Friends of Lake Pocotopaug to raffle a “Smart Car”

Friends of Lake Pocotopaug, the volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to water quality improvement projects in Lake Pocotopaug has announced their 2008 fundraisers, the major one being the raffle of a new smart fortwo passion cabriolet car which is manufactured in cooperation with Mercedes-Benz.  With the purchase of a $20 raffle ticket one lucky winner will drive off in this innovative vehicle. The raffle will be held on August 16^th in conjunction with the “Friends 4^th annual Boat Pageant. The Smart Car will be showcased this spring and summer at many business locations, Town Hall, and the Old Home Day Celebration. All proceeds will be used to fund projects to improve our lake.

Only 40,000 of these “Smart Cars will be produced this year for release to the United States. This convertible was purchased from the East Hartford Smart Center a division of Hoffman Motor Group. Without the support and cooperation of its owner, Mr Jeff Hoffman, this raffle would not have been possible.  Ticket sales will kickoff on March 29^th at the volunteer groups Appreciation Spaghetti Dinner. This free dinner will be held at the Moose Club on South Main Street in Marlborough. Seating’s are at 5PM and 6:30. Dinner tickets may be picked up at Angelico’s Lake house Restaurant (267-1276), West Shore Marine (267-1764), or from “Friends” members.

The ice has melted(for now) and you know what that means...The Friends of Lake Pocotopaug are gearing up for another season of fun and events to help raise money for a truly great cause. Improving our beloved Lake Pocotopaug.

Mark your calendars now for the following events:

FREE Spaghetti Dinner - Saturday, March 29th 

Smart Car Raffle Ticket Sales Begin!!!

Blessing of the Fleet - Sunday, June 8th at 2:00

Download this Review
Download version has more complete data.

Review of Data on Ultrasound Algae Control Demonstration

Ultrasound algae control units were installed in Lake Pocotopaug with increasing numbers over the summer(see Appendix 1). Because of the water flow in the lake complete coverage of the lake is required for definitive proof that the units will clean the whole lake.  Each ultrasound unit treats an area about 1000 feet by 200 feet. We have measured water flows between 1 and 15 feet/minute.  Even at the lowest flow measured the treated water is replaced by adjacent algae laden water in less than 4 hours.  The algae control units take up to 4 days to treat an area and remove the algae so fresh algae is constantly entering the area. Complete coverage of the lake eliminates this effect.

We were hoping that two measurement strategies would give indications that the units were controlling algae. 1) We would make Secchi disc readings near the units and compare them to the readings at the deep spots in the Lake.  Higher transparency at the units would indicate algae control. The water flow into the area of a unit replaces the water in the area of a unit in less than 8 hours so only a small effect should be expected. 2) We placed units in Markham Bay and compared the Markham Bay deep spot with the Oakland Basin deep spot.  Again the water flow into and out of Markham Bay makes the expected change from these readings small.