GEORGETOWN − Kayakers and paddleboard users are again cautioned to stay clear of the extensive weeds that are growing in Pentucket Pond.
Last summer, Katelyn Barusso alerted the town that a kayaker had become entangled in the overgrowth and a near life-threatening incident occurred.
“My husband and I were sitting on our deck when I noticed that a kayaker suddenly was not on his kayak any more. I went to get binoculars to take a closer look when he started screaming for help,” she related in an e-mail to the Town.
“My husband and I promptly took our kayak and paddleboard out to assist the man to the shore. As it turned out, his inflatable kayak had popped and he was now tangled in weeds. Despite wearing a life vest, he was unable to free himself.”
The stubborn pond weeds have NOT been treated as an “Order of Conditions” with the Mass. Department of Environment Protection had expired.
Park and Recs. Chair Mike Donahue inquired on the status of the weed treatments and as of last year, Town Administrator Orlando Pacheco replied that the matter was being handled.
This year, after The Town Common published aerial photos of the swimming area around the new dock (see prior article), we received several comments not only about the dock purchasing debacle, but also the overgrowth of pond weeds.
In June, Barusso wrote again to the town, noting that “the summer season is upon us and as such the milfoil and lily pads have fully grown in, worse than last year.”
Donahue’s reply to his latest inquiry to the town admin. on status was not what he expected: He was told via e-mail that the pond was not on the schedule to be treated. Pacheco wrote in part: “Apparently the Conservation Agent never sent them the Conditions or Notice to Proceed, which was supposed to be done in the winter.” Pacheco fired the conservation agent in March of this year, after she insulted him. In her termination letter, Pacheco cited the insult, and accused the agent of trying to hide the transcript of the insult from him. See prior articles. Her attorney has placed the town on notice for wrongful termination, etc.
Kayakers and paddleboarders are urged to use extra caution, and always go out in pairs. ♦
