A Balanced Vision for White Pond
Thoreau was so transported by the beauty of White Pond that he called it a "Lake of Light." If we look at the Pond as an ecosystem, we see that the northern and southern slopes are primarily residential and the eastern end is recreational (fishing from the boat ramp and regulated swimming from the White Pond town beach). The land at the western end, which includes almost one-third of the shoreline, is the only remaining wild area and needs to be preserved in its natural state. As Thoreau wrote, "in wildness is the preservation of the world."
Imagine future visitors to the Town land at the western end of White Pond experiencing a beautiful, well-cared-for landscape. This landscape continues to be an important wildlife habitat and corridor for an abundant variety of mammals, birds and fish. People visit to experience the natural beauty of a New England woodlands.
In our vision of the future, the Town of Concord has protected White Pond for wildlife and for future generations by converting the "Reservation Land" to "White Pond Conservation Land." The main entry points have informational kiosks that welcome visitors, display a map of the area, explain the fragile nature of this ecosystem, and post a list of rules and responsible use. There is no swimming access allowed from Town land. Dog regulations are posted. "Carry in-carry out" practices are honored or trash receptacles are provided. The plants and animals that call this area home flourish in a well-managed ecosystem. The Town well, only 1,000 feet from the Pond, retains its purity.
The Town parking area at Varick St. has been expanded as recommended in the ESS Report to provide increased access for visitors. Some spaces are reserved for Town residents. The entrance is clearly marked with signs and an informational kiosk.
The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail brings many bicyclists to the area. They see fences and clearly posted "No Swimming" signs from the Rail Trail. Some bikers park and enter the conservation area via one main entry point with an informational kiosk. They respect the no swimming regulations and enjoy the trails, resulting in minimal impact on the ecosystem.
The Town parking area at Varick St. has been expanded as recommended in the ESS Report to provide increased access for visitors. Some spaces are reserved for Town residents. The entrance is clearly marked with signs and an informational kiosk.
The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail brings many bicyclists to the area. They see fences and clearly posted "No Swimming" signs from the Rail Trail. Some bikers park and enter the conservation area via one main entry point with an informational kiosk. They respect the no swimming regulations and enjoy the trails, resulting in minimal impact on the ecosystem.
Visitors to the Pond enjoy walking on the clearly marked trails that direct them away from erosion-restoration areas. Roped-off erosion control areas with signage help preserve the slopes and demonstrate to visitors that the area is fragile and needs to be respected. Visitors come for bird watching, nature observation, photography, fishing, recreational walking, and cross-country skiing. School groups come for nature education. In picturesque Sachem's Cove there is an informational kiosk with a natural history of the area that augments visitors' respect for the land. From May through September, occasional patrols by rangers and/or police provide a Town presence on the land.
The general public continues to have access to the Pond via parking at the State boat ramp at the eastern end near Plainfield Rd. From there they launch boats, canoes, and kayaks, and enjoy fishing and boating in this state-designated "great pond."
Concord residents and non-residents who wish to swim in this beautiful Pond can join the well-maintained White Pond town beach (next to the boat ramp). Parking is available for members in the large, supervised lot. Annual dues maintain the beach and provide lifeguards during the June-August swimming season.
Neighborhood residents continue to access the pond for swimming via deeded neighborhood access points. Residents whose homes abut the pond continue to maintain their property in accordance with stringent Town guidelines that protect the Pond.
White Pond's ecosystem, its plants and animals, surrounding neighborhoods, Rail Trail bicyclists, Concord residents and the public all coexist in an intelligently-managed, well-balanced and mutually beneficial web of life.
The general public continues to have access to the Pond via parking at the State boat ramp at the eastern end near Plainfield Rd. From there they launch boats, canoes, and kayaks, and enjoy fishing and boating in this state-designated "great pond."
Concord residents and non-residents who wish to swim in this beautiful Pond can join the well-maintained White Pond town beach (next to the boat ramp). Parking is available for members in the large, supervised lot. Annual dues maintain the beach and provide lifeguards during the June-August swimming season.
Neighborhood residents continue to access the pond for swimming via deeded neighborhood access points. Residents whose homes abut the pond continue to maintain their property in accordance with stringent Town guidelines that protect the Pond.
White Pond's ecosystem, its plants and animals, surrounding neighborhoods, Rail Trail bicyclists, Concord residents and the public all coexist in an intelligently-managed, well-balanced and mutually beneficial web of life.
