sheets: map of designated trails, list of rules, Map of parking area limits, Park Watch brochure

Leash rule for dogs

Hawksnest Pond has been a wonderful place for dogs. I love dogs! I wish they could run loose. But many people are uncomfortable when approached by strange dogs, and these people have the right to be left alone. Besides, it's the law.

In addition, dogs that run free often leave a "pile" that the owner doesn't notice.

Animal and human waste near the water is a serious threat to our health and to the health of the pond. The nitrogen and phosphorus (called "nutrients") in waste stimulates the growth of algae. Each pound of waste stimulates the growth of roughly 20 pounds of weeds.) The great majority of lakes and streams in the USA have been severely damaged by the runoff of nitrogen and phosphorus from septic systems, farms, pavement, and lawns. Don't let that happen here!

Equestrians: Horse manure is also harmful to the pond. Pick it up!

A Conversation with the Supervisor of Hawksnest

2009-10-10T10:10:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I talked to Jon Peterson by phone. He’s Supervisor of Nickerson State Park, with jurisdiction over Hawksnest.

He was very cordial, and explained that he wanted to take care of the erosion problems, but didn’t know when it would happen. Perhaps they would write a grant proposal to the Civilian Conservation Corps, to have some restoration work done at Hawksnest.

When I asked what had happened about the letter to have Round Cove Rd chained off, he explained that it was difficult. There are a lot of people who go in there—destructive people. He was sure that a gate or kiosk would be destroyed.

Jon explained the dire consequences of a state gone bust. Many Massachusetts park employees have been laid off, and budgets slashed. When I camped at Nickerson State Park last summer, it seemed very well-run, but I never saw staff in evidence, except at the entry house. I don’t doubt that he has few resources to spare for Hawksnest. That’s all the more reason for neighbors to take the initiative. All we ask is that Mr. Peterson will empower “Friends of Hawksnest” to take some minimal actions, and keep us informed of their plans.

I’ve heard that staff from Nickerson do occasionally visit Hawksnest and attend to problems. Years ago, after the state allowed two lovely cottages to rot, the remains were carted away. Several years ago, after a load of construction trash was dumped in the Park, Nickerson staff spent several hours cleaning up the mess. Another time, the road was graded, and some fallen trees cut and removed. However, I heard that removing fallen trees at the Round Cove parking lot then enabled vehicles to drive almost to the beach, making the erosion much worse. Several signs have been erected: “No dumping” and “No vehicles on the horse trail,” and blue tags have gone up, marking the park boundaries.

What would you like to see done at Hawksnest? Take the poll (right sidebar), or send me an e-mail, and I’ll pass it on.

The Chain of Command
The Governor
Rick Sullivan, Commisioner of DCR
Brian Shanahan, SE Regional Director, Office:508-866-2580 x104; mobile:508-728-9713
Don Matinzi, SE District Manager
Jon Peterson, Supervisor of Nickerson and Hawksnest State Parks. 508 896-3491

Why a "Friends" group is needed

2009-10-09T15:07:00.000-05:00

Nowadays, nearly every park across the country has a "Friends of XX Park. In these days of tight budgets and understaffed agencies, it helps for citizens to form groups. It gives legitimacy to your voice, and officials know who to consult and where to find volunteers." Myles Standish State Forest near Plymouth has a large and active Friends group which is currently working to combat off-road vehicles (http://www.friendsmssf.com/).

People living around Hawksnest love that it’s undeveloped and hope to keep it that way. So, why is a Friends group needed, if everything is OK now? Well, actually, everything isn’t OK. ATVs are ripping up the trails. Dumping occurs. Parties with alcohol are littering the Round Cove Parking lot. And serious erosion is threatening the water quality of the pond itself.

Many neighbors are already working for Hawksnest. Quite a few people pick up the litter. One person has been raking away the pine needles above the beach. But these efforts are uncoordinated, and sometimes work at cross-purposes (pine needles prevent erosion). How much more we could accomplish, if we worked together!

A while back, some neighbors signed a letter asking the Park to limit vehicle access by a chain across Round Cove Rd, at the four corners. Nothing came of this effort. That’s understandable, when you look at it from a park manager’s point of view. It’s a public park—and you can imagine the protests they’d get if access were limited. But a Friends group can counter the pressure for access by having a stronger, more focused voice--backed by evidence.

A Friends group is also needed because it can take a longer view. For example, the pond is most threatened when water levels fall, exposing the beach. Then, ATVs can rip around the beach, destroying the threatened Plymouth gentian, and eroding the trails down to the lake. We need to have plans in place before low water returns—by then, it will be too late.

If current erosion is allowed to continue, the lake will become cloudy. Sand will be washed onto the beach, creating a much larger beach. That will attract more visitors, causing more erosion, more litter, and so on. If enough visitors are attracted, that will create demand for a paved road and parking lot. A Friends group can help to prevent this disaster.

There are only two enforcement rangers for the whole of Cape Cod. Abuse of places like Hawksnest occurs when people sense that no one cares. One young man driving off-road to park by the beach told me: “I can do anything I want here!” But a Friends group will create an atmosphere that people do care about the place, and that there are limits to abusive behavior. That atmosphere will do more to save Hawsknest than a whole platoon of rangers.

There's no formal structure to FHSP right now. You can "join" by sending me your name, e-mail, phone, and address; and by following this blog. Let others know about the blog. And keep me informed of any news about Hawksnest (davidthompson20@aol.com).

Plymouth gentian found at Hawksnest!

2009-08-06T14:11:00.000-05:00

Plymouth gentian is a showy purple flower on the State's list--a "Species of Special Concern."

It grows along the border of ponds, and is more likely to be found during years of low water. It doesn't compete well with the shrubs, so it requires occasional high water to prune back the shrubs. When there's no beach, the plant survives as rhizomes submerged in the shallow water, or as seeds. Then, when the water recedes, the gentian will bloom in July, August, or September.

The gentian was last seen during exceptionally low water in 1993, on Hawksnest Pond near the isthmus with Black Pond, and also on the Black Pond side. It may still be present, biding its time, plotting how to outwit the shrubs.

Finding the gentian again would help protect Hawksnest Pond and its shoreline, because managers are required to manage for the plant--and that means excluding threats like horses, ATVs, and pedestrians from the beach where the plant is found. We need to work now for protection of the plant, before low water levels return. That's when most abuse happens!

If you look for the gentian, be careful! Simply walking along the pond edge could trample it's rhizomes. The preferred way would be to wade in deeper water, swim, or take a boat. It would be best for "Friends" to pick a single person to watch for the plant, to avoid lots of people loving the last flower to death!

For a slide show on the gentian (be sure to click on "show info" in the show's menu): http://www.flickr.com/photos/35544042@N06/sets/72157621688877201/show/

The most urgent problems at Hawksnest

2009-08-06T13:26:00.000-05:00

This is a copy of a letter I sent July 17 to Jon Peterson, head of Nickerson State Park--who is nominally responsible for Hawksnest State Park.

"I’m writing about an urgent conservation problem at Hawksnest Pond. I write as the son of Helen and Kenneth Thompson, who in the 1950’s got the ball rolling to create Hawksnest State Forest. They sold our land to the State, and persuaded another major landholder to sell. So I know the condition of Hawksnest when the State began its stewardship, and have visited many times since then.

Hawksnest Pond is the most important natural asset of Hawksnest State Forest, and the pond has exceptional water quality. In the 1950s, I watched as a limnologist lowered a Secchi disk into the pond. He could see it all the way to the bottom--over 30 feet—and remarked about the exceptional clarity. The pond’s waters are clear because, until recently, no surface runoff could reach the pond. The shore was completely protected by vegetation. Rainwater sank into the soil, and was filtered by sand before reaching the lake. So protection of the pond’s shore is essential to preserving water quality.

But now growing erosion at the Round Cove Road parking lot is allowing muddy runoff to reach the lake during rainstorms. First, some years ago, ATVs heading for the beach destroyed the bank above the beach, creating an ugly slash. Then in June of 2007, runoff from the parking area, running down the footpath, linked up with the ATV gully and ran directly into the lake for the first time. When I swam a day or so after this storm, the pond was noticeably cloudy.

Now this year and for the first time, vehicles are driving down a footpath from the main parking lot, to create a second parking lot just above the beach. Stumps show that several trees have been cut to make the footpath wide enough for vehicles. The soil along this route is rapidly eroding. On July 14, 2009, I saw three different vehicles drive down the footpath to this new parking area, which people also like to use for sitting and sunbathing. However, if quick action is taken to stop the vehicles and repair the damage, runoff can still be easily diverted away from the pond.

There’s another urgent problem in the same area. As Round Cove Road approaches the parking lot, there’s a steep hill where the track has become badly eroded. Water runs from the descending road, from the south end of the parking lot, and from the adjacent horse trail. From there it goes into a giant puddle in a hollow just above the pond. Vehicles turning off Round Cove Road often splash through this puddle, making it very deep and pushing a wave towards Hawksnest. The puddle has grown so large that it is very close to breaking through to the pond (see enclosed photo). Should this happen, the gully to the pond would become much enlarged, and a substantial area of naked ground would start to drain into the pond.

Control of vehicle parking here is urgently needed before the erosion becomes much worse. Parking in the new area just above the pond must be prevented. I suggest erecting signs & chains in two places, as vehicles approach the new lakeside parking area from two directions.

The parking lot on Walkers Road (west side of pond) also causes runoff into the pond, but the problem is less severe because far fewer people visit this side of the pond. This could be remedied by digging a few ditches to divert runoff to a low area away from the pond, and by placing a few logs to keep people from driving over your ditches or parking too close to the pond.

I know you are in the middle of a busy summer season at Nickerson State Park. But the parking problem is really urgent, and if not solved soon, is going to result in erosion that will be hard to stop, and take much more effort to repair.

I understand that the State of Massachusetts has few resources to devote to Hawksnest. The policy of “minimal management” has worked pretty well at Hawksnest, with the exception of the Round Cove Road parking area. When the State took ownership, instead of a great mud puddle, there was a beautiful little glen of pitch pines, with a carpet of cranberries, blueberries, lichen, and a few feathery grasses on the ground. Now it has turned into an ugly scar, threatening water quality of the entire pond.

Hawksnest has a number of other problems—I’m sure you are aware of them. I’m interested in working with your staff to help reduce the impact. I live in Wisconsin now, but will be visiting again in October. I’m prepared to do what I can to assist you, although limited somewhat by my location. I hope we can meet in October to discuss how we can start a “Friends of Hawksnest Pond.” The staff of the Harwich Conservation Trust is aware of my concerns, and would like to be included. Tasks I’m able to do now are start a website about Hawksnest (which could help coordinate cleanups), share my photos, and notify a few of the residents near Hawksnest who share my concerns.

I’m currently working on a larger list of issues concerning Hawksnest. One thing I’m going to propose is that Hawksnest has great potential as a place to educate the public about the Cape’s water quality issues. Black Pond, right next to Hawksnest, is choked with weeds and eutrophic, providing a stark contrast. But the educational opportunity will be lost if we allow Hawksnest Pond to continue its decline. If any pond on the Cape can be kept pristine, it’s Hawksnest, because of the State Forest on all sides.

This week, I walked all the trails, and all around Black, Hawksnest, and Oliver Ponds. I documented everything I saw with photos." Here are links to photos I posted on the web:
A walk in Hawksnest, south loop: http://www.flickr.com/photos/35544042@N06/sets/72157621780352900/show/
A walk in hawksnest, NE loop http://www.flickr.com/photos/35544042@N06/sets/72157621780793178/show/
A walk in hawksnest, NW loop http://www.flickr.com/photos/35544042@N06/sets/72157621656188833/show/
Low water at Hawksnest Pond, 1993 http://www.flickr.com/photos/35544042@N06/sets/72157621688877201/show/

Sincerely,
David H. Thompson