Spot Pond Comm. focuses on Fells Reservation future
Published on June 24th, 1998
STONEHAM, MA - Friends of the Middlesex Fells Reservation President Hugh Holley dropped in on the Spot Pond Committee on Monday night to shed light on his organization's efforts in preserving the Fells Reservation surrounding scenic Spot Pond.
Holley was invited to the meeting as part of the Spot Pond Committee's effort to interact with other groups who have worked with the area or have had similar experiences in preserving a natural resource. The committee hopes to draw from this experience in their development of a master plan on the future uses of Spot Pond to present to the MDC.
Holley stated that his organization has taken no position on the the future of the pond. Instead, he advised that it would be focusing on any resulting benefits to the Fells Reservation.
"Our viewpoint is whatever happens, is it good for the Fells?" stated Holley.
Holley described some of the one hundred programs offered in the Fells last year, the most popular of which were the walking and hiking programs. With funding generated primarily from membership fees, all programs are offered free to the public.
Membership currently numbers just under 500, explained Holley, with members hailing from communities that border the Fells as well as some further away, including Winchester, Medford, Malden, Stoneham, Arlington, Cambridge and Reading. The group was started approximately seven years ago and consists of volunteers.
One piece of advice that Holley passed on to the committee was for them to be aware of the potential abuses stemming from an allowed recreational sport.
Holley described what he considers as the biggest problem in the Fells - the proliferation of mountain bikes. Although deemed an allowed use by the MDC, Holley stated that mountain biking has increased in popularity within the reservation and has begun to result in visible signs of damage to prohibited areas.
He explained that the Fells offers approximately 25 miles of fire road on which mountain bikes are permitted.
"The problem is they don't stay on those trails. Off-trail is more challenging," Holley stated, adding that this off-trail activity negatively impacts the growth of many plant species.
He stated that despite restrictions put in place by the MDC, enforcement of bike trails remains a problem.
"We're not anti-bike, we're pro-Fells," stated Holley.
MDC representative Rene Morin concurred with Holley, stating "Mountain biking is a problem."
He cautioned the committee to be careful with what they propose for allowable activities at Spot Pond, and to consider the impact of them down the road.
"I wouldn't want to be overwhelmed with bikes on a walking path," stated committee member Val Iula, referring to what is likely to be proposed for the perimeter of the pond.
Committee Chairman Steve Sylvester advised Holley that his input along with that of committee, was crucial for the Spot Pond Committee's success.
"This input will, overall, enhance the master plan that we hope to have input on," Sylvester stated.
He also suggested a joint meeting between the Spot Pond Committee and the Friends of the Fells be scheduled since, he said, the Friends input regarding preservation of the area "will be an important part of the plan."
The committee's next scheduled meeting is Monday, July 13. Committee member Anthony Kennedy suggested inviting State Representative Paul Casey and State Senator Richard Tisei to that meeting, in order to "keep the momentum going at the State House."
Member Charles Houghton also suggested bringing in a representative from the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
"If we're ever going to get fishing here, we have to start talking to them," stated Houghton.
Iula reported that the MWRA had confirmed that biweekly testing of the water at Spot Pond was being conducted on an ongoing basis. The testing is being conducted in order to watch the water level, since that has been an issue of great concern ever since the pond came off line as a drinking supply for the MWRA. Water quality tests are also being conducted.
Member Mary Sullivan Smith stated that it would also be advantageous to invite a representative from the Stone Zoo to an upcoming meeting, since it will also benefit from any pond area development due to its close proximity.
Al Pratt, Park Planner for the MDC advised the committee that he will begin looking at costs to maintain a developed Spot Pond area.
Committee member Marc Grimaldi supported this idea and stated that "it will be interesting to see what other comparable bodies of water require for costs."
The committee rescheduled its walk of the pond area to Sunday, July 12. The previous date was cancelled due to rain.
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