Norton Water Bodies Need TLC

NORTON WATER BODIES
NEED TLC

Spring has sprung and already people have been using the
Norton Water Bodies. What a wonderful resource we have in Norton. The water
bodies, right in our own backyard, are a treasure to behold. But, lets not fool
ourselves, the water bodies need our tender loving care (TLC). Whether you are
a fisher person, boater, kayaker, bird watcher, science teacher, or even a
selectman who makes important decisions to protect the water bodies, each and every
one of us must do our part in keeping the lakes and ponds vibrant. On behalf of
the Town’s Water Bodies Committee here are 10 tips to preserve our water
bodies:

1. Please do not feed the birds, especially the swans, geese, or ducks as it causes lots
   of fowl waste
2. Please do not use fertilizer near the lakes and ponds as it causes the invasive plants
   like milfoil and fanwort, to grow out of control and choke the beauty right out
   of the lakes. This is what is currently happening to Lake Winnicunit
3. Please keep your yard waste from going into the lakes, especially lawn clippings and
   leaves. Where do you think they really go when you do that?
4. Please don’t let anything spill into the lakes especially, motor oil, anti-freeze,
   paints, or storm water
5. Please keep storm drains clear of debris
6. All Boats need to be cleaned before and after use to prevent the spread of invasive
   weeds such as milfoil, fanwort, water chestnuts, and hydrilla. Native plants
   cannot compete with them
7. Please pick up all animal waste to prevent run-off into the lakes-Yuk!
8. Maintain motor boats to prevent oil leakage
9. Please, please, please do not leave fish hooks or lures on the beach, in the trees, or
   around the shores as they are very dangerous to people and wildlife
10. “Carry In~~~Carry Out” all your trash

Remember to take pride in our water bodies. Each of us can prevent contamination. We can keep the water environments clean and save for
generations to come.

If you would like more information on providing TLC to
Norton’s lakes and ponds feel free to contact the Conservation Office at 508
285-0275 or the Town of Norton’s website www.nortonma.org.  Check the Conservation Commission tab and read the “Norton Lakes and Ponds” pamphlet. And of course please volunteer for
the Annual “Keep Norton Beautiful Town Clean Up” on April 27^th.
Check out their website for more information www.keepnortonbeautiful.com.

Colleen E. Ryan

Norton Water Bodies Committee

Norton