by Don Williams

The busy season for the Herring Ponds Watershed Association is about to start.  We will have a full schedule including Herring Count, Herring Fest Herring Obstacle Course, Seminars, Boating Certification Course, Water Sampling, and Fourth of July Boat Parade.  In addition, we need to find a way to prevent cyanobacteria blooms by removing phosphorus from our waterways, to protect land in our watershed by partnering with Plymouth to purchase it for conservation, and to build a strong community.

Undaunted by the failure of the initial HPWA experiment using a PRB in the Carters River, the Water Quality Committee examined several alternative approaches to remove phosphorus from Little Herring Pond, the source of much of the phosphorus in Great Herring Pond.  The concept of using Island Wetlands (IWs) was investigated but a similar experiment with IWs by Barnstable was not successful in removing significant phosphorus.  We will request a copy of the Barnstable report, read it, then decide on another plan.  We remain optimistic that if there is a way to ensure quality of life and health of our residents, we will find it.

Frankly, we also need your help to realize all the goals that we have set for ourselves.

We have a lot to offer those who volunteer their time.  We are a well-respected organization that plans for the future and successfully deals with problems that arise in the present.  You can learn from us while we learn from you.  I welcome the opportunity to work with you to find your niche with HPWA whether you want to contribute existing expertise or acquire new skills.

An immediate need is for a Secretary to join our Board of Directors and take minutes at our monthly Board of Directors meetings.  It is an excellent way to quickly learn about our organization.  We record each meeting and use AI to generate a transcript so that the Secretary can participate in the meeting without fear of “missing something important”.

We have several committees focused on water quality, land acquisition, community building/outreach, and invasive species.  We are interested in making improvements in long-term planning, marketing, and grant writing.  Please give me a call at 508 833-4355 or send me an email at donald_r_williams2003@yahoo.com to learn more about our organization and to find a fit for your needs.  HPWA has a proven record of getting things done together.  Come see for yourself.

Don Williams, President
Herring Ponds Watershed Association