Zebra Mussels

The zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha, is a species of small freshwater mussel, an aquatic bivalve mollusc. This species was originally native to the lakes of southeast Russia. However, it has been accidentally introduced in many other areas, and has become an invasive species in many different countries.

Following the discovery of zebra mussels in Laurel Lake (Lee and Lenox, Massachusetts), Biodrawversity LLC was hired to conduct a Phase I Assessment of 17 Berkshire County lakes and the mainstem Housatonic River for the presence of zebra mussels and the potential of these waterbodies to support zebra mussels based on physical, chemical, and biological parameters. The one waterbody in our watershed included in the assessment, Cheshire Reservoir, is considered at high risk based on water chemistry, although no zebra mussels were found. The full report can be found here

And a report entitled a rapid response plan for the zebra mussel contains excellent background information including species identification, ecology, and potential control measures. It is available here

The following description of the organism and its ecology is from Wikipedia the free encyclopedia.
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Proposed Biomass Facility in Pownal

Proposed Biomass Facility in Pownal

“It’s not easy being green.”

Although most of us can agree that reducing our reliance on fossil fuels is necessary and a good thing, finding good alternatives can be a challenge. A proposal for an electrical generating plant and wood pellet manufacturing facility using biomass for fuel at the former race track site in Pownal, Vt. has placed this issue front and center. HooRWA’s stance on the proposal is as follows.

At the November meeting of the Hoosic River Watershed Association, the directors unanimously approved the following statement:

“At this point in the permitting process, the Hoosic River Watershed Association cannot support the proposed biomass plant in Pownal, Vermont. We are looking, in particular, for acceptable answers to the following questions:

1. Will the racetrack aquifer support sustained withdrawals of up to 470 gallons per minute without affecting wells in the vicinity?
2. Would the proposed withdrawal from the river adversely affect aquatic life and recreational use of the Hoosic River?
3. Can Beaver Wood produce convincing air quality modeling indicating that the proposed plant will comply with both current EPA standards and the more stringent standards slated to go into effect in 2011?
4. Does Beaver Wood have a specific and realistic plan for providing fuel for the plant using sustainable forestry practices and accounting for other proposed plants that will be competing for the same wood supply?

It is likely that other questions will surface during the coming months. HooRWA cannot properly assess the impact on the watershed until we have significantly more information.”

You can find more information on the proposal from the developers on their website.

Two citizen groups in opposition to the proposal, one in Pownal and one in Williamstown, Mass., have joined forces. Information as to their concerns can be found on their website.

And for more general information on biomass and other forms of renewable energy, one starting point can be the National Renewable Energy Laboratory website. Or the Biomass Energy Resource Center headquartered in Montpelier, Vermont

Summer 2012 Internship

Hoosic River Watershed Association seeks Summer Interns -

The Hoosic River, which flows by Cole Field, runs 70 miles from Cheshire Reservoir through Massachusetts, Vermont, and New York to the Hudson River. The Hoosic River Watershed Association (HooRWA) seeks to improve the river and the lives of those who live in its 720 square-mile catchment. Our office is located in the Congregational Church across the common from the Paresky Center on the Williams College campus.

We are seeking two volunteer Interns to work together this summer and conduct Shoreline Surveys on the main stem of the Hoosic River. The Shoreline Survey is a visual survey of the river, based on data sheets and protocols created by the Massachusetts Riverways Adopt-A-Stream program. The Shoreline Survey is designed to provide a qualitative overview of the river and to identify problems to be solved and resources to be protected.

Interns will be provided with a canoe, vests, camera, and all tools and equipment needed to conduct the surveys. Survey points along the 70-mile main stem of the Hoosic River will be determined by the interns in cooperation with HooRWA staff. Protocols used to collect data, complete surveys and take photographs will be determined and followed so that the Shoreline Surveys can be repeated by future interns or volunteers every five years and a comprehensive survey program established.

We hope to design the internship so the interns are introduced to a range of watershed issues. Projects such as trail building, leading rafting excursions or river clean up days as well as participating in river temperature data collection are possible. At the same time, we would work with the intern to shape a summer that provided for “ownership” – that is, the possibility of finishing a project chosen by the intern.

It would help if the interns had access to automobiles. Mileage for internship activities will be reimbursed. Trail maintenance experience is of interest although not necessary; nor is unusual physical strength a requirement. An outdoor summer experience in the Berkshires!

Contact: Steve McMahon, Executive Director s.mcmahon@hoorwa.org 413-458-2742