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Mystic River Watershed Association wins approval to remove invasive water chestnut from Horn Pond lagoon
Summary
The Woburn Conservation Commission accepted an RDA for invasive water chestnut removal in the Horn Pond lagoon and issued a negative 3 determination; the volunteer removal event is scheduled for June 28 with a rain date of June 29.
The Mystic River Watershed Association presented a proposal to hand‑pull invasive water chestnut in the Horn Pond lagoon and the Woburn Conservation Commission issued a Determination of Applicability saying the work does not require a Notice of Intent filing.
Shannon Collins, speaking for the association, described water chestnut as a nonnative annual aquatic plant whose spiky seeds can remain viable for up to 12 years and whose dense floating mats reduce oxygen and sunlight, degrading aquatic habitat and limiting recreation. "Each seed produces 10 to 15 rosettes and each rosette is capable of producing up to 20 seeds," Collins said, explaining why early removal is important.
The group proposed a volunteer removal on Saturday, June 28, with a rain date of June 29. Volunteers will work in three shifts (9 a.m.–11 a.m., 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., and 2 p.m.–4 p.m.). Paddle Boston will supply canoes, life jackets, paddles and baskets; volunteers will be trained on site to identify and hand‑pull water chestnut and will collect plants in baskets for disposal in a compost dumpster. Collins said the composting disposal prevents seeds from reestablishing elsewhere.
Commissioners asked about ecosystem impacts, volunteer liability and follow‑up. Collins said volunteers sign a waiver during registration, that educational training will distinguish water chestnut from native species, and that Mystic River Watershed Association plans recurring summer removals: "In Medford and Arlington, we go back every summer regardless," she said, noting the need for ongoing maintenance because seeds can persist for years.
The commission asked the group to provide post‑event documentation. Collins agreed to supply counts of plants removed and photographs after the event. The commission closed the public hearing and then voted to issue a Negative 3 Determination of Applicability, finding the work is within the buffer zone but will not alter an area subject to jurisdiction under "the act" and therefore does not require filing a Notice of Intent; no special conditions were listed.
Logistics confirmed at the hearing include a coordinated waiver process (city waiver, Mystic River watershed waiver and Paddle Boston waiver via Eventbrite), porta‑potty and dumpster deliveries (Friends of Horn Pond and a Metrano dumpster to be onsite) and volunteer outreach to the city. The association will post registration and notify the commission of outcomes after the event.
