42°12.25N, 70°48.48W to
42°12.09N, 70°48.15W
Observed: 1-8 December 2000
Narrative: Shan Morrissey,

"This is a very large area, covering approx. one mile. The "headwater" (shown on map). Water is very shallow and spreads out ...becomes more stream like, flowing toward a (smaller pond). The local history is that the farmers kept the stream portion cleared out to keep it flowing and that they would also dredge the pond/pool to keep the vegetation from turning it into a marsh. This hasn't been done in 10 years or more and phragmites are encroaching. (The smaller pool) also contains a concrete wall to control flow under Clapp Road into (swamp). Also, historically, sandbags were placed at the cement wall to control flow. Major development is planned (50 houses) around area...

The history of these local streams is tremendously impacted by (related to) the historical land use. Ponds were made or filled in, farmers kept streams clear of organic debris to keep them moving, forests were cleared for pasture and have now reforested. One of our questions is what is the best way to maintain these pools? As invasive species move in and pools become wetlands. What is the "right" thing to do?"