AQUATIC PLANT SURVEY

CRWA performed an aquatic plant survey during the summer of 2005 at nine ponds and three reaches of the upper Charles River.  The purpose of the survey was to determine the biomass of aquatic plants in each pond for the Charles River Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) model and to count and identify the aquatic plants in each pond to help assess river conditions.

Aquatic vegetation is important to the health of a waterbody. The roots of submerged aquatic plants have been shown to absorb nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. Since excess nutrients can be harmful to river health, aquatic vegetation plays an important role in keeping aquatic systems stable.

Aquatic Plant Survey

CRWA conducted the aquatic plant survey at twelve locations along the Charles River. To conduct the survey, we followed transects across the water and along the banks to determine the extent and composition of the plant beds.

At approximately 30 foot intervals along the transects, we determined the primary plant species and amount of plants present. We used a plant identification key to classify vegetation. Any unknown plants were harvested and sent to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection for identification. Survey results are available in table and map form or by contacting Nigel Pickering.     

GIS Maps

For each pond, CRWA created a field map which was used to record information in the field. After field wok was complete, the map was scanned and input into ArcMAP, a GIS mapping program. Transforming the data into a GIS allowed us to make electronic maps of the aquatic vegetation at each site, as seen below. CRWA also created a spreadsheet that listed each of the observed plant species, which allowed us to understand the types of plants that were growing at each site.

Map of aquatic vegetation at Box Pond in Bellingham.

Survey Sites

Survey sites are listed below. You can click on the pond name to see a map of the the

dominant aquatic plants at each given location. You can also click on the map image below to see an enlarged map of all sampling locations.

If you would like to see the map of a location that is not linked here, or for more information on the TMDL aquatic plant survey, contact Nigel Pickering.

Support

CRWA's mapping capabilities are made possible through the generous support of ESRI, Inc. the makers of ArcMap software. CRWA regularly uses ArcMap for mapping, managing data, and conducting spatial analyses.ESRI and the ESRI Logo are licensed trademarks of Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc.

Page Updated 4/12/2010