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Water lily from
Shipley Swamp
which feeds
Lake Nabnasset

Nabnasset Lake is a man made great pond built to supply water for the Gillette Mills in North Chelmsford.

March 1st, 1998

I look at our lake still covered with ice, the shore is just beginning to melt.
The water is clear. There are no boats stirring the sediment on the bottom as of yet but when they start you can slowly see a change come over the water. The water will become murky and it will be hard to see the bottom. It is now time to look to the people who live on this lake. The caretakers.

We are the people who ultimately the "cash" value of our home is dependent on the water quality. I mention cash value also because I see the majority of the homes on this lake also have some big price tag boats, motors, TOYS. I think that we need to take a really good look at what we contribute to this turnabout in lake quality. Having lived on this lake for 20 odd years and lived around this lake for 45+, I see the biggest changes are happening on the shores. We have boaters not following state laws. To much speed, inconsideration of other boaters and neighbors. Some homes have become marinas, one to two permanent boats and also free parking to non-residents on really popular weekends. My guess would be that our small pond will not take much more abuse.
I think a good start to the health of our small community is to look within. Do we need to pull skiers out of the shallow coves? Do we need 150 and 200 hp motors? Can we limit the speed at which boater's feel there is no speed limit? I sit by my dock and watch the gas spills go by, the weeds keep growing, and the waves keep coming.
Lets be protective to our environment.

Article about motorboat effects on lakes. http://www.gov.mb.ca/environ/pages/publs97/cwgtext/boating.html
Reduce Your Speed.
There is nothing like going full throttle in a motorboat on a hot summer's day. Right?

That is until you consider the negative impacts this activity could have on the lake environment-shoreline erosion, increased turbidity and plant growth, and destruction of fish spawning sites and waterfowl nests. Increased wave action from motorboats and personal watercraft, especially in areas where waves do not naturally occur, will erode shorelines. Eroded sediments may reduce depth, cloud the water, and introduce nutrients into the water. The nutrients will increase the growth of algae and aquatic weeds, reducing the recreational appeal of the lake. Powerboats, including personal watercraft, can stir up bottom sediment in shallow water, causing turbid waters and increasing the release of nutrients into the water. Fish often spawn in the shallow shoreline areas of lakes. Operating these craft too close to shorelines can destroy spawning areas and disturb waterfowl nests. Out of respect for your neighbors and wildlife, reduce your speed appropriately.

What You Can Do !

· Handle oil, gasoline, transmission fluid, and antifreeze carefully on your boat.

· Avoid over-filling the fuel tank.

· Use a non-toxic antifreeze for winterizing your boat since this gets discharged on your first launch.

· Avoid driving motorboats in shallow water-propellers can damage spawning areas, disturb aquatic vegetation, and stir up mud, clouding water and re-circulating nutrients.

· Keep passengers from throwing garbage overboard; collect garbage and discard it in the trash.

· The Boating Restriction Regulations require a 150' band along shorelines where powerboats are limited to a speed of 6 miles per hour. This protects both shorelines and swimmers Observe speed limits-they are there for a reason..

· Wash your boat on dry land only; avoid using harsh cleaners, soaps, or detergents.

· Do your part and pick up any garbage you see in or around your lake!

· Reduce your speed when you drive your boat close to shore.

· Powerboats can be environmentally sensitive if maintained and operated properly.

However, as an alternative, consider using manual powered boats (sailboat, canoe, paddle boats).
It is good for your health and the environment.