What is the difference between a lake and a pond?
Believe it or not, there is no technical difference between a lake and a pond. Somewhere in history, someone began naming waterbodies and did not create a specific distinction between the two. However, anecdotally many people think of lakes as being larger than ponds. Unfortunately, that rule of thumb doesn’t always prove to be true as there are “ponds” in Massachusetts that are larger than some “lakes.”
What is a great pond?
A great pond is defined as any pond or lake that contained more than 10 acres in its natural state (before it was dammed or influenced otherwise by humans). Ponds 10 or more acres in their natural state, but which are now smaller, are still considered great ponds.
Who owns great ponds?
The title to a great pond is held by the Commonwealth in trust for the public.
What is an invasive species?
Invasive species are organisms that are introduced, either intentionally or accidentally, outside of their native range and that establish, spread, and cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health by disrupting local ecosystems and outcompeting native species.
Aquatic invasive species are invasive plants, animals, or microorganisms that enter freshwater environments, where they can alter water quality, damage habitats, reduce biodiversity, and interfere with fisheries, recreation, and water infrastructure.
I want to get rid of my aquarium plant(s) or organism(s), what should I do?
Do not release your aquarium plants or organisms in a local waterway. Though many pets and plants that are released to the wild will not survive, if they do survive, it could become an invasive species that native wildlife may be unable to compete against for their own survival. If you can no longer care for your plant or animal, please return it to a retailer, or donate it to a school, nature center, or similar resource. For additional resources, please visit the Don’t Let It Loose™ website.
I saw a hazardous-looking spill on or near a waterbody somewhere, where do I report this?
You can file a variety of environmental complaints via Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s Environmental Complaint Form.
Can I set a speed limit or vessel-type restriction for my waterbody?
Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 131 Section 45, a town may regulate boating on a great pond. This section states that towns can enact a by-law “to the extent that they impose restrictions upon the speed limit, a limitation on engine horsepower, a prohibition of the use of internal combustion engines, a ban on water skiing and other high speed uses, and a limitation of such uses to certain areas and certain times, be subject to the approval of the director of law enforcement.”
How do I find out where boat ramps are located?
Boat ramp locations can be found with more information on the Office of Fishing and Boating Access interactive map viewer.
How do I find out more about dams in Massachusetts?
Please visit the DCR Office of Dam Safety website for more information about dams.
How do I find out which DCR beaches to swim at?
Please visit the DCR Freshwater Inland Beaches website for more information and visit the DCR Park Alerts website to understand if any beaches have water quality postings in effect.
Where can I report an algae bloom?
You can report a potential algae bloom by contacting your local board of health or health department. For more information on reporting algae blooms, please visit the Department of Public Health’s Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms (CyanoHABs) & Water website.
Where can I look up any algae blooms?
A list of waterbodies that currently have cyanobacteria bloom advisories can be found on the Department of Public Health’s Harmful Cyanobacterial Bloom Advisories in Massachusetts website. Please note that the Department of Public Health only posts advisories that they have been made aware of.