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We have investigated the practicality of contracting for <br /> commercial aquatic weed harvesting service for these <br /> portions of Silver View Pond. Commercial harvesters we <br /> contacted generally indicated that the acreage to be treated <br /> within Silver Lake Pond was too small for normal mechanized <br /> harvesting to be undertaken . Per hour costs for harvesting <br /> service are normally $90 to $100/hour on harvesting projects <br /> requiring a week or more . Since harvesting of Silver View <br /> Pond with normal , mechanized means would take less than one <br /> day, it would not be economically feasible to bring in weed <br /> harvesting machinery for so short a period. <br /> Also , weed harvesting machines require excellent access <br /> facilities (preferably a concrete ramp) to <br /> gain entrto <br /> waters to be harvested. Since Silver View Pond doesynot the <br /> have such facilities, it appears that lack of access <br /> precludes the use of such heavy machinery. <br /> An alternative to normal weed harvesting techniques which <br /> winchrands ocablere systemusedtoencircle <br /> suitable <br /> for <br /> small <br /> projects is a bemple <br /> harvested. This method could be carried out e abyaCitye <br /> maintenance personnel or by a private contractor. It is <br /> important that any personnel handling aquatic plants wear <br /> rubber gloves due to the high likelihood of contracting <br /> swimmer's itch . <br /> Harvesting should be undertaken up to twice the first <br /> season ; once in June and again if and when the macrophytes <br /> have shown substantial regrowth . Since the sand <br /> pond <br /> substrate is not highly conducive to macrophyte re- <br /> establishment, future harvests probably can be undertaken <br /> with decreasing frequency. Harvested macrophytes can be <br /> composted and used as a soil additive in agricultural , <br /> garden and horticultural applications . This method has been <br /> successfully been utilized in Massachusetts as an <br /> alternative to landfill disposal of harvested macrophytes . <br /> B . Wildlife Habitat Measures <br /> • Reduced Mowing <br /> There are a number of upland areas adjacent to the pond <br /> which could provide improved upland nesting habitats for <br /> waterfowl if mowing were substantially reduced. Potential <br /> areas for mowing reduction are shown in Figure 9 . Such <br /> areas should be mowed once every 4 to 5 years to hold back <br /> encroachment by woody vegetation . In addition to improving <br /> nesting habitat , reduced mowing would also reduce the pond' s <br /> attractiveness for Canada Geese , thus helping to forestall <br /> problems commonly Fssociated with large goose numbers . <br /> Also, any artificial feeding that might be occurring on <br /> 91 <br />