Cyanobacteria Bloom and Holiday Booms!

 This message came today from Dot Penar, who monitors water quality at Joe's Pond: 

This past Saturday, June 25th, Joe’s Pond had its most substantial cyanobacteria bloom, in the cove near the narrows. It started in the morning and lasted the entire day, and was the most severe and extensive event in the memories of those who have lived here for decades. The bloom dissipated through the night but resurfaced to a lesser degree on Sunday. It involved the entire cove, from the Morris’ property to the Narrows, out to 150 feet or more from the shore. The photo shows the intense green coloring in the water, which was tested and shown to be cyanobacteria, not pollen. The event was reported to the State of Vermont and will be monitored as part of the tracking program in the coming weeks. Clearly this is not something that we want to have happen to Joe’s Pond, but the occurrence so early in the summer bodes ill for the rest of the year.

 There should be no contact with any water that has even a small amount of this organism, as one cannot say what the level of toxin may be. This danger is especially true for pets and children! Cyanobacteria can cause rash, diarrhea, and neurological symptoms and can be fatal to pets that may ingest the water. Longer term effects of exposure are under study.

 

It goes without saying that the Pond has a great deal of development along it’s shores, and the issue of fertilizer run-off and septic system health are crucial to consider, if we want to keep this under control. The greater the amount of nutrients in the water (especially phosphorous), and the warmer the water, the more extensive future blooms will be, such as they have in Lake Champlain. We need to reverse this trend now! Please review the article in the JPA 2021 newsletter for how you can help to keep our water safe, and the Pond’s reputation intact.

 

Consider contacting Emily Finnegan  - Conservation District, St. Johnsbury, VT <Emily.Finnegan@vt.nacdnet.net> for an assessment of your property. The goal is to limit the run-off of surface water into the Pond, by preserving trees, bushes, and other vegetation everywhere on your property. Culverting water directly into the lake is a major contributor to run-off. Grass does NOT stop run-off – and please do NOT use fertilizer on your lawn, no matter where you live on the Pond. Keep shoreline plants intact as much as possible. Keep trees growing in all areas of your property as well, no matter how far from the shore. Every tree helps stem this problem, and provides the root of a solution.

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This will be a busy weekend at Joe's Pond. Saturday, July 2, is the Joe's Pond Association's
Annual Meeting, 10 a.m. at the pavilion. Sunday, glasses will be raised at the Spirits of Vermont gathering at the pavilion from 2-5 p.m.; and at dusk, the Joe's Pond Association will host its annual Fireworks Display. The weather looks promising through the weekend, and for the Fourth (Monday) but just in case, the rain date for the fireworks is July 5th. Please remember if you are watching from a boat on the water, DO NOT venture behind the
islands, as debris or errant fireworks could land there; also, be watchful for the loon families - one in the middle pond, and one in the big pond. Please be respectful of others on the water, have adequate running lights, and provide life preservers for everyone aboard your craft. Be safe, and enjoy the show.

Liz Sargent posted this reminder:

July 4^th Celebration back LIVE in North Danville village this year! Parade at 10 AM; all are welcome to be in the parade! We’d love a float or kids with their decorated bicycles, or just dressed patriotically and marching! The theme is “Making Lasting Memories” and includes a Book Sale in the Library, Historical Exhibit in the North Danville Historical Room, Tractor Roulette, Concessions, Family Activities, Live Music, Lunch of ham & beans and Strawberry Shortcake in the church dining room. The Dickie Vance Memorial Run, Quilt Room, Pie Eating Contest, Bouncy House, Dunk Tank, and more until 3 PM.

There is also a lot going on in Cabot on the Fourth. 

There will be the usual parade starting at 11 a.m., a rummage sale from 8-2 at the gymnasium; a book sale at Willy Hall, 9-2;, the Cabot Art Barn will be open at 3296 Main St.(the beautiful Victorian house) from 10-4; Open House at the  Cabot Fire Station, Old Time Jam Session at the Den"s Beer Garden (the hardware store), with Prize Bingo at the Rec Field Pavilion starting at 12:30. There will be vendors offering Hotdogs, Hamburgers and Beverages at the United Church of Cabot; Italian Sausage and Hotdogs at the Masonic building; Salads & Light Fare at the Den; Bagels, Muffins, Cupcakes, Grilled Cheese, Creemees & Beverages at the Cabot Cafe; Grinders, Pizza & Cold Drinks, etc., at the Cabot Village Store; BBQ Fare, French Fries & Fried Dough by Moe's Backyard BBQ at the Cabot Village Store; BBQ'd Pork on a Stick, Potato Salad, Baked Beans, Crab Rangoons, Rolls,  Lemonade & Cotton Candy by Betty Ritter on the Town Common; Popcorn, Snow Cones & Water at the Rec Field. Something for everyone. For more information, visit Cabot Vt July 4th Celebration on FB or go to www.CabotVermont.org.

You should plan to visit the Cabot Art Barn sometime this week, if not on the Fourth. There are some very interesting exhibits by artists and wonderful crafts by local people. It's open now through July 4th, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.