Weed Monitoring, E. Coli Testing Season Begins for Dudley Pond

It already feels like summer and the weather is bringing plenty of people -- and wildlife -- to Wayland's Dudley Pond.

The Wayland Surface Water Quality Committee reported on its Facebook page that both hand-pulling of invasive weeds and bacteria testing at the pond has begun for the season.

According to WSWQC, the early milfoil counts are "ominous" at 10,622 plants before June 1. Bids for spot treatment herbicide treatment have not yet been submitted, but a meeting with the town's Conservation Commission has been scheduled.

Additionally, the posting on the Facebook page indicates the WSWQC has plans to bring in a "diver-assisting suction harvester" to "speed removal" between Rocky Point and South Dudley Point. (Here's a Google map created by the WSWQC showing where the plants are located and how they will be removed).

The good news so far this season comes in the form of very low E. Coli counts at Mansion Beach, where "very low to zero" numbers have come back.

In 2011, Mansion Beach was closed for a time after E. coli levels in the water slightly exceeded state maximums. At that time, Mike Lowery, member of the WSWQC committee,  said he suspected animal waste from pets and fowl to be the primary culprits for the elevated bacteria levels.

The latest report on the WSWQC Facebook page reminds visitors to Mansion Beach, "If you see the ducks and geese there - chase them off!"