I have been going to Lake Topanemus for a few years now; I discovered it one afternoon during my lunch hour. If you read my earlier post,
Mayor of the Park, you have already been introduced. Lake Topanemus is a 22-acre man-made lake that is enjoyed by boaters, fisherman and nature-lovers alike. I don't think there has ever been a time when I visited during fishing season and didn't see at least one boat and a number of people standing on the banks wetting their lines. I often see egrets, herons and cormorants competing with the fisherman to see who comes away with a better catch. If you look hard enough and are quiet, you may catch some turtles sunning themselves on a large branch or log in the lake.
There has always been an abundance of vegetation around the perimeter of the lake but I have noticed more algae and what can best be described as a film over the water. There is a Facebook page named, Freehold Pond - Lake Topanemus, (
click here to go to the page) that I like to check out from time-to-time and I noticed there were posts about the water quality. I contacted the administrator and asked about the problem. The response is shown below, in it's entirety:
"The lake is a 22 acre impoundment pond. There have been numerous studies over the past 30 years. The lake is eutrophic1. It was treated with an herbicide and algaecide for two years. Then two years ago, treatment ceased. As a result, the weeds and algae return from May - September. Unless treated, the lake will be covered by June. The Lake Topanemus commission stopped treatment without seeking expert advise. Through much effort, hoping the treatment will resume in June. Cost is borne 2/3 Twp 1/3 Borough. Problem is complex. Chemicals are most cost effective means. Dredging would be best but expensive. Chemical treatment is NJDEP approved. There are those who believe the lake should be left alone, let nature run its course. However, man made lake, man made problem, man made solution. I have 30 years of reports/studies. Lots of talk, no action until recent treatment."
As you can see, the lake is an incredibly beautiful place to be on a nice day and it would be a great loss if it were allowed to continue along it's current path. The images above were made over the last few years and are just some of my favorites. I could spend hours sitting on one of the lakeside benches watching all of the activity on the lake and listening to the birds in the trees.
The images below were taken during a lunchtime walk this afternoon. You can see the buildup of algae and how dull the water looks. It is sad to think that it is only going to get worse in the coming months if nothing is done.
For further information or to offer assistance, check out their Facebook page or Twitter feed.
All photos are copyright Joseph S. Valencia All Rights Reserved They may not be used in any way without express written permission of the photographer. If you wish to use any of the photos you may contact the photographer at valencia32photo@gmail.com
I have been going to Lake Topanemus for a few years now; I discovered it one afternoon during my lunch hour. If you read my earlier post, Mayor of the Park, you have already been introduced. Lake Topanemus is a 22-acre man-made lake that is enjoyed by boaters, fisherman and nature-lovers alike. I don't think there has ever been a time when I visited during fishing season and didn't see at least one boat and a number of people standing on the banks wetting their lines. I often see egrets, herons and cormorants competing with the fisherman to see who comes away with a better catch. If you look hard enough and are quiet, you may catch some turtles sunning themselves on a large branch or log in the lake.
There has always been an abundance of vegetation around the perimeter of the lake but I have noticed more algae and what can best be described as a film over the water. There is a Facebook page named, Freehold Pond - Lake Topanemus, (click here to go to the page) that I like to check out from time-to-time and I noticed there were posts about the water quality. I contacted the administrator and asked about the problem. The response is shown below, in it's entirety:
As you can see, the lake is an incredibly beautiful place to be on a nice day and it would be a great loss if it were allowed to continue along it's current path. The images above were made over the last few years and are just some of my favorites. I could spend hours sitting on one of the lakeside benches watching all of the activity on the lake and listening to the birds in the trees.
The images below were taken during a lunchtime walk this afternoon. You can see the buildup of algae and how dull the water looks. It is sad to think that it is only going to get worse in the coming months if nothing is done.
For further information or to offer assistance, check out their Facebook page or Twitter feed.
The commission did seek expert advice, and was told by the NJDEP that this lake should have never been chemically treated, prior treatments exacerbated the problem
ReplyDeleteSilence Dogwood - thank you for your comment. I was unable to find this information and, since I can neither confirm nor dispute your information, will take you at your word. Did the NJDEP offer suggestions as to what, if any, course of action SHOULD HAVE been taken or should be taken now?
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